Technology in diabetes management has come a long way, with Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) becoming increasingly popular. These high-tech devices provide real-time blood sugar readings without the need for finger pricks, making them a game-changer for many people with diabetes.

So why do millions of people still use traditional glucose meters and test strips? While CGMs offer convenience, traditional fingerstick testing remains a reliable, affordable, and widely used option. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between diabetes test strips and CGMs, and why test strips remain essential for many individuals.

What Are Diabetes Test Strips?

Diabetes test strips are small, chemically coated strips that work with a glucose meter to measure blood sugar levels. To use them, a person:

1️⃣ Pricks their finger to get a small drop of blood.

2️⃣ Places the blood on a test strip.

3️⃣ Inserts the strip into a glucose meter, which provides a blood sugar reading within seconds.

Test strips have been the gold standard for diabetes management for decades and remain widely available at pharmacies, online, and through insurance plans.

What Are Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)?

A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a wearable device that tracks blood sugar levels 24/7. It consists of:

📍 A small sensor inserted under the skin (usually on the arm or abdomen).

📡 A transmitter that sends data to a smartphone or receiver.

📊 A mobile app or device that displays real-time glucose readings.

CGMs eliminate the need for frequent finger pricks and provide a constant stream of glucose data, making them a preferred choice for many people with diabetes.

Why Do People Still Use Traditional Test Strips?

Even with advancements in CGM technology, diabetes test strips remain essential. Here’s why many people still prefer or rely on traditional testing:

1. Cost & Affordability 💰

One of the biggest barriers to CGMs is the high cost. Many insurance plans either don’t cover CGMs or require expensive co-pays.

✅ Test strips: Can be purchased over the counter, and generic brands are available.

❌ CGMs: Can cost hundreds of dollars per month without insurance.

For those without insurance or with high deductibles, traditional test strips offer a much more budget-friendly way to monitor blood sugar.

2. Accuracy & Reliability 🎯

While CGMs are great for tracking trends, they aren’t always as accurate as fingerstick tests.

✅ Test strips give immediate, precise blood glucose readings.

❌ CGMs can sometimes lag behind actual blood sugar levels, especially after meals or exercise.

Many doctors recommend using test strips to confirm CGM readings when symptoms don’t match the displayed glucose level.

3. Accessibility & Availability 🌍

CGMs require a prescription, special sensors, and ongoing replacements, making them harder to access.

✅ Test strips: Readily available at pharmacies, online, and through insurance.

❌ CGMs: Require doctor visits and approvals before use.

This makes traditional glucose meters and test strips a more practical choice, especially for those who need immediate access to testing supplies.

4. Simplicity & Ease of Use 🏥

Not everyone wants to wear a device 24/7 or deal with CGM maintenance (charging, replacing sensors, calibrating).

✅ Test strips: Simple, quick, and require no setup.

❌ CGMs: Require sensor changes every 7-14 days and occasional troubleshooting.

For elderly individuals, those with limited tech skills, or people who only need occasional testing, fingerstick tests remain the easiest and most familiar option.

5. Backup for CGM Users 🔄

Even people who use CGMs often keep test strips as a backup in case of:

⚡ CGM sensor failure

🔋 Battery or connectivity issues

🚑 Emergency situations where CGMs aren’t available

This ensures they can still monitor their blood sugar accurately when needed.

Final Thoughts: Both Methods Have Their Place

While CGMs provide continuous tracking and convenience, traditional test strips remain a reliable, affordable, and accessible option for millions. Whether due to cost, accuracy, ease of use, or accessibility, many people still prefer or rely on test strips for their daily diabetes management.
If you have extra, unused test strips, consider selling them to help others who depend on them for affordable diabetes care!

Whether you use test strips, a CGM, or both, managing diabetes is about finding what works best for you. Stay informed, stay healthy, and make the best choice for your needs! 💙

Managing diabetes is not only a health challenge but also a financial burden for millions of people. From insulin and glucose meters to test strips and lancets, the cost of diabetes care can add up quickly. For many individuals, especially those without insurance or with high deductibles, affording these essential supplies can be difficult.
If you have extra, unopened diabetes test strips, selling them can provide a lifeline to someone in need while putting extra cash in your pocket. In this blog, we’ll explore the rising cost of diabetes supplies, why selling your unused test strips can help others, and how you can do it safely.

The Rising Cost of Diabetes Supplies

Diabetes care is expensive, and prices have only continued to rise over the years. Here’s a look at some of the average costs of common diabetes essentials:

💉 Insulin: $300-$800 per month (without insurance)

📟 Glucose meter: $20-$100 (one-time cost)

🩸 Test strips: $1-$2 per strip (can add up to $100+ per month)

📌 Lancets & other supplies: $10-$50 per month

For those who need to test their blood sugar multiple times per day, the cost of test strips alone can be overwhelming. Many people ration their supplies or go without, which can lead to serious health risks.

