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.

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Even individuals without a family history of diabetes can be diagnosed with the disease. Many people develop diabetes and aren’t aware of it because they don’t know the symptoms or ignore them due to misconceptions. Diabetes affects multiple systems within the body. The symptoms can include any of the following and in any combination.

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Feeling very tired, fatigued or exhausted
• Feel very hungry
• Very dry skin
• Weight loss or gain without trying
• Blurry vision
• Itching and yeast infections
• Patches of dark skin on the neck, groin or armpits that may feel soft and velvety
• Numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet
• More infections than usual
• Even minor wounds heal slower than normal

Type 1 Diabetes

Some people may experience nausea, stomach pains and even vomiting with Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 usually begins when an individual is a child and symptoms can develop over the course of weeks or months. It’s thought to be the result of an immune reaction and often develops after a viral infection. Those most at risk of developing Type 1 diabetes are those with a family history of the disease and it’s more likely to occur when an individual is a child, teen or young adult. It’s most prevalent in Caucasians.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops over the course of several years and typically occurs in adults. People are more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if they’re African American, Hispanic, have given birth to a child over 9 lbs., or the mother had gestational diabetes. Those age 45 and over, who have been diagnosed as prediabetic, are overweight, or seldom exercise are at increased risk. So are people with a family history of the disease or if they have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Early diagnosis is critical to avoid the damage that diabetes does to the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. The disease can also result in sexual problems in either gender. Knowing the symptoms and early detection can lessen the detrimental impact on the body as individuals learn to monitor and manage the disease.

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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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One of the first things that doctors tell their newly diagnosed diabetic patients is to exercise. Individuals typically think it’s to help them lose weight and be healthier, as many people gain weight prior to getting a diagnosis. The truth is that exercise can help regulate blood glucose levels, but in different ways that most people might think.

Glucose is the energy source the body uses to fuel activity, but it requires insulin for muscles and cells to be able to utilize the glucose. Insulin is injected to aid in controlling blood glucose levels and it also enables muscles to use the glucose that’s in the bloodstream. According to an article published by the American Physiological Society, a single round of exercise can reduce a glucose reading by 83 points.

When people exercise, the muscles use more glucose, the heart rate rises, and circulation can increase up to 20-fold. Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and reduces the potential for developing insulin resistance. Doctors prefer patients to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, but even 30 minutes of exercise three times a week is beneficial.

The good news is that no one needs to run a marathon to reap the benefits of exercise when they’re diabetic, nor do they need to run repetitive circles around a track. The first task for anyone is to find a form of exercise that they enjoy so they’re more likely to do it on a regular basis. That can include swimming, dancing, biking, gardening, a brisk walk or even yoga.

There is one thing that individuals should be aware of when exercising. As the body uses more glucose to fuel the muscles, it will naturally lower blood glucose levels. The potential exists for blood sugar levels to drop too low. It’s a good idea to eat a light snack before exercising or at least keep a snack available just in case it’s needed.

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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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Few people know the signs of a diabetic emergency, how dangerous it can be, or what to do. Most diabetics will experience the symptoms of low glucose levels at some point in their battle with the disease. An extremely low blood glucose level is known as hypoglycemia and can be deadly if not treated immediately.

Individuals with a diabetic emergency may experience a range of mental and physical symptoms. They often feel hungry, sweat profusely, feel weak or faint, and their skin can feel clammy to the touch. When diabetics have blood glucose levels below 100, they can exhibit drowsiness or mental confusion. If glucose levels drop too far, individuals can become unresponsive and lose consciousness.

Most diabetics are adept at avoiding an emergency situation, but those that are newly diagnosed may not recognize the signs. Glucose levels that drop too low while sleeping is a constant and ongoing fear for many individuals with the disease. They don’t typically expect the condition to arise during the day.

Administering first aid in a diabetic emergency is essential. Many individuals keep a glucagon kit with them at all times for just such an occasion. It’s available in the form of a powder nasal spray or as a pen that’s an injectable. It’s imperative that individuals ensure that family and friends know how to use either type of kit in an emergency and that they should call 911 immediately.

If the individual doesn’t have a glucagon kit, but is conscious and responsive, give them something sweet to eat or a non-diet beverage such as orange juice, soda or lemonade. It will take several minutes for the sugar to take effect. If this is the first time that the individual has experienced an episode of hypoglycemia, try to reassure them.

Hypoglycemia occurs when a person misses a meal or doesn’t eat enough. It’s one of the reasons why individuals with the disease must check their glucose levels regularly. An episode of hypoglycemia can be frightening for everyone involved. Keeping calm and administering aid can save a 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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Anyone that’s ever needed to purchase diabetic supplies knows how expensive they are, even with insurance. From insulin to test strips, costs continue to escalate. Exactly why the cost of diabetic supplies is so expensive depends on who you ask.

