Libra glucose testing

[Jozallen]

Hi, been a type 1 for over 40 years and sadly had a disagreement about treatment with hospital diabetes specialist who said I could have the Libra glucose scanning monitor as she could see it was needed with the number of tests I do daily. Anyway a year on and mindful of the effects of Covid etc, but still no sign of the scanner. Doctors surgery in complete lockdown, emailed diabetes team manager but no response, so no chance of speaking to anyone about this. Fed up with being held to ransom on this, could likely buy the thing but certainly know I couldn't afford to supply the patches on a 2 weekly basis. Any ideas anyone?

 

[Bruce Stephens]

It's absurd that your GP surgery is completely locked down. They need to be supporting their patients, though at present that'll usually involve phones initially. I suggest giving Diabetes UK a ring on Monday and see if they have any ideas.

 

[Jozallen]

Bruce, thanks for this. Will try Diabetes UK asap, hope they have an idea because I have run out of any just now.

 

[rebrascora]

Hi and welcome

Your post is a bit confusing. It sounds like the consultant wanted you to have the Libre system so I don't understand how you don't have it and how the disagreement about treatment affected this.... or was it that you didn't want the Libre at the time but now feel, in view of Covid, that it would be beneficial and therefore want to see if it is still available?

Many of us self funded for a few months or even longer before getting it on prescription. I'm on low income but used birthday money and savings to finance it and it was money very well spent as the additional information it gives you provides a huge insight into how your BG levels respond to both basal and bolus insulin.... and food of course... and exercise.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sometimes clinics request you to undertake some (online) training modules to help you understand how the system works, and how to get the most out of the data provided. I had to provide the completion certificate to my clinic before they would instruct my GP to issue the prescriptions.

And it took a while and a few chases to get there!

Have you been asked to complete anything similar?

 

[Jozallen]

No not heard anything from anyone about it since the appointment at the hospital last year. The GP diabetes team told me they supported the request but perhaps they were all having me on. I'm not a strident sort of person and maybe I needed to be. But I was having massive problems with my diabetes at the time and really needed help to sort it out, so maybe telling me that they would approve and support, sent me away to follow the rules better or perhaps just keep quiet.

 

[Annemarie]

I bought Libre1 and did all the available online training/courses for over 6 months. I think having the certificates and my experience helped me to receive it on the NHS

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

No not heard anything from anyone about it since the appointment at the hospital last year. The GP diabetes team told me they supported the request but perhaps they were all having me on. I'm not a strident sort of person and maybe I needed to be. But I was having massive problems with my diabetes at the time and really needed help to sort it out, so maybe telling me that they would approve and support, sent me away to follow the rules better or perhaps just keep quiet.

Sounds like you may have to chase them up. And ask of there is anything they need, or if there is any way you can speed up the process. Easy for things to get sidelined in the current climate - you may have to be persistent!