Diabetes Testing Supplies

In the US, I had a diabetic cat, now with my ex, and I bought his testing supplies--glucometer, blood testing strips, urine tests for glucose and ketones--at the local pharmacy.  These are the same supplies diabetic people use to test themselves. Since I have a strong history of diabetes on both sides of my family, every once in a while I would test myself just to check that I was OK.

Can I buy these things at a pharmacy in the UK just by asking for them, or do I have to get a prescription or some type of recommendation from a doctor?

Testing is so easy and I have five years experience with my cat, so having to make a doctor's appointment to check for diabetes seems like such a waste of time, especially since I have no symptoms.

I didn't read this properly and went off to get you the link for veterinary supplies LOL!

Well in case anyone ever needs it or needs to get their pets prescriptions cheaper, hey presto
http://www.vet-medic.com/Hierarchy_Products.aspx?strGrp1Code=CATDOG&strGrp2Code=DIAB&strGrp3Code=

OK, the answer is that you can get definitely get the pee sticks from the chemist - I used to get them for my dog, they're about £4 for 100, but the rest I am unsure of. I don't see why not or I would ask your GP.

A lot of hospitals have special diabetes clinics, might be worth asking them too.

Thanks. What do they call the pee sticks in the UK, so I know what to ask for?

Sorry I can't remember the name of the ones I got, but I do know you can get Ketostix here and I found this:

http://www.avidlite.co.uk/acatalog/TESTS.html

Don't forget if you need lots of prescriptions, you can get a pre payment certificate which can save a lot of money on regular prescriptions;

http://www.ppa.org.uk/ppa/ppc_intro.htm