Diabetes,Blood testing.
Discussion
Hi,before i start to explain my problem i will add some history to my condition.
I have had type 1 diabetes for 47 yrs and am controlled by 4 injections a day (2 morning,2 evening).I never have hypo's and every time i go for my annual check up my long term blood sugar is 6 and have no problem with my eyes,feet,liver cholesterol and all is good.
My main concern is that i am testing my blood sugars 5-6 times a day as advised by my diabetic nurse as i should'nt drive unless i do one before i set off,the problem is pricking your fingers constantly is a pain (no it really is).
Seeing as have never been admitted to hospital with any hypo's and have no other ailments i was interested in the new Freestyle Libre which is a plaster with a blood testing filament that is worn on the arm and the main advantage is the app on a mobile phone will tell me instantly even scanning my arm with a coat on what my level is.The biggest plus is that it will tell me if my glucose level is going UP or DOWN which other machines don't seem to be able to do.
I asked my diabetic nurse if i could have one instead of what i'm using now but was told that if i was badly maintained and a brittle diabetic who is always in A&E with hypo's then i might qualify which seemed a bit unfair (also the practice will not be willing to get me one prescribed on cost),I have a friend who lives down south and he got his prescribed so seems like a post code lottery and i thought NATIONAL health was national.
I may be able to get the sensors online about £50 each which i can't really afford at the moment and considering the price of insulin that the nhs pays for cost ££££££££ .I know that this post might come across as selfish but i pay my taxes and work and generally pay my way in life
and was wondering if any one else on here has a similar issue.
I have had type 1 diabetes for 47 yrs and am controlled by 4 injections a day (2 morning,2 evening).I never have hypo's and every time i go for my annual check up my long term blood sugar is 6 and have no problem with my eyes,feet,liver cholesterol and all is good.
My main concern is that i am testing my blood sugars 5-6 times a day as advised by my diabetic nurse as i should'nt drive unless i do one before i set off,the problem is pricking your fingers constantly is a pain (no it really is).
Seeing as have never been admitted to hospital with any hypo's and have no other ailments i was interested in the new Freestyle Libre which is a plaster with a blood testing filament that is worn on the arm and the main advantage is the app on a mobile phone will tell me instantly even scanning my arm with a coat on what my level is.The biggest plus is that it will tell me if my glucose level is going UP or DOWN which other machines don't seem to be able to do.
I asked my diabetic nurse if i could have one instead of what i'm using now but was told that if i was badly maintained and a brittle diabetic who is always in A&E with hypo's then i might qualify which seemed a bit unfair (also the practice will not be willing to get me one prescribed on cost),I have a friend who lives down south and he got his prescribed so seems like a post code lottery and i thought NATIONAL health was national.
I may be able to get the sensors online about £50 each which i can't really afford at the moment and considering the price of insulin that the nhs pays for cost ££££££££ .I know that this post might come across as selfish but i pay my taxes and work and generally pay my way in life
and was wondering if any one else on here has a similar issue.
Get your doctor to refer you to diabetology in your local hospital. They’ll get it prescribed.
Are you sure your surgery are up to date with the latest criteria I think it changed not long after Theresa May was pictured wearing one!
If you’re a type 1 I think you automatically qualify have a search on gov.co.uk
I’m type 2 and I got one prescribed, they’re brilliant!
Are you sure your surgery are up to date with the latest criteria I think it changed not long after Theresa May was pictured wearing one!
If you’re a type 1 I think you automatically qualify have a search on gov.co.uk
I’m type 2 and I got one prescribed, they’re brilliant!
I am a type 1, but not nearly so well controlled. Well done to you...
A colleague at work has one of these devices. He was told he got one because he was testing about 8 times a day and the costs balanced out at that level of testing. His averages are fine, but he also had two hypos needing assistance and a hospital visit with ketoacidosis in the last 18 months.
I might also ask, I have had fairly extensive retinal laser treatment, but no other complications at the moment (39 years diabetic). I average around 8.0. Although I only test about three times a day.
A colleague at work has one of these devices. He was told he got one because he was testing about 8 times a day and the costs balanced out at that level of testing. His averages are fine, but he also had two hypos needing assistance and a hospital visit with ketoacidosis in the last 18 months.
I might also ask, I have had fairly extensive retinal laser treatment, but no other complications at the moment (39 years diabetic). I average around 8.0. Although I only test about three times a day.
Thanks for all the helpful replies,as i mentioned earlier it is the ability to monitor if my blood sugar is going up or down which would stop the panic attacks (my diabetic nurse told me that the police have the powers to see what my last blood sugar reading was if anything untoward happened when i was driving!!!!!!! seems a bit extreme as she told me that she has kids and would'nt be good if i was driving unmonitored !!!)
