[princesslinda]

I've been talking to several folks that I know are T2 diabetics and when the conversation gets around to testing, I always ask "how often do you test?"

I'm finding that the majority of those I talk with only test 1-2 times a week!!! and a few "never" test except for the one the doctor does. This was unbelievable to me.

So, I'm asking you all....what is the longest time that has passed without you testing your blood sugar?

For me, i've not missed a day since diagnosis, and usually check 4-5 times a day.

[mzizgayle]

I test a minimum of 3 times a day, on weekends I tend to test more often since we are out and about and I tend to ignore snacks or the hunger feelings that indicate I am going low.

I had mentioned to my new doctor about the other mentioning not testing and he looked at me like I was nuts (well he does think I am lol) but said, it is my only way to know how I am doing and I had better test at least 3 times daily and I have not missed a time. I always do morning and right before bed, and then vary my 3rd time, ex before a meal or after a meal

[larryg]

I test between 2 and 4 times a day. However, if the test results do not determine any change in medication, and the
A1C is stable and low, I think that a case could be made for less frequent testing. Check with your doctor.

Larry G.

[Gordonm]

Originally Posted by princesslinda

I'm finding that the majority of those I talk with only test 1-2 times a week!!! and a few "never" test except for the one the doctor does. This was unbelievable to me.

Those are the people that in a few years when they are having problems or amputations will say, I always took care of myself. Yea right. They do not want to know the numbers because they are always bad and don't want to face the facts. I have no patience with these people. If they do not want to take care of themselves that is their fault. When it becomes a problem they want a magic pill to cure it.
I test anywhere from 8 to 14 times a day. Also a type 1 and on the pump.

[Larry H.]

For myself since I am uninsured, and now have tested fairly regularly for several months I am more confident in doing it some less. Four months ago my fasting readings were in the low to upper 20's.. Now I get them in the upper 90's to low 100's. So as they dropped I am a bit more confident that I can test somewhat less. I changed my diagnosis from type II to Pre-diabetic. I would say that each persons situation may vary depending on what kind of readings they are seeing.
I am most interested in checking several times every couple days to see if things are stable or changing.
Since I have done my reduction though mostly exercise and diet control, I don't have to worry about how medicne may be effecting my readings.

[hannahanne]

My insurance covers a little more than three times a day, and I'm always counting how many strips I have left at the end of the month. I'd test more often if the insurance covered it.

[sweetcheeks]

Well i was testing as much as up to about 6-8 times a day for awhile... now my numbers are on check, and can give up testing so much, i really really prefer to test more often, but I need to try and "save" up some strips, since its close to the end of the month, So i've not tested as much, maybe 1 or 2 times a day.... this really hurts my averages on my meter tho! lol

so now it depends on the day and what I eat etc...

at least once a day but up to about 8.

I do feel that I eat better when I test more, and I wouldnt say i eat terrible when I dont test, but its not as healthy as i would if I did test....


it does bother me, that most type 2 diabetics in this area DONT TEST or test less often! But you know what, its their body, none of my business, I'm gonna be healthy regardless! Who cares what other type 2 diabetics think of me and my "over" testing lol

[ladytaz]

I have gone a couple/few days without testing, but not by choice! It was because I'd ran out of strips and couldn't afford to buy more. I don't have insurance, so it all comes out of my own pocket, and those lil suckers are the MOST expensive part of having D for me!! Before insulin, I normally tested 4 - 6 times a day, now being on insulin, I normally test 6 to 12 times a day, altho for the past week or so, I've been testing less often, trying to make my strips go as long as I can get them to .... I SO wish there was a place that helped with paying for them! I just find it SO unfair to those of us who don't have insurance.

[Jill-O]

Right now, I test 6-8 times a day -- which my doctor said is "too much" but I am doing it because I'm stll learning what different foods and activities do to my glucose levels.

[sweetcheeks]

Originally Posted by Jill-O

Right now, I test 6-8 times a day -- which my doctor said is "too much" but I am doing it because I'm stll learning what different foods and activities do to my glucose levels.

I hate those kinds of doctors

[chaimbu]

My endo recommends that I test every two weeks or so a complete day; fasting at wakeup, before each meal, and two hours after each meal.

This is of course if my levels are under control. When things aren't under control, then she usually wants the same regimen for 3-4 days one after the other.

[lewsterr]

My endo recommended testing at least 3 times per day...first thing in the morning, then before and after a meal. I find that if my diet and numbers stay the same week after week, I'll tend to slack-off a bit with the testing, and test once or twice per day. However, if there's any change in diet, health, exercise, etc., I'll increase the number of daily tests to ensure that I'm still maintaining control.

[MJB]

Usually first thing in the morning and 2 hrs after dinner. I only test at other times if I don't feel right which doesn't happen often.

[kgm0612]

Those are the people that in a few years when they are having problems or amputations will say, I always took care of myself. Yea right. They do not want to know the numbers because they are always bad and don't want to face the facts. I have no patience with these people. If they do not want to take care of themselves that is their fault. When it becomes a problem they want a magic pill to cure it.

I couldn't agree with you more, Gordon! I have a cousin who's a type 2 and tests when "she feels like it". She claims her doctor says she only needs to test "several times a week". She has insurance, so not having coverage to pay for test strips isn't the issue. She'll ask for advice, yet it goes in one ear and out the other. She drives me crazy!

Karen

[mindylee]

My dr said once a day. She said that's all insurance will allow. She did recommend that if I'm eating tried & true foods to skip that day and do more on a day when I'm not as comfortable of what I'm eating. But like she said since I cannot change my meds based on numbers and I know how the food affects me that what's the use in knowing