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Which Meter?

S

Steve1957

Newbie
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3
Hi all, I have just been diagnosed with type 2, prescribed Metformin 500mg, I want to actively check and monitor my bs so which tester should I buy? There are so many on the market. I have a very poor diet really, suprised Iv'e made it this far :lol: Full english fry up each day, around about 10ish then home in the evening to another full meal, I hate veg, love all meats and dairy products, so typical evening meal would be potatoes (chips, saute, mash or roasted) with a meat of some sort. (told you :oops: ) I absolutely love fresh bread (tiger loaf all crusty loaf really) Snack on salted peanuts and grapes during the evening (not together you understands although mmmmmmmmmmmm :shock: ). Enjoy 1/2 dozen or so pints of lager every 2 weeks when I go to watch West Ham lose & work very long hours. I used to drink lots of cola, now changed to Pepsi Max (hope that helps). So now I am going to join a gym for the exercise, I wont do anything about exercise unless I do, but the food is going to be a problem, is the drink going to be a problem? can I leave the tablets off the days (not that often) i have a few beers? Can I leave the tablets off when we are on holiday? I am taking this seriously, so all help is appreciated, even with the spelling :) )
The meter 1st though, which 1?
Cheers
Steve
 
I can definitely recommend the Onetouch Ultrasmart. It's quite a complicated piece of kit to get your head around - but it keeps track of everything, and can be used to keep a complete record of food eaten, exercise done, meds taken, BG levels, etc...

Definitely worth taking the time to learn.

( Ialso have a Onetouch Ultra. Complete opposite of the Ultrasmart. All it keeps a record of is your BG, and it's simple to use. It means I can keep one meter at home, and one meter at work. They both use the same strips, so my prescription covers 'em both).
 
Hi it is a harsh reality check when you have diabetes it does not matter how much you love your food and lager if you do not see a diabetic diatician and KEEP taking your medication whether on holidays or not. In the real world if you abuse your blood/sugar levels you could end up loosing your sight,have organ failure (heart,kidney,penis) or even amputations.
It does not matter what brand of bs moniter you use they only tell you your sugar levels it is up to you to change your lifestyle to live with diabetes if you abuse it believe me it takes no prisoners.

Sorry to be so direct but i speak from experience the problems i mentioned above i have them all
because i to loved my food and drink. I HOPE YOU CAN DO WHAT I FAILED TO DO.

ABOZ.
 
I use an Accu-check aviva nano because it is very small, but as others have said it doesn't matter which you use really they all work.

Re: bread some types are lower GI than others, see the low carb and non low carb forums for ideas. Yes changing to diet cola will help, that's a good first move!

Don't stop the tablets, your blood sugar will rise quickly I would think. Ask your GP if you can drink while taking them.
 
Abbot Freestyle Lite mainly because Abbott will sell you strips at semi-sensible prices if you don't get them on prescription.
 
Bought the Aviva nano, lots to learn, How much are those strips! Following the guidelines of basically test and test and test, soon had to buy more strips (the original pack comes with about a dozen) Asda had advertised them online for £19.98 for 50, went to Asda's and found they were £26+ change, you dont expect to go into Asda's and get mugged! I was then further amazed that there were No finger pricker drums with them, back to our local pharmacy tomorrow, thats another thing is it normal for a 53 year old 15stone ex para to still say "ouch" after pricking his finger 1/2 a dozen times :lol: ?

Pepsi Max: drank 2 large glasses, tested b4 and the 1 hr later, result of bs up by 0.01. I wont bore you all with all my testing. Was advised by a friend whose father is T2 that Coors lite has 1 of the lowest carb contents of the beers he has tested. Trust me Aboz, I am taking this very seriously, but have lived with such a terrible diet and unhealthy lifestyle (apart from giving up smoking 3 years ago and put on 3 stone)for so many years I am determined to change my diet and life style, BUT, at a steady pace. Will be going to Bannatines gym tomorrow to find out how much of MY childrens legacy he wants?

I appreciate all your comments and suggestions, keep them coming.
Thank you all

Steve
 
I have the same meter as you and I buy my strips on EBAY they can be bought for about £12 just make sure you order nano not other aviva strips .IF you keep an eye on carbs It helps keep bgs down also wine and whiskey actually help lower my bgs in moderation I havnt drunk much beer since being diagnosed with the dreaded DB so cant help there .
CAROL
 
Coors lite is awesome beer and doesnt move my bg much at all. So knock a few back. Make sure you adjust the finger pricker just enough to bleed and dont do it on the pad of the finger just a little to the side is better. Start at 2 on the pricker and work up. Dont push it to hard against the finger either..
8)
 
I'd say start at the lowest setting on the pricker, if it doesn't make a hole increase the setting by one each time until you get enough blood. It helps if your hands are warm too.
 
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