Hi, Hello and good morning

[Karrinyup93]

Hello, I'm a new member so I'm just checking in. Can anyone help me decide whether to get a blood glucose monitor. I'm a Type 2 diabetic and have been for 10 years or more with no problems but recently 6 months ago had an HB1Ac blood reading of 8.1. Been on a low carb diet and lost a fair bit of weight. Did a home HB1AC test which came out as 5.3. Don't want to have to keep paying for this but can't get an appointment with my GP practice nurse because of COVID. Now wondering whether a monitor would be a good idea. Don't know anything about them or what/whether one would be useful for me to keep a check on my levels.

 

[Drummer]

Using a low cost meter is a good idea as it can show you your reaction to foods.
I am unlucky in that any carbs cause a spike, but some people find that they can cope with some more than others and so it helps them to keep in normal range after eating.
I use the Spirit Healthcare Tee 2 meter and supplies - though these days I do not need to do many tests.

 

[stephknits]

Welcome to the forum. I think meters for Type 2s can be really motivating as you can keep track on how you are doing and as drummer says, you can work out which foods suit you best. There are some great links on the forum showing you how to best use testing, I think they are pinned under the newbie section. Someone more adept than me will post the links I'm sure!

 

[zuludog]

I am a T2 on basal/bolus insulin - Glargine & Novorapid, and Metformin
My doctors provide a meter, free of charge, and I find it very useful
Recently I have been trying to keep better control of my diet & weight, and it is reassuring to see my blood sugar level under control

So I'd say get a meter
I can't recommend any particular model as I haven't needed to investigate what's available, but I'm sure other Forum Members will pass on their advice and opinions

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sounds like you have been making great progress @Karrinyup93 - and congratulations on your excellent HbA1c reduction.

Its a shame that you’ve had to purchase home A1c checks which would normally have been provided by your surgery.

Many members find a BG meter very useful to check glucose responses following different foods. Uncortunately many need self-fund their BG meters (frustratingly, lots of surgeries resist prescribing meters to T2s not on certain medications)

The most affordable meters members here have found are the SD Gluco Navii or the Spirit Tee2 which both have test strips at around £8 for 50. High St brands can be considerably more expensive - perhaps £30 for a post of strips!

It sounds like your low carb approach is already providing you with good results, but if you were interested in tailoring your menu further, you might find a Alan S’s test-review-adjust approach to be a helpful and systematic framework.

Good luck and let us know how you get on 🙂

 

[Karrinyup93]

Hi everyone, thanks so much for responding. It’s good to know I’m not the only one who has felt bewildered and unsure of what I should be doing. I’ve ordered Alan S’s book and it sounds like it will be very helpful. I wish my GP/Practice Nurse had given me better guidance than just sticking me in Metformin without helping me to explore options which might have helped me feel less confused. I await Alan’s book and will bet a BG monitor. Thanks again everyone.