Testing Strips & Meters For Type 2s...

[Diabetes UK]

..why aren't DUK concentrating on pushing for clear...objective trials on this issue....

Understandably, this is always such a hot topic when raised in this forum.

It is disappointing when individuals who do not manage diabetes with insulin, are told that testing is not necessary. Diabetes UK do highlight the benefits of testing when newly diagnosed and absolutely agree that tight glycaemic control is beneficial in avoiding complications further down the line. The issue from the statements from NICE, as you have highlighted, come from a lack of clinical evidence.

Our position statement on self-monitoring for adults with type 2 diabetes, confirms that the lack of clinical evidence means that it has not been possible to gather enough quantifiable data to support the argument that testing will significantly improve diabetes management and quality of life. However, Diabetes UK are not adverse to funding research for this.

@Bubbsie - I believe Diabetes UK has had correspondence with you previously on this matter of funding research and we approached our Research Team who stated that, "..if we were to receive a research proposal, with a valid and measureable research criteria, it would be considered for funding and assessed based on the strength of the proposal." This is down to the fact that our Research Team work reactively, considering the proposals which are submitted to them (see Our Approach to Research). The team do not decide what subjects to research, nor do they set proposal. Research studies are submitted and are assessed through an extensive process, based on a number of criteria.

 

[Marsbartoastie]

So a well defined, clear and structured strategy is needed where everyone contributes and a plan of action is developed.

Yep...and DUK has the resources to lead from the front and use the mass lobbying power of thousands of members.

 

[Diabetes UK]

I had the belief that this forum was open to all diabetics irregardless of the type. Aren't we are all in this together and any benefits we can gain are benefits for everyone. .

Absolutely @Vince_UK

 

[Bubbsie]

I think we are all singing from the same hymn sheet, Vince. The differences come, I believe, in what should be done about it. On the one hand, individuals lobbying their own GPs and CCGs, in increasing numbers until there's a groundswell of public opinion working upwards, on the other hand, starting at the top with petitions and lobbying to the NHS or government, to achieve a policy change which will then cascade downwards. I suspect it needs attacking from both ends, until it meets in the middle.

So a well defined, clear and structured strategy is needed where everyone contributes and a plan of action is developed.

Believe we are all singing from the same hymn sheet here...agree with you both...we do need a plan of action...given the ever increasing rise of diabetes we need to be proactive...pushing this matter forward...thank you both.

 

[Diabetes UK]

Yep...and DUK has the resources to lead from the front and use the mass lobbying power of thousands of members.

Exactly, and the test strip campaign is been a major focus of Diabetes UK for some time. Pressuring decision makers at every level and asking the support of people to continuously put pressure on local decision members will help to drive change.

 

[Vince_UK]

Thanks Bubbsie. I just don't see the point of the conflict within a group of people who all, irregardless of state, should share the same goals and be supportive for the common good.
Diabetes is a chronic and life changing condition and we should all remember that. It has certainly changed my life both in positive and negative ways. I cannot for example, just pop into Burger King or a Pizza place on my way home. I have to think and then settle for a tin of sardines, as I have just done, because the alternative just doesn't bear thinking about.
Testing and the associated benefits I have already outlined have played a vital role in my understanding of exactly what condition I have and, more importantly, how to manage it.
I shudder to think what I would have done and where I would be if I had not been able to fund either the meter or the strips.
It would have been like driving down a German autobahn at 200 miles an hour, blindfolded.

 

[Bubbsie]

Understandably, this is always such a hot topic when raised in this forum.

It is disappointing when individuals who do not manage diabetes with insulin, are told that testing is not necessary. Diabetes UK do highlight the benefits of testing when newly diagnosed and absolutely agree that tight glycaemic control is beneficial in avoiding complications further down the line. The issue from the statements from NICE, as you have highlighted, come from a lack of clinical evidence.

Our position statement on self-monitoring for adults with type 2 diabetes, confirms that the lack of clinical evidence means that it has not been possible to gather enough quantifiable data to support the argument that testing will significantly improve diabetes management and quality of life. However, Diabetes UK are not adverse to funding research for this.

@Bubbsie - I believe Diabetes UK has had correspondence with you previously on this matter of funding research and we approached our Research Team who stated that, "..if we were to receive a research proposal, with a valid and measureable research criteria, it would be considered for funding and assessed based on the strength of the proposal." This is down to the fact that our Research Team work reactively, considering the proposals which are submitted to them (see Our Approach to Research). The team do not decide what subjects to research, nor do they set proposal. Research studies are submitted and are assessed through an extensive process, based on a number of criteria.[/QUOTE)

 

[palmoff]

Someone should find out what is the average cost of aputation and follow-up therapy, loss of earnings, cost of amputee on state benefits vs average cost of meter and test strips then present this to the various commissioning groups within the nhs seeing as Money is the driving factor to them.
I'm pretty sure an amputee would be more costly than a diabetic using test strips..
Oh and other things like blindness caused by diabetes, all of which compound cost of mal-treatment of diabetes vs test strips.
Maybe also find out numbers of type 2 having suffered life changing complications as a result of high BG vs type 1's

 

[Bubbsie]

Exactly, and the test strip campaign is been a major focus of Diabetes UK for some time. Pressuring decision makers at every level and asking the support of people to continuously put pressure on local decision members will help to drive change.

