Opinion/Fact

[Bill Stewardson]

Once again I had a day at the NGH today, for a pre op as a rather big surgery is on the horizon. During the day I brought into the equation my meter and the fact that Ive always recorded my numbers.

Now then, there are opinions and there are facts. Opinions of Ds, opinions of 111 call handlers, opinions of GPs,,, opinions of lay people, opinions of those in high places who really should know better. As we know those opinions often conflict, and the measley T2s are actually having their pockets picked of strips and meters. Sad excuses are being bandied about , such as " they cause stress" " they don't cure anything" or "they cost money" all of which came as a massive shock to those highly motivated people managing their own health.

So, If we can call the events that unfolded around me today facts, I will take you through some actual facts.

I am borderline as acceptable for such a long anaesthetic due to my BG levels, so the sister attending me called a senior anaesthetist into the room. He looked, frowned and seemed a bit concerned. I informed him that Ive always recorded my numbers because I self test ,,, he was very pleased about that indeed. So pleased that I then told him about such things being withdrawn across the country,, he was shocked.

Just to emphasise that, the info I put forward DEFINITELY contributed to a large operation not being postponed, no ifs no buts.

It is imperative I carry on testing right up to the day.

Here's another fact, the Sister in the room echoed the same sentiment, and they both struggled to understand that others may not be able to be so helpful in my position around the UK.

The bloke was insistent that I carry on testing and could not stress how helpful and important my efforts have been today.

So ,, about those opinions ?????

 

[Northerner]

It's always seemed to me that the restriction on strips is driven by short-term savings and lack of knowledge and resources, not logic (or even common sense). The short-term savings is a complete nonsense - the cost of issuing test strips is high, it's true, but it is dwarfed by the longer-term costs of treating the complications caused by poor control and lack of knowledge. Something like 85% of the NHS diabetes budget goes on treating complications and something like 80% of those complications are thought to be avoidable. Those may not be the exact figures as I'm working from memory, but it's certainly on that scale. Consider also the cost to society of the consequent loss of quality of life and productive life of those people and the figure becomes a step-change higher yet And add in the cost of all the medications that might otherwise be unnecessary if people knew how to get better control.

The lack of resources is the other problem - there's no use issuing a meter and strips to people unless they are educated and closely monitored whilst they use them to learn about their diabetes, and the people to do that don't exist in the numbers required. Not everyone has the motivation and ability to pick things up from internet forums such as this, they need some decent one-to-one attention on a regular basis so they can be sure they are getting it right, and to ask their questions.

As @Martin Canty said, even the US health insurance companies recognise the value of testing because they know it can improve outcomes and thus lower their liabilities. It's the only really logical argument, and as you have proven Bill, there are people who can recognise that immediately.

 

[Drummer]

Six months from diagnosis after some three months of close monitoring my BG levels and dropping below diabetic levels - down 44 points, I did not need to monitor so closely as I was settled on the diet, just testing from time to time to check if I should have a dessert or not, and now I hardly check at all as I am in the normal range. I expect to remain so.
If I had not been testing I would have been completely in the dark about legumes spiking my levels or the Lidl protein rolls being just about safe to eat.
I would never consider going to sea without a chart and compass or venturing up into the Pennines without a map and sundial (iron ore is common - it is magnetic) - it seems crazy not to test.