Neighbour diagnosed Type2,

[veganlass]

She has started Metformin and bought a glucose meter from the local dizzy charity shop. The DSN refuses to give her testing strips saying it was not cost effective. She is disappointed as she wants to check her BG.

Why then does dizzy shops sell them so freely when its common for diabetic patients on Metformin are not allowed to test?.

 

[Northerner]

I don't think there's anything wrong in selling the meters, although usually if a doctor/nurse is willing to prescribe strips then they will provide a meter from their own hoard. I'm sorry to hear that your neighbour is yet another person being told that testing is not necessary or beneficial when there are countless testimonies to the contrary All down to money, and we seem to be getting an increasing number of cases where patients are being refused strips with some nebulous argument about 'not needing' them, no doubt to all the cuts and financial pressures One tactic that has worked for some people is to self-fund strips for a while and then presenting the evidence of how testing is helping them manage and understand their diabetes to the doctor. It's ridiculous that people with a very serious condition that is 99% self-managed are not provided with the tools and education that will aid them immeasurably.

 

[veganlass]

I have told her she can use my monitor and strips sometimes if she wants to check BG.

I will challenge dsn When I see her (same one as I see) that obviously Diabetes support recommend it.

 

[Northerner]

I have told her she can use my monitor and strips sometimes if she wants to check BG.

I will challenge dsn When I see her (same one as I see) that obviously Diabetes support recommend it.

Good for you 🙂 It would be better if she bought a similar meter to you and therefore could use her own finger pricker and not mix her results in with yours 🙂