Diabetes is scary and frustrating for those that have the disease and it can be confusing for friends that want to help. They often go online in search of information rather than talking directly to the person that’s been diagnosed. The following are some tips for people that want to help their diabetic friends.

Nagging Never Works

Nagging a friend about their food choices, level of exercise or weight is counterproductive. Diabetics are well aware of their requirements. They may choose not to exercise or make poor dietary choices. There’s a very thin line between being helpful and being annoying.

Healthy Eating

Diabetics know that others can indulge in foods that they have to limit or shouldn’t have at all. Eating rich desserts and unhealthy foods in front of them is just plain rude and does nothing to encourage healthy eating. For those hosting a party, be sure to provide diabetic-friendly choices.

Exercise With Them

Regular exercise is essential for people with diabetes. Offering to exercise with them is healthy for everyone involved. Even a 30-minute walk per day is beneficial.

Be Positive

Encourage diabetic friends to check glucose levels when needed. Diabetes isn’t the automatic death sentence it was in the past and many diabetics live long and healthy lives. The last thing they want to hear about are complications such as heart attacks or amputations. Encourage healthy habits instead of delivering horror stories.

Keep Informed

Individuals can educate themselves about the disease by attending a support group with their friend or seeking information from reliable sources.

Be Observant

Sometimes diabetics may wait too long to eat without realizing it. Understand the signs and symptoms of low glucose levels. Know what to do should that occur as they may be unable to articulate their needs.

Just Listen

Making the changes required for living with diabetes is a 24/7 task that can take a toll on the nerves and mental health of people living with the disease. Sometimes diabetics just need someone to talk to that won’t be judgmental or offer unsolicited advice.

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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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There are millions of people that have been diagnosed with diabetes, but there are also millions that are on the cusp of receiving that diagnosis. Diabetes is a disease that’s been around since the time of the Egyptians, but a diabetes diagnosis isn’t the death sentence that it once was. However, the diagnosis often comes as a shock.

Glucose Levels

The body uses glucose to fuel the body and insulin is the hormone your body manufactures to regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. When the body doesn’t produce insulin or doesn’t create enough, glucose levels build up in the blood. A simple blood test is used to determine if diabetes is present. The following blood sugar levels are used as a guide by medical professionals.

• 140 or less is normal
• 140-199 is prediabetes
• 200 or higher is defined as diabetes

Testing and Control

If you fall within the last two categories, you’ll need to start monitoring your blood sugar levels. For those with a definite diagnosis of diabetes, oral medications may be required. Insulin may also be needed and administered through daily injections or an insulin pump. Testing multiple times per day is required and there will be dietary changes and adjustments to make.

Some individuals are able to control the disease through diet and exercise. Uncontrolled diabetes results in a myriad of related health issues ranging from kidney disease and cardiovascular conditions to nerve damage. Testing and monitoring will still play a major role in daily life – glucose levels that drop too low can result in coma and death if not treated promptly.

Family and Friends

It’s important that your family knows that you have diabetes and what you need to do to take care of yourself. In addition to testing, monitoring and medications, you’ll need to see your doctor more often. There may be family members or friends that don’t want to know about the disease or how it affects you – and that’s okay. As long as you know and understand what you need to do, that’s all that matters. It may also be helpful to join an online diabetic support group.

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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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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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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