Diabetic testing strips are an essential tool in monitoring blood glucose levels and managing the disease. When not used and stored correctly, they provide inaccurate readings that can be dangerous. Diabetic test strips are complex, represent advanced technology, and should be treated accordingly. The following are tips for using test strips properly and ensuring glucose readings are accurate.

Testing

The testing process is easy to perform and will play a major role in your diabetic routines.

• Insert a test strip into the monitor
• Prick a fingertip with the lancet, the device with a tiny needle on the end, to obtain a blood sample for the strip.
• Squeeze out a small drop of blood, then touch it to end of the test strip.
• Never use a test strip that’s not made for the monitor that’s being used.

The enzymes contained in the test strip will be analyzed by the glucose meter and provide a reading of the amount of glucose currently in the bloodstream. Each test strip can only be used one time. A new strip is required each time for testing and the individual’s doctor will determine how often the person should be testing glucose levels.

Storing the Strips

Test strips have specific storage requirements to ensure they provide accurate readings. It’s important that the strips remain in the vials in which they’re packed and that individuals only remove a single strip each time that will be used for testing.

• Keep strips away from heat, moisture and humidity.
• Depending on the brand, before using a new batch of test strips, individuals may need to perform a calibration test. Don’t ignore this step and don’t use expired calibration solutions.
• Never use a strip that is damaged.
• Never use expired test strips.

Safety and Accuracy

Obtaining an accurate reading when testing glucose levels is essential for managing and controlling diabetes. The accuracy of the readings will depend on using test strips that are properly stored and used in accordance with all applicable manufacturer’s guidelines.

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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Exercise is an essential element for effectively managing diabetes and weight gain. Healthcare experts recommend an exercise regimen of at least 30 minutes, five days a week. The exercise can be distributed among three 10-minute intervals or two sessions of 15 minutes.

Cardio exercise is designed to burn calories, build muscle, and it’s effective for combatting cardiovascular disease. The exercises run the gamut from jumping jacks, jumping rope and jogging in place to kickboxing, bicycling, and dancing. Diabetics can also choose home gym equipment such as ellipticals or they can opt for a class at a local fitness center.

Experts agree that vigorous cardio exercise can produce reduced blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance in as little as seven days. Cardio exercise increases the heart rate and promotes deep breathing, both of which foster the distribution of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

Other benefits include promoting a healthy immune system that’s better able to fend off illnesses. The exercises help in strengthening the core, which in turn increases balance that aids in reducing the potential for falls. Cardio also assists in reducing cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Weight training and resistance training are effective for building and maintaining muscle mass.

As beneficial as they are, many cardio exercises are considered high-impact and they won’t be appropriate for diabetics that experience neuropathy. High impact exercise can make neuropathy worse and injuries may occur that the individual isn’t able to feel. In those instances, swimming, yoga, tai chi, and water aerobics are good alternatives that also work to reduce stress that has an adverse effect on glucose levels.

There are multiple types of cardio exercise that can be performed and will match a wide range of personal interests. Cardio exercise doesn’t have to be strictly regimented to be effective. It encompasses multiple activities and can be broken up into smaller sessions for convenience.

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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When a diabetes diagnosis is first received, most people have so many questions and concerns it’s difficult to inform and educate their family. However, it’s imperative that you do so to help them understand how your life will change and to enlist their assistance in managing your blood sugar levels.

A significant amount of managing your diabetes will derive from the support and understanding you receive from family members. It’s imperative that they understand your need for dietary changes, maintaining a level of physical activity, and receiving regular health check-ups. They’ll also need to know about the glucose testing you’ll be doing, the medications you take, and what to do in the event of a diabetic emergency.

The first step in managing the disease and enlisting the help of family members is to educate yourself with accurate and reliable information. It’s important that you and your family have the data needed to make informed decisions. The following tips will also help.

Avoid the Blame Game

Diabetes is a disease that can strike anyone, yet many individuals that are uninformed blame the diabetic for their condition. Make it clear to everyone involved that diabetes is a medical condition – not a punishment.

