People with diabetes face a constant battle of choosing the right foods, monitoring their blood glucose levels, and administering the right amount of insulin. What many may not know is that they’re at increased risk of experiencing a condition called adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder. It occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, stiff and swollen.

Effects of frozen shoulder

The pain and inflammation make it difficult to perform everyday activities. As the condition progresses, the stiffness becomes worse and the pain can be excruciating. Frozen shoulder is a symptom associated with poorly managed glucose levels. High levels of glucose affect the protein collagen that’s a major component of connective tissue.

Frozen shoulder typically affects those around the age of 52 and 25 percent of diabetics will experience it. As the condition progresses, the connective tissue of the shoulder thickens, tightens around the joint, and restricts movement. People with diabetes often experience the most severe cases of frozen shoulder.

Stages of frozen shoulder

There are three stages of frozen shoulder. The first is the “freezing stage” with stiffness and pain. In the “frozen phase,” there’s often less pain, but more shoulder stiffness. In the “thawing stage,” the shoulder returns to its previous, normal range of motion.

Since it develops slowly over time, frozen shoulder is often mistaken for arthritis and misdiagnosed by those in the medical community. Even with an MRI, doctors may see what’s termed as age-appropriate rotator cuff tears with a stiff shoulder. It’s a good idea to ask if it could actually be frozen shoulder, since the treatment for each is different.

Treatments

The usual treatment prescribed by physicians is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication for pain and a series of exercises that can be performed at home. If the condition doesn’t improve in a specified amount of time, the doctor may prescribe some combination of physical therapy, steroid injections or even acupuncture until frozen shoulder is resolved.

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!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it’s a time that can be particularly frustrating for people with diabetes. Many of the traditional holiday dishes served during Thanksgiving are laden with sugars and carbohydrates that adversely affect control of the disease.

The good news is that turkey is still on the menu – as long as it’s roasted instead of fried. It’s protein-rich and won’t disrupt carb counting. It’s not difficult to produce delicious diabetes-friendly dishes with a few adjustments or substitutions. The following are some tips for Thanksgiving dishes that are diabetic-friendly.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a tradition at Thanksgiving, but an increasing number of people are moving to riced cauliflower as a healthy alternative. It can be purchased pre-made or prepared at home with fresh cauliflower that’s been cooked and run through a blender. A ½ cup of mashed potatoes contains 18 grams of carbs, while ½ cup of riced cauliflower contains 3 to 5 grams, depending on the brand.

Candied Yams

Also known as sweet potatoes, candied yams are an invitation to a “sugar coma.” Yams are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but candied yams have an average of 36 grams of carbs. When yams are cooked, they tend to take on a sweeter flavor on their own. Try eliminating the marshmallows, significantly reducing the amount of brown sugar, and using spices to acquire a sweet or spicy flavor.

Stuffing

There aren’t many options when it comes to stuffing. However, individuals can cut some carbs to make it healthier by using unsalted butter, along with a low-sodium or unsalted broth/stock. Another strategy is to use a low-carb bread or those made with nut flour. Just don’t expect it to have the same taste or texture as usual. Stuffing is a dish that diabetics should consume in small amounts.

Additional Tips

Alcoholic beverages are loaded with carbs – and they can react poorly with some medications – so minimize the amount consumed. Instead of a normal-sized slice of pumpkin pie, take one that’s half the usual size and eat smaller portions of the actual dinner. Don’t starve in anticipation of the meal. It only leads to overeating. Moderation is the key. It can also be helpful to offer vegetable-based appetizers. They’re low in calories and help fill individuals up before the main event.

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!

Anyone with diabetes knows how expensive test strips can be, not to mention the myriad of other supplies that individuals need to monitor, manage and control their glucose levels. The costs of those items continue to escalate. The good news is that there are ways to save money on diabetic test strips.

Purchase From a Third-Party

Many third-party companies buy top quality test strips from individuals that have more than they require or no longer need them. The companies then sell them at a discount to diabetic clients that may be uninsured, underinsured, or whose insurance won’t supply as many as they need each month.

Drug/Coupon Cards

Drug manufacturers sometimes provide coupons for purchasing test strips at a discount. There are also phone apps that will compare prices across multiple pharmacies to find the lowest prices. Individuals can simply show their result at the designated pharmacy or print out a physical copy of the coupon from a home printer.

Clinics and Non-Profits

Some community clinics and health centers have taken the lead for their patients and established programs to distribute test strips or offer them at a discount. Some non-profit organizations are doing the same thing.

Mail Order and Rewards

There are some pharmacies that provide clients with a discount when they order their test strips – and medications – by mail rather than picking them up locally. Many pharmacies offer reward program points that can be redeemed for pharmacy items.

