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Can anyone recommend a meter and where to buy?

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Michxx

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi there can anyone recommend a meter and where to buy? i was diagnosed type 2 in July last year and have been on 1x500mg Metformin per day ever since. I have lost just over 2 stones but have around 4 to go. This week i have had another urine infection coupled with a stomach bug and I feel that it would be useful to be able to test my sugar levels without having to run to my DB all the time. I would also like to know which foods I can tolerate. My doc and DB have both refused to give me a meter and are extremely happy that my readings have gone from 16.9 to 7.2. They state that it is new gov recommendations not to give Type 2's on Metformin a meter however had I been diagnosed 5 years ago I would have been prescribed one as matter of course. Thanks Michxx
 
As, I am sure, you will get a lot of replys all saying, most of the meter makers will give you one for free (except the Bayer USB which you have to pay for.

I don't think they are the most accurate, but for determining what food does what to you and considering you are buying the test strips yourself, the Glucomen Nexus is probably your best bet. You can get it and the strips here:
http://pharmacylink.co.uk/catalogue/Vitamins and Supplements/22-94/2

Bayer are currently giving away Contour meters here:http://www.diabetes.co.uk/promotions/bayer-meters.html
 
It's not the meter that's expensive, it's the consumables(ie the test strips). You could possibly ask your surgery for a meter, as the company reps provide them for free, but you would have to finance the strips yourself, which as I say can be cost prohibitive. Most meters are personal preference and do a variety of things, so I wouldn't be able to recommend any particular make.
 
Try phoning One-touch, find the freephone number here: 0800 121 200 (UK) or
1800 535 676 (Ireland)

See their website: http://www.lifescan.co.uk/corporate/register/get-free-meter

I use an Ultra Easy but I think you need to be on insulin to get one free, I picked one up in Boots once.

Some people get their test strips from ebay to reduce the costs.
 
Abbott give their meters away free if you ring, they will also sell you the strips (rather than having to try and source from eBay or wherever to avoid paying retail price) and they aren't too badly priced.
 
Most GP's surgeries have meters left there by sales reps. I discovered this when I broke my finger pricker, upon asking the receptionist how to get e new one she help up a load of boxes full of meters (different kinds) and said "which one" I got myself a new freestyle meter, it was soon replaced with a better model but was great for a while.

Anyway, just ask you may be suprised.
 
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