Blood sugar monitor - which one to get

[gloriagloria99]

Hi i am pre diabetic and not entitled to a monitor on the NHS. Could anyone recommend one to buy that is very simple to use and not too expensive please? Thanks

This one worked well for me

https://www.freestyle.abbott/uk-en/home.html

The first one I used was supplied as part of the Zoe project. It was brilliant to get me in touch with the impact of different foods on my blood sugar.

This helped me to change what I eat and get rid of a lot of weight Since then, I've self funded one for a fortnight each year to make sure what I am doing is still working.

It's expensive but an initial fortnight got me started. Even if I could afford it, I don't think I would need one permanently once I learned what my body needs. Good luck.

The libre isn’t cheap and isn’t necessary if you’re not on insulin. I’d get whichever fingerprick meter you can afford the test strips for as that’s the ongoing cost. Look on the diabetes uk forum for suggestions of specific ones

Thankyou

I've always used this one, strips are cheap to buy, lancets and cheap to buy and are available in most drug stores including Boots & Superdrug, really easy to use and the whole kit itself is cheap. I've been using it for 2/3 years now, never let me down.

Sinocare Blood Sugar Monitor, Diabetes Testing Kit Safe Accu, Large Memory Capacity Blood Sugar Test Kit with 50 Test Strips & 50 Lancing Devices, for Diabetics Home Self-Testing in mmol/L https://amzn.eu/d/aLydGS4

Codefree Blood Glucose Monitor | Diabetes Monitoring Meter Tester | Blood Sugar Testing Kit with Strips, Lancets, Case - in mmol/L amzn.eu/d/ghXVtS5

Oops! Meant to add that this is the one I've used for years and it's been brilliant.
I have been offered a free trial of a Libre 2 but would need to plan how to get the most from it within 2 weeks. Eat my usual meals and make a record of readings I suppose!
Hope you find something suitable OP.

I don't think there's much difference in the mechanical (prick and strip) ones. I am type 1 and get Tee 2 on prescription but it's only that because some sales rep convinced the GP or whoever decides these things to buy them. I had a different one before at another GP. Bit worked equally well.

If you are still looking I'd ask at local pharmacy. The pharmacist may even have some in store to buy at a reduced cost - some companies will send out monitors on a promotional offer.