The test strip debate

[Old Holborn]

Went for my 6 monthly review this morning. Everything going well until the DSN asked ?How often do you test?.
?Once a day, everyday before breakfast? I replied.
?Oh, we only want type 2?s to test once a week because we find they can get upset with the odd high reading. What would you do if your reading showed 12 tomorrow.?
?Nothing? I answered ?But if it was 12 or more for a week then I might give you a call to see if I should visit?.
?Keep testing as you are?. She replied.

Review results.
HbA1C down from 74 to 50
BP 120/70
Cholesterol 4.9

 

[Northerner]

Great riposte, and great results! 🙂

 

[PattiEvans]

Went for my 6 monthly review this morning. Everything going well until the DSN asked “How often do you test”.
“Once a day, everyday before breakfast” I replied.
“Oh, we only want type 2’s to test once a week because we find they can get upset with the odd high reading. What would you do if your reading showed 12 tomorrow.”
“Nothing” I answered “But if it was 12 or more for a week then I might give you a call to see if I should visit”.
“Keep testing as you are”. She replied.

In your place I'd have wanted to test at least once a day... but OK.. what would you do if you saw 12. "Oh on a one off I'd do a bit of exercise, like a brisk walk", which would of course reduce the reading.
Or, I would say "well obviously that meal I just ate wasn't good for me and I'd not eat it again or I'd monitor it closely.

Seriously, testing does have a purpose and once a week is next door to useless cos you can't react.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I think this is a major lack of understanding with many HCPs.

They only think of SMBG as being general data collection whereas we see it as part of a program of active management of the condition.

It's not taking a weekly mileage figure to evaluate whether or not you are using your car as much as you did, it's looking out of the windscreen to make sure you don't crash and burn!

 

[Andy HB]

It's not taking a weekly mileage figure to evaluate whether or not you are using your car as much as you did, it's looking out of the windscreen to make sure you don't crash and burn!

I like the analogy ... but perhaps it's more akin to being forced to wear a blindfold whilst driving and only being allowed to take it off every now and then to see where you are going!

Andy 🙂

 

[Mossey]

I like the analogy ... but perhaps it's more akin to being forced to wear a blindfold whilst driving and only being allowed to take it off every now and then to see where you are going!

Andy 🙂

Love it, and the previous analogy

 

[Old Holborn]

Surgery phoned me yesterday to see the Diabetes Doctor yesterday afternoon. So with heart in mouth walked into the Doctor's surgery. Turn's out it was a follow up to my visit on the 3rd. Doctor was unavailable to see me on the day. Everything is fine, she noted the DSN's report on my testing and told me to 'carry on' with the occasional testing at bedtime if I felt it was needed.

 

[Snowyowl]

I was told that type 2 don't need to test. Hmm didn't like that so purchased my own meter and strips and started testing. In one way I can see why I didnt need to test as it could have a negative effect on me, but then again I have been watching my levels for several weeks now and I am finding out what food affects me, which is a brilliant way to find out things, I do have to admit to getting a little disappointed when I see another reading of at least 16. Cannot but help wonder what I have to do to get my BG reading down