Hi Susan, I am diet only as well. My nurse did give me a meter but told me just to test when I didnt feel "right". They are not going to keep giving them to me so bought my own meter from Amazon, the SD codefree, cost me nearly £20 for the meter and extra 50 strips. Replacement strips are £7 for 50.
First time I used it I also tested with the meter that the nurse gave me and the readings were exactly same so was good. Have been using ever since (which has only been a few days, lol).
I have lost 15lb so far and got a long way to go yet. Its hard slog but worth it.
Sue