Unfortunately there are;

- people who just want free stuff
- people who get freebies to flog on eBay
- people who are hypochondriacs

You get all sorts on HUKD.

The problem is there are only a set number of meters available so if someone who isn't diabetic applies then someone who actually needs a new meter won't get one.

This is the machine http://www.diabetes.co.uk/blood-glucose-meters/bayer-contour-next.html

EDIT: The link in this post is just to see a review of the product, not the link for the free meter. Use the link in the OP for the application form, not on the link in this post.

Why on earth would I apply if I am not?

It's beyond my comprehension why someone would want to have this gadget, my brother would love not to need it :laughing:

It's a PRIZE DRAW anyway, and not a general freebie:

Do you have a link for that?!

This is for the upgrades, and I see no mention of 50 or a prize draw on the email





It does say subject to availability but that's standard.

I know what you've done, you've clicked the link in post #1 which was just meant as a link to a review of the product.

You need to click the link in the OP and you'll get to the upgrade form.

EDIT: I've clarified it in post #1 now.

Just use the link in the OP.

Not sure all of that is true. For starters if you are diabetic, then you'll get a free meter from your GP. These pharmaceutical companies give free meters all the time as the real money is made in the consumables, i.e. lancets and blood test strips. As it is now most CCGs (Clinical Commissioning Groups), have standardised on one specific meter, so getting one of these is pointless. I doubt there is a limit on getting one of these, as in the past I ordered a free USB meter, way beyond the time limit given and I still got one. I only stopped using it as I was given the borough wide standardised ones. :disappointed:

That isn't entirely true either. Many GPs won't give a free meter unless you are type 1 diabetic. They seem to think that type 2 diabetics have no need to test. My GPs say they will not give a meter to any type 2 diabetics.

Doesn't surprise me. I'm Type 2, at first even though my GP gave me a meter, after a short while became reluctant to issue me test strips and was extremely vague about how often I should be testing. I see the local Diabetic team now instead.

It must be different for each NHS local authority funding as my brother is allowed to request any of the major brands' testing strips. He's changed a few times, first time he changed because the freebie one from the GP required more blood on the strip than the more up to date one he bought. Then he changed to another brand as he wanted the 90 day memory and to link it to a computer. He's had no problem at all changing prescriptions with his GP.

A few friends have changed over the years, but they're all type 1 diabetic.

The only friend who wasn't able to change testing kit was one who has an insulin pump & he has to have a specific tester which is linked via Bluetooth to the pump. The pump has been life changing for him, absolutely amazing!

Interesting article
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23514725

Anyhow, hopefully this post will help someone.

Yeah, it seems in my borough the NHS/CCG are looking for cuts wherever they can. Seems to be happening in the surrounding boroughs too, according to the Diabetic nurse. The meter they now supply is very basic and the QC (Quality Control) of the lancets leave a lot to be desired. I was previously using a USB one, which I got directly from Bayer and was the best I had, and as your friend found, it required less blood. Also a bonus was if there wasn't enough blood rather than give an error and waste a test strip, it would just ask for a top up. Something that no other one I've had could do, and I've had four different types.

I would definitely recommend going to a doctor or seeing your diabetes specialists to get one of these:
https://www.accu-chek.co.uk/data/uk/mobileoffers.html?execution=e1s1
I got one when they were offering them free and it has really changed the way I test my blood glucose.
It has 50 strip drums that are inserted into the machine, so you don't have to fiddle with strips everytime and the needle pricker has a reel of 6. So you don't have to change until you have used 6 needles (you can switch through the needles using a clicker).

Really can't recommend it enough for diabetics. No doubt this machine is also good, but the Accu-Check one is by far the most convenient I have found.

​I know what you mean. My other half would dearly love for his pancreas to work but then I think someone must have known he'd have ended up a shut-in had he not been type 1.

Boyf has this one (Accu-Chek Mobile) and he absolutely loves it - gets great reviews on Amazon and forums when comparing meters for reliability and ease of use.

I would apply for this on his behalf but he really is happy with the one he has.

x100 ordered. Hello eBay.

I was actually wondering yesterday if I was having a Hypo, got very shakey having not eaten lunch.

I think I'll have to try that :smiley:

I use that one too but I have found the refills expensive(can't get from my GP). It is cheaper for me to buy a new meter each time. Our local ASDA (Southbank) have them for £17.

That seems stupid, Do you not get free prescriptions as a diabetic?

Yes, but they told me I cannot get a meter or strips on prescription unless I am type 1 diabetic.

This was sent to me by boyf (who is Type 1) and I understand if mods delete this - it's nothing to do with either of us, just thought it was a good cause.

A petition to make Freestyle Libre Glucose Monitoring System available on the NHS (saves painful pricking) https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/freestyle-libre-on-the-nhs (seems it might be on there quite a while as it says "2015"!).

Put my name in the hat anyway :smiley: