Diabetes Query

[bobbie22]

Hi.  I have had type 2 Diabetes for over 30 years and take Insulin.   I have a query.   I am finding it so difficult to get a specimen of blood for testing that my Diabetic nurse has told me I should be having one of these plastic "thingies" that go on your arm.    Has anyone got one of those, and if so, can you give me any info or advice please.  Many thanks.

[Buenchico]

Are you referring to the FreeStyle Libre 3 System?
https://www.freestyle.abbott/uk-en/products/freestyle-libre-3.html

If so, this thread (on the Diabetes UK web forum) might be helpful:
https://forum.diabetes.org.uk/boards/threads/libre-3-experience.99551/

[bobbie22]

Hi buenchico.  I think that's the one, but haven't got it yet.   I will look at the diabetic forum as you suggested. Many thanks 

[barry1010]

I had one for a short while and found it easy to use and the information it gave extremely useful.  It helped me understand what food and drinks I really should avoid - and I thought I had a good grip on things before.

I have managed to reverse my Type 2 diabetes so no longer need it but if I were in your position I would definitely use it.

The only thing that I didn't like was the price but I believe they are a bit cheaper now and some people get them on prescription 

[douglas9401]

A friend has one for monitoring blood sugar after major surgery and says it works well with no fuss.

[bobbie22]

Thanks for your replies. I haven't had the monitor yet so hopefully I will get on ok with it 

[Vagus]

I think, but am not completely sure, that only type 1 diabetics get it on prescription, it certainly used to be. It may be that as you use insulin though, as a type 2, you'd get it on prescription too. Worth asking the nurse.

A family member who is type 1 funded himself before it was available on prescription. He reckons it's really improved his control and has been using it for a few years now with absolutely no problem.

[Vagus]

Just checked and apparently if you're type 2 and have to inject insulin you should be able to get freestyle Libra on prescription.

[bobbie22]

The nurse said that she thought I may qualify for a prescription for this as my fingers are so bad that I can't get blood out any more.   I have no idea how much it costs though

[Vagus]

If you're going to get it on prescription, Bobby, then you'll only pay the cost of the prescription. You may also now be entitled to free prescriptions as you're on insulin, I'd look into that if I was you. Type 1 diabetics get all prescriptions free, not just their diabetes care. 

[barry1010]

All type 2 diabetics get free prescriptions, unless it is controlled by diet alone

[Vagus]

I didn't know that Barry, I get free prescriptions anyway because I'm so ancient so I've never looked into it recently.

[bobbie22]

I get free prescriptions because I am ancient too 

[barry1010]

Me too 😁

[Vagus]

'We're justified and we're ancient and we like to roam the land'...😁 (KLF and Tammy Wynette, one of my favourite songs)

 

[anneasquith]

Bobbie, I do think you would find this device very useful. No more finger pricks, more accurate results,   Give it a go, good luck . 

[bobbie22]

Thanks for you reply.  I have to wait until I am referred by my doctor, so I don't know how long it will be before I get this.