There’s a potential problem that could be lurking around the corner for people with diabetes. It’s called gastroparesis and makes it exceptionally difficult for individuals to control their blood glucose levels no matter how diligent they are about their diet.

Gastroparesis, also known as slow digestion, is more common in those with diabetes and the disease is the most commonly known cause of gastroparesis. It’s a condition is which the muscles in the wall of the stomach don’t push food out of the stomach and into the intestines in a timely manner.

It’s more common in individuals that have had poor blood glucose levels and have had diabetes for 10 years or more. Even when patients tell their physicians they’re experiencing slow digestion, many doctors are quick to dismiss it, often placing the blame on eating habits or the types of food being consumed.

People with slow digestion typically feel full after eating very little and are unable to finish a regular meal. They may also experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, heartburn, a lack of appetite, and/or abdominal pain. They typically feel full long after they’ve eaten and slow digestion.

Slow digestion makes it difficult to maintain normal blood glucose levels. It can also result in weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration. Many medications can contribute to slow digestion. Undigested food can harden into a solid mass, called a bezoar, that can be life-threatening if it prevents food from entering the small intestine. Gastroparesis affects quality of life.

Gastroparesis is diagnosed through any number of tests, the most common of which involves radioactive dye that a specialist will monitor as it passes through the digestive system. There’s also a breath test and the doctor may utilize a small camera to examine the upper digestive system.

There’s no cure for gastroparesis, but there are steps that can be taken to remediate the disorder. Try eating smaller portions more often and be sure to chew thoroughly. Eat fruits and vegetables that aid in digestion. Soups and pureed foods are easier to digest. Take a leisurely walk after meals. Don’t lie down for at least 2 hours after a meal, avoid carbonated beverages, and take a multivitamin every day.

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People with diabetes have a lot to deal with. They must monitor their blood glucose levels, contend with a weakened immune system, and premature aging. What they may not foresee is a battle with hair loss. Diabetics are far more likely to experience alopecia areata, a condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles. It can result in hair loss in patches on the head and other parts of the anatomy.

Even with careful blood glucose monitoring, diabetes causes damage within the body. When blood vessels are damaged, they can’t transport oxygen or nutrients throughout the body adequately – and that includes to the scalp. High glucose levels impact the hair’s regular growth patterns.

Hydration is especially important for diabetics. Without sufficient hydration, hair becomes dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage. A variety of nutrients are required for hair growth and a lack of vitamin D contributes to hair loss and stunts new growth.

Additionally, oral medications that lowers blood glucose levels may increase the potential for hair loss. The medications can prevent the body from absorbing vitamin B12 that produces red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to the scalp. An iron deficiency also affects hair loss and is associated with obesity. Vitamin B7 is also needed for hair growth.

The good news is that when glucose levels are under control, some hair regrowth will occur and fewer hairs will be lost. In most instances, the hair follicles retain the ability to regrow hair. However, that’s small comfort for diabetics that are losing their hair. Hair loss can be gradual and occur over time or suddenly increase in noticeable amounts.

Hair loss due to alopecia areata isn’t life threatening. The psychological and emotional toll is devastating, affecting confidence and self-image. It can be especially detrimental to people with diabetes who may withdraw and discontinue their exercise regimen. The expertise of a dermatologist that’s familiar with hair loss due to diabetes can be especially helpful.

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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!

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Anyone with diabetes will have been informed by their doctor about the complications of diabetes – primarily heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, neuropathy and eye disease. However, there are other complications that often aren’t discussed until symptoms occur such as hair loss, a weakened immune system, gum disease, and bone and joint problems. The good news is that there are things diabetics can do to minimize the potential for a variety of health problems.

Diet

Individuals with diabetes know they must control blood glucose levels. It’s equally important to ensure that sufficient vitamins and minerals are obtained. Failure to do so can result in rashes, hair loss, the inability to fight pathogens, and heal wounds.

Eye Exams

They can be time consuming and inconvenient, but they’re essential to detect the earliest signs of deteriorating eyesight. Eye problems due to diabetes can result in blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Cataracts tend to develop earlier and worsen faster for diabetics. Medications can help with some type of glaucoma, but retinopathy can result in complete loss of vision. Flashes of light, blurred vision, “holes” in vision, and black spots that seem to float are all signs to see a vision specialist.

