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test strips

dootsie

dootsie

Active Member
Messages
31
Location
Walthamstow, London
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Other
Dislikes
exercise
Hi, I have been diagnosed with type 2 over 1-2 years, I have only had 2visits to the diabetic nurse at my surgery where I was given a meter and some test strips to monitor 2 hrs before breakfast and 2hrs after evening meal.

I have recently been sent a letter from my GP saying that I no longer need repeat prescription for these strips - due to changes in NHS procedures and changes in the surgery and government funding . Well, you know how it goes !!!!!!

What can I do about this. Worried as I had always a high reading and lack of education and support from surgery.

Can I contest this.
 
Worth a try but not easy. Are you on any meds that can lower blood glucose ? If so, you can try the DVLA route. As far as contesting, the NICE guideline are to provide test strips in the early stages to help gain control. If you still have poor control, you could try that route also but it's still pot luck unfortunately. Worth a go though !
 
Unfortunately this is becoming more common for type 2's and even a post code lottery, even with in the practice different docs have different attitudes to strips.

What meds are you taking?

I had my strip repeat taken off me (I am type 2) and in the end sent them a letter justifying why I needed to test.

Could be that you are experiencing problems with highs and you need to identify what food is causing the highs.

I used the fact that I was now on meds that can cause hypo's and according to DVLA's new guidelines that before driving and every 2 hours until finished driving I need to test. I also have a problem with food causing high spikes and need to identify such foods and the learning curve is still on going on this.

I found that through testing I can see when I go low which is just as important as going high. I do know when I am low or going low but its good to test to find out how low I am and what I need to eat to correct (another area I am learning in).

At my practice they only test ones HbA1c annually, if they continue to stop your strips you could then ask to be tested every 3 months to see what their response is. I found out relying on just the annual test is no good as now have minor complications that perhaps could of been prevented.

Hopefully you can justify your needs and get them re-added, if not there are a few lower cost strip / meter options if you are in a position to be able to support you.
 
I will certainly ask my doc about them lol ! My only concern would be for DVLA rules, I need to maintain a log of BG tests which cannot be deleted as I have LGV license. They do appear to be a good viable option though if this is not an issue.


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