Test Strips

[galaxcee2001]

I suspect my GP is going to restrict or even stop prescribing my test strips. I have started a new regime of low carbs with good success but I am testing myself daily and feel I must continue until I have everything under control. I have twice gone low. I am type 2 diabetic on Lantus and Metformin. How can I test myself if my test strips are withdrawn? they are so expensive to buy, Is there a machine that doesn't use test strips? I also fail to see how we can comply with the new driving laws for diabetics if we cant test our blood sugars before driving.

 

[mo1905]

I thought if you were on insulin doctors were obliged to prescribe test strips ? Especially to comply with DVLA regs as you correctly pointed out. Why do you think your doc will reduce/stop your strips ? Have they told you ?


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[galaxcee2001]

Thank you for your reply Mo. No I haven't been told, but this morning I ordered my repeat prescription of test strips. I was contacted by the surgery ( but was out all day and couldn't take the call). My husband asked what it was about and was told it was about my request for test strips. Maybe I'm jumping the gun but I'm a little anxious as I have been googling and read that test strips are being denied to diabetics. My surgery is closed all weekend so I will have to wait till Monday to find out.

 

[hale710]

They cannot restrict strips to someone who is insulin dependant, I'm sure it is just a simple query they have

 

[Scarlet10]

I am insulin dependent, been told this week that one box with 50 strips needs to last a month. It's impossible I do a lot of driving with my job, I inject at least 4 times a day so need to check before each injection. I was told by surgery that cut backs are needed. I spoke to my diabetic team in hospital who confirmed they are fighting this battle with a lot of surgeries and that it is un-acceptable so they will try and sort it out for me. It baffles me that they cant think that this quick fix of saving money now will result in a lot more having to be spent in the future with complications etc, dreadful situation.



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[galaxcee2001]

I will let you know what happens on Monday............

 

[galaxcee2001]

I have just spoken to my Chemist and she tells me that test strips are being restricted for both Insulin users and non insulin users. Non insulin users are allowed one box (50) a year she wasn't 100% sure about how many for insulin users. How reckless is this!

 

[mo1905]

Wow ! I've not been restricted yet but perhaps it's just a matter of time. I am unsure how you would be able to comply with DVLA regs without test strips though. I guess they expect us to pay for them ourselves ! poor show.

 

[noblehead]

I am insulin dependent, been told this week that one box with 50 strips needs to last a month. It's impossible I do a lot of driving with my job, I inject at least 4 times a day so need to check before each injection. I was told by surgery that cut backs are needed. I spoke to my diabetic team in hospital who confirmed they are fighting this battle with a lot of surgeries and that it is un-acceptable so they will try and sort it out for me. It baffles me that they cant think that this quick fix of saving money now will result in a lot more having to be spent in the future with complications etc, dreadful situation.

All gp practices were sent a letter from The Department of Health earlier this year to advise them about restricting test strips for type 1's, here is the letter that you might want to print off and take along to your gp to refresh their memory:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... abetes.pdf

 

[mo1905]

Thanks Noblehead ! Could be invaluable.


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[Scarlet10]

Aw thank you very much. I am going to print this letter and take it to my gp next week along with my repeat prescription requirements. It honestly baffles me how they can see this as a money saving exercise, it's OUR health that is being impacted.

Thanks a lot xx



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[galaxcee2001]

Thanks all, I am type 2 diabetic but I am on insulin so I will be interested to see what they say to me on Monday.

 

[galaxcee2001]

Well, I did jump the gun, the surgery didn't want to talk about my prescription at all, just another matter. While I was there I asked them about the limiting of test strips, they said NOT for insulin users but they are restricting them for non insulin dependent diabetics. Whew! panic over.

 

[Scarlet10]

Been to the hospital to see DN and explained that my surgery would only give me 50 strips for the month, she was very unhelpful and said its nothing to do with them... Went to surgery to put in my repeat prescription spoke to the receptionist who showed me a letter from the local health board which said strips are to be restricted etc, she told me that I wouldn't get any more than 50. The doctor came out to see me as I was very unhappy and told me it is the local health board and not us. I asked him how are I am supposed to follow dvla guidance and test my sugar each time before I drive as my job involves a lot of driving, and how when I inject 4 times a day am I supposed to test my blood levels on 50 strips? He had no answer. I have just sent an e-mail to the local health board asking how this can cut costs when I am likely to end up in hospital guessing my sugar levels. I am so angry..... [POUTING FACE]


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[galaxcee2001]

Gosh Scarlet,
It really does seem reckless, my surgery was very reassuring that insulin users wouldn't be restricted. It seems they can decide for themselves whether to restrict them or not. Why not try another doctor? check first if they are restricting the test strips. I know they are very expensive, perhaps its only a matter of time though before we have to pay for them ourselves