Well done Steve!
I wonder if when type 2 patients discuss this issue with their gp, and their request for test strips is refused, what would the doctors response be when you tell him/her the following:
'As I have put across to you the importance to me in having test strips to help monitor and control my diabetes effectively, and without the possibility of future complications. There by, your refusal to issue these on prescription to help me to self-manage my condition, I can hold you personally responsible for any problems that I may incur in the future due to unstable diabetes control'. Make sure that you tell them that you will be putting this in writing, keeping copies for yourself and your family.
I am sure that many other intellectual members that are type 2 can put across a more worthy example than the one I have wrote here, perhaps you could all get together and write a letter together with words to that effect, where by other type 2's who are refused test strips can use this to argue their case.
Just a thought I had, but may be worth considering.
Regards
Nigel