At-home diabetic monitoring technology has advanced significantly since the development of the first glucose test strip in 1965. Prior to that, detecting diabetes relied on a urine test performed in a lab. Even after the test strip was created, it was only for use in a doctor’s office. Today’s test strips appear simple in design, but they’re actually high-tech, miniature medical devices that contain components that have a limited shelf life.

Modern test strips contain an enzyme and stabilizing chemicals to obtain a glucose reading. When a small drop of blood is introduced, an electrochemical reaction takes place that’s read by a glucose monitor. Those chemicals and enzymes have a specific shelf life and begin to break down after the expiration date on the box.

Many test strip brands contain a minuscule amount of gold that creates the circuitry connection necessary that’s sent to the glucose monitor. Test strips are an essential diagnostic tool for people with diabetes. After the expiration date, there’s no guarantee that the strips will deliver an accurate reading. Obtaining accurate readings are essential for diabetics to manage the disease. Faulty readings are life threatening.

The manner in which test strips are stored is equally important. Exposure to damp conditions, high humidity levels and even very high temperatures will affect the efficacy of the enzymes and chemicals the devices contain. If test strips have been improperly stored, they won’t provide an accurate reading even if the strips have significant time left until they expire.

Various studies have been conducted and the efficacy of test strips in comparison to their expiration date varied widely. Some brands showed inaccurate readings almost immediately when they attained their expiration date. Individual test strips of other brands demonstrated a wide range of accurate and inaccurate readings six months after their expiration date.

The bottom line is that in general, test strip manufacturers and even physicians recommend not using diabetic test strips that are past their expiration date. There’s no guarantee that an accurate reading will be achieved and it can result in a life-threatening situation.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

People that are newly diagnosed with diabetes experience a range of emotions ranging from fear to anger and it can impede management of the disease. There are many components involved with the effective management of diabetes and some are easier to accomplish than others.

Attitude

One of the most important aspects of effectively managing diabetes is the attitude with which people approach it. There’s still a stigma attached to the disease that typically points to a lack of self-control. That’s false. Anyone can develop diabetes. It’s a disease like any other and those that approach it pragmatically will manage it most effectively.

Testing and Medication

Individuals will need to test their blood several times a day to ensure glucose levels aren’t too high or too low. Learning to administer insulin when needed is one of the most difficult parts of diabetes management for many people due to the syringes and needles involved. Administering the correct amount of insulin and taking any oral medications regularly are key elements in diabetes management.

Food

Every bite taken will affect blood glucose levels. Healthy eating is essential for everyone, but particularly for diabetics, to keep glucose levels within a safe range. Diabetics will need to learn about carbohydrates, how they affect glucose levels, and portion control.

Exercise

Regular exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and aids in preventing insulin resistance. Exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous to be effective. Dancing, swimming, badminton, gardening or even a brisk walk is beneficial. Individuals need to be aware that they need to stay hydrated and they may require a snack to keep glucose levels within range, depending on the vigorousness of the exercise.

Planning

People with diabetes will need to plan ahead when they go out for dinner, a movie or other form of entertainment. They also need to give more thought to balanced meals at home. Eating high carb foods will cause blood glucose levels to spike. It’s just as important to eat regularly to prevent blood sugar levels from dipping too low. Fluctuations too far outside the norm can result in an emergency situation.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Even individuals without a family history of diabetes can be diagnosed with the disease. Many people develop diabetes and aren’t aware of it because they don’t know the symptoms or ignore them due to misconceptions. Diabetes affects multiple systems within the body. The symptoms can include any of the following and in any combination.

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Feeling very tired, fatigued or exhausted
• Feel very hungry
• Very dry skin
• Weight loss or gain without trying
• Blurry vision
• Itching and yeast infections
• Patches of dark skin on the neck, groin or armpits that may feel soft and velvety
• Numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet
• More infections than usual
• Even minor wounds heal slower than normal

Type 1 Diabetes

Some people may experience nausea, stomach pains and even vomiting with Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 usually begins when an individual is a child and symptoms can develop over the course of weeks or months. It’s thought to be the result of an immune reaction and often develops after a viral infection. Those most at risk of developing Type 1 diabetes are those with a family history of the disease and it’s more likely to occur when an individual is a child, teen or young adult. It’s most prevalent in Caucasians.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops over the course of several years and typically occurs in adults. People are more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if they’re African American, Hispanic, have given birth to a child over 9 lbs., or the mother had gestational diabetes. Those age 45 and over, who have been diagnosed as prediabetic, are overweight, or seldom exercise are at increased risk. So are people with a family history of the disease or if they have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Early diagnosis is critical to avoid the damage that diabetes does to the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. The disease can also result in sexual problems in either gender. Knowing the symptoms and early detection can lessen the detrimental impact on the body as individuals learn to monitor and manage the disease.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

Even with treatment by a physician and diabetes education, individuals may have difficulty knowing when to test their blood glucose levels and that can lead to dangerous dips and spikes. Unfortunately, some individuals don’t receive much guidance or instruction about testing, even from their doctors.

People will need to use diabetic test strips several times each day. The frequency that each individual tests will be impacted by factors that include their age, lifestyle, activity level, and foods consumed. The following are some of the best times to test.

Upon Rising in the Morning

Many diabetics eat a small, low-carb snack before bed to prevent glucose levels from falling too low. Others may encounter what’s known as the Dawn Effect where their glucose levels are too high. Testing tells individuals if changes in their insulin or snacks need to be made.

Before Each Meal

Testing before a meal will help individuals monitor their glucose levels and know how much insulin to administer before they eat.

