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Blood Glucose Meter

Choosing a Blood Glucose Meter

Anyone that has diabetes will need to test their blood multiple times each day using test strips and a glucose meter. There are a wide variety of monitors from which to choose and selecting one can be confusing. Monitors encompass basic models to those with special features and they’re available in multiple price points.

When choosing a monitor, factor in the cost of test strips. Test strips aren’t interchangeable among different brands of monitors and will account for a significant amount of the cost of managing the disease. Some elements to consider when choosing a monitor include the following.

Insurance

Some insurance companies will cover the cost of any type of monitor, while others will only cover certain models. Insurers may pay the total cost of a monitor or only a portion and limit the number of test strips allowed each month. In some instances, it may be less expensive to pay for a monitor and/or test strips out of pocket.

Ease of Use

Make sure the face is large enough and the numbers are easy to read. The monitor should fit easily in the hand. Consider how large the drop of blood has to be for testing.

Types

Glucose monitors are available in traditional models that require a finger prick to test with a drop of blood, while other enable blood samples to be taken from other parts of the body. People can also choose a model that uses an adhesive sensor on the skin and sends continuous readings to a monitor, smartphone or smart watch.

Special Features

Meters are available with memory storage and retrieval that can help people track their glucose levels over time, along with models that will vocalize the readings out loud. Others will record the time and date of testing, the results and show trends over time. There are also monitors that allow individuals to download their readings and history to a cell phone or computer and send it to their physician.

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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Mediterranean Diet for Diabetics

Mediterranean Diet for Diabetics

People with diabetes are always told to eat more fruit, vegetables and foods rich in fiber to aid in managing blood glucose levels. The Mediterranean diet meets all those requirements for a U.S. population where diabetes control is far less than optimal. While the Mediterranean diet isn’t superior to others, it does contain many of the elements that physicians recommend for diabetics and good health in general.

An estimated 50.2 percent of all diabetics fail to reach A1C goals and 53 percent don’t achieve target blood pressure levels. One of the reasons for those figures is confusion about food labels, which leads to uncertainty about what to eat and what to eliminate from their diet while maintaining good nutrition.

Inspired by the eating habits of people living around the Mediterranean, the primarily plant-based diet features an abundance of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, fish, grain, cereals, legumes, poultry, pasta, and olive oil. Few dairy and meat products are consumed. The United Nationals Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added the Mediterranean diet on its list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

While the diet from the Mediterranean area encompasses a wide variety of foods that are components of healthy eating, without fully understanding the principles underlying the diet, individuals may experience difficulties. Many of the diet’s recipes use pasta sparingly in dishes that are heavy on vegetables, where ingredient ratios would be the opposite in the U.S. To accommodate the need for carbs, bread may be substituted for pasta.

It’s essential for diabetics to keep in mind that the Mediterranean meal plan isn’t a rigid set of recipes, but rather ingredients that can be combined in multiple ways. The eating pattern provides essential nutrition, is high in unsaturated fats (good fats), and relies on fresh fruits and vegetables rather than processed food.

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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type 1 diabetes

Can Adults Develop Type 1 Diabetes?

For decades, Type 1 diabetes was called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. Much more is known about the disease now and it is possible for adults to develop Type 1 diabetes at any point in their life.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas manufactures too little insulin or none at all. Insulin is a hormone that enables sugar to enter the body’s cells to produce energy for performing various tasks. While diabetes can be caused by poor lifestyle choices, it most often occurs in families with a history of the disease.

However, medical science now knows that diabetes can be triggered by any of multiple types of viral infections. Researchers have also discovered that the prevalence of Type 1 diabetes increases the further away from the equator that an individual is. The immune system fights viruses, bacterial and fungal infections, but in diabetes it destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Many people erroneously believe that only children are afflicted with Type 1 diabetes. That misinformation can cause people to ignore the early warning signs of the disease and delay treatment. Individuals with diabetes will experience increased thirst, frequent urination and extreme hunger. Irritability, fatigue, and weakness can also occur, along with blurred vision and unintended weight loss.

