Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Read our frequently asked questions about the Type 2 Testing Program.

What is the Type 2 Testing Program and how does it work?

The Type 2 Testing Program is a subscription program where you receive test strips and lancets by post which you then use to test your blood glucose in order to self-monitor your diabetes and understand how food, diet, lifestyle choices and illness can all affect your blood glucose.

When you sign up for the Type 2 Testing Program, you receive a free blood glucose meter and subscribe to receive test strips each month, quarter or year. By seeing the effects of food, lifestyle and illness, you should be able to make lifestyle choices which can help to reduce your average blood glucose levels and HbA1c.

The benefits of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in type 2 diabetes highlighted in research papers include:

  • Better understanding of diabetes/more control
    SMBG can help you to understand how your blood sugar levels respond to the food you eat, thus allowing you to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments needed to achieve your blood glucose targets and take control of your condition.
  • Reassurance & motivation
    SMBG offers instant results and continuous feedback, which can be both reassuring and self-empowering.
  • Diabetes regression/remission
    Improved blood sugar control through SMBG and subsequent informed diet and lifestyle choices could put your diabetes into remission, which may allow you to come off any diabetes medication you're taking.
  • Avoiding complications
    Better blood sugar control can mean a considerable reduction in HbA1c levels, which in turn, lowers the risk of developing both macrovascular complications (including heart disease and stroke) and microvascular complications (including eye, kidney and nerve damage) of diabetes.
  • GP assistance
    SMBG can help GPs make informed decisions based on their patient's results. For example, if you're experiencing hypoglycaemia (abnormally low blood glucose levels) once or twice a week, your doctor may decide to reduce a dose of a particular drug or switch you onto a different medication.

Will my health improve by testing my blood glucose?

There is growing evidence that self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is hugely beneficial for individuals with type 2 who are not treated with insulin.

This evidence is based on studies that show SMBG can assist type 2 diabetics to better understand their condition and provide a means to actively and effectively participate in its control and treatment, and should therefore be considered as part of their ongoing diabetes self-management education.

You should use the results you obtain from your blood glucose tests to make lifestyle changes, if required, to help maintain blood glucose levels within recommended ranges.

Two large-scale studies - the UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) and the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) demonstrated that improving HbA1c by 1% (or 11 mmol/mol) for people with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes cuts the risk of microvascular complications by 25%.

When should I receive my blood glucose meter and/or test strips?

You will receive your free meter and test strips/lancets within 5 days of placing your initial order.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we do - just choose your country above, which you can find at the top of the page.

What is VAT exemption and how does it work?

The Type 2 Testing Program has been specifically designed for use by persons who have diabetes, which is classed as a disability by the Government.

HM Customs & Excise rules allow these products to be purchased by the customer at a VAT exclusive price as long as they are purchased by or for a disabled or chronically sick person. The goods must also be for personal or domestic use only and must be applicable to that person's disability or sickness.

For full details on this relief please refer to HM Customs notice 701/7 VAT reliefs for disabled people.

If you are eligible for VAT relief, please request VAT Exemption when you receive your order confirmation. You will be taken to a VAT declaration that you must complete to ensure we comply to HM Customs & Excise requirements about your situation.

Please note P&P is not exempt from VAT.

I have a question that isn't answered here?

Not a problem, please contact us at contact@type2testing.com and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.