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Archives for January 2023

Exercising with Type 1 Diabetes

In times past, Type 1 diabetes was called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes since the disease typically manifested in children, teens and young adults. It’s less common than Type 2 diabetes. Those in the medical profession believe Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the pancreas, which is responsible for releasing insulin. Others have genetic risk factors making them more at risk of developing the disease.

Exercise is an integral part of managing diabetes. The most important aspect is that exercise aids in preventing insulin resistance. People with insulin resistance will need higher doses of insulin to compensate for what they eat. Those with high blood sugar levels, high triglycerides, and high “bad” cholesterol may be deemed insulin resistant by their health care provider.

People who exercise have greater insulin sensitivity. The body will burn carbohydrates more efficiently and they’ll need less insulin to compensate for what they consume. Exercise also helps diabetics burn calories that aids in managing and maintaining their weight. It’s recommended that Type 1 diabetics engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 to 6 days a week, and to go no longer than 48 hours between exercise sessions for optimal results in controlling diabetes.

A combination of exercise and healthy eating is critical in managing diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure. It’s equally important for diabetics to learn how to balance physical activity with their food intake to minimize highs and lows in blood glucose levels. Exercise is beneficial for losing the weight in the mid-section that often accompanies diabetes.

As important as exercise is for managing diabetes, it’s equally crucial that individuals engage in activities that they enjoy. No one is going to maintain regular exercise if they don’t enjoy what they’re doing. No one has to work out at the gym everyday to stay active and get in sufficient exercise. They can ride horses, rollerblade, dance, or do yoga, tai chi or water aerobics.

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!

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Why Diabetics Should Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Diabetes and alcohol can be a detrimental combination. People with diabetes have to monitor their blood glucose levels closely and alcohol can make that considerably more difficult. Those with diabetes should drink in moderation, if at all.

Any type of alcoholic beverage can play havoc with blood sugar levels. Some people claim their A1C levels are lower when they have a drink per day, but that doesn’t mean anyone should begin drinking. A single drink for diabetics is defined as 1½ oz. of liquor, 5 oz. of wine or 12 oz. of beer.

Hypoglycemia

Drinking can interfere with typical diabetic medications, resulting in low blood sugar levels. The liver breaks down toxins so they can be eliminated from the body. The organ will work to metabolize the alcohol, not maintain glucose levels. Hypoglycemia can occur up to 12 hours after someone has had a final drink, particularly if they’ve been dancing, playing games or exercising in some way. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are often confused with being drunk.

Sugar

Alcohol, especially the syrups used to make a variety of mixed drinks, have a high sugar content. They can quickly elevate blood sugar levels. However, diabetics also need to beware of low-sugar cider and beer. They may contain less sugar, but they’re higher in alcohol content.

Calories

Alcoholic drinks are high in calories, but relatively low in carbs. People can easily lose track of what they’ve eaten and the drinks they’ve had. It’s easy to pack on the pounds through drinking without even realizing it. Alcohol also acts as an appetite stimulant and can result in overeating.

Eat Something

It’s important to eat a healthy meal before drinking or nibble on appropriate snacks while drinking. Never drink on an empty stomach.

Increased Risk

Those with diabetes are at increased risk of high blood pressure and heart-related conditions. Drinking any type of alcoholic beverage can increase blood pressure and increase heart rates.

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!

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diabetic diets

Diagnosed with Prediabetes? What to do Next

A diagnosis for some people can be as frightening as being diagnosed with full-blown diabetes. There are more than 35 million people that have been diagnosed with prediabetes – and they’re receiving that diagnosis at a younger age.

Anyone with prediabetes should be aware that it can lead to Type 2 diabetes if they don’t make changes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s use and regulation of insulin is impaired. It’s possible to delay or reverse a prediabetic diagnosis and prevent it from transitioning into Type 2 diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) millions of people – 8 in 10 – are prediabetic and don’t even know it. Food insecurity and little or no access to fresh foods is a contributing factor to developing prediabetes and diabetes.

Eat Healthy

Fruits and vegetables will play a big role in a healthy diet. Use olive oil instead of other oils. Foods low in fat, calories and carbs – yet high in fiber – are ideal choices. It can help for people to widen their repertoire of edibles to avoid boredom and improve nutrition. It can be beneficial for individuals to eat out less often and prepare more meals at home where ingredients can be more closely controlled.

Get Active

Exercise will help increase insulin sensitivity. That means the body will use insulin more effectively. It will also help individuals shed pounds if they’re overweight that can exacerbate diabetes. Vigorous exercise is recommended for a prediabetic diagnosis, but any type of exercise is beneficial.

Medications

Oral medications are typically prescribed for prediabetes, especially if an individual is at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Stop Smoking

Begin a smoking cessation program. Smoking affects the way that insulin works within the body. The chemicals contained in nicotine changes cells in the body and increases insulin resistance. Cells stop responding to insulin as they should. There are over 7,000 chemical substances in tobacco.

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!

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Ways to Prevent a Blood Sugar Crash

After a diabetes diagnosis, doctors are quick to warn people about spikes in glucose levels, but little is said about blood sugar crashes, known as hypoglycemia. They’re just as dangerous as a spike and can lead to a coma or even death. A sugar crash can occur when sufficient carbs aren’t consumed or after administering too much insulin.

A blood sugar crash encompasses a wide range of symptoms. Some people experience only one or two signs, while others will have multiple symptoms. They can include shakiness, sweating and fatigue to headache, irritability, paleness, and a fast or irregular heartbeat. Some people feel hunger or nauseous, dizziness or lightheadedness, or a tingling or numbness of the cheek, lips or tongue.

If not addressed immediately, symptoms worsen. They include confusion, blurry vision, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. The individual may have a seizure, lose consciousness, and be unresponsive. There are multiple ways to prevent blood glucose crashes, but requires work on the part of the person with the disease.

Monitoring

Constant monitoring is required to determine if sugar levels are elevated or decreasing. Individuals use a continues glucose monitor (CGM) or a traditional monitor and test strip method.

Regulation

To regulate blood glucose levels, those with diabetes need to eat a variety of foods consisting of long and fast acting carbohydrates. Both are needed to ensure glucose levels remain steady. A sugar crash can be alleviated by eating or drinking something sweet to increase glucose levels.

Too Much Insulin

Without testing, there’s no way to know if sugar levels are dropping. Levels that are too high often mimic symptoms of being too low. Taking too much insulin in an effort to compensate for high glucose levels will result in a sugar crash. Some types of medications also have the potential to reduce glucose levels and its something that individuals need to be vigilant about.

Not Eating

One of the directives from doctors to diabetics is to lose weight or to watch their weight carefully. That leads many to try dieting. Not eating regular meals, eating irregularly, or forgetting to eat are sure ways to cause a sugar crash.

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!

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