How Selling Extra Test Strips Helps Others

If you have extra, unopened test strips, selling them through a reputable buyback service provides several benefits:

1. Making Test Strips More Affordable

When you sell your unused test strips, they are resold at a lower cost to people who need them. Many individuals rely on secondary markets because retail prices are simply too high. Your extra strips could mean the difference between consistent diabetes management and dangerous health risks.

2. Reducing Waste of Medical Supplies

Many people end up throwing away unused test strips when they switch brands, receive excess from a prescription, or no longer need them. Instead of letting them expire, selling your test strips ensures they go to someone who can use them before they go to waste.

3. Supporting Those Without Insurance

Millions of Americans either don’t have health insurance or have high deductibles that make affording diabetes supplies difficult. Selling your extra test strips helps those who might not qualify for assistance programs or simply can’t afford the high retail prices.

4. Earning Extra Cash

Selling your test strips doesn’t just help others—it helps you too! If you have unused boxes sitting at home, why not turn them into fast cash instead of letting them expire? Most buyback services, like Sell Your Test Strips, offer quick payments via PayPal, Zelle, or check.

How to Sell Your Extra Test Strips

Selling your test strips is easy, safe, and legal, as long as they meet certain conditions. Follow these simple steps to get started:

Step 1: Check If Your Test Strips Qualify

✔ Unopened & Sealed – The test strips must be in their original, factory-sealed packaging.

✔ At Least 6 Months Before Expiration – Most buyers prefer strips with a longer shelf life.

✔ No Medicare or Medicaid Labels – Strips purchased through government programs cannot be resold.

✔ Popular Brands Accepted – OneTouch, FreeStyle, Accu-Chek, Contour, and more.

Step 2: Get a Price Quote

Visit Sell Your Test Strips and enter the details of your test strips to receive an instant offer.

Step 3: Ship Your Test Strips for Free

📦 Use a secure box to prevent damage.

📑 Attach the free shipping label provided.

📮 Drop off your package at the post office.

Step 4: Get Paid Fast!

Once your test strips are received and inspected, you’ll receive payment via PayPal, Zelle, or check—often within 24 hours!

Final Thoughts: A Win-Win for Everyone

The high cost of diabetes supplies makes managing the condition difficult for many people. By selling your extra test strips, you’re not only earning cash but also helping those who desperately need affordable options.

If you have unused test strips sitting in your home, don’t let them go to waste!

Diabetes test strips are essential for managing blood sugar levels, but did you know that improper storage can affect their accuracy and shelf life? Whether you use them yourself or plan to sell your unused test strips, understanding their lifespan and how to store them correctly is crucial.
At Sell Your Test Strips, we help people turn their extra, unused test strips into cash while ensuring these medical supplies remain safe and effective for others. In this guide, we’ll cover how long diabetes test strips last, the best ways to store them, and how to sell them safely.

Understanding the Lifespan of Diabetes Test Strips

Do Diabetes Test Strips Expire?

Yes! Every test strip box comes with an expiration date, usually printed on the side or bottom. After this date, the strips may not provide accurate readings, which can be dangerous for people managing diabetes.

How Long Do Test Strips Last?

Most diabetes test strips have a shelf life of 1-2 years from the manufacturing date. However, once the bottle or package is opened, their accuracy can begin to decline faster due to exposure to air, moisture, and temperature changes.

What Happens If You Use Expired Test Strips?

Using expired test strips can result in:
⚠️ Inaccurate blood sugar readings
⚠️ Potential health risks due to incorrect insulin dosing
⚠️ Errors on your glucose meter, leading to frustration and wasted strips

To ensure safety, it’s best to use test strips before they expire or sell them while they still have plenty of time left.

Best Practices for Storing Diabetes Test Strips

Proper storage extends the shelf life of diabetes test strips and maintains their accuracy. Follow these tips:

✅ Keep Them in a Cool, Dry Place – Store test strips in a temperature-controlled environment. Avoid extreme heat or cold, as both can degrade the strips.

✅ Avoid Humidity – Never store test strips in bathrooms or near sinks, where moisture can seep in and affect their effectiveness.

✅ Keep the Packaging Sealed – Do not open the box or vial until you are ready to use them. If the container is open, close it tightly after each use.

✅ Store Away from Direct Sunlight – Sun exposure can weaken the chemical sensors inside test strips, causing them to become unreliable.

✅ Check Expiration Dates Regularly – Stay aware of upcoming expiration dates so you can use or sell the strips before they become unusable.

