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Sugar Addiction, Diabetes and Mental Health

Anyone with diabetes knows the adverse effects that sugar has on their disease. Managing diabetes is a 24/7 task, but some have a more difficult time of accomplishing that than others. If so, you may have a sugar addiction and be sabotaging your efforts to manage diabetes without realizing it,

More Addictive Than Drugs

Research has revealed that a sugar addiction is more powerful than that of opioid drugs or cocaine. It affects the reward centers of the brain. Over time, sugar changes the way the brain functions, affects cognitive abilities, and impacts mood and mental health.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Cutting sugar intake produces withdrawal symptoms. When you’re diagnosed with diabetes, one of the first things you’re told is to be wary of anything containing sugar. Attempting to minimize the amount of sugar in your diet results in symptoms of withdrawal, but few recognize them or the detrimental cycle that can be created. It can result in binging and cravings

Diabetes and Mental Health

Consuming sweet treats gives you a sugar rush and makes you feel good. That’s in stark contrast to the fear and depression that often accompanies a diabetes diagnosis. It’s a natural reaction to seek comfort food, but many of those choices contain the very substance you’re trying to minimize. Healthier choices don’t provide the same feelings, which often result in depression and even behavioral problems. It’s a vicious cycle that’s difficult to break.

Unconscious Sabotage

Giving up sweets is only half the battle. Unfortunately, many of the alternatives that people turn to are high in carbohydrates, which is another form of sugar. They include foods such as bread, pasta and potatoes. Even healthy fruits can contain a significant amount of carbs.

No Easy Solution

Sugar in any form provides energy for the body. Too much results in weight gain and makes diabetes much more difficult to manage. However, knowing the addictive power of sugar, the effect it has on the brain, and the way it affects blood glucose levels provides you with important information to help make informed decisions about your disease.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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Did I Inherit Diabetes?

Diabetes isn’t actually inherited. However, you do have a greater risk of developing the disease if there’s a family history of diabetes. People are bombarded with diabetic-related data – and not all of it is accurate. For instance, new research has revealed that development of the disease can be an autoimmune response triggered after contracting a virus. Additionally, diabetes doesn’t go into “remission.” It’s just tightly controlled

Genetic Component

There is a strong genetic link to the risk of developing diabetes. However, it’s not an inherited trait like eye color or blood type. There are genes that can be passed on to offspring that increases the risk of developing the disease, but that doesn’t automatically mean that diabetes is inevitable.

THADA and KCNQ1

Researchers say that the risk of developing diabetes is related to the THADA and KCNA1 genes, with THADA being dominant. THADA comes from the mother. KCNA1 comes from fathers. Those receiving the KCNA1 gene are less likely to develop the disease.

Environment and Lifestyle

Diabetes is a complex disease. People with no family history are also diagnosed with diabetes. In those instances, medical professionals say it’s related to environmental elements and lifestyle habits. Those can include a diet high in carbs and low in fruits and vegetables, Feeding the body more energy than it expends can lead to weight gain that can exacerbate the risk of diabetes.

Interesting Findings

The increase in the number of people being diagnosed with diabetes has resulted in more research into the disease with some surprising findings.

  • Diabetes is more likely to develop during winter months.
  • The disease is more common in cold climates.
  • It’s more prevalent in people that were breast fed.
  • Individuals with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing a form of dementia.
  • 1 in 10 people have diabetes, but half of that number don’t know it.

Even with increased risk factors, diabetes isn’t a foregone conclusion. The medical community continues to discover more about the disease, its causes, and preventative measures.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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5 Characteristics of a Good Diabetic Snack

Everyone wants a snack now and then, but diabetics can’t just rip open a bag of chips or munch on a candy bar. Even some “healthy” snacks will cause a spike in blood glucose levels. People with diabetes have to snack with caution and be mindful of portion sizes.

When choosing a snack, foods should have the following 5 characteristics:

  • Provide fiber
  • Low in sugar
  • High in protein
  • Low-fat
  • Have minimal carbohydrates

Snacking is complicated for diabetics. Special attention must be paid to any bedtime snack to ensure it provides sufficient sugar content to maintain glucose levels until morning without elevating it too high, while preventing a radical drop in levels.

There are a number of foods that fulfill the requirements to which diabetics must adhere. The foods also have the benefit of being highly portable, convenient and relatively low cost.

Almonds

They’re the nut of choice, though all nuts contain healthy fats, minerals, and fiber. A handful can be eaten alone, combined with yogurt or added to salads.

Hard Boiled Eggs

They’re filling, high in protein and can be garnished with healthy toppings.

Apples

A small apple provides fiber, potassium, and vitamin B and C.

Beef Sticks

The snacks are highly portable, low in carbs, and high in protein.

Cheese & Crackers Choose whole-grain crackers to complement the cheese. They’re tasty and high in fiber.

Garbanzo Beans

Also known as chickpeas, they can be roasted for a snack with a satisfying crunch. They’re high in fiber and protein.

Raw Vegetables

Raw vegetables are always a good choice. They encompass carrot or celery sticks, bell pepper strips, broccoli or cauliflower florets, and avocados. Vegetables provide fiber and vitamins. They can also be dipped in hummus.

Yogurt

It’s a snack that aids in digestive health and can be combined with berries for a boost in antioxidants.

Prepared Snacks

A variety of ready-to-eat protein bars, shakes, drinks, trail mixes, and snacks are available that are specifically designed for diabetics. Each person will need to experiment with the healthy snacks that best fits their needs, budget and personal lifestyle.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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 Many Faces of Diabetes

For many years, the medical profession only recognized 3 types of diabetes – Type 1, Type 2 and gestational. The cost of the disease and increase in people diagnosed with diabetes has spurred new research. Many researchers are making a case for adding 2 additional types of the disease for a total of 5 and giving it different classifications due to the many potential stages and causes.

