Strips very expensive

[VBH]

Diet controlled T2s do not qualify for free prescriptions. If you are on any medication specifically for diabetes (i.e. not including BP meds, weight loss meds etc) then you are eligible for free prescriptions.

Getting test strips prescribed is a different matter though, especially after the recent clampdown by PCT accountants. Rather than having the short term costs of test strips, they appear to be more comfortable with the cost of dialysis in the future.

 

[sunflower_harvester]

I've said this on another post but I'm going to say it again as it needs publicising. I used to be a practice nurse so I know this is why there are problems getting strips from some GPs and not others.
basically GPs work on a system where they get paid for providing services so each diabetes check, flu jab, asthma check etc is worth so much money. This money gets paid to the practice so they can improve services (e.g. hire more nurses to do more clinics, training etc.)

GPs are also allowed to pick targets to improve on-waiting times for appts etc. One of these so called improvement targets relates to test strips. Basically test strips are expensive and GPs can now recieve extra payments for cutting down on the number percribed to save the PCT money.

NICE guidelines on blood testing in type 1 is very clear-its a neccesity. However they are a bit more fluffy when it comes to type 2s saying that its beneficial to some but a source of stress for others.

The fluffy guidence from NICE combined with promise of more money for restricitng test strips has led some GPs to the opinion that Type 2s (esp those on diet and/or metformin) don't need to test (i think this is because of the perception that if you aren't on insulin you wont make alterations to your meds so therefore whats the point in testing-this isnt my perception by the way!) and typical short sighted PCTs/GPs dont value that ok test strips cost but they can make people feel in control, lead to better glucose control and reduce the long term cost of complications. Incidentally this is why some T1s have difficulty getting sufficient strips too.

I'm all for the appropriate use of strips on an individual basis (and there are a few people that do overuse-know of someone on diet alone that tested every 1/2 hour at one point through sheer panic- and need some education) but think this kind of policy of restricting availabilty of strips regardless of individual circumstances to save a few short term bucks needs to be publicised as its frankly disgraceful.

Sorry for the essay!

 

[jeanus44]

I would be willing to pay prescription charges for my strips but at ?20 a time its ridiculous. I dont earn a lot of money and no way can I afford those all the time. An exemption certificate should mean what it says!

 

[VBH]

Well said Sunflower. Good summary.

There is another fly in the ointment as well of course. Two of the most recent studies into BG testing including the Farmer one almost seem to have been set up in order to justify restricting test strips.

They missed the fairly basic principle that the results of testing need to be used. The conclusions they reached were that testing for T2s is pointless. Its not until you read into them further that you realise the conclusions should have been Testing for T2s FOR NO REASON is pointless. In both studies, the patients were forbidden from changing diet and lifestyle relying only on changes to prescribed meds.

Which raises the question of why they were testing in the first place.

If the results of testing are used to change diet and exercise regimes then this is very effective in DM management.

However, these studies demonstrated that if you give people the standard diet sheet and use BG testing to encourage adherence to this diet, then people have no significant improvement in A1c, see that there's no improvement and get depressed.

In responses to these studies on the BMJ site, one posted nominated the depression-related study for a "no .... sherlock" award.

Actually these studies give more of an indication that the standard dietary approach does nothing to help BG control. Could that possibly be true? Well lets see.....we've all heard it....

"Sorry, you have diabetes. BG gets raised by carbohydrates. Now go away and eat 30-50% starchy carbs with every meal"

er.....what? 😉

 

[lynwill53]

Hi,
Type two also get exemption cards but dont get enough test strips and have to pay for the extras.
The DVLA say you must test before you drive, maybe they should talk to our doctors.

I filled in the application form for exemption the day I was diagnosed, and received the card in just over a week. I already had a pre-payment card but had I not I could have signed the prescriptions on the back to say I was exempt and not had to pay. If you've stated that fraudulently they'll soon be on your case!!!😱

Not sure if you can claim money back which you've paid when you didn't need to..........

I looked on the DVLA website and they say you only have to inform them if you are taking insulin and at risk of going hypo. I don't think I have that problem yet with BS levels averaging about 14! 🙄 (only diagnosed T2 13 days ago)

 

[goslow]

Hi,
As I'm a T2 on diet/exercise only but over 60 I dont have to pay for strips but my GP has said that testing has to be for a purpose. Been able to get stips up to now but I'll just ask how do you think I got a HBa1c of 6.2 without testing and lowish carbing if he stops me getting them.

However did some research into cost and whilst over the counter strips are about ?25 they only cost the NHS ?14.99 or thereabouts. This is from the NHS online drug tariff and strips are listed under Chemical Reagents.

I use an Abbott freestyle lite, which I got for nothing, and I have been told that if you phone Abbott on 0500 467 466 they will supply test strips at ?14.99.

Hope this helps somebody. Best of luck