Everyone is Different

Diabetes has a set of common symptoms and complications, but it affects different people in multiple ways, depending upon how well control of the disease is maintained. Your treatment plan will be individualized according to your specific needs.

Take a Step Back

You’re going to discover that some family members may not want to or be able to share in helping you manage your diabetes.

Take Time

Diabetes can be difficult to manage and control, even when you’re doing everything right. It takes time to test, attend doctor appointments, and engage in self-care. It’s not selfish to carve out time to care for yourself.

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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Managing blood sugar levels during the holidays is especially difficult for diabetics. Between the assortment sweet treats and alcoholic beverages, many diabetics feel left out. They find little to celebrate and often forego spending time with family and friends. The good news is that there are strategies that can be used effectively to enjoy the holidays while maintaining good control of diabetes.

Fats, Carbs and Sugar

Minimizing the fats, carbohydrates and sugar in the foods made at home enables diabetics to enjoy a wide array of holiday offerings. When attending parties at the home of friends and family, it can be helpful for diabetics to bring along treats they’ve made themselves if arrangements can’t be made for diabetic-friendly foods.

Pay Attention to the Plate

The amount of food consumed is just as important as what’s being eaten. Diabetics can use their plate to monitor intake. Protein and carbs should occupy ¼ of the plate, with the rest being filled by vegetables. Minimize the amount of butter, cheese sauces, and dips used. Keep alcoholic beverages to a minimum as they contain sugar, can be fattening, and have a dehydrating effect.

Keeping Off the Pounds

Physical activity is essential, particularly during the holiday season, to prevent weight gain. Healthcare officials recommend 30 minutes, five days per week. The exercise doesn’t have to be completed all at once. It can be broken up into two 30-minute sessions or even three 10-minute periods. Monitor sugars closely before and after exercise, don’t begin exercise programs unless consulting with the doctor, and know the activities to avoid if neuropathy is a complication.

Manage Stress

The holidays are a major source of stress for many people. There are dozens of details to take care of and festivities to attend. Physical and mental stress can play havoc with blood glucose levels. Exercise can help reduce stress, along with meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.

Adequate Sleep

Getting enough sleep will help in managing blood sugar levels and stress. Being well-rested enables diabetics to meet the increased demands of time and effort during the holiday season, along with the ability to make informed decisions while celebrating the holidays.

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 test strips are a critical part of monitoring, managing, and controlling diabetes. As anyone with diabetes can attest, the strips can be extremely expensive. There are multiple reasons why individuals may not need the strips that they have. The following are the top reasons why people sell their diabetic test strips.

• To make quick, extra money
• Have more than they need
• Changed brands of glucose meters
• Bought strips that can’t be used with their meter
• Family member passed away and they’re no longer needed
• Reduce waste in landfills
• To help others

It’s important for people to understand that it’s completely legal to sell test strips, provided the devices weren’t paid for by Medicare or Medicaid. An increasing number of people are purchasing their essential test strips from companies that buy them from individuals that can’t use them or don’t need them.

All the medications and equipment required to address diabetes are expensive. A study conducted by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) in 2012 showed that diabetic test strips accounted for approximately ¼ of the total yearly pharmacy costs for people with diabetes. Depending on the brand, diabetic test strips can cost $1 or more per strip.

Another problem that many individuals encounter is that their test strips won’t be compatible if they change the brand of meter they’re using. There’s no single standard for test strips and each manufacturer designs their strips to only work with their specific brand of products.

By far the most common reason that people sell their test strips is to generate some additional income. It’s legal to sell any test strips bought over-the-counter. Each company that purchases test strips have specific standards to which the strips must adhere to be eligible for purchase. This ensures that those buying the strips have access to accurate and reliable readings.

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 shock, also known as hypoglycemia, is a danger that every person with diabetes lives with on a daily basis. It occurs when blood sugar levels fall below normal. It can happen when an individual forgets to eat, they don’t eat enough for the work they’re performing, or too much insulin is injected.

