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Please Remember: Members are only permitted to share their own experiences. Members are not qualified to give medical advice. Additionally, everyone manages their health differently. Please be respectful of other people's opinions about their own diabetes management.
Test strips
- Thread starter julesb67
- Start date
- Status
Mark T
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
It depends on the GP. Some will give test strips for type 2's and some won't.
You won't find out till you ask!
If they don't then you might have to either buy direct from the manufacturer or via eBay (assuming you trust eBay). Buying from Chemists can be very expensive!
You won't find out till you ask!
If they don't then you might have to either buy direct from the manufacturer or via eBay (assuming you trust eBay). Buying from Chemists can be very expensive!
Northerner
Admin (Retired)
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
All test strips and lancets can be ordered on prescription, the question is whether your doctor will actually see the value in prescribing them. Many doctors believe that Type 2s do not need to test, citing the possibility that high results may make you depressed and anxious, or you may become obsessive. However, I would suggest you have a read of the following so you can build a good case to show you know how to use the strips to learn how to manage your diabetes well and save money by reducing your rsik of future complications. Some people also argue that they need to feel in control and therefore wish to test so they can take action on the results instead of being in the dark until their next clinic or hospital blood test, which may be only once every 6 months.
Diabetes UK's position statement on self-monitoring
Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter
Some people find that self-funding their own strips for a period helps with their case to get them prescribed as they can then present evidence that the tests are being used to inform decisions about food choices, so record everything if you do find yourself having to go down this route - food, carb content and before/after test results. Good luck! 🙂
Diabetes UK's position statement on self-monitoring
Jennifer's Advice and Maggie Davey's letter
Some people find that self-funding their own strips for a period helps with their case to get them prescribed as they can then present evidence that the tests are being used to inform decisions about food choices, so record everything if you do find yourself having to go down this route - food, carb content and before/after test results. Good luck! 🙂
slipper
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Definately try your Dr first. I now have a repeat prescription for 1 box but not sure how often I can put that in. I have bought some from EBay and recorded all my tests in a daily diary to show my DN next time. I hope then I can get a box of strips per month.
Steff
Little Miss Chatterbox
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi Jules certainly do as slipper said and see your GP first, theres loads of type 2s on here who had to go through alot of drama gettig strips unfortunetly some have to go down the route of having to shell out for them.You can also tell us what your meter it is your getting and if any of us have spare then im sure we can help, just another possiblity but hope your GP prescribes them for you.Good luck 🙂
Great
Thanks guys.... I would have thought it would be helpful in the early stages to have them prescribed until u get used to what your doing and most importantly if your getting it right!!! Anyway ill try the gp route!! Watch this space!!!
Jules xxx
Thanks guys.... I would have thought it would be helpful in the early stages to have them prescribed until u get used to what your doing and most importantly if your getting it right!!! Anyway ill try the gp route!! Watch this space!!!
Jules xxx
Copepod
Much missed Moderator
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Just to continue on the theme of efficient use of NHS resources...
Some GPs are as frustrated at restrictions on NHS resources as we patients. Last night I saw my GP regarding an injury suffered 3 months ago - since falling down a cattlegrid while running to put out cycle race signs in the dark, then, I haven't been able to walk properly, straighten of bend knee fully, run, orienteer, kayak etc. I have had to do park patrols on tractor instead of walking etc. At least I can drive, although have only needed to do one long day since, and have managed my normal daily maximum of 10 miles by bike - once I get my leg over the back, it's just about OK. Local procedure is to see a GP with special interest in orthopaedics, which was back in mid Sept; his idea of what "urgent referral" to surgeon means obviously doesn't mean what I think it does, as I will see surgeon in late November. Almost certainly, according to 2 regular GPs, 1 GP with an interest in orthopaedics and 1 physio, it's a torn medial meniscus (cartilage between femur and tibia, nearest middle of body) that needs an arthroscopy and trim, which would be a day case if I didn't have diabetes treated with insulin, but will need an overnight stay before.
GP supported my strategy of not overusing legs, acknowledging the frustration involved in missing sport, confirmed that it was best to take painkillers so I can get to sleep, rather than to do more throught the day, and didn't disagree with my preferences to save NHS resources by reusing lancets and needles, sticking with a cheaper older insulin which suits me and making sure every blood strip counts. I really think he was as frustrated as I was at lack of progress. Probably the only GP appointment I've had in my whole life that was for reassurance rather than treatment, but I really needed it, and feel a bit reassured that the next few weeks aren't going to harm knee too much. Obviously, next stage is the wait between appointment with surgeon and getting surgery, then follow up physio.
Some GPs are as frustrated at restrictions on NHS resources as we patients. Last night I saw my GP regarding an injury suffered 3 months ago - since falling down a cattlegrid while running to put out cycle race signs in the dark, then, I haven't been able to walk properly, straighten of bend knee fully, run, orienteer, kayak etc. I have had to do park patrols on tractor instead of walking etc. At least I can drive, although have only needed to do one long day since, and have managed my normal daily maximum of 10 miles by bike - once I get my leg over the back, it's just about OK. Local procedure is to see a GP with special interest in orthopaedics, which was back in mid Sept; his idea of what "urgent referral" to surgeon means obviously doesn't mean what I think it does, as I will see surgeon in late November. Almost certainly, according to 2 regular GPs, 1 GP with an interest in orthopaedics and 1 physio, it's a torn medial meniscus (cartilage between femur and tibia, nearest middle of body) that needs an arthroscopy and trim, which would be a day case if I didn't have diabetes treated with insulin, but will need an overnight stay before.
GP supported my strategy of not overusing legs, acknowledging the frustration involved in missing sport, confirmed that it was best to take painkillers so I can get to sleep, rather than to do more throught the day, and didn't disagree with my preferences to save NHS resources by reusing lancets and needles, sticking with a cheaper older insulin which suits me and making sure every blood strip counts. I really think he was as frustrated as I was at lack of progress. Probably the only GP appointment I've had in my whole life that was for reassurance rather than treatment, but I really needed it, and feel a bit reassured that the next few weeks aren't going to harm knee too much. Obviously, next stage is the wait between appointment with surgeon and getting surgery, then follow up physio.
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