I am ECSTATIC!!!!!!!

[Bubbsie]

Great news!

I couldn't have even started to get a handle on it or know if I was doing the right thing without being able to test my levels. Because my local NHS/Unit were so quick to give me a meter and new prescription, I was shocked to find this was far from standard. But how do you know otherwise??

Hope it's all good for you from here!

You were lucky Beck...absolutely right...how would we know otherwise?

 

[Ljc]

I am ecstatic for you. Having visible proof that what you are doing is working helps so much doesn’t it, without testing it’s like poking around in the dark It takes some of the fear away too.
The added bonus is you’re feeling bettering yourself too 🙂.

 

[Vince_UK]

I am ecstatic for you. Having visible proof that what you are doing is working helps so much doesn’t it, without testing it’s like poking around in the dark It takes some of the fear away too.
The added bonus is you’re feeling bettering yourself too 🙂.

Absolutely correct Ljc

 

[Wirrallass]

My BG meter finally arrived today.
Took my first ready after steeling myself to expect poor results.
High trepidation.
My BG September 28th was 7.8
My BG today October 9th 4.9
Took it just before lunch wil take again around 3 pm here.

Ok I know that food and time has an effect but at last I have some evidence I am travelling in the right direction.

That's fantastic Vince ~ great result ~ improvement on last month's number. Where would we be if we didn't have a meter & test strips? I NEED to test my bgls every day ~ it only takes a cold or an infection to mess up our numbers ~ as I see it testing is the only way to manage our indivudual diabetes. I dont want to wait 6months or even 12months for my HbA1c to reveal that my diabetes is out of control ~ that I've suddenly developed a complication ~ so I will continue daily testing & live in hope that my GP will continue my test strips prescription as I'm not in a position to self fund. Take care and keep up the good work.

 

[Pine Marten]

Brilliant, @Vince_UK, that's absolutely the right attitude. I was talking to someone the other day, about the same age as me, who had just got herself a meter even though her GP harrumphed about her selftesting - she is on 4 x Metformin a day plus lots of other stuff I couldn't pronounce, and her GP tells her just to rely on the annual HbA1c! I urged her to test and ignore the medical advice, and she's come round to the idea.

You're proof that it works, Vince, as are the other good folk here. Good on you

 

[Vince_UK]

Brilliant, @Vince_UK, that's absolutely the right attitude. I was talking to someone the other day, about the same age as me, who had just got herself a meter even though her GP harrumphed about her selftesting - she is on 4 x Metformin a day plus lots of other stuff I couldn't pronounce, and her GP tells her just to rely on the annual HbA1c! I urged her to test and ignore the medical advice, and she's come round to the idea.

You're proof that it works, Vince, as are the other good folk here. Good on you

Thanks Pine, I firmly believe we have to be incharge of our own destinies and decision making. I am not a number on someones books, I am not incapacitated. I am me, a fully vital capable human being who happens to have diabetes.
It's my problem and I will do anything I can to contol it and that includes self testing.
How on earth can we possibly manage this thing if we only check it once annually beggars belief and that some of us are given that advice by professionals.
I couldn't possibly go through 1 year not knowing how I was doing or if it was deteriorating or improving and then perhaps find it is to late to do anything positive.
Your advice to your friend is sound and I hope she listens.

 

[nickinwarwick]

Well done Vince, excellent progress and mindset.

As an aside, I too didn't realise that some people aren't given a meter when they are diagnosed. (I was, so assumed that was normal).

 

[Vince_UK]

Well done Vince, excellent progress and mindset.

As an aside, I too didn't realise that some people aren't given a meter when they are diagnosed. (I was, so assumed that was normal).

Thanks for the encouragement Nick
Amazingly, I didn't know what a meter was until I started using this forum. Not only did they not offer me one, they didn't even mention testing when I was initially diagnosed. I was told "look at the website bla bla bla". I feel they abdicate some of their responsibility about good advice and information. A life changing event and they cannot find a few minutes to give you knowledge about monitoring your condition? Actually, it is making me a little angry.
How many people are out there I wonder are basically ignorant not only about the risks associated with diabetes but also what steps we can take to ensure they can self help and hopefully stop the condition deteriorating. How many people are out there totally unaware of the terrific resource this website and forum provide. They assume that everyone has access to a PC and internet and is computer savvy.

 

[Mark Parrott]

And think what uncontrolled diabetes must cost the NHS. Actually, it was on the news recently, but can't remember the figures, but it was high & they blamed US! With the right advice, the cost would be a fraction of what it is now.

 

[Vince_UK]

Blaming us shows that they are either ignorant of the true facts or they are deflecting blame (probably the reason).
Extract as much taxes from us while they can, I am 67 and STILL paying tax, and hope they don't hang around to long to drain financial resources. I don't have any left-wing leanings at but there needs to be some accountability from Gov't
Makes me sick!