Assistance Programs

Several pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs that provide free or discounted pricing. There will be specific program-based application forms to complete by the individual and their doctor. Some states also offer their own assistance programs in coordination with Medicare and insurance companies – each state is different.

Buy in Bulk

There will be a considerable monetary outlay initially, but the cost of each strip will be less.

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!

Exercise is an important element for diabetics to manage their disease, but it’s especially important for preventing insulin resistance. The condition occurs when the body doesn’t utilize insulin effectively and can result in individuals needing to use larger doses of insulin to combat the effects of more glucose in the blood.

Experts recommend diabetics engage in some type of exercise 3 to 4 times per week, in sessions of 30 minutes. There are dozens of activities that allow individuals to reach those goals. Diabetics should choose a type of exercise they enjoy as they’re more likely to do it consistently. Any exercise will aid in fighting insulin resistance and losing weight.

Swimming

Gliding through the water is more than just a pleasant pastime – it utilizes every muscle in the body. It burns calories for weight loss, builds strength and endurance, and is particularly beneficial for the heart. Water buoys and supports the swimmer, while reducing the effects of gravity on the body.

Tai Chi

The ancient Chinese tradition was developed as a means of self-defense. There are now sessions in which it’s practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It aids in managing stress and the body is in constant motion. It places minimal stress on joints, muscles, and is scientifically proven effective against insulin resistance.

Walking

A brisk walk requires no special equipment and is low-impact. Walking a dog for 30 minutes has benefits for the canine and their human companion. Try tracking steps and progress as a motivational tool.

Dancing

It’s fun, can be done with a partner, or even alone at home. It burns calories, relieves stress, and is good for the heart and lowering blood pressure.

Gardening

Most people don’t realize how relaxing flower or vegetable gardening can be. It lowers stress, builds muscle and strength. It’s a low-impact, aerobic form of exercise.

Multiple Methods

There’s a myriad of ways for diabetics to get the exercise they need. Yoga, cycling, rollerblading, and horseback riding are just some of the opportunities to improve balance and fitness levels. Individuals can choose an activity they already enjoy before attempting to move out of their comfort zone.

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!

Dogs have been used as guardians by humans for as long as time has been recorded. These pups have provided a means of defense and protective “buddy” to human beings. Most recently, these dogs have been trained to be service animals for those who suffer from a health condition that makes them extra susceptible to seizures.

Diabetes is a health condition that has become a prevalent disease. There is a massive surge in the number of people testing positive for diabetes every year, which calls for a drastic solution. There is a variety of tools and tracking devices to help those with the condition. Among those tools is the diabetic service dog.

Service Dog helps in monitoring and alerting a diabetic patient

Service dogs can help individuals compete against diabetes and its related health issues. The canine trained to respond to diabetes-related needs such as blood glucose monitoring, alerting for hypoglycemia, and reminding at risky times of insulin and caloric intake for dieters and patients on dialysis. These specially trained animals can provide independence while still acting as a security blanket at critical moments in an individual’s day.

Help to reduce blood glucose levels

A diabetic service dog is an animal with specific training to help people living with diabetes. They can help you with several different tasks. Their role is also to warn their owners before anything dangerous happens, such as when their insulin drops too low (hypoglycemia), when their blood sugar drops, or when they’re having low or high blood sugar reactions.

Detect low blood sugar levels or fluctuations

Dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system causes a person to be unaware of how much carbohydrate is absorbed from the digestive tract. A diabetic service dog monitors this process by detecting signs of low blood sugar levels or fluctuations in cardiovascular function. If one of these conditions is reached, it will contact the owner and help get them out of a situation before they need medical assistance.

Assist in changing lifestyle for people with diabetes

Diabetic service dogs offer assistance to change lifestyle for diabetic patients, such as trouble with self-monitoring, meal prep, and management systems. The role of a diabetic service dog is very vital. The “Type 1” service dog is specifically geared toward diabetic needs. The service’s main duties are to remind its handler to take multiple daily blood sugar levels and respond appropriately when the levels ebb or flow out of the desired range. Since a diabetic service dog will be with a person throughout the day, they can alert their owner to a few key changes in blood sugar levels.

Smell a change in the smell of perspiration

A service dog can smell a change in the smell of perspiration or notice differences in your urine. If your dog notices that there’s a drop in your blood sugar, they will bark to let you know that something might happen soon.

Conclusion

As you can imagine, the role of a service dog in someone with diabetes is incredibly important and benefits many different areas in a person’s daily life. I would highly recommend that everyone with diabetes take the time to learn more about their options for living with diabetes, including having a Diabetic service dog.

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!