The complications of untreated and unmanaged diabetes are severe and can lead to an early death. It drastically increases the risk of heart disease, narrowing of the arteries, and high blood pressure. Nerve damage, especially in the legs, causes numbness, tingling and pain. Neuropathy can also affect the digestive system resulting in nausea, vomiting and constipation or diarrhea.

The disease damages the eyes and can lead to blindness. Diabetes damages the kidneys, inhibits its ability to filter impurities from the blood, and can eventually lead to kidney failure. People with diabetes are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, particularly of the mouth and skin, along with gum disease.

There’s no cure for Type 1 diabetes, no way to prevent it, and no way to determine exactly who will develop the disease. Even if an individual is eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, they can still develop the disease.

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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rising cost of diabetes

The Rising Cost of Living with Diabetes

The economic cost to individuals with diabetes continues to increase. It’s the most expensive chronic disease in the U.S. to treat and it’s the 7th leading cause of death. It doesn’t matter whether individuals have Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes, the cost of treatment and management is significant.

Genetics

It’s important that people understand that while lifestyle choices can contribute to the development of diabetes, there are other factors at play. Genetics play a significant role and a variety of viruses can trigger the immune system to attack the cells in the pancreas that enable cells to use glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. The result is diabetes.

Rising Costs

There are numerous reasons for the increase in costs, the primary of which is that pharmaceutical companies are charging more for their products. They’re transitioning from older forms of insulin to newer types and claim the higher prices are necessary to pay for the cost of developing it.

Insulin is essentially a cash cow for pharmaceutical companies that know people with diabetes must have insulin to live. The U.S. represents 15 percent of the insulin market globally but generates 50 percent of the industry’s revenue.

Affordability

Diabetic-related costs are taking a high toll on people with the disease, mentally, physically and financially. Many individuals can’t afford the test strips or insulin they need to monitor and manage the disease and it’s not just the uninsured and underinsured feeling the effects. Insurance companies are demanding that clients pick up a larger share of the costs through higher co-pays.

The American Diabetes Association gives the estimated cost of diabetes in 2017 – the last year for which statistics are available – as $327 billion, an increase of 26 percent over the previous 5 years. The situation is so dire in the U.S. that an increasing number of people are traveling to Canada to obtain the insulin and supplies they need.

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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Should you Tell your Employer you’re Diabetic?

The line between disclosure of medical conditions in relation to employment is a thin one. Employers can’t ask about medical conditions before they offer you a job. They can after you’ve accepted a position, but employers can’t retaliate for not disclosing it after you’re hired.

You don’t have to disclose information about your disease if you don’t want to, however, he/she will find out if you opt for employer-provided insurance coverage and you’ll only receive protection under anti-discrimination laws if you reveal the information. If the hiring process includes a pre-hire physical or if the condition could present a threat to you or others within the workplace, you need to disclose.

Diabetes presents a few challenges in any employment environment, some more than others. You may need accommodations that fall under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). That can include the ability to keep snacks and diabetic equipment with you or at your desk, along with breaks to monitor glucose levels and a private space to administer insulin if needed. It can also include a safe place to rest if you have a hypoglycemic episode.

Under the ADA, employer accommodations can include time off for diabetes-related medical treatment of up to 12 weeks through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and recovery time due to diabetes complications. Your work schedule may need to be modified if it interferes with controlling the disease. Special chairs or other equipment may be required if you have neuropathy or large-screen computers if your vision has been impaired due to diabetes.

The short answer is that you don’t have to disclose to an employer that you have diabetes, but there are benefits to doing so under the ADA. You should be aware that there are employers that won’t hire you because of diabetes out of a myriad of misconceptions and fear of expense or workplace disruption. However, proving it was a factor in your job loss is almost impossible.

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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Foods that Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels

When an individual has diabetes, every bite they consume has consequences. Those with the disease need a meal plan that features generous amounts of fruits, vegetables and fiber – and easy on the carbs. A diabetic diet doesn’t mean deprivation. It simply means eating foods that are low in fats and calories, high in nutrient value, and controlling portion sizes.

