Blood Glucose Meter Recommendations, Please

[wolf63]

I want to buy a gadget to check my blood sugar. I know that I don't 'need' one but I want to see how much my diet is affecting my blood sugar levels.

I will get fed up with taking the readings after a month or so, I don't want to spend too much money on it. It has to be easy to use (idiot proof).

Can anyone recommend a meter? I went to Amazon to have a look at what is for sale but there are millions of them and I don't know what I am looking for.

[barry1010]

I find codefree from Amazon reliable and reasonably priced.

[wolf63]

Thanks, I bought it, I used the voucher that I got from my brother for my birthday.

There are so many on Amazon and they all look the same, I saw one really cheap one but the delivery date of about a month from now put me off. Any item that comes from China usually has dodgy Chinglish instructions.

[Sqad]

https://www.diabetes.ascensia.co.uk/products/Contour-Plus/

This would fit the bill........in my opinion.

[wolf63]

Your opinion is always appreciated, Sqad.

I was keen to get it asap so I bought the one in Barry's link.

I am curious to see what the readings are, my Metformin had to be decreased due to Kidney Failure. I would have thought that this would affect my blood sugar levels, we will see!

[barry1010]

I was very surprised to find that chip shop fish and chips had an alarming effect on my blood sugar. I can eat home cooked though I don't use batter

[wolf63]

I live within sniffing distance of about six chip shops but I very rarely eat Fish and chips. It always smells better than it tastes.

I tried a low-carb diet but it affected my mental health, which is dodgy at the best of times.

I just feel so ill at times, this morning I was sweating as if I had a fever, shaky and sleepy. I was convinced that I had COVID.

From experience, I know that it was my blood sugar being low. I just want to work out how to avoid it. My diabetic nurse is useless - all she wants to do is lecture me. When I ask her something she doesn't give me practical advice.

[Sqad]

How much Metformin are you taking and when?

We nned to know your blood sugar levels in the morning to confirm your fears.

[wolf63]

They halved the Meformin, from 500mg x 2 twice a day to 500mg twice a day. They halved the dosage. I also take Alogliptin and Gliclazide.

I've never taken my own blood sugar levels on a regular basis. I always get three monthly checks which are deemed to have acceptable results.

I'm going back to see the renal consultant in November, but all she can do is "monitor the situation". I know that kidney function can degrade with age so I am not sure how much of the problem is due to Lithium and how much is due to me now being the grand old age of 59.

I could kill for a bar of chocolate, but I am too lazy to go down to Tesco. Being an adult is hard work!

☺☺

[barry1010]

I would not have been able to control the diabetes without checking my blood on waking, before every meal and two hours after eating.

It is blerdy hard work but it's my body and I'm responsible for it.

I found a low carb diet did not help the diabetes so eat one portion of carbs twice a day, breakfast and dinner.

This forum is very supportive and full of good advice
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/type-2-diabetes.25/

[barry1010]

By the way, I have reversed the diabetes so no longer take the same three drugs you are on. I still stick to eating the right food, though, and check my bloods if I feel the need to, maybe once or twice a month. I still have the blood tests and diabetic review twice a year where I get patted on the head for being a good boy and the perfect patient. I am quite a bit older than you

[Sqad]

I don't want to question your management, but I would like to know youe morning blood sugar levels and your pre-evening meal levels.
My only comment, without knowing your blood sugars , is that it would appear to me that Insulin should be considered.

[wolf63]

I had/have polycystic ovaries and make my own insulin. It is just getting my body to use it that seems to be the issue.

I got early retirement on health grounds, due to bipolar problems, in 2003 when I was 40. My diet has improved a little since then - no longer doing a stressful desk job with an endless supply of munchies.

I get the meter tomorrow and I will take my readings for a week or so and get back to you Dr Sqad.

Thanks to both of you, you have both been very helpful.

♥

[Sqad]

O.K wolf, from what you say, you have plenty of Insulin, but for uncertain reasons, it cannot be utilised.
I now understand and look forward to seeing your blood tests.

[wolf63]

Guys,
I, eventually, worked out how to use the meter (following instructions is not something that I excel at) and have taken three readings.
Date Time Reading
22/09/2022 22:45 11.5 last night
23/09/2022 06:30 15.7 this morning
23/09/2022 13:15 10.5 lunchtime

All three tests were done after not eating for 5/6 hours.

Looking at the booklet the results are okay. Looking online they are very high.

Are they okay?

I am off for some sleep as I am tired from doing nothing much all afternoon - scanning stuff to sell for Oxfam. But I will be back later.

[Vagus]

I think they’re too high wolf.
Pre meal (which all your readings are as you’ve not eaten for a few hours) you really want readings between 4 and 7

[Sqad]

Well...they may be O.K for your body and diabetic management, but for me and my opinion they are far too high.

My advice would be to see your Diabetic Consultant and get his advice. I would not be happy with your medication and those results.

[wolf63]

Are there different types of readings? These are mmol (I think, the writing is tiny).

I have a Renal, Neurology and Renal consultants but no Diabetic one.

[barry1010]

I agree, far too high. When I was on the same three drugs as you and my readings were consistently high, very similar to yours, it was recommended that I start on insulin. I don't have the other health problems that you have to deal with.
Hopefully your diabetic consultant will be of help.

In the meantime, it will be useful for the consultant to know how your body reacts to the food you eat. Boring, but worth doing for a week at least even for one or two meals a day.

Keep a record of everything you eat and take a reading immediately before eating your meal and another two hours afterwards. If you snack in between meals put that in your food diary.

If you have a smart phone, apply for a free 14 day continuous glucose monitor, you may have seen it advertised on TV. Attach it to your arm (painless) and take readings first thing in the morning, before each meal and 2 hours after (and if you feel 'off') with your smart phone. Very easy to use, I found it very helpful.
https://sample.freestyle.abbott/gb-en/freestylelibre/sign-up.html

Something to think about, anyway

[barry1010]

There are different types of readings but you can't confuse the two. If yours were the other sort you'd be dead :D

[Sqad]

wolf...your interpretation of the readings are correct.

Just seek the opinion of one of your Consultants.