Test strips for abbots machines

[nicadee]

Hi I am a type1 and have been for over 56years. until recently have had the usual problems with diabetes in having heart problems. in 2000 had a four way bypass operation and although meant more drugs to take felt okay for a further 8 years. I then packed up work because of different reasons including problems with walking etc. but all this time had met a fantastic Diabetic nurse at my local hospital. who got my diabetes back on track and also introduced me to Freestyle Insulinx blood monitor, also carb counter. great little machine. Problem with Abbots they do not support all iMac programs and have reported the fact to them as iMac now use OSX safari, if needed would have to purchase a new laptop in order to run there programs. Now heres the question. My new doctors test new because I have had to move, now tell me that they would not now be able fund my test strips.... as they are dearer than the cheap variety that they prescribe.
So suggestions please on how to get my test strips in order to carry on with one of the best monitors for diabetics... anyone else having this problem... as according to Department of Health they should not....

 

[Copepod]

Welcome to the forum, nicadee.

Many Commissioning Groups are swapping people over to cheaper strips, after issuing new meters. Has your GP issued you with a meter for the cheaper strips? You can explain the extra functionality you get from your Freestyle Insulinx blood monitor. Are you still in the same afrea as the hospital where the diabetes nurse recommended it? If so, can you get the nurse to write to GP on your behalf? If you have moved to a new area, have you been referred to new hospital clinic? If still no success in keeping your system, then try contacting PALS (Patient Advice & Liaison Service) for your area.

 

[Mark T]

I've always manually transcribed my results from my meter because historically I've run Linux which mostly doesn't work with any meter software 😉

However, due to the Abbotts recall of strips for certain meters, my GP has written to all users of Abbotts meters (which includes me) to move them off and onto the GlucomenLX. They admit primarily it's because cost rather then perceived safety issues.

Given that Glucomen (which is the cheaper make, it's strips are £9.95 vs the ~£15 of other strips) don't have any equivalent to the Insulinx hopefully you are able to argue that you do actually need it.

If your GP is stubborn, if yu have a smartphone, perhaps there is a App out there which might help with calculating insulin requirements.