There are a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications that can affect blood sugar levels. Consuming alcohol decreases the amount of glucose in a person’s body, along with some types of critical illnesses and weight loss diets. People that don’t have diabetes can also have low blood sugar. There’s a range of symptoms that accompany low blood glucose levels and diabetic shock. Individuals may experience some or all of them. They are:

• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Hunger
• Irritability
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Pale skin
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Tingling or numbness in the lips, tongue or cheek

If not addressed promptly, low blood sugar worsens. Vision can become blurred and individuals may become confused and experience the inability to perform even simple tasks. Seizures and loss of consciousness follows and can result in death.

Low blood glucose levels can occur anytime or place. It’s a medical condition that results in a variety of accidents encompassing falls, other types of injuries, and car crashes. Those that experience hypoglycemia have a greater risk of dementia if they’re older adults. It’s essential that diabetics carefully monitor their glucose levels through testing.

Immediate treatment for low glucose levels is required. Anyone with hypoglycemia should eat or drink 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. Don’t consume diet candy or beverages. Instead, use glucose tablets or fruit juice. Check blood glucose levels every 15 minutes afterward and consume another 15-20 grams of carbohydrates until glucose levels are above 70 mg. Have a snack or a meal once glucose levels have stabilized.

Anyone experiencing severe hypoglycemia – diabetic shock – may not be able to eat. They may need an injection of glucagon or an intravenous injection. Friends and family should be made aware of what to do if an incident occurs. It’s a good idea for diabetics to keep a glucagon kit on hand and where to find it. Call for emergency medical assistance if no kit is available or no one knows how to use it.

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 test strips are an essential and critical tool for monitoring blood glucose levels and managing the disease. The affordability and access to test strips have become a major problem for many people. People with diabetes won’t find test strips on sale, but it’s important to shop around for the best prices for diabetic supplies as any other product.

One of the problems with test strips is that there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Test strips aren’t interchangeable and will only fit the glucose meter for which it’s designed. An additional problem is that those fortunate enough to have insurance may discover that their insurance company may not pay for as many test strips as they actually need as determined by their doctor.

Generic or Store Brands

Rather than purchasing name brand glucose meters and accompanying test strips, consider generic or store brands that are substantially less expensive. They provide the same quality test results and out-of-pocket costs will be less.

Buy Test Strips Online

There are a number of companies that purchase the excess test strips that people have and resell them at a discount to those that need them. These outlets are an important resource for people that are underinsured or uninsured.

Assistance Programs

Several types of assistance programs are available. There are also local, regional and national organizations that provide assistance based on financial need. Some manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs – provided the individual has commercial insurance coverage. Additionally, some medical providers and clinics accept donations of test strips and other supplies for redistribution to people that need them.

Loyalty Perks and Discounts

Some chain and independently operated pharmacies offer discounts, cashback, coupons, and loyalty programs that provide incentives for individuals to shop with them. Ultimately, individuals will have to explore each opportunity for themselves and choose the option that’s best for their personal situation.

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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A diagnosis of juvenile diabetes is frightening to parents, children, and can seem overwhelming. Symptoms often go overlooked or are attributed to other causes such as participation in sports. Diabetes will result in some significant lifestyle changes for the entire family. Juvenile diabetes can appear suddenly and encompass a variety of symptoms. Children may exhibit any of the following symptoms.

• Extreme hunger
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Fruity smelling breath
• Increased thirst
• Irritability or changes in behavior
• Unintentional weight loss

Diabetes can occur in children of any age and the youngest of children that have previously been potty trained may experience bed wetting behaviors. It’s critical for parents to make an appointment with their child’s healthcare provider should they observe any of those symptoms. In diabetes, the amount of sugar within the body builds up in the bloodstream. Without treatment, it can be life threatening.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing sufficient insulin. Science hasn’t determined exactly why juvenile diabetes occurs, but it’s believed to be linked to the body’s immune system that’s responsible for fighting bacteria and viruses. Researchers believe that the immune system mistakenly destroys the cells in the pancreas that regulates insulin after being exposed to viruses.

