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Test Strips for T1

Type 1's are entitled to have what they need in terms of test strips and whatever meter(s) they have most confidence in. Some doctors may ask for an estimate of daily testing requirements, but there is absolutely no excuse for arbitrary rationing, or restricting meter choice to the one that uses the cheapest strips.
 
The local CCG may suggest that all T1 use the same "cheaper" meter. They are the people holding the monies that fund the GP practices. I have heard that may GPs are moving to use one type of meter for all their patients with diabetes.
 
There is a stand-off between the GP practices and the meter suppliers, I suppose, with the patient caught in the headlights in the middle.

It doesn't seem appropriate to me that costs and market pressures are brought to bear in this situation. The Accu-chek website makes interesting reading on this issue. But what do I know?

As a cheerful update from me, my GP has increased my prescription from 150 to 200 strips per 28 days. It should be a given, I know, but I still feel relieved and happy that I will have the strips I need.
 
Alanp35 said:
The local CCG may suggest that all T1 use the same "cheaper" meter. They are the people holding the monies that fund the GP practices. I have heard that may GPs are moving to use one type of meter for all their patients with diabetes.
Click to expand...

I really disagree with local area prescribing committees (or CCG's in some areas) trying to dictate the testing system to be prescribed in their area. The major companies spend an enormous amount on R&D to develop their monitors and they generally are more accurate and consistent than those cheap Korean systems like Element & Glucolab that many diabetics are lumbered with. There is an independent test report that backs this up, but it has clearly not been read by most LAPC's pr CCG's.
 
this subject really get my anger levels up-- would a doctor drive a car without a speedometer ??

7 tests a day on MDI is realistically a minimum -- driving , exercise , sickness, a hypo -- can all add to this amount.

GP's that won't prescribe properly are not thinking of the health of their patient
 
I must be lucky, as I have not had a problem getting the test strips I need.i get 6x50 per 28 days and never had it queried.
 
I get prescribed 6 per day ( this certainly that seems to be the prescription for all the T1s I've met on courses; no more no less) In practice though this works this at 7 a day ie 1 pot of 50 a week (they can't dispense part of a pot)
I sometimes need more in a week , sometimes far less but it normally works out. I use fewer now than I did in the first few years after diagnosis.
When I was running more I also used more but bought some myself . I think this was fair since it was me that decided to do that amount of exercise, not the health service.
 
Picking up my strips tomorrow. I don't know if letter from DN will do any good. 100 or 200 ? Bets anyone ?
 
I should think if you are on insulin they can't refuse your request. If you drive to work and back, that's at least 2 strips per day to comply with legal requirements plus your normal 6 strips/day for control and minimising complications that would cost the NHS a **** sight more than a few test strips.
 
I think you're being far too forgiving there.

REmember the guidance from all directions that excercise is essential in BG management. If they don't give you the means to test and manage that ....
 
i thought i might just add i am prescribed 250 per month which is enough but certainly not over the top
 
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