Dentist Visits

People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease and tooth loss. Byproducts of infections and bacteria can be swallowed where it will circulate through the blood stream. Tooth infections have been directly linked to an increased risk of heart disease in people with diabetes.

Low Libido

A lack of sexual desire affects diabetics more than the general population and it’s related to poorly managed blood glucose levels. A variety of medications for diabetes and neuropathy and can depress sexual desire, affect arousal, and performance. Improved glucose control can help, but isn’t a sure-fire cure.

Bones and Joints

Osteoporosis and conditions such as frozen shoulder are very real concerns for people with diabetes. Diabetics tend to have poorer bone quality, increased risk of fractures, and more joint conditions. Those that inject insulin are at the highest level of risk for a fracture. Careful and consistent management of blood glucose levels, obtaining sufficient vitamin D, and exercise to strengthen are the keys to minimizing the effects of joint and bone conditions.

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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!

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People with diabetes have what may seem like a never-ending list of concerns and precautions to keep their blood glucose levels under control. Monitoring and controlling those levels is especially important since diabetes weakens the immune system.

High glucose levels can produce an inflammatory response in the body. High blood glucose levels result in dysfunction within the body’s immune response. The immune system can fail to fend off invading pathogens and fight infections. The immune system may be impaired in its ability to send white blood cells to the site of an injury. Plaque build-up in blood vessels may inhibit blood flow required to successfully fight infections and neuropathy increases the body’s vulnerability.

People with diabetes typically have a more pronounced response to bacteria, fungi and viruses and they’re more likely to experience complications. Some medications can also contribute to a compromised immune system such as those for Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and those used to treat cancer.

Some of the symptoms of a weakened immune system include a chronic “cold” that doesn’t go away, stomach and digestive problems, slow healing wounds and frequent infections. A weakened immune system can also manifest as feeling tired all the time. Beware of high-stress levels as it weakens the body’s response to invading viruses, bacteria and fungi. Diabetics are more prone to complications from any type of pathogen.

Immune system dysfunction affects metabolism, making it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood glucose levels, particularly when they’re ill. A weakened immune system also leads to premature signs of aging. Free radicals from pollution and other sources overwhelm the body’s ability to neutralize them when the immune system is weakened. Excess glucose levels contribute to compromising the immune system.

To give their immune system a boost, diabetics need to get enough sleep, have stress-relieving strategies in place, and get enough exercise. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, nutrients, and low in carbohydrates is essential, along with carefully monitoring blood glucose levels.

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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!

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Testing your blood sugar is one of the essential daily tasks required to ensure your glucose levels aren’t spiking too high or dropping too low. Testing is a highly individualized requirement and frequency will rely on multiple factors.

Diabetic Control

If you’re managing your disease well, you won’t need to test as often and may be able to test as little as three or four times per day. If you’ve been newly diagnosed, there’s a good chance that you could be testing up to six times per day. Your doctor may also ask that you keep a record of what you eat and your activities. It will give the physician data to help create a treatment plan.

Insulin

You may be taking an oral diabetes medication, injecting insulin, or both. Taking insulin injections will require testing at least three times per day to ensure glucose levels aren’t too high or too low.

Physical Activity

Engaging in physical activity helps reduce insulin resistance and an active lifestyle may require more frequent testing. Insulin enables the body to use glucose for energy to fuel physical activities. Working out, playing sports, walking the dog and other activities can result in a dangerous drop in glucose levels without testing.

Type of Employment

Some jobs are more dangerous than others and represent a safety risk to yourself and others if your blood sugar fluctuates too widely. Occupations in which you drive, operate heavy equipment, fly a plane, or pilot a boat may not be an option, even under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Other Factors

There are a number of outside influences that can affect your blood sugar levels. Stress, illness, an injury or surgery will affect glucose levels and how often you test. Menstruation, menopause and even some prescription medications can increase your glucose levels and the need for more frequent testing.

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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!