There are four major factors that may increase a child’s risk of becoming diabetic that include a family history of the disease and genetics. Certain viruses may also trigger an immune system response that destroys pancreas cells and race plays a role. Diabetes is more prevalent in children of Hispanic descent.

It’s essential that parents seek medical treatment for their child as soon as possible. Diabetes begins to take a toll on the body from the very beginning in the form of damage to the eyes, kidney and nerves. It increases the potential for heart and blood vessel disease, along with osteoporosis. Learning to test and monitor blood glucose levels is the first step to a healthy life.

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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People with diabetes are constantly reading product labels and monitoring the levels of sugar in the things they eat. There are seven primary alternative sweeteners that food and beverage manufacturers use and each comes with its own benefits, drawbacks, and potential side effects.

Before selecting a sugar substitute, individuals should carefully consider the taste, intended use, cost, and availability. Whenever possible, nutritionists recommend the use of fruit as a sweetener. The following is an overview of sweeteners to help diabetics make informed decisions.

Acesulfame potassium

The sweetener is 200 times sweeter than sugar and known by the brand names of Sweet One and Sunnett. Other sugars are often added to counteract its bitter aftertaste.

Aspartame

Available since the 1980s, it’s 200 times sweeter than sugar and typically used as a tabletop sweetener though it can be found in diet soda. It’s available under the names Equal and Nutrasweet.

Neotame

Low in calories, it can be 7,000-13,000 times sweeter than sugar. Available under the name of Newtame, it’s a general purpose sweetener appropriate for baking and other foods, but not for meat or poultry.

Saccharin

The sweetener has been around since 1878 and used in food since 1879. It’s sold under the brand names of Sweet’N Low, Necta Sweet, and Sweet Twin. It can be 200-700 times sweeter than sugar.

Sucralose

It’s 600 times sweeter than sugar, contains few calories, and is used in everything from chewing gum to baked goods. It’s sold under the brand name Splenda and is one of the most widely available sweeteners.

Stevia

Derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, it’s approximately 300 times sweeter than table sugar. It can be found under a variety of brand names that includes Sun Crystals, Truvia, and Sweetleaf. It won’t raise blood sugar levels, but other sugars are often added to mitigate its bitter aftertaste.

Tagatose

Ninety percent sweeter than sucrose, it’s found naturally in a variety of fruits but its use in foods is rare. It’s difficult to find in stores and generally more expensive than other sweeteners. It can be beneficial for those on a low-GI diet.

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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The saying “There’s an app for that” was coined in jest, but apps are one of the most often used methods to help people manage their disease more effectively. There are a number of apps designed for diabetics and many work with specific glucose meters.

The following are diabetic-related stand-alone apps and don’t require the use of any particular type of meter. Some offer in-app purchases, while others provide a free version or a subscription option. The following have been rated as the top 5 by users, in no particular order.

Diabetes:M

The tracking app enables you to maintain a log of what you eat, blood glucose levels, and offers a bolus calculator. It also allows you to share reports about those items with healthcare providers or family and friends that are helping you to manage the disease.

Fooducate

It’s pre-installed on iPhones and free to download on Android operating systems. It enables you to scan and/or search for foods and identify its calorie quality, proteins, and fats. The app provides information on foods such as sugar content, hidden ingredients, and offers alternatives.

MyFitnessPal

The app incorporates over 6 million foods that include items from your pantry to snacks and dishes from popular restaurants. It features a handy barcode scanner, an exercise tracker, and syncs with food choices to help manage weight.

mySugr

Designed for kids, it can be equally informative and beneficial for adults. It operates much like a game, but it also connects with several blood sugar meters, provides smart searches, motivating challenges, and clear graphs and reports.

Sugar Sense Diabetes

It’s a simple app that helps you track glucose numbers, the food you eat, and provides an estimated HbA1C based on the information you enter. The app also functions as a step counter and syncs with other fitness apps.

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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