Would like to share with you how much SMBG is helping both dad and myself.
I wouldn't go into all my previous details but will shout Thank you to everyone here who has posted and advised through various threads on this forum.
Although we are part funding strips not that we have been refunded totally (yet) we don't ask for them all of the time. I bought dad several pots so we can continue to test as we both feel it is vital especially when dad didn't have sweet stuff etc to cut out
The change in dad and his understanding of how carbs and exercise affect his BG levels is amazing. He is really enjoying his meals now even if I get the odd one wrong! We still have a wee bit of confusion regarding the time he should exercise (i.e. immediately after food or wait a little while and then exercise) last week he was going ASAP & readings were a but different than now when we decided he should wait a little then exercise. Both of us are addicted to exercising now although need to work out something for wet/windy/cold days and nights. Apart from gardening as part of his day the specific exercise is x2 brisk walks a day about 50-60 mins each.
This has not only shown steady readings with the odd blip (although nothing above the range set for him, I count a blip in the 7's) feel so proud of dad as the constant walking with his crutch has given him confidence to the point I can see he is walking much more upright and yesterday took me by surprise by cutting the bottom lawn! A few weeks ago he tried but just couldn't do it he felt so good to have done this without depending on someone else 🙂
The other bit will be a challenge but I think he will get there sometime.
We shop together now at the farmers market dad selecting food he likes which is so helpful to me. Nothing processed and all tested as we go along. We don't test lots of times each day just before and after dinner at night or if testing something new maybe an extra test. I have stocked up on strips until we ask for another prescription.
Once again I have typed too much but really wanted to share this with you and thank everyone for all guidance given. I am contemplating writing to our elected representative just to add an actual case for SMBG not expecting anything to come off it but I really do see the benefits.
It isn't plain sailing as everyone with diabetes knows but feeling a little more in control than waiting for the big result is something we would never have thought about. We have found foods which affect dad and I would have been making these not knowing they needed to be controlled or avoided.
Sorry I made it even longer!
I wouldn't go into all my previous details but will shout Thank you to everyone here who has posted and advised through various threads on this forum.
Although we are part funding strips not that we have been refunded totally (yet) we don't ask for them all of the time. I bought dad several pots so we can continue to test as we both feel it is vital especially when dad didn't have sweet stuff etc to cut out
The change in dad and his understanding of how carbs and exercise affect his BG levels is amazing. He is really enjoying his meals now even if I get the odd one wrong! We still have a wee bit of confusion regarding the time he should exercise (i.e. immediately after food or wait a little while and then exercise) last week he was going ASAP & readings were a but different than now when we decided he should wait a little then exercise. Both of us are addicted to exercising now although need to work out something for wet/windy/cold days and nights. Apart from gardening as part of his day the specific exercise is x2 brisk walks a day about 50-60 mins each.
This has not only shown steady readings with the odd blip (although nothing above the range set for him, I count a blip in the 7's) feel so proud of dad as the constant walking with his crutch has given him confidence to the point I can see he is walking much more upright and yesterday took me by surprise by cutting the bottom lawn! A few weeks ago he tried but just couldn't do it he felt so good to have done this without depending on someone else 🙂
The other bit will be a challenge but I think he will get there sometime.
We shop together now at the farmers market dad selecting food he likes which is so helpful to me. Nothing processed and all tested as we go along. We don't test lots of times each day just before and after dinner at night or if testing something new maybe an extra test. I have stocked up on strips until we ask for another prescription.
Once again I have typed too much but really wanted to share this with you and thank everyone for all guidance given. I am contemplating writing to our elected representative just to add an actual case for SMBG not expecting anything to come off it but I really do see the benefits.
It isn't plain sailing as everyone with diabetes knows but feeling a little more in control than waiting for the big result is something we would never have thought about. We have found foods which affect dad and I would have been making these not knowing they needed to be controlled or avoided.
Sorry I made it even longer!
I let so down as it's his ankle so both crutches are back. 