According to manufacturers, the cost of diabetic supplies reflects the cost of the research and development that went into the products, and the ultimate value to patients. Those companies also cite the complexities of their supply chains for elevated prices along with a lengthy and expensive testing process required by the FDA.

The truth is somewhat different. Pharmaceutical companies make the products and there are no laws or restrictions on what they can set the price at. Additionally, the companies don’t have to disclose the formula they use to set those prices and there are no price controls in the U.S. like there are in other countries.

When it comes to diabetic supplies, it’s the Wild West and the sky is the limit on what pharmaceutical companies can charge. They’re under no obligation to negotiate prices or disclose discounts agreed upon with Pharmacy Benefit Managers. It often leaves diabetics with few options and no guarantee that what they can obtain is in line with their treatment or doctor’s orders.

Pharmaceutical companies can – and do – charge as much as the market will allow. It’s the nature of a capitalistic system. The result is that many individuals that are uninsured or uninsured are turning to older and cheaper types of insulin that are also less effective than newer options.

The exorbitant pricing doesn’t stop at insulin. Diabetic test strips are essential tools for monitoring and managing the disease. Test strips are incredible feats of engineering for measuring blood glucose levels. However, each manufacturer’s test strips will only work with the corresponding monitor – also made by the same pharmaceutical company.

The bottom line on costs for diabetic supplies is that the FDA has no power to regulate pharmaceutical companies and the federal government doesn’t want to get involved. Until comprehensive changes are implemented, individuals will continue to travel to Canada for insulin and make use of third-party test strip sellers in the U.S. for the life saving products 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!

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A number of changes take place as you age, which includes the potential to develop diabetes. It’s important to understand that not all people will be diagnosed with diabetes as they age. However, medical science indicates that adults age 45 and over are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance and impaired pancreatic functioning due to age-related causes.

There are some elements that affect the risk of developing diabetes at any age and they’re factors that you have no control over. They include behaviors of the past or a genetic predisposition to it. A sedentary lifestyle or a close relative with diabetes are also risk factors.

The highly respected Mayo Clinic suggests that everyone take preventative steps as they age to avoid being diagnosed with the disease. It’s especially important if you’ve been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. It’s never too late to begin a healthier routine that can aid in preventing the disease.

Diet

Eating smart to prevent diabetes is as simple as consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, and fiber. Those simple changes will aid in weight loss and improving your sensitivity to insulin. Portion size is an important part of reducing the potential for diabetes. It’s better to eat several smaller meals than large meals that will spike glucose levels.

Severely limit sugary drinks such as soda and alcoholic beverages, along with fast food and refined carbohydrates. Drink plenty of water and make it your beverage of choice – add slices of lemon for flavor to make it more appealing. Vitamin D plays a role in glucose control and improves the function of insulin-producing cells.

Exercise

One of the factors connected with diabetes is weight gain. Aerobic exercise is an excellent way to stay fit and burn extra calories. The exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous or extreme – brisk walks or swimming are good forms of exercise. Swimming uses every muscle in the body and water has the ability to lessen the pull of gravity on the body, making exercise easier for those with joint or bone conditions.

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!

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“There’s an app for that” is more than just a saying or meme. There are dozens of beneficial apps that can help people track their weight loss, eat healthier, monitor their exercise, and even get health questions answered. The following are some of the apps that users have found most helpful. They’re free to use and some have in-app purchasing options.

Elevate

Improve skills in memory and math, the ability to focus and speak well, and the speed at which the brain works. There are in-app purchases, and users get a personalized training program that adjusts to them and their needs the more they use it.

Fabulous

For those that want to be more productive in multiple areas, this app employs a holistic approach to achieve that goal. The app prompts users about a myriad of habits that can help them lose weight, improve focus, maximize energy, and enjoy a more restful sleep.

HabitHull

This app turns maintaining healthy habits into a game. There are multiple types of analytics to track and monitor healthy habits and digital incentives are presented to encourage individuals to maintain them.

HealthTap

Individuals can search more than 2.5 million answers from doctors about health issues. It includes 850 conditions and 7000,000 topics. Users can also ask a question for free and receive a confidential reply from a physician within 24 hours. If the problem is urgent, users can pay a fee to see a doctor immediately.

Moodpath

This is a tool to help people monitor their emotional life. It utilizes a variety of proven techniques – including cognitive behavioral therapy – to help individuals understand their state of mind, eliminate negative behaviors, and accentuate positive ones.

MyFitnessPal

This is beneficial for anyone, but especially diabetics. It doesn’t steer users into any specific diet plan. It just tracks what’s being consumed and provides a breakdown in terms of carbs, fats and proteins. It allows individuals to set their own targets, goals and dietary needs.

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For most diabetics, needles to inject insulin or perform a finger prick for testing blood glucose levels is a fact of life. Even if you’re using a modern blood sugar monitoring system that eliminates finger pricks, chances are you’re going to have to administer insulin from a vial via a syringe or a needle for insulin pens.