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The answer is yes. Without the appropriate testing, Type 1 diabetes can be misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. The danger lies in the fact that both types share multiple symptoms in common, but treatment is different. Misdiagnosing the type of diabetes a person has can even have deadly consequences. Compounding the problem of an accurate diagnosis are the many diseases and conditions that mimic symptoms of diabetes.

Thyroid Disease – It can manifest symptoms of elevated glucose levels, fatigue and weakness, along with swelling, hypertension and weight gain.

Coeliac Disease – The autoimmune disease is triggered by gluten and causes symptoms of weight loss, fatigue, headache and nausea. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease and research indicates that diabetes may also be an autoimmune disease triggered by a viral infection, though Type 2 diabetes can also result from poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

Joint Conditions – Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and joint mobility conditions are often treated as arthritis or an injury, especially in older individuals, even though diabetics are more likely to be afflicted by joint conditions.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – The syndrome produces symptoms that can include numbness, pain, or a pins-and-needles sensation. It can also create a burning sensation that may be worse at night and affects multiple fingers. Those same symptoms are present in diabetic neuropathy.

Dental Problems – In some cases, a dentist is the first to notice symptoms of diabetes that can include gum disease, gum and tooth infections, loose teeth, and chronic bad breath.

Pancreatitis – The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and insulin for regulating blood glucose levels. Difficulty digesting food, slow digestion, diarrhea, oily stools and unexplained weight loss are signs of acute or chronic pancreatitis, but can also be associated with diabetes.

Fibrous Breast Tissue – Also known as mastopathy, it’s a condition that produces fibrous and dense breast tissue. It’s not always associated with diabetes, but it’s more common in pre-menopausal women and those that have had Type 1 diabetes for many years. Type 1 diabetes is cased by a genetic disorder and typically occurs early in life.

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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!

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Much has been written about the ketogenic diet in which calories are derived from protein and fat, rather than carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar levels to spike. A keto diet reduces the amount of easily digestible carbs and sugars contained in items such as bread and pastries, which can have distinct benefits for some individuals with diabetes that includes weight loss.

Individuals should always consult with their healthcare provider before making changes in their diet, especially when transitioning to a keto diet. Those changes can affect blood glucose levels, how often individuals need to test and the amount of insulin they inject, along with their activity levels.

A keto diet creates a metabolic state known as ketosis that causes the body to burn fat for energy. Consuming a keto diet can result in constipation and nutrient deficiencies, increase the potential for heart disease, and lower blood pressure. The diet isn’t suitable for everyone, making it imperative that diabetics discuss it with their doctor first.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication for diabetics, occurring when the body accumulates too many ketones. Over the counter ketone test kits are available and it’s critical that diabetics test for ketones and monitor their levels. Keto diets can drastically reduce insulin levels. Symptoms indicating that ketosis has been entered include dry mouth, increased thirst, frequent urination, and decreased appetite or hunger.

There are four types of ketogenic diets: standard keto diet (SKD); cyclical keto diet (CKD); targeted keto diet (TKD); and high protein keto diet (HPKD). Only the first two have been extensively studied in relation to diabetes. The latter two are primarily utilized by athletes and bodybuilders.

A ketogenic diet can be beneficial for some diabetics, but it must be approached with caution. The diet can help diabetics lose weight and lower blood glucose levels. However, it can also result in diabetic ketoacidosis that can lead to coma or death if ketones aren’t properly monitored.

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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!

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Individuals across the nation are making money selling their unused test strips. The amount to be made will depend on factors that include the amount a company is paying for them and the number of strips an individual has to sell. Selling test strips won’t place people in a higher tax bracket, but the cash can pay for a variety of extras and there’s very little effort required to sell them.

Individuals can sell their own test strips if they have an excess, those of friends, or the strips of deceased family members that no longer need them. Companies that purchase test strips will pay for postage and funds from the financial transactions can be paid for in multiple ways ranging for digital payments to checks.

There are requirements of which individuals should be aware before attempting to sell their test strips. The strips should have a minimum expiration date of at least 8 months in the future and be in the original, unopened box. Some test strips aren’t eligible for resale. Any strips that were paid for through government-funded insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid can’t be resold.