Foods to avoid are those that are high in:

  • Saturated fats and cholesterol that include beef, butter and bacon, high fat dairy, hotdogs, sausage, liver and egg yolks – limit coconut and palm kernels
  • Trans Fats that include baked goods, margarine and shortening, and processed snacks

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and legumes play an important role in managing diabetes. It will help in controlling blood glucose levels, managing weight, and reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and managing weight if applicable.

Raw, roasted and cooked vegetables that include Brussels sprouts, eggplant, onions, tomatoes, and zucchini are good choices. They can even be consumed with salsa, low-fat dressings, guacamole and hummus. Experiment with spices to add extra zest to meals.

Green veggies are a staple in a diabetic meal plan, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boiled or part of a salad. They can be combined with roasted vegies or sauteed with spices.

For those for which plain water doesn’t appeal, infuse it with slices of fruits and veggies to give it some flavor. Try freezing some ice cubes with flavoring such as cinnamon or lemon to add extra interest.

Other foods that help manage diabetes are whole grains and those high in fiber. They include peas, beans and lentils. They contain carbs, but the benefit is that they make people fill fuller longer. Diabetics need carbs in limited amounts and good sources include lean meats, cottage cheese, peanut butter and Greek yogurt.

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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earn money for diabetic test strips

Excess Strips can Earn you Cash

You won’t get rich selling your excess diabetic test strips, but you will make some extra cash and could very well save a life. Test strips are an essential part of monitoring and treating diabetes. Selling your extra test strips is extremely easy and there’s no expense to the seller since postage is covered by the purchasing company.

It’s important to know that selling your test strips is legal and allowable in all 50 states since they can be purchased over the counter without a prescription, just like aspirin and allergy remedies. The only restriction is if the test strips were purchased by Medicaid or Medicare.

The test strips must have a sufficiently long expiration date and be in the original unopened box. The strips must have been stored properly by not being exposed to moisture or high heat as they may not provide an accurate reading. That’s also why they must have an expiration date that’s far enough in the future – typically eight to 10 months. Test strips utilize chemicals and stabilizers that are read by a blood glucose monitor and those chemicals break down past their expiration date.

A company that purchases your test strips simplifies the entire process. You can go online and indicate the number of boxes you have to sell. A free mailing kit is provided if you have two or more boxes for sale The strips will be examined to ensure they meet the company’s specifications and if they do, you’ll receive your payment. It’s that simple.

The test strips are then sold at substantial discounts to people that are uninsured or underinsured. You can sell your own test strips if your insurance company provides more than you need, if you received the wrong brand, and those of loved ones that have died and no longer need them. You’ll ultimately be helping people that desperately need test strips to manage their disease.

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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dehydration

Dehydration and Diabetes

Proper hydration is critical for those with diabetes, but even those that have had the disease for many years aren’t aware of the consequences of dehydration. Those with diabetes are at increased risk of dehydration, particularly those with high glucose levels. It’s just one of the reasons that frequent testing is essential, particularly those that live in hot and humid climates. Dehydration can be life-threatening.

Dehydration is especially dangerous for people with type 2 diabetes. A lack of hydration causes blood pressure to plummet. In response, the body secretes stress hormones that have the ability to increase blood sugar levels. Individuals often inject too much insulin as a result.

The first symptoms of dehydration are thirst and dry mouth, but the symptoms typically go unnoticed. People that don’t have sufficient liquid intake often feel irritable, sluggish and weak. When diabetics are dehydrated, the body isn’t able to pump enough blood to the brain, heart, muscles and kidneys.

Dehydration impairs all body functions and lowers blood pressure to dangerous levels. For diabetics, even three days without enough liquid consumption results in impaired glucose responses. The stress hormones that are released result in increased urination that further exacerbates dehydration.