How to Sell Your Diabetes Test Strips Safely

If you have extra, unopened test strips, selling them is a great way to help others in need and earn extra cash. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Check If Your Test Strips Qualify

Most test strip buyback companies accept:

✔ Unopened and factory-sealed boxes

✔ Strips with at least 6 months before expiration

✔ Popular brands like Accu-Chek, OneTouch, FreeStyle, and Contour

❌ Test strips from Medicare or Medicaid cannot be resold due to federal regulations

2. Get a Free Quote

Visit Sell Your Test Strips and enter the details of your test strips to receive an instant price estimate.

3. Package and Ship Securely

📦 Use a sturdy box to prevent damage during shipping

📑 Attach the free shipping label provided by the buyer

📮 Drop off your package at the nearest post office

4. Get Paid Quickly

Once your test strips arrive and are inspected, you’ll receive payment via PayPal, Zelle, or check – often within 24 hours!

Why Sell Your Test Strips?

✔ Help Others – Many people with diabetes struggle to afford test strips. Selling yours helps make them available at a lower cost.

✔ Earn Extra Cash – Instead of letting unused test strips expire, turn them into money.

✔ Reduce Medical Waste – Prevent perfectly good medical supplies from being thrown away.

Final Thoughts

Properly storing your diabetes test strips ensures their accuracy and extends their shelf life. If you have extra, unused strips, selling them is a smart, responsible, and profitable choice.

If you have extra diabetes test strips sitting in your home, you may be wondering what to do with them. Instead of letting them go to waste, you can sell your unused diabetes test strips for cash while helping others access affordable supplies. Many people with diabetes struggle with the high cost of test strips, and selling yours can make a real difference.

At Sell Your Test Strips, we make the process simple, safe, and hassle-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of selling your unused diabetes test strips so you can turn them into extra cash today.

Step 1: Check If Your Test Strips Qualify

Before you sell, you need to make sure your test strips meet the necessary requirements. Here’s what we look for:

✅ Unopened & Sealed Boxes – The test strips must be in their original, factory-sealed packaging. Opened, damaged, or tampered boxes cannot be accepted.

✅ Valid Expiration Date – Most buyers require at least six months before expiration, so check the dates on your boxes. The longer the shelf life, the higher the payout.

✅ Popular & In-Demand Brands – While many brands are accepted, some have higher resale value than others. Brands like Accu-Chek, OneTouch, FreeStyle, and Contour are in high demand.

✅ No Medicare or Medicaid Labels – Federal regulations prohibit the resale of test strips provided by government programs. If your box says “Medicare” or “Medicaid,” it cannot be sold.

Step 2: Gather Your Extra Test Strips

Once you’ve confirmed that your test strips are eligible, gather them together. It’s best to:
📌 Group similar brands and expiration dates to streamline the selling process.
📌 Store them properly – Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
📌 Ensure packaging is intact – Boxes with crushed corners, tears, or missing labels may not be accepted or may receive a lower payout.

Step 3: Get a Price Quote

Now it’s time to find out how much your test strips are worth! Most test strip buyback companies, including Sell Your Test Strips, offer free instant quotes based on:

💰 Brand & Type – Some brands pay more than others.
📦 Quantity – Selling in bulk usually results in a higher payout.
📆 Expiration Date – The longer the shelf life, the better the price.

At Sell Your Test Strips, we make it easy to get a quote online. Simply visit our website, enter your test strip details, and receive an instant estimate.

Step 4: Ship Your Test Strips for Free

Once you accept the offer, it’s time to send in your test strips. We provide free shipping! Here’s how:
📌 Request a Free Shipping Label – Print the prepaid label or request a free mail-in kit.
📌 Package Your Test Strips Securely – Use a sturdy box to prevent damage during shipping.
📌 Drop Off at the Post Office – Send your package via USPS or another carrier.
Tracking is included, so you can monitor your shipment every step of the way.

Step 5: Get Paid Fast!

After your test strips arrive and are inspected, payment is processed quickly. Depending on your preference, you can receive your money via:
💳 PayPal – Fast and convenient.
🏦 Zelle – Direct deposit to your bank.
📬 Check – Mailed directly to you.
With Sell Your Test Strips, we ensure same-day or next-day payment after your package is received and verified.

Why Sell Your Test Strips?

✔ Make Extra Cash – Turn unused supplies into money instead of letting them expire.
✔ Help Others – Provide affordable test strips for those in need.
✔ Reduce Waste – Keep valuable medical supplies from going unused.
✔ Easy & Hassle-Free – Quick process with free shipping and fast payments.

Ready to Sell? Get Started Today!

you have extra diabetes test strips, don’t let them go to waste! Sell them today with Sell Your Test Strips and get paid fast.