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I don’t believe it is accurate to say that glucophage increases the chance for hypoglycemia. I don’t know about the other med you mention.

The strips are an OTC item and do not require a prescription nor are they required for the lancets. The kits to measure the glucose levels are available most anywhere OTC or on the internet. I’m not sure about the insulin, however as it might be a prescription item.

To get some idea of the savings available, 50 strips of the Ascencia Contour strip which I use retail for about $57 at Wal-Mart. However, I regularly buy them from ebay for perhaps $15-$20. Alternatively, the house brand at Wal-Mart is considerably less retail but highly accurate as I have compared the result alongside one another. It might vary a point or two. The best test result is with the A1C test but that is more expensive and typically done with the blood work-up at the doctor’s office. For the average patient it is much easier to do the test at home.

Oddly enough, the highest readings are often in the morning and are known as the “Dawn phenomenon” and readings taken two hours later after meals will show perfectly normal. There has been much literature on this subject by many sources. One can read up on this and become educated on the actual facts.

Regardless, diabetes is a serious problem and could lead to early death from cardio problems; strokes and heart attacks and possibly blindness as the retina is affected as it also is with high blood pressure. I keep a VERY close watch on both at my age, 66, to ensure I don’t prematurely wear a toe tag or have to get about with a white cane.