Diabetes self-tests 'no benefit'

Encouraging people with type 2 diabetes to monitor their own blood
sugar levels may not improve care and is a waste of NHS resources, two studies suggest.
One group of researchers found patients who self-test are more likely to end up depressed than in better health.

Another found self-testing costs £90 extra per patient per year and may
lead to worse quality of life, the British Medical Journal reported. But the government said for some people self-monitoring could be very useful.
Being able to monitor blood sugar levels is very helpful for patients who need to take insulin to control their diabetes.

Full Story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7352321.stm

I can't help wondering if the real issue behind this report
is the 'extra cost'. Can self-testing really make people 'depressed' ?

I heard this item on the news this morning. I was surprised at what it said.

I have been diagnmosed diabetic for 10 years, I self test. I was a bit depressed (just a bit, caus I dont do depression as a regular thing) when first told bit the self testing convinced me that it must be true.

I finally had to go onto insulin on Christmas Eve (What a daft time to start me:lol: ) and it has taken until a month ago to adjust my levels. But they now seem to be stableised.

Being told I am costing £90 a year is depressive, (I cant see me being worth that much) but the self testing is keeping me on top of the world.

Hi Ichthus,
Sorry I seemed to have overlooked this thread, what with
all the 'background' stuff I've been doing lately I seem to
be a bit behind with 'replies' etc.

I'm sorry to hear you've had problems with your diabetes,
but pleased you seem to have it under control now. To be
honest, it is something that I dread the thought of ever
getting myself - as I have bad phobia about needles and
injections.

As for the £90 a year, well, you and everyone else either has
or is still paying toward the NHS in one way or another, so
I'd think that at least some of that money has come out of
your own pocket.