Blood glucose meter recommendations.

Dave has been told by the diabetic nurse that these are only given on prescription to those who are type 1, but that it was possible to be given the lancets on prescription.

Are they all the same regardless of price? Is there anything in particular that we should avoid when buying one? Do we need a sharps bin to dispose of the lancets?

Is he type 2? If so I would ask again and state that I have one - and they are happy to give me one at my practice - ask why there is such inconsistency and don't they want to help us... i.e. make a bit of a fuss and say it's just for a while or something.... put some pressure on and see what happens.

I think it may be a practice thing, rather than general NHS one. His mum is also type 2 (at the same practice) and bought her own meter, but gets the lancets on script. He has to see Dr soon anyway, so may get him to ask again. Would be a lot easier for us if he could monitor it at home as and when needed.

Hi Shona,

No all the test strips are different prices and very pricey which is why the GP's like to look after their budget!

Personally I don't test that much unless I have a cold or virus of some sort and then I know my bloods go up. The trouble is with Type 11 and if you are on tabs ...what can you do when yr bloods go up.......short answer nothing except worry maybe.

I don't often agree re testing except when I hear type 11's testing willy nilly and they are diet controlled or just on metformin because ther really is no point...that is what the 3 or 6 month HbA1c test is for...and if they are only getting 12 month test demand a 6 month one!

There are many free offers of meters around. join Diabetes UK and the mag invariably has a slip to send away for a free meter and you just ask yr GP for the strips thereafter, but if only tabs, don't test too much and they should be happy with that.

Give you a clue how much the strips are...around £16 for NHS to buy for 50 strips

Re sharps bin.... I guess you should really but they are mega cheap, disposal of is the only problem but yr helath centre should take it for you but will probably last for 50 yrs or so unless yr testing 4-5 times a day

If you want to buy one ..ask Boots

Take care and any other queries on that....I'll try to answer them but on hols for the next week

Take care
Nick