Diabetes Questions & Answers

ok so the blood checker thing that you prick yourself with then put it on a strip then put it in a small thing that looks sort of like a phone i think its a meter but i dont want to be wrong…. ANYWAYS ok i think i want one i have hypoglycemia. do you have to have a prescription for one or can you go to like cvs or walgreens and get one???? also glucose tabs?????? thx!!!!!!!! also do i need a dog tag or bracelet????

Tagged Blood, checker, Question

§ 5 Responses to Blood Checker Question?????……?"

• You Betcha! says:

  May 19, 2011 at 7:45 am

  The “proper” name for it is glucometer. Most just call it a meter though. No you don’t need a prescription for the meter or glucose tabs. The actual meter is pretty cheap, its the test strips that can get expensive…strips for many meters average about $1 a strip, which doesn’t sound bad, but it adds up. You might want to try Walmart to see if they have anything cheaper. A medical alert bracelet wouldn’t be a bad idea, but its up to you if you want one.
• syl c. says:

  May 19, 2011 at 2:42 pm

  If you’ve been diagnosed by a medical practitioner as a type 1 diabetic or hypoglycemic then you should be getting your meter and strips through your medical insurance with prescriptions from your doctor or at the endrocronologists office (diabetic specialists) they give them to you free and also show you how to use them if you are not familiar. You do not have to have a prescription to get glucose meters and strips but it helps as they can be expensive. Medical ID bracelets can be obtained at pharmacy or medical supply stores. If you are a diabetic and suffer from hypos its best to wear one. Glucose tablets can be bought at local pharmacies but eating smaller meals or snacks should keep your sugar level maintained. But if you don’t have the time or the environment doesn’t permit it, its best to carry glucose tablets. Also the camp should be advised of your condition in order for the camp counselors to help you in case of a hypo but I’m sure your parents have thought of this.
  Hope this helps.
• Noccie says:

  May 19, 2011 at 4:01 pm

  You can buy a glucometer without a prescription, but why buy a medical device that you don’t understand how to use or when to use it? You’ll have a lot of data that you don’t understand.
  Why says that you have hypoglycemia? Have you been to an endocrinologist to determine that you really do have hypoglycemia and then find out why?
  You don’t need a medic alert unless you are so hypoglycemic that you pass out. If that is the case then you really have to see an endocrinologist.
  Don’t bother buying a glucometer, the strips and lancets can get quite expensive. If you do have a blood sugar disorder your doctor would just give you one.
• Natalie says:

  May 19, 2011 at 5:22 pm

  You can buy one without a prescription, but they are expensive as hell, and the strips are soo expensive (1 dolllar per use)
  Id definately get a medical id stating you are “hypoglycemic”.
  Instead of buying the meter Id reccomend eating a snack in between meals.
• Jennifer says:

  May 19, 2011 at 9:10 pm

  You can buy all these things over the counter at walmart or any drug store. But if you have insurance its better to get prescription for the meter and test strips, as they are rather expensive.