1-2 Hours After a Meal

Glucose levels following a meal will peak 1-2 hours after a meal. Depending on what was consumed, individuals may need to administer additional insulin.

Before a Bedtime Snack

A small, low-carb snack before bed can help keep glucose levels stable throughout the night. Checking glucose levels will help individuals decide what to eat and how much.

Physical Activity

Test before beginning any exercise or workout routine to ensure glucose levels are sufficient to handle the activity. Exercise of any kind will decrease glucose levels as the body uses it for fuel. Individuals may need to test during their activities and eat a snack to prevent glucose levels from falling too low. Testing after exercise is essential to ascertain if another snack is required.

Feeling “Off”

There are distinct symptoms when glucose levels are too high or too low. Testing is in order anytime a diabetic experiences those telltale signs. The reading will tell individuals if they need to take insulin or eat something.

When Ill or Under Stress

Illness and stress affect the entire body and that includes glucose levels. When individuals are experiencing an illness or are under stress, it’s extremely important to monitor glucose levels closely as it will affect the management of the disease.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

One of the first things that doctors tell their newly diagnosed diabetic patients is to exercise. Individuals typically think it’s to help them lose weight and be healthier, as many people gain weight prior to getting a diagnosis. The truth is that exercise can help regulate blood glucose levels, but in different ways that most people might think.

Glucose is the energy source the body uses to fuel activity, but it requires insulin for muscles and cells to be able to utilize the glucose. Insulin is injected to aid in controlling blood glucose levels and it also enables muscles to use the glucose that’s in the bloodstream. According to an article published by the American Physiological Society, a single round of exercise can reduce a glucose reading by 83 points.

When people exercise, the muscles use more glucose, the heart rate rises, and circulation can increase up to 20-fold. Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and reduces the potential for developing insulin resistance. Doctors prefer patients to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, but even 30 minutes of exercise three times a week is beneficial.

The good news is that no one needs to run a marathon to reap the benefits of exercise when they’re diabetic, nor do they need to run repetitive circles around a track. The first task for anyone is to find a form of exercise that they enjoy so they’re more likely to do it on a regular basis. That can include swimming, dancing, biking, gardening, a brisk walk or even yoga.

There is one thing that individuals should be aware of when exercising. As the body uses more glucose to fuel the muscles, it will naturally lower blood glucose levels. The potential exists for blood sugar levels to drop too low. It’s a good idea to eat a light snack before exercising or at least keep a snack available just in case it’s needed.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

There’s really no secret to selling your excess test strips and there’s nothing clandestine or illegal happening. It’s legal to flip your test strips in all 50 states as long as they weren’t purchased through a government-based insurance program such as Medicaid or Medicare. Flipping your test strips is legal because they can be purchased over the counter without a prescription.

Anyone can flip a supply of test strips for cash. The box must be new, unopened, have a sufficiently distant expiration date, and be kept under the proper conditions. Companies that buy the test strips will pay for postage to send the strips and even pay return costs if they’re rejected.

One of the reasons that the cost of test strips is so expensive is that the price is managed by pharmaceutical companies in a similar way to prescription medications. Manufacturers set a high price, then offer rebates and discount programs to lower the cost for those that go through a lengthy and complicated application process.

The companies then write the discounts and rebates off as a loss on their taxes. It’s a win-win situation for the pharmaceutical companies. It also works great for people with excellent insurance that pay little or no co-pays. For the average person, it’s a constant worry as to if they’ll be able to purchase the strips they need.

The market for diabetic test strips has skyrocketed. There are literally millions of individuals with diabetes that can’t afford the test strips they need to manage their disease. They’re underinsured or uninsured. Test strips aren’t cheap and they can cost $1 or more per strip.

You can flip your own test strips if you have too many, those of loves ones that are deceased and no longer need them, or even friends and work associates. The company they’re sold to will resell them to those that need them at a cost that is still less than what they’d cost at the local pharmacy.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

There are many foods that diabetics are told to eat in limited amounts or eliminate from their diets completely. One of the great debates that continues to rage is whether dairy products are good or bad for people with diabetes. Ultimately the choice will be up to the individual and their personal lifestyle.

Multiple studies from around the globe that have been published in professional medical journals indicate there’s no link between dairy and developing diabetes, nor do dairy products have a negative impact on those that already have the disease. They may even have protective benefits.

Making good dairy choices can be confusing and frustrating. The good news is that there are a wide range of diary products from which to choose that will tempt the taste buds and won’t elevate glucose to impossible levels.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends including dairy as part of a healthy diet. Dairy is a good source of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Those three elements are beneficial for reducing blood pressure, a common problem for diabetics. Eating full-fat dairy products can pose a problem for diabetics that are concerned with their weight. If weight is an issue, it’s best to limit dairy to three servings per day.

Fermented dairy products are always a good choice for their probiotics. Greek yogurt is recommended due to its good balance of protein and carbs. Many people find Greek yogurt to be an acquired taste due to its strong tangy flavor. When it comes to cheese, string cheese provides the right portion size, has minimal carbs, and won’t spike glucose levels.

There are also dairy products that diabetics can consume, but they should limit. One of those is fat-free milk. It’s absorbed quickly and can spike glucose levels. Ice cream, chocolate milk and sweetened yogurt aren’t forbidden, but should be used in moderation as they contain added sugar and carbs. Choose dairy made from grass-fed cows. The products contain a type of omega-3 fatty acid that’s healthy.

If you would like to find out about earning cash for your unwanted, unused and boxed test strips, complete our online quote form today.

If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!