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Archives for August 2023

Swollen Feet from Diabetes: Treatment Options

Diabetes affects your entire body and many people with the disease experience swollen feet. The disease affects circulation throughout the body and is often most evident in the extremities. Poor circulation to the feet, along with ankles and lower legs, results in a buildup of fluid in tissues. It’s a condition known as edema. The good news is that the condition can be reversed if caught in the early stages.

Medication

Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone are the two prescription medications typically used to address swelling of the extremities. The dosage will depend on the individual and the extent to which swelling has progressed.

Limit Salt

High levels of salt in the body promotes water retention. Purchase no-salt or low-salt foods whenever possible. Snacks and foods such as chips, crackers, chili, and frozen foods such as frozen entrees, pizza and burritos all have high salt content. Stay away from canned meat, along with those that are smoked or cured.

Compression Socks

Available over the counter, compression socks aid in controlling swelling. They should be put on before getting out of bed when the legs and feet are elevated, as blood has already circulated to the feet, ankles and legs. They’re available in attractive styles and patterns, but the primary objective is finding the right fit. Socks that are too tight will impair circulation, while socks that are too loose will move around and bunch.

Elevate the Leg

Elevating the leg above the level of the heart when seated promotes circulation. A pillow, stool or other device can be used. A recliner footrest is equally appropriate if it rises to the desired height.

Hydration and Exercise

It may seem counter-productive, but hydration is essential to help alleviate swelling. When the body doesn’t receive enough hydration, it tends to retain fluids. Exercise promotes blood circulation. Choose an activity you enjoy doing. Exercise doesn’t have to be unpleasant or onerous.

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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diabetes exercize

Can Wegovy® Help You Lose Weight?

Developed to aid in diabetes management and control, Wegovy® does result in weight loss. It works by supressing appetite so you’ll eat less. It emulates a hormone called GLP-1 that the body release after you eat. It also slows down the movement of food through the digestive system so you’ll feel fuller longer.

Wegovy® was created by Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company. The drug was successful in its goal and it quickly became known as simply a weight loss medication. It was so popular among those seeking to lose weight that many pharmacies are now encountering shortages. There are a number of things you need to know about Wegovy® before consulting with your physician.

Eligibility Guidelines

The injectable medication is only available by prescription. It’s for adults with

  • Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater

  • Those who are overweight with a BMI of 27 or greater who have weight-related medical conditions

  • Those diagnosed as pre-diabetic

  • People with Type 2 diabetes

It must be used with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

It’s Not Magic

Effects aren’t immediate. If you’re expecting to see pounds “melt off” as many weight loss medications claim, you’re going to be disappointed. Wegovy® weight loss will be evident over time, with most seeing effects at the 3 month mark. You’ll typically be prescribed a low-dose of Wegovy® and monitored to determine how you tolerate the drug.

Side Effects

As with any prescription medication, Wegovy® has the potential for side effects, the most common of which are nausea and stomach pain. It can also result in vomiting – eating too much or drinking too much alcohol can make vomiting worse. Some people taking Wegovy® have lost muscle mass, experienced diarrhea or constipation, headache, dizziness, bloating and belching, and stomach flu-like symptoms. People that stop taking the medication after they’ve attained their weight goal will typically gain the weight back.

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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Does Hot Weather Make Your Blood Sugar go Low?

Hot weather does affect blood sugar levels. It increases the risk of low blood glucose levels, known as hypoglycemia. It’s especially dangerous for those taking medications to lower blood sugar levels such as insulin. Your metabolism is higher in hot and humid weather, causing insulin to be absorbed quicker.

Much will depend upon how well hydrated you are and your activity level. Conversely, if you’re being physically active and not staying hydrated, your glucose levels can increase. Managing diabetes in hot weather is a balancing act and requires additional vigilance in extremely hot weather conditions.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

The body sweats to cool itself. If you have nerve damage, it can also affect your sweat glands and your ability to sweat properly. This result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke, two very serious conditions that can require hospitalization.

Damage to Insulin and Testing Supplies

Test strips use enzymes and chemicals to test blood sugar levels. Exposure to high heat can damage them, resulting in false readings. The same is true for glucose meters that can be damaged in the high temperatures that come with summer. Insulin must also be maintained at certain temperatures or it degrades and loses efficacy.

Dehydration

When you’re dehydrated, a hormone called vasopressin is released. It tells the kidneys to retain water. This makes it more difficult for the body to regulate insulin usage. As more water is consumed, you’ll urinate more frequently, but you’ll still feel thirsty.

The Takeaway

Hot and humid weather can make your blood glucose levels rise or decrease, depending on what you’ve eaten, hydration, physical activity, and if you have nerve damage. It’s difficult enough to manage your blood sugar levels in optimal conditions and summer weather can make it a more difficult task, especially if the disease isn’t tightly controlled. However, with proper precautions, no one with diabetes has to miss out on summer fun.

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 to Use a Continuous Glucose Monitor

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) has changed the lives of an untold number of diabetics. The systems have enabled individuals to gain better control over the disease, manage it more effectively, and aid in mitigating many of the healthcare concerns associated with diabetes.

A CGM is a prescription only medical device. Some healthcare insurance providers will pay for the device, others won’t, and individuals may need to meet specific eligibility requirements It can take some time to learn how to use it, but it is effective in gaining better control of diabetes.

Sensors and Fewer Finger Pricks

A continuous glucose monitor uses a sticky patch that adheres to the skin. It has tiny sensors that penetrate just below the surface of the skin to monitor glucose levels 24/7. The patch is also equipped with a transmitter that sends readings wirelessly to a cell phone, wearable or handheld device, or insulin pump to tell people what their glucose level is at any given time.

Depending on the manufacturer, the transmitter may or may not be reuseable. Diabetics will need to learn how to apply the sensor, calibrate the device (for some models), and transfer data to their computer or cell phone for analytics if desired.

Eliminates Unpredictability

Diabetes creates highs and lows in blood glucose levels, making it difficult to control and requiring multiple testing throughout the day. Each individual reacts differently to the foods they eat, which can make control challenging. A CGM helps diabetics know how different foods affect their glucose levels.

Multiple Devices and Features

Several companies manufacture CGMs and they all work in a similar manner. The sensor patch needs to be changed periodically and the frequency will depend on the manufacturer, usually every 7 to 14 days. CGMs may have a variety of features, such as downloading data to share it with their healthcare provider.

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!

Read more
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