Diagnosed T2 one week ago

[Leadinglights]

My T2 was diagnosed in Nov 2021 so not long ago. The nurse just said use them 2 hours after eating. I guess it depends on area?

Also, I had a text message from the surgery to book a blood test - 1st one since starting metformin. I asked what would happen and whether I should ring for the results. Receptionist just said if the nurse is concerned she’ll call you otherwise she won’t. Not helpful. My friend had a call from her pharmacy shortly after starting metformin to see how she was doing. I got nothing. Wouldn’t it be nice if care was consistent?

Blood glucose test strips for use with a home testing monitor would be something you would use to test 2 hours after eating to see if you have tolerated the food you have eaten, but Urine strips for glucose would not be of much use for that purpose as it would only be if your glucose levels were much much higher than you want it to be would it be detectable in your urine. Are you sure they are not ketone test strips, but even then you would not use those to test 2hours after food.
I'm sure it is not usual practice.

 

[Tinx]

Blood glucose test strips for use with a home testing monitor would be something you would use to test 2 hours after eating to see if you have tolerated the food you have eaten, but Urine strips for glucose would not be of much use for that purpose as it would only be if your glucose levels were much much higher than you want it to be would it be detectable in your urine. Are you sure they are not ketone test strips, but even then you would not use those to test 2hours after food.
I'm sure it is not usual practice.

They’re urine glucose test strips. That’s all I know. I’m going to ask the nurse about a monitor but I understand, from what I’ve read, that T2s don’t really need them unless they take Insulin meds.

 

[Windy]

They’re urine glucose test strips. That’s all I know. I’m going to ask the nurse about a monitor but I understand, from what I’ve read, that T2s don’t really need them unless they take Insulin meds.

The national guidance from NICE/ the NHS is that T2s don't need monitors unless they're on medications which can cause hypos. But if you want to see what's going on with your meals and what they're doing to your blood glucose levels, they're really helpful.
Somebody on the forum explained it was like driving a car without checking the speedometer if you don't use one.
I have self funded mine, and am happy to be my own laboratory rat, testing my BG to see what particular meals do so I can keep my levels lower. Some T2a don't test, and some do, I guess there isn't a right and wrong answer, but I know that testing is the right answer for me. It's something to consider, or maybe do for a short while to get an idea of which meals are ok and which are a bit less ok.
Best wishes, Sarah

 

[Tinx]

Thank you Sarah. I really appreciate all your information and advice.

 

[Mrs Mimoo]

Dip sticks do not measure the same thing as from a blood sample.
The GlucoNavil is a inexpensive relable monitor with the cheapest test strips as it will be those you will use lots of to start with. You get a few strips and lancets in the kit but you should buy extra at the start. You can get from Amazon or Home Health website. You do not need to pay VAT.

second recommend for GlucoNavii it's cheap and easy to use - my GP gave me a meter but it has expensive test strips so I left in the drawer.

there are videos on this site for how to use finger prick devices and how to do the readings.

PS I am also a cat lady.