I am permanently in a state of "what if" or "shall i test it again just to be sure" not a good place to be.
Years ago i drove all the way from Lincolnshire to Watford to buy a car and due a huge traffic jam took me 9hrs without my insulin or bllod testing stuff but never knew any different and no panicking or apprehension because this was before the NEW (see above) diabetic nurse started monitoring me.
BTW i have 20/20 vision and being 55 still don't wear glasses.
I am permanently in a state of "what if" or "shall i test it again just to be sure" not a good place to be.
Years ago i drove all the way from Lincolnshire to Watford to buy a car and due a huge traffic jam took me 9hrs without my insulin or bllod testing stuff but never knew any different and no panicking or apprehension because this was before the NEW (see above) diabetic nurse started monitoring me.
BTW i have 20/20 vision and being 55 still don't wear glasses.
Can I get FreeStyle Libre on prescription?
As of November 2017, the Freestyle Libre is available on the NHS in some areas (depending on local approval). You must meet certain criteria to get it on prescription, such as testing your blood glucose more than 8 times a day and having disabling hypos. Ask your diabetes team if it's available where you live.
Copied from the interweb so looks like thats a no no then.
As of November 2017, the Freestyle Libre is available on the NHS in some areas (depending on local approval). You must meet certain criteria to get it on prescription, such as testing your blood glucose more than 8 times a day and having disabling hypos. Ask your diabetes team if it's available where you live.
Copied from the interweb so looks like thats a no no then.
I qualified solely on testing 8 times or more per day (think my average was about 9). Think it was a few months worth of test data they wanted to see to prove that.
ETA I had to raise it with my diabetic nurse who then put a note on my file for my next consultant meeting and its the consultant that can action it.
I've had mine about 6 months and its been great, makes such a difference if you're driving a lot or on the go in general.
Have recently bought a Miau Miau 2 which sticks over the sensor and reads the libre every 5 minutes and sends it to your phone/smart watch via bluetooth.
I've set various alarms up for it to alert me if I'm dropping low or going too high. Can also be set to override your phone's silent mode like at night if you want to be woken when you're having a hypo.
ETA I had to raise it with my diabetic nurse who then put a note on my file for my next consultant meeting and its the consultant that can action it.
I've had mine about 6 months and its been great, makes such a difference if you're driving a lot or on the go in general.
Have recently bought a Miau Miau 2 which sticks over the sensor and reads the libre every 5 minutes and sends it to your phone/smart watch via bluetooth.
I've set various alarms up for it to alert me if I'm dropping low or going too high. Can also be set to override your phone's silent mode like at night if you want to be woken when you're having a hypo.
Edited by andrewrob on Tuesday 3rd December 11:22
andrewrob said:
I qualified solely on testing 8 times or more per day (think my average was about 9). Think it was a few months worth of test data they wanted to see to prove that.
ETA I had to raise it with my diabetic nurse who then put a note on my file for my next consultant meeting and its the consultant that can action it.
I've had mine about 6 months and its been great, makes such a difference if you're driving a lot or on the go in general.
Have recently bought a Miau Miau 2 which sticks over the sensor and reads the libre every 5 minutes and sends it to your phone/smart watch via bluetooth.
I've set various alarms up for it to alert me if I'm dropping low or going too high. Can also be set to override your phone's silent mode like at night if you want to be woken when you're having a hypo.
Such a shame that even well maintained diabetics can't get the sensors on prescription as it would be a win win for everyone and make everyones life easier including the doctors.
I would only require the sensors but at £50.00 for 3 weeks is still costly for me.
ETA I had to raise it with my diabetic nurse who then put a note on my file for my next consultant meeting and its the consultant that can action it.
I've had mine about 6 months and its been great, makes such a difference if you're driving a lot or on the go in general.
Have recently bought a Miau Miau 2 which sticks over the sensor and reads the libre every 5 minutes and sends it to your phone/smart watch via bluetooth.
I've set various alarms up for it to alert me if I'm dropping low or going too high. Can also be set to override your phone's silent mode like at night if you want to be woken when you're having a hypo.
Such a shame that even well maintained diabetics can't get the sensors on prescription as it would be a win win for everyone and make everyones life easier including the doctors.
I would only require the sensors but at £50.00 for 3 weeks is still costly for me.
Edited by andrewrob on Tuesday 3rd December 11:22
cindychops said:
andrewrob said:
I qualified solely on testing 8 times or more per day (think my average was about 9). Think it was a few months worth of test data they wanted to see to prove that.
ETA I had to raise it with my diabetic nurse who then put a note on my file for my next consultant meeting and its the consultant that can action it.