Companies that buy test strips resell them at a discount to those that are in need. Many individuals have healthcare plans that don’t cover the cost of as many as they require. Other plans may pay for far more than the individual needs, leading to an excess of strips that simply expire before they’re used. It’s a tragic waste as the expired strips are typically thrown away to become fodder for landfills where they do no one any good.

Selling to companies that resell test strips has multiple benefits. The strips earn people cash, help others in need, and is an environmentally-friendly option. Transactions are quick, easy and efficient. It eliminates the time-consuming task of trying to sell them at online marketplaces and individuals have the satisfaction of knowing they’re actually helping others.

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!

Many individuals with diabetes also take prescription medications to address health conditions ranging from high blood pressure and depression to COPD. Even over-the-counter (OTC) medications have the potential to affect blood glucose levels – especially those containing alcohol. It’s just one of the reasons why those with diabetes need to tell their doctor what supplements, vitamins and other OTC they’re taking.

Antibiotics

Medications commonly prescribed for infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections can increase blood sugar levels. They’re a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones and some early research has postulated that people that take a significant number of antibiotics in their younger years may be more likely to develop diabetes. However, diabetes has often been found to be linked with viral infections for which antibiotics aren’t useful.

Antidepressants

Paxil, Abilify, Seroquel and Zoloft are just some of the antidepressants on the market that have been associated with increased risk of developing diabetes. They can also cause glucose levels to spike, sometimes dangerously so.

Birth Control

The estrogen present in birth control pills can lead to increased levels of glucose in the blood. Depending on the level of estrogen and the individual, oral contraceptives have the potential to increase glucose by up to 33 percent.

COPD

Prednisone, corticosteroids, and oral bronchodilators are used to address COPD, asthma and even rheumatoid arthritis, but they can also lead to increased glucose levels. Much will depend on the dosage and length of use. They stimulate glucose production and inhibit the body’s ability to utilize glucose leading to insulin resistance.

Heart and Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is often an underlying comorbidity of diabetes, but the same medications used to control blood pressure and heart disease can also affect glucose levels. Atenolol and metoprolol, along with those that treat high cholesterol such as atorvastatin, simvastatin and rosuvastatin can result in as much as a 12 percent increase in blood glucose.

HIV

Medications for HIV can increase blood glucose levels. It’s essential that individuals taking HIV medications be checked to ascertain whether they have diabetes prior to starting a regimen of drugs.

Hormone Replacement

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women and diabetes is a tricky combination. Visceral fat that can occur during menopause is a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. Medications to address those issues can increase glucose levels, while HRT has been closely associated with insulin resistance.

Nicotine

Whether individuals are actively smoking or trying to stop with patches, nicotine in any form can significantly increase glucose levels and make the disease harder to control. Nicotine impairs the body’s glucose tolerance.

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!

Acupuncture has been a component of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It’s safe and even the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for diabetes, neuropathy, maintaining normal blood glucose levels, and other effects of diabetes.

The ancient method is being used to mitigate the symptoms of insulin resistance and assist in weight loss that often accompanies the disease. The goal of acupuncture is the same as modern medical methods, but take different approaches. The technique can be utilized in harmony with Western medicine methods that include insulin, oral medications, diet and exercise.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture utilizes extremely fine needles inserted into designated areas of the body. The treatment has been found to mitigate the pain of diabetic neuropathy and improve blood flow throughout the body, especially the extremities where neuropathy is most likely to occur. Improved circulation is also beneficial for addressing ulcerations and infections that can be common, particularly in individuals with poor diabetic control and management.

Many people are turning to acupuncture as an alternative for pain relief associated with diabetes rather than take potentially addictive pain medications. Multiple trials and analytic studies conducted around the globe have shown that people with the disease demonstrated lower blood glucose levels after fasting and after meals, along with lower A1C levels.

Treating Symptoms

Insulin resistance and higher cholesterol and blood pressure levels are all associated with diabetes. Acupuncture is equally effective in addressing all three of those problems. While not a replacement for Western medical care, acupuncture is beneficial when used in conjunction.

It’s essential that people choose a highly skilled and experienced acupuncturist that adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation. One way to ensure the best possible experience and results is for individuals to request a referral from their primary healthcare provider. It’s also important for people to understand that ultimately, self-care and management is the key to diabetic health.

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!