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Told I don't need to monitor my levels

Terryrhino

Well-Known Member
Messages
231
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi everyone I've been T2 for one and a half months now I'm taking 1500mg of metformin a day and trying to stick to a low carb diet I've also been very ill for the last 3 weeks with perforated diverticulitis, that's the back story, when first diagnosed my fasting blood test returned at 99 which I believe is about 15% I I'm not sure about the mmol/ml thing and how it works, but my main question is I asked my GP for a BG monitor so I could self test and discover what foods effect me and just basically give myself peace of mind that what I'm doing is helping!!! But GP told me that I don't need to test you'll be ok ??? Is this often the case or am I being fobbed off all any any advice is grateful !!!
 
Your GP sounds like a muppet. Ask to speak to another for a second opinion and make the same request. Your fully entitled to do so.
 
Very few Practices prescribe meters and strips to T2 s unless they are on BS lowering meds that might cause a Hypo. I have no doubt this is a 'Penny wise, Pound foolish' thing but they always seem to come up with this mushroom compost line of "you don't need to" It's not their body, so I guess the incentive is more financial than your well being. Most of us here buy our own
 
You should really be testing your BG, it's your diabetes and your body which will suffer if your glucose levels aren't properly managed - not your GP's.

A lot of GP's are blissfully unphased by the impact of T2D, probably because they're seeing it more and more, every single day. On the other hand, they would encourage a T1D to test all the time, however I can assure you that there are no differences between the complications that ALL diabetics can suffer from.

My advice, get yourself a Codefree meter and test your fasting BG and 2 hours after each meal. They have the cheapest strips and as you'll need to pay for them yourself, this is the best option.
 
Thanks guys all very helpful info I will try at the doctors one more time and then if no luck purchase my own
 
I've just looked online at the SD codefree bg meter it seems pretty good to me and cheap too but it offers to types of readings mmol/l and mg/dl any advice on which one I should get ???
 
Terryrhino said:
I've just looked online at the SD codefree bg meter it seems pretty good to me and cheap too but it offers to types of readings mmol/l and mg/dl any advice on which one I should get ???
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mmol/l are the units we use in the UK.
 
Mmol/L if you're in UK.
You need to say your're diabetic as then you don't pay VAT
Also discount codes for buying in bulk
5 packs 264086
10 packs 975833
I think it's the same discount for either.
 
Terryrhino said:
I've just looked online at the SD codefree bg meter it seems pretty good to me and cheap too but it offers to types of readings mmol/l and mg/dl any advice on which one I should get ???
Click to expand...

Terry - Sorry you seem to having a particularly rough time at the moment.

Whilst I wasn't diagnosed along with something else, I still found it all a bit bewildering at the time. For me, the best thing I ever did was invest in a blood glucose meter. I deliberately use the word invest, because I invested in a meter and strips, and whilst it's reward wasn't monetary, it gave me the clues to begin to unravel the puzzle that is T2.

Once I could understand the impact of everything I ate and drank on my blood numbers, I fairly quickly got a handle on what I could eat, with abandon, and the other things I had to forego; for some time at least. That immediate and personal feedback was priceless.

As you have already garnered, the SD Codefree is a simple and appropriate meter for T2 management and it is modestly priced, compared to the others.

Good luck with it all!
 

It's amazing how helpful people are on here the time people take to reply is extraordinary and so very kind but surly this kind of help should be coming from our own GP's !?! Very grateful for everyone's help and advice
 

Thank you I will be " investing " in a monitor tonight when I get home, your story is inspiring, there is so much to take in learn and understand but I'm staying positive and not letting this beat me
 
Terryrhino said:
but surly this kind of help should be coming from our own GP's !?!
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Especially if you think they're professionals and are paid for this advice.
Really what I've learnt on my condition was for most part from books, then from the SSN dietician that actually asked me some questions on what I like to eat, then from various websites, then from this and DUK forums.
 
@Terryrhino, indeed, GPs should be giving us meters and strips on prescription. But here are the excuses I have heard over the past six months alone:

"If we gave every T2 a meter, the NHS would go bankrupt."
"You'll only get a sore finger."
"People fill in the numbers without doing anything about them, or they fill in their records and make it all up while they're waiting to see us."
"It'll make you anxious and obsessive."
"You're only Type 2!"
"If you follow our diet plan, you shouldn't need to test."
"I'll happily give you a meter, but we no longer prescribe the strips." And so on...

Meanwhile, husband, diagnosed 16 years ago, DID get a meter and test strips, lancets, etc. on prescription, but had them taken away over a year ago. "Sorry, this isn't funded any more," he was told.

Get the Codefree meter, lancets and strips from Home Health or Amazon. It'll be the best investment you'll ever make.
 
Terryrhino said:
It's amazing how helpful people are on here the time people take to reply is extraordinary and so very kind but surly this kind of help should be coming from our own GP's !?! Very grateful for everyone's help and advice
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Yes this forum is a great place, full of committed members who are always available to help, whatever way they can.

Ideally it would be great if your GP could give you all the information you need, but whether they have the time and/or training to do so is another question. I also don’t know whether type 2 diabetics are referred to specialists within the health service? Were you at least given flyers or booklets that contained basic information of how to best manage your condition?

What would help a lot, would be a referral to a forum such as this one. It would heavily benefit Internet savvy diabetics – and lighten the load of the NHS.

Any advice you need though, you'll more than likely find the answer here Although, it is recommended to seek any medical advice from a Dr or Nurse.

I don't know if she has already posted, but @daisy1 has some gold generic advice for those new to the whole diabetes thing
 

I was given a hypertension diet plan and a prediabetes leaflet I found out about this forum through a friend who's daughter has T1 and I've not looked back
 
Terryrhino said:
I was given a hypertension diet plan and a prediabetes leaflet I found out about this forum through a friend who's daughter has T1 and I've not looked back
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That's nowhere near enough information for someone newly diagnosed. But, at least you've found this place! Not only will you learn how to manage your condition - but you'll soon be able to offer advice to others!

Good luck to you @Terryrhino.
 

This make poor reading it's so sad that something so small and something that could help so much and give confidence to a struggling person is not prescribed but if you go to the docs with sniffles you'll get antibiotics and signed off work for a month !!! I have the up most respect for the NHS and know it's an up hill battle but the higher powers need to stop take a step back and make the NHS work properly again!!! Oh and I've just purchased a codefree monitor it should be here Friday
I'm a happy soul really I don't mean to moan haha
 
GrantGam1337 said:
That's nowhere near enough information for someone newly diagnosed. But, at least you've found this place! Not only will you learn how to manage your condition - but you'll soon be able to offer advice to others!

Good luck to you @Terryrhino.
Click to expand...

Thank you sir I will continue to learn through trial and error and one day hope to advise others, this forum makes me happy it's a lovely place to be
 
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