I've had mine about 6 months and its been great, makes such a difference if you're driving a lot or on the go in general.
Have recently bought a Miau Miau 2 which sticks over the sensor and reads the libre every 5 minutes and sends it to your phone/smart watch via bluetooth.
I've set various alarms up for it to alert me if I'm dropping low or going too high. Can also be set to override your phone's silent mode like at night if you want to be woken when you're having a hypo.
Such a shame that even well maintained diabetics can't get the sensors on prescription as it would be a win win for everyone and make everyones life easier including the doctors.
I would only require the sensors but at £50.00 for 3 weeks is still costly for me.
ETA I had to raise it with my diabetic nurse who then put a note on my file for my next consultant meeting and its the consultant that can action it.
I've had mine about 6 months and its been great, makes such a difference if you're driving a lot or on the go in general.
Have recently bought a Miau Miau 2 which sticks over the sensor and reads the libre every 5 minutes and sends it to your phone/smart watch via bluetooth.
I've set various alarms up for it to alert me if I'm dropping low or going too high. Can also be set to override your phone's silent mode like at night if you want to be woken when you're having a hypo.
Such a shame that even well maintained diabetics can't get the sensors on prescription as it would be a win win for everyone and make everyones life easier including the doctors.
I would only require the sensors but at £50.00 for 3 weeks is still costly for me.
Edited by andrewrob on Tuesday 3rd December 11:22
Thanks for that Andrewrob,The problem is my nurse is new school and the latest thing is that i can have a full fry up sausage,tomato,egg,bacon which won't affect my blood sugar if i don't have toast?When i was diagnosed 40+ years ago i had to weigh everything and measure milk and no snacks between meals but her advice just seems wrong to me.
Every exam i have on my eyes,feet,heart,liver,kidneys,keytones,blood pressure is fine but as i'm a long term diabetic she says there must be something wrong with me as using insulin for all that time will produce side effects.
Everyday is a struggle for me as its like an ear worm thinking must be 8+ blood sugar before i can drive or even go shopping,it has only been since i changed doctors that i have had this problem.THERE MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME as how can i be so perfectly controlled..............or so she says,feeling a bit like ozzie osbourne really.
thankyou for replying to posts (rants).
Every exam i have on my eyes,feet,heart,liver,kidneys,keytones,blood pressure is fine but as i'm a long term diabetic she says there must be something wrong with me as using insulin for all that time will produce side effects.
Everyday is a struggle for me as its like an ear worm thinking must be 8+ blood sugar before i can drive or even go shopping,it has only been since i changed doctors that i have had this problem.THERE MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME as how can i be so perfectly controlled..............or so she says,feeling a bit like ozzie osbourne really.
thankyou for replying to posts (rants).
twibs said:
Cindy
intrigued here as you say 4 injections a day...whats your regime ?as in what do you eat carb wise
Hi.in the morning i have quick acting to cover breakfast and a longer lasting for dinner which will see me alright till teatime,before my evening meal i have another quick acting and a longer one to see me through the night as i like to run 11's just to be on the safe side.intrigued here as you say 4 injections a day...whats your regime ?as in what do you eat carb wise
Not sure what my daily carb intake is but if i get a rare high blood reading i go for a walk and lower it that way,i have never adjusted my insulin dosage even when i was unwell with a cold etc.
I did ask about the Libre at a BOOTS store and the dispensing chemist said that her dad had one on a trial and was brilliant but could'nt get one due to not meeting the right criteria.
andrewrob said:
I qualified solely on testing 8 times or more per day (think my average was about 9). Think it was a few months worth of test data they wanted to see to prove that.
ETA I had to raise it with my diabetic nurse who then put a note on my file for my next consultant meeting and its the consultant that can action it.
I've had mine about 6 months and its been great, makes such a difference if you're driving a lot or on the go in general.
Have recently bought a Miau Miau 2 which sticks over the sensor and reads the libre every 5 minutes and sends it to your phone/smart watch via bluetooth.
I've set various alarms up for it to alert me if I'm dropping low or going too high. Can also be set to override your phone's silent mode like at night if you want to be woken when you're having a hypo.
Andrew have you got a link to the MIAU MIAU? I have tried googling to no avail and I think it could be fantastic for my son.ETA I had to raise it with my diabetic nurse who then put a note on my file for my next consultant meeting and its the consultant that can action it.
I've had mine about 6 months and its been great, makes such a difference if you're driving a lot or on the go in general.
Have recently bought a Miau Miau 2 which sticks over the sensor and reads the libre every 5 minutes and sends it to your phone/smart watch via bluetooth.
I've set various alarms up for it to alert me if I'm dropping low or going too high. Can also be set to override your phone's silent mode like at night if you want to be woken when you're having a hypo.
