• Guest, the forum is undergoing some upgrades and so the usual themes will be unavailable for a few days. In the meantime, you can use the forum like normal. We'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Test strip allowance,

ewelina said:
Went through that too many times.... I had constant letters and phone calls form my gp saying that i need to reduce number of strips i use. The thing is that ive never used too many! My gp told me that one a day should be enough and some people test once a week and they are ok. When i went to my consultant i asked him to send a letter to my gp and he did. Recommended 2 or 3 per day and thats what i get. 100 per month and dont even try to order more :?
Click to expand...

Do you drive? Since you should test before driving when on insulin (and during long journeys) if you drive to work and then home later that is 2 you need at least per day!
What happens if you are ill, since you are advised to test frequently to prevent DKA?
One a day for insulin users is shocking.
Angie
 
I was shocked indeed :) i dont drive so Ive never thought about it. I guess i would need more then. I test three times per day usually when i feel there is something wrong with my sugars. If you control the diet and know what to expect its enough i think. There are days though when my levels are all messed up (usually when im not well or eat some crazy stuff) and i test more. i wish i could test several times per day and have good diary. Actually I consider changing my gp for someone who has better knowledge of diabetes.
 
Hi, I've been type 1 diabetic for the last 26 years and I have never had a restriction on the amount of test strips I use. Using accu-chek mobile at the moment, testing anywhere between 4 & 10 times a day, and they're £30+ to buy over the counter!! Maybe it's like with some drugs a health authority lottery.
 
I'm T2, tablets, drive LGVs also FLT. I have never had a problem getting test strips on prescription, although i'm registered with a 2 site, 12 partners GP practise that also usually has 3 or 4 gp registrars and runs satellite diabetes clinics (including IDD patients) 2 GPs and 2 Nurses specialise in diabetes.

If you have a problem getting test strips i'd suggest changing doctors/practise to somewhere they have more expertise.

Penny pinching on test strips is simply not on. Testing is preventative of more costs in treating complications such as blindness, peripheral circulation, amputations etc.

Sent from my GT-S5830i using DCUK Forum mobile app
 
ewelina said:
I was shocked indeed :) i dont drive so Ive never thought about it. I guess i would need more then. I test three times per day usually when i feel there is something wrong with my sugars. If you control the diet and know what to expect its enough i think. There are days though when my levels are all messed up (usually when im not well or eat some crazy stuff) and i test more. i wish i could test several times per day and have good diary. Actually I consider changing my gp for someone who has better knowledge of diabetes.
Click to expand...


As your on basal/bolus 3 test strips would just cover your main meals, what are your expected to do if you exercise or feel ill for example :?

Diabetes UK have written to the Dept of Health to have such restrictions lifted for those using insulin, how do they expect diabetics to manage their diabetes sucessfully when such idiocy is taking place :crazy:
 
When my little girl was diagnosed, we got a 200-strip prescription. These lasted 3 weeks (as testing up to 10 times a day), so have asked for an increase. They are now (hopefully) giving me 300 per prescription, which should last us a month at least. I think we will use less strips in the future, 200 should be OK then. I can't see why strips should be rationed, you should receive what you need! If you only tested an average of 4 times a day, you would need 120 a month as an absolute minimum, more so if you drive or have lots of hypos.
 
I've had similar issues in the past - worst was being told I should only need one box of 50 strips per month (@1.5 tests per day!)

Now, whenever I change meters, I ask the dr or nurse at the hospital to write to my GP explaining how many I will actually need ... and I've never had the problem since. I've also attended a DAFNE course and I think that helps my cause when explaining the number of tests that are needed. :-)


Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 
Back
Top