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Archives for March 2023

diabetic diets

What’s New in Medication for Weight Management?

One of the myriads of factors for people with diabetes is losing weight. Diabetes medications can
lead to weight gain, even for people that don’t have a sedentary lifestyle. There are some new
medications on the market designed to help diabetics improve their blood glucose levels, but
they also come with some disadvantages.

Of special interest are the medications Ozempic® and Wegovy™. Both drugs are injectables that
are self-administered at home once per week. The medications vary widely in price. People
taking the medications feel fuller, eat less and have fewer sugar cravings. Both drugs are
manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

Cost and Insurance
The cost of Ozempic® and Wegovy can range from $1,200 to $2,500 per year without insurance.
The drugs aren’t covered by all health insurance plans and there are no generic versions. When
individuals can’t afford to continue the medications due to the cost, they regain the lost weight
within a year of stopping the medication.

Ozempic®
The drug has been highly prescribed for diabetes management. However, in a society that’s
obsessed with attaining the slimmest silhouette possible, promotion as a weight loss drug by
celebrities and social media influencers has resulted in limited supplies for diabetics. Ozempic®
wasn’t designed for cosmetic weight loss.

Wegovy™
Hailed as a major breakthrough in the battle against weight gain, Wegovy™ has been highly
effective. Clinical trials showed an average weight loss of 15 percent by those taking it.

Issues
The cost of the medications places them out of reach for a large portion of the population for
which they were developed and need them most. For individuals that can’t afford the
medications, the manufacturer recommends exercise, and diet control, and suggests individuals
explore other weight loss options with their doctor.

While highly effective, the drugs must be taken indefinitely to maintain weight loss. Side effects
of the medications can include heartburn, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. In
tests, rats showed an increase in thyroid cancer on the drug.

 

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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How Often Should a Blood Glucose Meter Be Replaced?

Blood glucose meters are a critical device for those with diabetes. Through testing a small blood
sample, the meters enable those with the disease to monitor their glucose levels as part of their
management regimen. A glucose meter can last for 10 years and more.

From meter manufacturers to doctors, the decision on when to replace a glucose meter varies, and for
different reasons.

The typical recommendation by manufacturers for replacing a meter is every 4 to 5 years.
They’re financially motivated for individuals to do so. Doctors usually advise the same schedule
so patients can take advantage of technological advances. Companies that supply diabetes
supplies take a different approach – replace the meter when it loses accuracy.

Control Solution
Manufacturers recommend using a brand specific control solution any time a new meter or vial
of test strips is used to ensure the device or strips are functioning properly.

Blood Problems
Test strips are very particular when it comes to a blood sample. It’s possible to have an
insufficient amount or an overabundance of blood on the test strip. Either situation can result
in an inaccurate reading. Inaccuracies can also occur if an individual is anemic or dehydrated.

Fluctuations
Anyone that begins to experience glucose readings that are unusual, fluctuate from their norm,
or are otherwise out of the ordinary should replace their meter. Alternately, performing a new
control solution test may pinpoint whether it’s the test strip or meter that’s faulty.

Advanced Technology
Glucose meter technology has advanced significantly, with features that make it much easier
and more convenient to monitor glucose levels. Those improvements alone may be enough to
encourage getting a replacement meter.

Depending on the monitor, they can include
Bluetooth® technology and online tracking of glucose levels, along with alerts and blood sugar
readings that are read aloud. It’s a feature that’s particularly beneficial for those with vision
loss, a common problem for diabetics.

 

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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test strip accuracy

Are Glucose Monitors Accurate?

Blood glucose meters provide individuals with diabetes a means of measuring sugar levels in
the bloodstream. The readings tell diabetics if they need to administer insulin or eat something
to increase their levels. When used correctly, the monitors are accurate, but as with all devices,
some are more accurate than others and a number of factors can affect the reading.

Individuals don’t have to spend an enormous amount of money to obtain an accurate glucose
meter. According to testing by The Diabetes Council, the following 10 meters received the
highest marks for accuracy, cost, features, and ease of use.

 Contour Net EZ
 Accu-Check Aviva Connect
 Walmart ReliOn Confirm
 OneTouch Verio
 Abbott FreeStyle Light
 Walgreen True2Go
 OneTouch Ultra 2
 Livongo Health In Touch
 Nova Max Plus
 Accu-Check Smartview

Test Strips
One of the things that can affect test results is the test strip used to obtain a blood sample. Test
strips past their expiration date is the most common problem. Inaccuracies can also occur if
they’re exposed to high heat, cold or humidity. Test strips are monitor specific and won’t work
in other monitor brands.

Foreign Substances
Dirt, alcohol and other substances can alter readings. It’s important that individuals wash their
hands before testing and thoroughly dry them. Never use hand sanitizer prior to testing as it
contains alcohol.

Batteries
A weak battery or a test strip that’s not inserted into the meter completely can result in
incorrect or error readings.

Blood, Anemia & Dehydration

A test strip must have a sufficient amount of blood applied to obtain a reading. An insufficient
sample won’t produce reliable results. Testing from sites other than a fingertip can also
produce a faulty reading.

Dehydration is a major problem for diabetics. It affects red blood cells that in turn can alter
accuracy. Anemia will also affect result reliability.

 

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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Can Diabetes Lead to Bone Problems?

Along with high blood pressure, heart disease and neuropathy, people with diabetes are at a
higher risk of bone and joint-related disorders. In many instances, the problems can’t be linked
to a specific cause. The following are some disorders of which diabetics should be aware.

Charcot Joint
Primarily affecting the feet, this occurs when a joint disintegrates due to nerve damage.
Symptoms can include numbness and tingling in joints, along with redness, warmth and
swelling. Joints may also become deformed or unstable. When detected early, progression can
be slowed with orthotics.

DISH
Also known as Forestier disease, it causes hardening of ligaments and tendons anywhere in the
body. Symptoms are pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. The disease is treated with
corticosteroid injections and pain relievers.

Dupuytren’s Contracture
It’s a deformity that causes one or more fingers to bend toward the palm of the hand due to
scarring and thickening of connective tissues. Skin in the palm may become thickened and
fingers won’t straighten. Treatment can include steroid injections, minimally invasive needle
therapy or surgery.

Frozen Shoulder
The condition results in pain and limited motion in the shoulder. Treatment includes physical
therapy, home exercise and glucocorticoid injections.

Limited Joint Mobility
It typically affects the small joints of the hands. It causes stiffness, palm skin becomes thickened
and waxy, and joint mobility is eventually limited. It may not be reversable, but physical therapy
and increased glucose control can help.

Osteoarthritis
A degenerative joint disease, it weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. Joints
become stiff, swollen and painful. Joint movement and flexibility are limited. Pain medication,
physical therapy, massage and acupuncture, even surgery may be prescribed.

Osteoporosis
Bones throughout the body become weak, brittle and break easily. Advanced osteoporosis can
result in stooped or hunched posture and loss of height. It’s treated with a diet rich in calcium
and vitamin D, or supplements if required, along with weight bearing exercise. Medications are
available to reduce bone loss.

 

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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