Testing for Type 2s

[GlucoseGary]

Hi All, question prompted by the Testing Strips thread which relates more to Type 1s, so thought I'd plough a new furrow for the AODers.

1. What is your GP's attitude to testing?
2. Do you test?
3. Do you get test scripts on prescription?

1. My GP told me testing was a waste of time.
2. I'm a geek who needs to feel in control, so I went with the advice here (and everywhere else I can find where it comes from actual diabetics) instead and got a meter. After a lot of testing early doors, now just check each morning and after unusual meals.
3. No chance! Luckily I can afford to blow a fiver or more a week but resent having to.

 

[Newtothis]

Hi All, question prompted by the Testing Strips thread which relates more to Type 1s, so thought I'd plough a new furrow for the AODers.

1. What is your GP's attitude to testing?
2. Do you test?
3. Do you get test scripts on prescription?

1. My GP told me testing was a waste of time.
2. I'm a geek who needs to feel in control, so I went with the advice here (and everywhere else I can find where it comes from actual diabetics) instead and got a meter. After a lot of testing early doors, now just check each morning and after unusual meals.
3. No chance! Luckily I can afford to blow a fiver or more a week but resent having to.

Hi Gary, welcome to the Forum. I myself was diagnosed in August; GP and DN advised against testing and wouldn't prescribe tester/strips but to be honest, like yourself, I needed to take control so bought myself a tester; best thing I did - although buying the strips is expensive its worth the comfort of knowing the effect certain foods have on my body. Have a look on Ebay for the strips, you can get some good bargains.

If you have any questions then please ask; the guys on this site are amazing.... Amanda x 🙂

 

[Steff]

Hi Gary,
1.My GP has not had any issues, i have had no bother getting strips from my doc, the issues i have had are from snotty staff when i go and pick up my strips at the chemist

2.Yes I test its the pinnacle for me to help me understand what food cause me issues and which are fine etc etc

3.I test 3 times a day ,unless im ill or have happened to suffer a hyper(rare thees days)

 

[grufflybear]

My GP seemed to respond to my own action - when I first saw him at diagnosis he discouraged me from testing but did give me a prescription for a limited supply - I supplemented the strips by buying extra myself without a prescription.

When I went back after 6 months and the result of my Hba1c and obvious attention to weight and diet and exercise he was much more enthusiastic and gave me a further prescription - seemed to need convincing that I would take my condition seriously and make good use of the testing supplies.

 

[Andy HB]

1. My GP is pretty relaxed (but mainly because I only use a pot of 50 strips a year).

2. I test around once per week (there's a surprise).

3. So far, yes. But my previous two pots were self-funded because I assumed the GP wouldn't prescribe them (silly me!!).

Andy 🙂

 

[traceycat]

hi gary

1. my gp has never had an issue about me testing or giving me my strips an lansets

2. i test once or twice a day unless i feel ill i would test more often, i like to be in control an know what foods do or dont make me go high.

3. yes i get them on precription.

 

[AndyS]

Hi Gary

1. What is your GP's attitude to testing?
2. Do you test?
3. Do you get test scripts on prescription?

1. She's quite keen that I test regulary. We are struggling to bring my levels under control. My last Hba1c was 9. I'm type 2 on Victoza, Humalog and Glargine (metformin too)

2. Yes regulary, at least 3-4 times a day.

3. Yes 100 (2x50) a month

Regards

Andy

 

[emanuelfulghum]

i have had no bother getting strips from my doc

 

[Mark T]

1. Don't know - I've never spoken to her about it. I haven't actually seen a GP since my diagnosis. But she signs off the prescription forms so must be OK with it.

2. Yes, usually a couple of times a week

3. Yes

 

[GlucoseGary]

1. Don't know - I've never spoken to her about it. I haven't actually seen a GP since my diagnosis.

Wow, I thought my GP was hopelessly slack!

 

[Mark T]

Wow, I thought my GP was hopelessly slack!

To be fair to my surgery, they have a Nurse Practioner who handles all the Diabetes patients for the GP?s. So you see her instead of the GP?s and she speaks to the GP?s and gets things signed.

It?s actually a fairly good system since it?s much easier to get an appointment with the Nurse then it is to see a GP, let alone a specific GP. I haven?t actually seen my GP in over 3 years. Generally if I need to go see a GP I get an appointment with the first practice member available rather then waiting for the GP who is listed on my medical card.

The Nurse Practioner is open to testing for me at least, initially because they were confused about what type I might be and then later once they figured I was a Type 2, she was still supportive because it could be seen that I was doing something useful with the strips.