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Self-testing advice for friend, please.

C

chocoholic

Well-Known Member
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United Kingdom
Hi All,
I am a Type 1 diabetic but have a friend who is a Type 2 and I just can't seem to make him understand the importance of regular blood testing. He has a kit but a G.P. who insists 'he doesn't need to test' or if he wants to to 'only test once every couple of days'. :roll:
That stupid comment from his G.P. makes me want to scream out loud but BECAUSE I'm not a doctor, my friend chooses to believe what he says over me, which I sort of understand. I really care about my friend's well-being though. He's 71 years old and he exercises several times a week and eats a balanced diet. I've tried advising a gentle reduction in carb. intake too but without testing more regularly, how can I persuade him he won't ever know what his body is doing. It's driving me nuts that those looking after him, medically, care so little about him. What I'd like to find is one concise,official article,in plain-speak, that emphasizes the importance of REGULAR self-testing for ALL diabetics.I lent him a book I have by Dr. Charles Clark but he didn't read it.
I know you'll say 'you can take a horse to water but you can't make it drink' but when you care about someone you can't just sit and do nothing.
 
Thank you for that Daisy1. Much of what Sue has said, is what I've been trying to get my friend to understand but I've been Googling quite a bit to try and find something that might 'jolt' him into action because I think only a 'jolt' will get him motivated. (I don't want to go overboard with scare tactics but def. need some solid info. that will REALLY make him think about testing.)
 
It's very sweet your doing this for your friend!

I saw your post earlier and have been racking my brain for something useful to say as it's clearly a worry to you and of course it's important your friend is given the right information.

There's some good 'linkers' around the forum (people who when you ask a question can find a relevant link in seconds!) unfortunately i seem to be pretty bad at that :lol: , hoping if i keep your post bumped up you'll get some good advice.

At least he's exercising and eating well, which i think is good for 71! :)

Hopefully you can use the info Daisy has posted for you and get some ideas from there.

Hope you get somewhere with your friend :)
 
Hi,

I think it is difficult to find the information that you need because the latest craze sweeping the HCP fraternity is that Type 2's do not need to test. It is a cost cutting exercise and will backfire when people become ill because they are doing what they think they should be doing and relying on the HBA1c. This only averages your blood sugars over 90 - 120 days and does not show any pattern of how your blood sugars have been behaving. To be allowed test strips at all is becoming a rare occurence for Type 2's. :(
Can I suggest that you look for some relevant posts using the search facility and you may come up with something.
Sorry I cannot be of more help.
You may find some stickies in ~Greetings and Introductions that are relevant.
 
Hi,
I have tried a search and most of the information has been amended to coincide with the new thinking about test strips. There used to be lots of articles explaining why it is essential to test.

The article linked here does mention the short and long term complications but suggests testing if your Dr. has decided you need to.
Hope it helps a little.
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Diabetes-Type-2.htm
Someone may find something you need. :(
 
Thank you,Catherine.My friend has now been told his latest HbA1c is 8.00, which is obviously too high and he's been referred to a diabetes specialist, so I am really hopeful he'll get better help now.
I'll be keeping my beady (but only because I care) eye on things. :D
 
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