No Fruitloaf, I don't agree. For Type 2s, it is essential to understand what different foods can do to blood sugars. There is a definite need to be given strips at last for the first year while they are learning. After that it may be less essential until things get to the stage where something like Byetta or Insulin is required. I do agree that later on, a fasting BG is likely to be sufficient unless there are problems.
As for the rest of us, let's use me as an example. I admit my situation is really odd, my bloods are all over the place at the moment and for the last few days I've been testing almost on the hour (slight exaggeration) because I've been pogoing between the low twos and high teens for four days now. An extreme example I know, and it's clear that some folk sail along with few problems and rarely need to test. For many though that just doesn't work and they need to have the strips available when they are needed.
I do realise the cost of strips (I used to have to buy my own), but that cost to PCTs is still a lot less than it might be given the long term complications we all face. Diabetes is a chronic condition, and self management may save longer term costs of care. Testing, to my mind, is a vital part of that.
