Before i start barrelling in on behalf of the NHS's drug policies. And no, i can't get test strips on prescription...But honestly test strips a LOT more expensive than Metformin, and i don't have to pay prescription charges.
Bob, well done for making all those positive changes to your lifestyle, i had loads of good intentions in that area, but unfortunately my attitude to exercise is somewhat sluggish. Seriously, i'm sure that your new fitness levels have really helped your blood sugar control, as well as paying off in the long term in regards to stuff like heart disease and strokes. What i want to say is, don't see being put on tablets as a failure, or as a critisism of yourself. I understand because when my Hba1c creeps up i do feel disheartened and angry that my efforts have been wasted. But the tablets are designed as "extra help" for you, and because metformin helps the muscles take up sugar from the blood you may even find that it helps you with your exercise regime. Everybody's condition is different, no two type 2s are the same. Just because one person manages to control their diabetes by exercise alone doesn't mean that everyone can, even with the best will in the world.
Discuss it with your doc and decide, the side effects can be a little, erm, explosive at first but in many cases they settle down after a few days or weeks. Oh and one of the less mentioned benefits of taking Metformin is that you can apply to get free prescriptions. I don't just get my Metformin free, i get my Ramipril and Gliclazide free too which saves me a whooping great ?22 ish a month.
Rachel