A fear of needles is a major problem for anyone with diabetes. It’s traumatic enough when someone else is giving you an injection and it may seem like a nearly insurmountable task when asked to do it to yourself – not to mention the regular blood tests required at the doctor’s office.

A fear of needles can cause mild anxiety to incapacitating fear, depending on the individual. However, you may be one of the millions of people that is able to overcome the fear and anxiety on your own. Faced with a choice of testing and injecting insulin vs. the potential of dying is an excellent motivator.

Determining the Cause

The method and technique to help you address your fear of needles will depend largely on the reason for it. Anxiety or outright fear can stem from a prior physical experience that was painful or unpleasant. For others, the fear can be psychological in nature. It’s important for you to try and determine the reason for your fear to get the appropriate help.

Antianxiety Medication

It’s important that you speak with your physician about your trepidation. He/she can prescribe anti-anxiety medication that can help calm you. If your doctor doesn’t listen, isn’t sympathetic to your plight, or minimizes your fear, perhaps it’s time to find another physician.

Numbing Creams/Gels

There are over-the-counter and prescription level creams and gels that can be applied topically prior to the needle stick to numb the area. They can be particularly beneficial if the fear of pain associated with a needle stick is at the root of the problem.

Therapy

A therapist can help you minimize, cope with, or completely eradicate your fear of needles. A highly-trained therapist can help you ascertain where your fear originates and provide ways for you to overcome it. Some mental health professionals can also prescribe medications, while others will work with your physician if any type of medication is required.

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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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Diabetes takes a heavy toll on a person’s eyesight, even when they don’t know it. It’s just one of the reasons it’s so important to monitor blood glucose levels and receive regular eye exams. Uncontrolled diabetes affects the blood vessels in your retina, resulting in diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of permanent vision loss in diabetics.

There’s a myriad of symptoms you may or may not notice indicating there’s a problem with your vision long before it becomes critical. Symptoms to look for includes blurry vision, spots or “floaters,” and difficulty driving at night due to glare from lights called halos. Severe headaches, nausea and vomiting can also occur.

Cataracts tend to affect people with diabetes at a younger age than others. Your vision will become blurry and the lenses will become cloudy. Cataracts can occur slowly over time or progress quickly. Diabetics must also guard against glaucoma, a group of eye conditions, some of which provide no warning signs until they’ve reached an advanced stage.

You can’t undo damage to your eyes, but there are methods and treatments that can prevent it from worsening. It’s important to have your eye exams performed by an ophthalmologist that’s familiar with the specific concerns associated with diabetes. An ordinary eye exam won’t be able to detect problems with your eyes that can occur with the disease.

The risk factor for you to develop vision problems is up to five times that of others. The best way to take care of your eyes and preserve your vision is to maintain tight control over your blood glucose levels. The second is regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist. The third is to control blood pressure to eliminate undue pressure against the eyes by blood vessels.

Most insurance companies will pay for an eye exam each year and glasses every other year if you need them. If you’re over the age of 50 and have symptoms of vision loss, insurance may cover the costs of yearly exams. Surgery is also available to eliminate cataracts. Most eye surgeons won’t perform the surgery without an A1C test of a specific level.

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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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Monitoring blood glucose levels is a constant task for diabetics and the manner in which they accomplish that has changed significantly over the years. When accurate meters and test strips for at-home use became available, it revolutionized life for diabetics and saved millions of lives.

Diabetic technology continues to evolve, but many aren’t aware of the existing methods or products currently being explored for the future. One of the primary pushes in diabetes technology is the elimination of finger sticks to obtain a blood sample through continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.

The innovations being created are also designed to help diabetics monitor their glucose levels more closely and record them. It aids in identifying foods that cause spikes in blood sugar levels and when they occur. The following are just some of the advances in technology for blood sugar monitoring.

Phones and Sensors

With a sensor that sticks to the arm and an app, individuals can simply pass their phone over the sensor to obtain an instant glucose reading. No finger sticks or blood draws are necessary.

Subcutaneous Sensors

There are also sensors that can be applied just below the surface of the skin. They transmit a wireless signal to a touch screen or compatible phone to monitor glucose levels in real-time. Each sensor is good for about 10 days. It’s designed for integration with automated insulin dosing systems. However, some are designed simply to supply the data and individuals will still need to inject insulin when needed.

Insulin Pumps

The use of insulin pumps isn’t new, but the way they deliver data has gone wireless. Tubeless systems are now available that use an ultra-thin filament under the surface of the skin to monitor glucose levels so there are no finger sticks. The filament is attached to a monitor worn on the back of the upper arm and data is also sent to a phone, allowing individuals to see their glucose levels minute-by-minute.

Check Before Choosing

Some of the new glucose monitoring systems can be quite expensive and many insurance companies won’t pay for them at all. Other insurers charge a significant co-pay for them. Before choosing any new system, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider to ensure they’re the best solution for the individual lifestyle. Also, talk with any relevant insurers to ascertain what the cost will be before switching.

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!

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