Staying hydrated can be a delicate balancing act for people with diabetes and they’re more susceptible to overheating and heat-related conditions. Symptoms encompass dizziness, headaches, nausea and increased heartbeat, along with muscle cramps, profuse sweating and even fainting. Eventually, the person will stop sweating. Individuals need to immediately move to a cooler area, preferably one that’s air-conditioned, and drink fluids – water is best.

Individuals with diabetes have multiple factors to consider to keep their glucose levels in check, ensure proper nutrition, and manage their weight. Proper hydration is another essential element and one of which many people with diabetes aren’t aware. Multiple studies have demonstrated that diabetics that stay sufficiently hydrated have better control of their disease.

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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meter compatibility

Why do Test Strips Expire?

At-home diabetic monitoring technology has advanced significantly since the development of the first glucose test strip in 1965. Prior to that, detecting diabetes relied on a urine test performed in a lab. Even after the test strip was created, it was only for use in a doctor’s office. Today’s test strips appear simple in design, but they’re actually high-tech, miniature medical devices that contain components that have a limited shelf life.

Modern test strips contain an enzyme and stabilizing chemicals to obtain a glucose reading. When a small drop of blood is introduced, an electrochemical reaction takes place that’s read by a glucose monitor. Those chemicals and enzymes have a specific shelf life and begin to break down after the expiration date on the box.

Many test strip brands contain a minuscule amount of gold that creates the circuitry connection necessary that’s sent to the glucose monitor. Test strips are an essential diagnostic tool for people with diabetes. After the expiration date, there’s no guarantee that the strips will deliver an accurate reading. Obtaining accurate readings are essential for diabetics to manage the disease. Faulty readings are life threatening.

The manner in which test strips are stored is equally important. Exposure to damp conditions, high humidity levels and even very high temperatures will affect the efficacy of the enzymes and chemicals the devices contain. If test strips have been improperly stored, they won’t provide an accurate reading even if the strips have significant time left until they expire.

Various studies have been conducted and the efficacy of test strips in comparison to their expiration date varied widely. Some brands showed inaccurate readings almost immediately when they attained their expiration date. Individual test strips of other brands demonstrated a wide range of accurate and inaccurate readings six months after their expiration date.

The bottom line is that in general, test strip manufacturers and even physicians recommend not using diabetic test strips that are past their expiration date. There’s no guarantee that an accurate reading will be achieved and it can result in a life-threatening 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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Effectively Managing Diabetes

People that are newly diagnosed with diabetes experience a range of emotions ranging from fear to anger and it can impede management of the disease. There are many components involved with the effective management of diabetes and some are easier to accomplish than others.

Attitude

One of the most important aspects of effectively managing diabetes is the attitude with which people approach it. There’s still a stigma attached to the disease that typically points to a lack of self-control. That’s false. Anyone can develop diabetes. It’s a disease like any other and those that approach it pragmatically will manage it most effectively.

Testing and Medication

Individuals will need to test their blood several times a day to ensure glucose levels aren’t too high or too low. Learning to administer insulin when needed is one of the most difficult parts of diabetes management for many people due to the syringes and needles involved. Administering the correct amount of insulin and taking any oral medications regularly are key elements in diabetes management.

Food

Every bite taken will affect blood glucose levels. Healthy eating is essential for everyone, but particularly for diabetics, to keep glucose levels within a safe range. Diabetics will need to learn about carbohydrates, how they affect glucose levels, and portion control.

Exercise

Regular exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and aids in preventing insulin resistance. Exercise doesn’t need to be strenuous to be effective. Dancing, swimming, badminton, gardening or even a brisk walk is beneficial. Individuals need to be aware that they need to stay hydrated and they may require a snack to keep glucose levels within range, depending on the vigorousness of the exercise.

Planning

People with diabetes will need to plan ahead when they go out for dinner, a movie or other form of entertainment. They also need to give more thought to balanced meals at home. Eating high carb foods will cause blood glucose levels to spike. It’s just as important to eat regularly to prevent blood sugar levels from dipping too low. Fluctuations too far outside the norm can result in an emergency 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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