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Type 2testing

P

Perlafantastica

Newbie
Messages
2
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I have not been told to test levels by my doctor/nurse, however after a recent faint I was asked about my levels....should I be testing even though I have not been told to do so specifically up to now?
 
According to NHS guidelines, unless you are being prescribed medication which can lower your blood sugar to hypo levels, (gliclazide, insulin) you do not need to test, nor will NHS supply test strips. I control my blood sugar level entirely by diet and believe this cannot be accomplished without testing, NHS disagree, hence I have to buy my own, anywhere between £16 - £18 per 50 inc VAT! (Try obtaining exemption!) If your "faint" was indeed caused by low blood glucose, you should be testing, however, if you are not on medication (metformin excluded) you are very unlikely to experience a hypo.
 
I still test, even though my BG these days is in the normal levels, having been spectacularly high when first diagnosed a year and a half ago. It seems to be usual for T2s not on insulin to be told not to test, but I suspect this says more about NHS protocols than diabetes control. Maybe they think we aren't intelligent enough, maybe that it hands control over to the patient, maybe because they don't want an awkward conversation about test meters and strips. Maybe other reasons. I like to make my own health decisions, and knowledge is power, though I do understand that not everyone diagnosed T2 feels the same way. Testing keeps me in control, and also helps me understand the non-diet things in life that affect BG, such as stress, pain, infection and so on. It gives me great peace of mind.
 
Hi @Perlafantastica

Has your doctor given any insight into the reason for the faint? If they have asked you about your BG levels, then surely they ought to provide you with the means to test them.
However, the NHS protocol that states no need for people with T2 to test, unless on medication that can cause hypos, prevails. Probably due to cost of prescribing. If you are only on Metformin, for your diabetes, then you will not be provided with test meter and strips on NHS prescription.

Despite the no testing protocol, many of our members with T2 diabetes do find it beneficial to test. In fact they find it an essential part of their management of their diabetes. Test levels on waking, immediately before, and two hours after meals. Record levels and what has been consumed. Then it is possible to see how various foods and drinks are affecting BG levels.
Self funded test kits needn’t be expensive. @Rachox has some info prepared on affordable kits. I have tagged her so she should reply with info soon.

Additionally, there is VAT exemption available. Some online retailers offer the option in their ordering process. If this is not available or if buying at a pharmacy, then there is the following may be useful. ( Also note @Geroco may find this useful, too)

 
Hi @Perlafantastica, thanks for the tag @Pipp

Here’s some info on UK meters, and to be clear I have no commercial connections with any of the companies mentioned.



HOME HEALTH have the Gluco Navii, which is a fairly new model and seems to be getting good reviews.

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-produ...ose-meter-test-strips-choose-mmol-l-or-mg-dl/



Links to the strips for future orders:

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/glucose-navii-blood-glucose-test-strips-50-strip-pack/



Then they sell the older SD Code Free, details to be found here!

https://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/codefree-blood-glucose-monitoring-system-mmoll-or-mgdl/





SPIRIT HEALTHCARE have a meter called the Tee2 + which is quite popular:

https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/co...e2-blood-glucose-meter?variant=19264017268793



The strips are to be found here:

https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/co...py-of-tee2-test-strips?variant=19264017367097



If there is a choice of units of measurement then ‘mmol/L’ are the standard units in the UK, ‘mg/dl’ in the US, other countries may vary.



Don’t forget to check the box if you have pre diabetes or diabetes so you can buy VAT free. (for all meters and strips)
 
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