Slightly OT: recs for blood glucose testing device

Haven't posted in forever, all is well with me and my machine, except my AC1 has gone up a bit and my doc has put me on Metformin (500 mgs). She didn't say anything about getting a glucose monitor but after three weeks on the drug I'm often dizzy or lightheaded when I stand up after sitting for an extended period (like at work or after an hour or so behind the wheel), and I'm not comfortable waiting til my next visit with her in two months to see what my number is.

Can you recommend an inexpensive/easy to use blood glucose monitor that I can buy myself?

Thanks

Ellen

Freestyle has one called Neo that you can get over the counter without a prescription

Have you looked at a home BP device? I think that may well be your problem as Cpap is known to lower BP and the Metformin may be doing a similar thing apart from dealing with blood sugar.

Store brand glucometers are often an economical choice--and any meter and strips can be purchased without a prescription.
If you have insurance, the prescription is required. Otherwise compare OTC strip prices before committing to a meter.
With your symptoms, you might want to check if your insurance/doctor can help.

chunkyfrog wrote:Store brand glucometers are often an economical choice--and any meter and strips can be purchased without a prescription.
If you have insurance, the prescription is required. Otherwise compare OTC strip prices before committing to a meter.
With your symptoms, you might want to check if your insurance/doctor can help.

Exactly, The cost comes from the strips, My favorite is ONE TOUCH ULTR, but I also use ACCU-CHEK AVIVA PLUS. Any major brand works fine.

Sounds like a low blood pressure problem to me. I take the same med, never had that problem in 25 years. This year I had a little problem with dizzy on waking up, but for what is going on with me that's to be expected, I jist set on the side of the bed until it goes away, (30 sec).

Many times you can get the machine Free with a script, and or Dr. note. like I said they want to sell you the strips... Jim

Google them for special deals.

chunkyfrog wrote:Store brand glucometers are often an economical choice

Walmart has a store brand too. I have also seen the Neo, it was about $30 for the meter and test strips while they wanted $72 for 100 test strips (just strips but a diff brand) w/o insurance; w/Medicare and a script it was Zero$.

LOL, sounds like the strips are similar to the toner cartridges for the laser jet I use at work.....or razor blades.....

I take Lisinopril for hypertension, my BP has been well regulated with it so far. You think I should mention to doctor? It's not debilitating but it's uncomfortable, especially when I'm at work, shopping, etc. Work acquaintance who is an RN said just get up from a seated position slowly...

Two things... yes tell your MD if only for the record. Low BP has its own problems and you should at least be checked. The second thing is that Lisinopril causes coughing in many people and interferes with Cpap use because of it, so if that shoe fits...

Goofproof, I also use Accuchek Aviva Plus test strips, but in an Aviva Connect meter.
This brand is rated most accurate, but is also very spendy. [Awesome app, BTW]
Medicare and my Plan B supplement cover my test strips, 100%.
It is logical for insurance to cover diabetes testing supplies, since it can save them the big bucks.

ellen1159 wrote:sounds like the strips are similar to the toner cartridges for the laser jet I use at work.....or razor blades.....

Exactly so it might be prudent to get a script.
If you want or need them now just pick up the least expensive. In fact, most Drs offices will have FREE starter packs you can get - so do ask. They only have like 10 or so test strips but then you need to buy their over priced strips. But 10 may get you want you need - an idea what is going on.

If the doc prescribes it, you should be able to get a glucometer, lancets, and test strips under your health insurance. If you are taking medicine for that, (s)he should prescribe it if you ask.

Hi Ellen,

I don't have a glucometer recommendation but you might want to check this site out regarding metabolic issues.

https://lowcarbrn.wordpress.com/diabetes/

Many folks in this situation have found that by going on a high fat, low carb diet, they don't need any medicine. Of course, your mileage will vary and check with your doctor.

all meters/strips are accurate enough, relion from walmart etc work out the cheapest.

it sounds more blood pressure than glucose or metformin. go back to your doctor.

for diabetes and any help getting your weight right...
. I would cut the Sugars: including fruit/juice. Cut Starches: including breads, pasta, rice, potato etc. Eat lots of low carb vegetables, salad, moderate protein and add healthy fats.. Use a home blood test meter, to see what will work.

This gives a simple overview to how it works for me. The more carbs I eat, the more carbs I want. They don’t give up easy and it’s biochemical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEayi6I ... D8&index=6

more info on low carb
http://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb

what to expect the first week, besides being hungry for the first 2 days, then it stops
https://www.verywell.com/getting-throug ... ek-2242037

you may not need to go this low, but it will help you see what a meal plan is.
http://au.atkins.com/new-atkins/the-pro ... ction.html

As others have pointed out, go for the least expensive strips. Relion from Walmart is about the least expensive but a PITA in my area. There's no walmart in my town, but two are fairly close in nearby towns. But they keep the strips behind the pharmacy counter and there are always long lines. One day, after waiting 20 minutes in line, the pharmacy tech closed the only window just as I got up to it (and many people behind me) for lunch. Grrr! So I got a True Result meter for very little cost and buy the strips online at a reasonable cost--not as cheap as Relion, but no annoyances.

Your doctor didn't suggest a glucometer because they don't know how to tell you to "eat to the meter". They don't even get that what you put in your mouth has an impact on your blood sugar and more importantly insulin levels. So here's how:

You can get a fasting blood glucose reading when you first wake. A truly normal fasting blood sugar level is not just below 100--it should be in the mid 80's or less.
Your blood sugar should be around mid 80's before a meal. Then take your BG readings at 1 and 2 hours after the very first bite. It should be well below 140 at 1 hour and 120 at 2 hours. By well below, I mean that normal blood sugars after a meal are in the 90's and back to the 80's or less by 2 hours. Keep a food diary, and write down your post meal blood sugars, and you can get a feel for what shoots your blood sugar up. Generally it's going to be carbs--grains of any kind, starchy foods, fruits and anything with sugar. Avoid anything that says "diet" "Lite" or "low fat" or "gluten free" because they inevitably replace fats and gluten with starches and sugars. If you want to keep your blood sugar in a normal range, cut back on those foods.

Eat more real foods, processed foods have hidden carbs. Eat real fat (not processed oils like canola, vegetable oil, soy). Butter (Never margarine!), cheese, sour cream, avocado, olives and olive oil, animal fats are all real sources of fat our ancestors ate until the last century and did NOT develop diabetes and heart disease. Your meter will show you that they don't raise your blood sugar (though some people are sensitive to dairy). Eat non starchy veggies (generally anything that grows above ground--Produce, not product. Fruits are not ideal, a small serving of berries occasionally is fine (with unsweetened whipped cream it's divine!). Eat a reasonable amount of protein--meat, fish, eggs, cheese.

There's a wonderful resource here: https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb

The carbohydrate guidelines from the American Diabetes Association are ridiculous!
My only guess--they are designed for Type 1 only, not Type 2 with insulin resistance.
---Or they are calculated to sell a heckuva lot of insulin.