Only in respect of those who use hypoglycaemic medication Hannah...so in saying that...there is clearly demarcation here in the veracity of that campaign...those of us non-dependant on hypo inducing medication are directed to the advocacy pack which is limiting...the campaign was not universal in its approach.

 

[Bubbsie]

Someone should find out what is the average cost of aputation and follow-up therapy, loss of earnings, cost of amputee on state benefits vs average cost of meter and test strips then present this to the various commissioning groups within the nhs seeing as Money is the driving factor to them.
I'm pretty sure an amputee would be more costly than a diabetic using test strips..

Precisely palmoff...absolutely no economic sense at all...how ironic if I had let my control slip...if complications set in...my GP could refer me to whatever specialist department necessary without reference to the CCG...when I first saw him...he offered me anti-depressants...again on the second occasion...fortunately I have never suffered with depression...so declined...however on reflection possibly one of the few medications he could justify without recourse to my local CCG...great point you made ...succinctly put...thank you.

 

[Diabetes UK]

The resources from Diabetes UK support that all individuals should have access to test strips, regardless of what diabetes type.
As has been mentioned above - we are in this together and this is a matter that concerns all.

 

[Vince_UK]

Exactly, and the test strip campaign is been a major focus of Diabetes UK for some time. Pressuring decision makers at every level and asking the support of people to continuously put pressure on local decision members will help to drive change.

I therefore have questions and again forgve my ignorance. What is the status of the campaign and what forward steps have been achieved? How is the campaign structured and managed? What success so far?

 

[palmoff]

You never get anywhere with nhs bean counters unless you supply the facts and figures, My own gp suggested I only test once a week on insulin I just reminded him that complications from having BG's in the high 20's could cost him more in the long run, he agreed to let me have 150 test strips a month after that.

 

[Diabetes UK]

I therefore have questions and again forgve my ignorance. What is the status of the campaign and what forward steps have been achieved? How is the campaign structured and managed? What success so far?

I will speak to our Policy & Campaigns team for further information on this for you.
In the meantime, you can read about the campaign here.
And, view our latest report here.

 

[Vince_UK]

I will speak to our Policy & Campaigns team for further information on this for you.
In the meantime, you can read about the campaign here.
And, view our latest report here.

Thanks Hannah and I look forward to further information as I am sure everyone does.

 

[Bubbsie]

Thanks Bubbsie. I just don't see the point of the conflict within a group of people who all, irregardless of state, should share the same goals and be supportive for the common good.
Diabetes is a chronic and life changing condition and we should all remember that. It has certainly changed my life both in positive and negative ways. I cannot for example, just pop into Burger King or a Pizza place on my way home. I have to think and then settle for a tin of sardines, as I have just done, because the alternative just doesn't bear thinking about.
Testing and the associated benefits I have already outlined have played a vital role in my understanding of exactly what condition I have and, more importantly, how to manage it.
I shudder to think what I would have done and where I would be if I had not been able to fund either the meter or the strips.
It would have been like driving down a German autobahn at 200 miles an hour, blindfolded.

I agree Vince.

 

[Bubbsie]

The resources from Diabetes UK support that all individuals should have access to test strips, regardless of what diabetes type.
As has been mentioned above - we are in this together and this is a matter that concerns all.

I hope so indeed Hannah...however I have never seen any evidence of that in the recent campaigns...or the responses to previous questions on this topic...I want to be included in the diabetes equation...along with all the others asking for the necessary equipment...nothing more.

 

[Greymouser]

Sorry GM...not quite sure what you mean by that...been a long day for me already🙂...give me a heads up?

I mean: copy and paste it right here in the forum, rather than people having to ask you. If it is just a passing random person, too shy to post, they will miss excellent advice otherwise. Unless of course you have already posted it somewhere and I have missed it.

 

[Bubbsie]

I mean: copy and paste it right here in the forum, rather than people having to ask you. If it is just a passing random person, too shy to post, they will miss excellent advice otherwise. Unless of course you have already posted it somewhere and I have missed it.

With you now Greymouser...however want to have some degree of control of it...who has access to it...want to ensure they are registered members.

 

[Greymouser]

With you now Greymouser...however want to have some degree of control of it...who has access to it...want to ensure they are registered members.

Sorry I do not understand, if you posted it, it would show on search engines too. Nevermind, I too will not ask again.