Can I insist on a diabetes test to see if i can get ozempic for free?

[Mommasgotabrandnewbag]

Bmi 43 morbidly obese.

I want to try Ozempic but the cost without the 'weight related condition' is prohibitive.

Will a doctor agree to test me do you think? I do have some symptoms but I've always put them down to a love of salt and a weak pelvic floor.

Are you in the uk? I didn't realise it was cheaper if you had a weight related condition. Or do you mean getting it on the NHS?

Perhaps before you insist on anything you could make an appointment with your Dr and say you have some symptoms of diabetes could you have a test?

Have you been tested for diabetes?

Even if you do have type 2, they don't put you straight on the ozempic, I had try 2 types of Metformin 1st

Also there are downsides to the ozempic, it is certainly not the wonder drug that people say it is on tik tok

Yes I'm in the UK. It's on the NHS if you have a weight related condition alongside a bmi of over I think 40? So I would pay the standard prescription price.

I suppose I feel rather conniving only really wanting to know if I have diabetes so that I can pay less for a weightloss product.

It's odd I feel like that because if I DO have diabetes I would be 100% legit.

No you cannot "insist" that a GP performs an unnecessary test to try to save you money.

Tests cost the NHS money. GP appointments cost money. Buy it yourself.

I know it's not a wonder drug. I've done a lot of reading and I feel it could help. I've no issues eating healthy I love all foods but I last about a week on cut portion sizes because I am just so hungry all the fucking time 😭

Ok thanks I didn't realise it was available on prescription here!

As somone who had insulin resistance there's so much value in knowing if you are diabetic or pre diabetic. So I don't think you should feel bad about using nhs testing to find this out.

Also if it turns out you are diabetic and also they want to support with weight loss then it's been a really needed test.

Have you thought about bariatric surgery?

They should feel bad if they're asymptomatic and only using the test in the hope of getting ozempic.

There is no diabetic screening programme in the UK because if every obese person had regular tests it would cost the NHS a fortune. It's by symptoms for good reason.

When you see a GP you're consulting an expert in primary care, not manipulating them into doing the tests you want.

Even if you got the prescription there is none available!

You don't get to 'insist' either

It's not your choice

OP, if you think you might have diabetes symptoms, you could make a practice nurse appointment & ask for a blood test (HbA1c) to test for diabetes.

You are at higher risk of diabetes due to your BMI & many don't have symptoms.

Many of the responses to your OP on this thread are horrendous - sorry you are getting such a hard time.

If you have symptoms, go ask to be tested.

I agree the price of ozempic is fucking hideous at the moment and stocks are low so you may not get it. You will probably be placed on a diet / weight management plan first as well

That's the bit that stumped me too.

I'm currently calorie counting - not morbidly obese, so not sure if that changes things - but when I first started i was bloody ravenous. Of course I was, my body was used to me just shoving food in to it at the slightest hint of hunger.

I don't think you can insist upon anything really OP, your GP will decide upon that.

Giving up after a week is doing you no favours - how much are your restricting yourself in that first week? Perhaps you are going too hard too soon, and need to ease yourself in.
You have to get yourself in the right frame of mind.

Get tested for diabetes if you suspect you might have it. When's the last time you got your hbA1c checked? I do mine every year and keep a close eye on it.

I hope for your sake that you're not a diabetic though, such an awful disease that can affect your whole body, cause all kinds of terrible complications, raise the risk of many other diseases and lower your life expectancy. Your posts almost make it sound like you're hoping to have it?

How old are you? I had an NHS health check a few years ago and my blood sugar levels were checked as part of it. If you are due a health check for any reason you may be able to have it done then.

With regard to reducing portions etc make sure you are eating lots of protein as that will keep you full longer. Cut back on the rubbish carbs. Have you tried low carb? A low carb Bootcamp just started on here this week. You won’t be hungry on that. Or have a look at the free Freshwell app which is great for low carbing.

With your BMI you will possibly be eligible for Wegovy when it becomes available but that’s probably not until next year.

Depending on your doctor it may be worth going in for a chat about your weight anyway.

I pay plenty towards the NHS thanks.

Blame the tories, not me.

If you have symptoms of diabetes and think you need to get them checked out, do that. Diabetes is a serious illness that can result in blindness and limb amputation if not treated.

Everyone costs the NHS way more than they pay in over a lifetime, especially if they've chosen to be obese.

If you think you are diabetic or pre diabetic that's a whole other issue. If you're simply trying to save money then yes you are, in your own words, being conniving.
You won't simply be issued a prescription for ozempic. There are prescribing guidelines and as other PP have noted, you'll be expected to make lifestyle changes and/or try metformin first.
If you think you're diabetic, address that first.

I don't know why people are attacking you, OP. I think you're entirely justified to request a HbA1c test, as is anyone in the overweight/obese category or with a family history of diabetes,

When did you last have blood tests? At your weight there’s no harm in booking a health check with the HCA. It would be quite sensible actually. You could have your BP checked, also bloods to look at kidney function, glucose and cholesterol. Please please please don’t waste a precious GP appointment to pretend you have diabetes symptoms.

You won't automatically be offered it if you are diabetic. My friend almost lost his foot through type 2 diabetes, he's very overweight and has not been offered it. He wants it. But it's never been mentioned. Though he's not actually asked. He tried to het it privately but the online pharmacist refused.

I suppose I feel rather conniving only really wanting to know if I have diabetes so that I can pay less for a weightloss product.

It begs the question 'why do you want to lose weight' because it seems like you don't care about your health at all. Diabetes is a serious condition.

Aren't you delightful? Your mum must be so very proud.

No blame the tories for squeezing this country dry to the point we have to play the system to get help.