Which tester should I buy???

[tomm181]

Hi All

After loads of faffing & difficulty getting test strips on prescription I have finally been told that the PCT in Hounslow Middlesex will not give test strips on prescription to those on Metformin only! This has been the case for 3-4 months I am told! Great - I have done really well to get my levels down from 20.9 in May to my second consecutive ha1bc of 5.4 last week ? I have worked hard & am getting to the point where I may be able to reduce my Metformin dosage, but don?t want to if I can?t test. I have to say that the testing has really helped from motivational point of view!

We?ve all heard the arguments about what a short term view it is etc etc but?nothing I can do about it so I am told!

I am also about to try a homeopathic method of control, by putting a specific mix of herbs in my porridge every morning & I need to be able to monitor these results, so I have decided to buy a tester. I could continue with my Accu-Chek Mobile but at ?45 per cassette of 100 which is expensive and I will not use all 100 tests before they go off, seems a terrible waste. The GP offered to get me those on private prescription which I think he said would be ?31.

I have been to a chemist in Maidenhead, near where I work and the diabetic T2 pharmacist who I met, apart from gloating 😱) that he can still get test strips on prescription, offered to sell me a machine that was much more reasonable. Before I go for that I just wanted to get any comments & advice from you guys?

Post code lottery again?

 

[Northerner]

All meters have to give results within a range of +/- 10%, so the actual results you get from one will be pretty much the same as another, so if cost is the major consideration you might want to try the SD Codefree Meter which has test strips that are around ?7 for 50.

Alternatively, you could get a free meter from Abbotts http://www.abbottdiabetescare.co.uk/free-meter-signup - but you will pay more for the strips.

 

[LeeLee]

My GP gave me a Microdot in January. I've managed to get one prescription for strips so far. Like you I'm a T2 with good control on metformin. I asked about the price of strips in Boots in case I end up having to self-fund my peace of mind, ?18 for 50.

 

[PattiEvans]

My GP gave me a Microdot in January. I've managed to get one prescription for strips so far. Like you I'm a T2 with good control on metformin. I asked about the price of strips in Boots in case I end up having to self-fund my peace of mind, ?18 for 50.

If you really HAVE to buy in Boots then remember that as a diabetic you do not have to pay the VAT and they should have the relevant forms for you to complete so you don't.

However generally speaking it's cheaper to buy direct from the manufacturers who often don't even change P&P and don't charge VAT as a matter of course. Abbott (who Northie gave the link to) will supply either of their test strip types for approx ?15 per 50 direct. Some other manufacturers such as CaresensN will supply for ?12.75 but I'm not sure how much their meters are, they used to give them away free. Just google CaresensN. Alternatively look up the Codefree online and see if they will supply direct.

 

[robofski]

I've found Ebay to be quite cheap for test strips too (Accu chek mobile 100 for ?25)

 

[DeusXM]

If you want a meter, just ring up the manufacturer and ask for one. Most of them will be happy to supply you one free of charge as they make their money on the strips, not the meters.