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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to expect blood sugar sticks to be available on the NHS.

49 replies

cheshirekitty · 08/02/2009 14:47

As a diabetic I want to keep my toes and fingers for a fair few number of years.

Yet there are loads of us who are unable to get a prescription for testing strips from the NHS. (GP's refuse to prescribe them as they are too expensive).

The DVLA states that diabetics should test themselves before driving. If we do not, and have an accident we will be treated as a drunk driver.

So how are we to keep an eye on our blood sugars if we are not allowed test strips?

OP posts:
Habbibu · 08/02/2009 14:51

My dad's got some machine to do it - does a blood drop test.

Sheeta · 08/02/2009 14:58

YANBU

FaintlyMacabre · 08/02/2009 15:00

They are available on the NHS, for insulin treated diabetics, anyway. My DH gets through dozens per month.(Type 1 insulin treated diabetic)

However, I believe that there has been research showing that for diet/tablet treated diabetes there is no proven benefit to testing so if you are in that category that may be why you can't get the strips.

mm22bys · 08/02/2009 15:25

Can I ask, are you type 1 or type 2?

You need to complain to your GP, there is no excuse to not prescribe you what you need.

If you are on a pump I can put you in contact with some great support.

Also, Diabetes UK may be of some assistance.

(This really is not a AIBU topic, of course you are right to expect blood sugar sticks to be available on the NHS!)

ANamesANameForAThatsTaken · 08/02/2009 15:31

surely you can buy them over the counter?

Original poster
cheshirekitty · 08/02/2009 15:39

I am type 2, but take meds that can make me go hypo.

Yes, can buy them over the counter at about £20 for 50 strips. So if I do as the DVLA say and test myself before I drive, I use at least 2 strips per day. That works out pretty expensive.

OP posts:
sausagenmash · 08/02/2009 15:41

There are many different types of glucose monitoring sticks available in the BNF (British National Formulary). If you are an insulin dependant diabetic - ie Type 1 - you are entitled to free prescriptions, so I'd have a word with your GP. If, however, you are Type 2, as people on here have described, then you may have to pay. Sad but true - many life saving drugs have to be paid for - I'm an asthmatic and have to pay for my inhalers. If you have to pay, it may be worth buying a years pre-payment certificate? You could then get your GP to prescribe the sticks, but then you'd only pay once a year (around £100 but worth it if you continually need prescriptions.)

BONKERZ · 08/02/2009 15:41

Dh is type 1 diabetic and takes insulin and gets these on prescription, he also gets a new machine every year on prescription. He has informed the DVLA of his insulin dependant diabetes and has never been told he has to check his blood sugars before driving. Dh checks his blood sugars in morning and thats it unless he feels poorly.

Original poster
cheshirekitty · 08/02/2009 15:45

Sausage, what I am saying is that GP'S will not prescribe them. I do not mind paying a prescription charge.

OP posts:
ANamesANameForAThatsTaken · 08/02/2009 16:06

do you test your blood or your urine?

Saltire · 08/02/2009 16:07

Well my DB gets them free on NHS, mind you he is insulin dependant

ANamesANameForAThatsTaken · 08/02/2009 16:11

oh my God you're right, they're really expensive to buy

I can see why you just want to pay the prescription fee now. Can you change your GP at all.

Tee2072 · 08/02/2009 16:13

I get them for free on the NHS, along with all my other diabetes supplies. Not sure why you wouldn't. I always have, even before they switched me to insulin.

Of course, I'm in Northern Ireland, might make a difference, I guess.

Original poster
cheshirekitty · 08/02/2009 16:28

Think it depends on GP. When I was first diagnosed I had a different GP. He prescribed me my sugar sticks.

Moved house, new GP. No sticks!!!Was not too bothered, but was put on new meds and my BS dropped to 2.6mmol and I felt awful. (Lucky for me I had some sticks left to test my blood sugar).

May have to stamp my foot a bit.

OP posts:
Sawyer64 · 08/02/2009 16:32

I used to do all the Diabetic Clinics in our practice,and prescriptions were free to Diabetics,which meant i would "prescribe" Blood Glucose sticks that go with the monitor they use,needle prickers(lancets) and Mini sharps bins.This was standard practice.

Tee2072 · 08/02/2009 17:21

I forgot to also say, you might want to write to Diabetes UK, the national organization. This is exactly the kind of fight they like!

mowbraygirl · 08/02/2009 18:28

I am Type 2 Diabetes and get my test strips on prescription from the doctor with no problems. I have just been speaking to my daughter a pharmacist and she said it all depends on your practice some thnk they are not a necessity hence will not prescribe them. How on earth are you suppose to check your blood sugar levels then. Cheshirekitty do you get all your other medication on free prescription I did as soon as I was diagnosed the practice nurse got out the forms and we filled them in and sent them off. I was sent a card to show as the Pharmacy to say I was entitled. Now I am over 60 get them free anyhow.

mowbraygirl · 08/02/2009 18:31

I also agree with Tee2072 get in touch with Diabetes UK they may be able to help you in some way.

heather1980 · 08/02/2009 18:31

they are available on prescription, to medicated diabetics.
if you are diet regulated then they are not free but are still prescribibal, you just have to pay a prescription charge.
it's your gp thats the problem therefore yabu

Original poster
cheshirekitty · 08/02/2009 18:31

Yes I get my prescriptions free. It was not a problem for me until I was prescribed gliclazide, which sends my sugas way down. I am also on metformin. My gp just says I do not need to test when I ask him.

OP posts:
heather1980 · 08/02/2009 18:54

then he's wrong-i'd complain

Original poster
cheshirekitty · 08/02/2009 19:12

Will do. Thanks for all the help and support.

OP posts:
mm22bys · 08/02/2009 20:56

Bonkerz, why on earth does your BF get a new meter every year on prescription?

Now that is unnecessary - the meter companies cannot give enough away - I am sent letter after letter telling me I'm entitled to a new meter, free of charge of course....

mm22bys · 08/02/2009 20:57

Bonkers, sorry your DH.

He's going to get a lecture now - he is being irresponsible, if he had an accident, he would probably end up in jail. He needs to test more than once a day too...

bramblebooks · 08/02/2009 21:15

shocked at cheshirekitty's gp - I can recommend a good practice in Chester if that's where you live!!

My son is T1 and we test 6 - 10 times a day and often through the night if he's too up and down.

Go back to your GP - or change. Talk to diabetes UK to get some backup. It's appalling that your personal health and safety is put at risk because you are not able to self-check.

Lecture alert! People with insulin dependent diabetes MUST check regularly throughout the day to ensure bloods are in range for reasons of personal safety (and the safety of others if you're driving or operating machinery), and to help keep bloods in range to reduce potentially devastating future complications.

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