KIT
NOTHING BEATS A
BLOOD TEST
A quick look at a new way of blood testing - subscription
services. By Sue Marshall
continued over
S
self-monitoring of blood
glucose (SMGB) is
encouraged in anyone taking
medications that could
induce hypoglycaemia.
Most of us with Type 1 diabetes are regular
and habitual testers (some of us can even
be called 'super testers'). So, the amount
of sensor strips that you will use can
be pretty easily predicted (allow for few
spares are allowed for extra testing when
going through a rough patch). Depending
on their medication, some people with
Type 2 diabetes are also encouraged to
do their own blood glucose monitoring.
There has been a better developed
(Part 5)
system in the US for these services for
a while now, where you get a meter and
lancing device then a set amount of strips
are sent to you on a monthly basis. But in
the UK, there are two factors against the
uptake of subscription services for blood
test supplies.
First, we expect to get any medically
justified supplies for free from the NHS,
meaning we're unlikely to pay for a
subscription. Second, there is still some
doubt among HCPs as to the validity of
blood glucose monitoring for most people
with Type 2 diabetes.
Finger... Pricking... Good!