Edited by andrewrob on Tuesday 3rd December 11:22
Thanks in advance
PositronicRay said:
I'm trying to get a freestyle too, quite difficult to hit the criteria when you're well controlled.
AFAIK it's not approved by the dvla, so whilst it'll reduce finger picks they're here for a while.
They're now approved by DVLA https://diabetestimes.co.uk/dvla-approves-cgm-devices-for-driving-with-diabetes-28347-2/AFAIK it's not approved by the dvla, so whilst it'll reduce finger picks they're here for a while.
ODJ said:
andrewrob said:
I qualified solely on testing 8 times or more per day (think my average was about 9). Think it was a few months worth of test data they wanted to see to prove that.
ETA I had to raise it with my diabetic nurse who then put a note on my file for my next consultant meeting and its the consultant that can action it.
I've had mine about 6 months and its been great, makes such a difference if you're driving a lot or on the go in general.
Have recently bought a Miau Miau 2 which sticks over the sensor and reads the libre every 5 minutes and sends it to your phone/smart watch via bluetooth.
I've set various alarms up for it to alert me if I'm dropping low or going too high. Can also be set to override your phone's silent mode like at night if you want to be woken when you're having a hypo.
Andrew have you got a link to the MIAU MIAU? I have tried googling to no avail and I think it could be fantastic for my son.ETA I had to raise it with my diabetic nurse who then put a note on my file for my next consultant meeting and its the consultant that can action it.
I've had mine about 6 months and its been great, makes such a difference if you're driving a lot or on the go in general.
Have recently bought a Miau Miau 2 which sticks over the sensor and reads the libre every 5 minutes and sends it to your phone/smart watch via bluetooth.
I've set various alarms up for it to alert me if I'm dropping low or going too high. Can also be set to override your phone's silent mode like at night if you want to be woken when you're having a hypo.
Edited by andrewrob on Tuesday 3rd December 11:22
Thanks in advance
I'd definitely recommend it. I use it with a third party app called X Drip as its better than Miau Miau's own one. You can set up cloud based logging too although I've not looked into that yet. So your son's phone can upload live data to X Drips Nightscout platform which you can have linked on your phone and pretty sure you can receive alerts for hypos at your end too.
The X Drip app is also quite good at predicting lows so can give you advanced warning sometimes even over an hour that you'll be heading toward a hypo.
I'd recommend the Miau Miau 2 over the 1 as its properly waterproof (can swim with it etc) and the battery life is excellent, I'm on track to get 2 weeks out of it.
Fantastic - thank you
andrewrob said:
Yes this is a UK supplier of them (Miau Miau is chinese) http://mypump.co.uk/miaomiao-2-smart-reader-for-ab...
I'd definitely recommend it. I use it with a third party app called X Drip as its better than Miau Miau's own one. You can set up cloud based logging too although I've not looked into that yet. So your son's phone can upload live data to X Drips Nightscout platform which you can have linked on your phone and pretty sure you can receive alerts for hypos at your end too.
The X Drip app is also quite good at predicting lows so can give you advanced warning sometimes even over an hour that you'll be heading toward a hypo.
I'd recommend the Miau Miau 2 over the 1 as its properly waterproof (can swim with it etc) and the battery life is excellent, I'm on track to get 2 weeks out of it.
I'd definitely recommend it. I use it with a third party app called X Drip as its better than Miau Miau's own one. You can set up cloud based logging too although I've not looked into that yet. So your son's phone can upload live data to X Drips Nightscout platform which you can have linked on your phone and pretty sure you can receive alerts for hypos at your end too.
The X Drip app is also quite good at predicting lows so can give you advanced warning sometimes even over an hour that you'll be heading toward a hypo.
I'd recommend the Miau Miau 2 over the 1 as its properly waterproof (can swim with it etc) and the battery life is excellent, I'm on track to get 2 weeks out of it.
cindychops said:
Excuse me for being dumb but is the MIAOMIAO 2 SMART READER a plaster that goes on your arm with a reader something completely different? When i google it i just get pictures of cats.
Not at all, its a ridiculous name!You stick it or strap it onto the Freestyle Libre. It mimics you scanning the Libre with your phone but instead sends the readings via bluetooth to your phone. So for example if I'm driving I can ask my phone to open the X drip app (which is receiving the data from the Libre via the Miau Miau every 5 minutes) and I can see my current BG level onscreen. Or if I'm rushing about at work and don't realise I'm heading for a hypo it will alert me so I can do something about it before I head toward a hypo.
If you look at this picture the Libre sensor is the disc you can see sticking out under the Miau Miau 2
Edited by andrewrob on Wednesday 4th December 11:27
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