[kozar812]

I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It was not a shocker since I had gestational diabetes with both of my kids (youngest is now 5) and I have been tested by my PCP and have monitored myself every couple of months.
One thing my doctor didn't really discuss with me was testing my blood sugars - how often and when. He also did not prescribe me any test strips so I have been using generic ones from amazon - for cost obviously. Should I be testing or not? Should I be referred to a specialist? Should he prescribe test strips for me or is that something that ain't gonna happen?? LOL
When I was preggers, I had to test fasting and then two hours after each major meal. Right now I have just been testing my fasting numbers to save test strips, but I know that I have to make adjustments to my diet so I need to start testing more. My fasting numbers are still high - even with the 500 mg of metformin I am taking. (Numbers were in the 150's last time I self monitored about 6 weeks ago - they are now consistently about 125, but doc wants it closer to 100, obviously).
How many times should I plan to test each day while I am adjusting diet? How many times once I have found what works? Should I continue to use the cheaper test strips or should I call and ask for a prescription? If I call, I would like to be able to tell them I want this amount or whatever. Does the brand of test strip make a difference? Should I splurge for the brand name strips to at least find out how accurate the others are??
I feel so confused about this right now- any advice you all have for me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[dano]

Welcome to the Forum!

Most people test out of bed, before meals and 1-2 hours after the meal. The test strips are meter specific, so you will need to get the strips that work with your meter. Since you are ordering these, I'm reasonably sure that you already know this. The provided threads below will answer most of your questions.

Read through the first three threads in the Type 2 Section, when you get a chance, if you have not already done so. These threads will most-likely help you a lot. Self education is one of the keys to successful management of your diabetes, along with a healthy / sensible diet and exercise. Basically, diabetes requires a life-style change for the better. Good luck with your control and management.

[kozar812]

Yeah - I have strips that work with the meter just not the one touch ultra strips. I can get them but would prefer to have them covered by insurance. I was wondering how many strips can you get covered? Testing seven times a day would mean 200 strips a month. Last time my doc prescribed them for me, he allotted me one a day.

[dano]

Just tell him you want to test x-times per day. He will right you a prescription for them. At least my doctor did.

[kozar812]

Thanks! Good to know! I will call tomorrow!!