Evening guys just wondering on whetherI need to purchase a blood sugar test meter or not. Having spoken to the nurse at our clinic who informs me that it is not necessary as she will test every 4 weeks. My fear is that if my levels do rise (peaked at 17.5) what could be the long term effect. My last test reading was 4.8 this was first thing in the morning prior to eating. Whilst I do not want to question her judgement I was wondering what the panel thinks. Should I purchase and which are the best meters available.
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Test Meters
- Thread starter Daddypaul
- Start Date
borofergie
Well-Known Member
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- Diet only
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Yes. You should by a meter and test frequently in the early weeks of diabetes (at least just before and 2 hours after every meal). It'll help you work out what foods you can and can't eat, and will provide encouragement as you begin get your BG under control.
Ignore the bells and whistles and anecdotal claims of accuracy, the best meter is the one with the cheapest strips. Nothing else matters.
Ignore the bells and whistles and anecdotal claims of accuracy, the best meter is the one with the cheapest strips. Nothing else matters.
moorlander
Newbie
my first blood test meter was given to me at the hospital when I was diagnosed and I get all my strips on prescription as do all the rest of my family and friends who need them. Is this a post code lottery thing? if so I guess we are just lucky.
My Dr told me I didn't need one - totally ignored him and bought my own! I rang the Dr's this morning to enquire about the test strips and was told not a problem I can go in and pick up a prescription later?!?!?!
I really do think its who you ask!
I really do think its who you ask!
CollieBoy
Well-Known Member
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- 2,974
- Location
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- Type of diabetes
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- Diet only
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- Hi carb Foods
Well, to use analogues would you trust your licence to relying on your odometer instead of a speedometer?
I wouldn't!! While your long term average is important, your short term spikes are too!
I wouldn't!! While your long term average is important, your short term spikes are too!
SparkJack
Well-Known Member
I was refused a test meter and strips so I decided to buy my own. How else can you see how different foods affect you personally? I have worked hard at reducing my carb intake and I can now see a good effect on the readings. For me it is worth the money I spend each month but it IS a postcode lottery and it shouldn't happen. There are many people who cannot afford to buy their own.
As I get older I loathe complicated technology so I went for the Care Sens meter because the strips were the cheapest. It has a very handy ongoing average reading as well as the current result.
As I get older I loathe complicated technology so I went for the Care Sens meter because the strips were the cheapest. It has a very handy ongoing average reading as well as the current result.
Last week I bought a meter and took it with me to my visit with the nurse (hoping she'd show me how to use it - I am not very technological) - she told me to take it back to boots for a refund as it and the strips are available on prescription - free (has your doctor signed your free prescriptions form?)
The nurse played down the importance of having a meter (why do they do this) but I gently insisted giving all the right reasons to have one (she didn't have a leg to stand on - v satisfying).
So, go get yourself one on prescription (don't forget a good supply of strips - I recommend a months supply) and as advised further down start testing with what foods you eat. For example, I discovered that canned tomato soup is terrible for me - it spiked my BG right up but interestingly, packet soup is not so bad (less sugar I guess).
A low carb diet seems to work well for many - I am still trying to get my head around it!
Before I was diagnosed (only recently), all I seem to have ate historically was carbs (they are everywhere - I just didn't realise). I used to also drink at least a pint of OJ or Apple Juice each night (can anyone else relate to this?) - I digress. Anyway, life should not be too draconian in terms of diet and if truth be told, I am actually enjoying trying new health foods and since been diagnosed and now starting to effectively manage my type 2 D, I feel much better
- when first diagnosed, my BG reading was 18.7!!!!! now right down to 6.7. Best of luck (I hope my story has helped) - let me know how you get on (add me to your friends list if you want)
The nurse played down the importance of having a meter (why do they do this) but I gently insisted giving all the right reasons to have one (she didn't have a leg to stand on - v satisfying).
So, go get yourself one on prescription (don't forget a good supply of strips - I recommend a months supply) and as advised further down start testing with what foods you eat. For example, I discovered that canned tomato soup is terrible for me - it spiked my BG right up but interestingly, packet soup is not so bad (less sugar I guess).
A low carb diet seems to work well for many - I am still trying to get my head around it!
Before I was diagnosed (only recently), all I seem to have ate historically was carbs (they are everywhere - I just didn't realise). I used to also drink at least a pint of OJ or Apple Juice each night (can anyone else relate to this?) - I digress. Anyway, life should not be too draconian in terms of diet and if truth be told, I am actually enjoying trying new health foods and since been diagnosed and now starting to effectively manage my type 2 D, I feel much better
- when first diagnosed, my BG reading was 18.7!!!!! now right down to 6.7. Best of luck (I hope my story has helped) - let me know how you get on (add me to your friends list if you want)