Surprising Findings

The classification of the disease hasn’t been updated in over 20 years. New technology and research have led to unique findings. Genetics, a family history and lifestyle remain factors in the development of the disease, but the medical community now knows that diabetes can also result from viral infections and the natural aging process.

New Classifications

The new diabetes designations would be grouped according to the following clusters:

Group 1 – Severe autoimmune diabetes (SAID), now known as Type 1

Group 2 – Severe insulin deficient diabetes (SIDD), similar to Type 1 diabetes

Group 3 – Severe insulin resistant diabetes (SIRD) in which the body doesn’t respond properly to its own insulin

Group 4 – Mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD)

Group 5 – Mild age-related diabetes (MARD)

Better Care

Diabetes is a complex and complicated disease that can even be confusing to those that have lived with it for decades. Researchers and those in the medical community believe the new classifications will provide more accurate quality of care and treatment options.

Changing Public Perceptions

The new diabetes classifications also have the potential to change the public’s perception of people with diabetes. Many in society don’t view diabetes as the disease that it is and diabetes shaming is common. Diabetics are often perceived as lazy and encouraged to “just eat less” and diabetes will “go away.”

No one wants to be diabetic or chooses to have the disease. Diabetes doesn’t disappear or go into remission. However, it can be tightly monitored and managed through diet, exercise and medication.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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Swollen Feet from Diabetes: Treatment Options

Diabetes affects your entire body and many people with the disease experience swollen feet. The disease affects circulation throughout the body and is often most evident in the extremities. Poor circulation to the feet, along with ankles and lower legs, results in a buildup of fluid in tissues. It’s a condition known as edema. The good news is that the condition can be reversed if caught in the early stages.

Medication

Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone are the two prescription medications typically used to address swelling of the extremities. The dosage will depend on the individual and the extent to which swelling has progressed.

Limit Salt

High levels of salt in the body promotes water retention. Purchase no-salt or low-salt foods whenever possible. Snacks and foods such as chips, crackers, chili, and frozen foods such as frozen entrees, pizza and burritos all have high salt content. Stay away from canned meat, along with those that are smoked or cured.

Compression Socks

Available over the counter, compression socks aid in controlling swelling. They should be put on before getting out of bed when the legs and feet are elevated, as blood has already circulated to the feet, ankles and legs. They’re available in attractive styles and patterns, but the primary objective is finding the right fit. Socks that are too tight will impair circulation, while socks that are too loose will move around and bunch.

Elevate the Leg

Elevating the leg above the level of the heart when seated promotes circulation. A pillow, stool or other device can be used. A recliner footrest is equally appropriate if it rises to the desired height.

Hydration and Exercise

It may seem counter-productive, but hydration is essential to help alleviate swelling. When the body doesn’t receive enough hydration, it tends to retain fluids. Exercise promotes blood circulation. Choose an activity you enjoy doing. Exercise doesn’t have to be unpleasant or onerous.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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Does Hot Weather Make Your Blood Sugar go Low?

Hot weather does affect blood sugar levels. It increases the risk of low blood glucose levels, known as hypoglycemia. It’s especially dangerous for those taking medications to lower blood sugar levels such as insulin. Your metabolism is higher in hot and humid weather, causing insulin to be absorbed quicker.

Much will depend upon how well hydrated you are and your activity level. Conversely, if you’re being physically active and not staying hydrated, your glucose levels can increase. Managing diabetes in hot weather is a balancing act and requires additional vigilance in extremely hot weather conditions.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

The body sweats to cool itself. If you have nerve damage, it can also affect your sweat glands and your ability to sweat properly. This result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke, two very serious conditions that can require hospitalization.

Damage to Insulin and Testing Supplies

Test strips use enzymes and chemicals to test blood sugar levels. Exposure to high heat can damage them, resulting in false readings. The same is true for glucose meters that can be damaged in the high temperatures that come with summer. Insulin must also be maintained at certain temperatures or it degrades and loses efficacy.

Dehydration

When you’re dehydrated, a hormone called vasopressin is released. It tells the kidneys to retain water. This makes it more difficult for the body to regulate insulin usage. As more water is consumed, you’ll urinate more frequently, but you’ll still feel thirsty.

The Takeaway

Hot and humid weather can make your blood glucose levels rise or decrease, depending on what you’ve eaten, hydration, physical activity, and if you have nerve damage. It’s difficult enough to manage your blood sugar levels in optimal conditions and summer weather can make it a more difficult task, especially if the disease isn’t tightly controlled. However, with proper precautions, no one with diabetes has to miss out on summer fun.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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Eating Well for Diabetes

Eating healthy for diabetes simply means eating healthy foods. doing so in moderation, and consuming those that don’t create spikes in blood glucose levels. However, healthy eating does require an understanding of the foods that offer the best benefits, and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels. You can create your own diabetic meal plans to suit yourself or choose from among the many companies that provide premade meal designed specifically for diabetics.

Fruits, Grains and Vegetables

A diabetic diet relies heavily on fruits, grains and vegetables. It provides the body with required nutrients, helps prevent weight gain, and controls blood glucose levels.

Healthy Carbs

Carbohydrates that digest slowly have a low glycemic index. They include a wide range of fruits packed in water and with no added sugars. Raw fruits low in sugar include blackberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, kiwi, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelon.

Fiber Rich Foods

Foods containing fiber help keep the digestive tract in optimal working condition. Fiber rich foods include apples, bran-based cereals, beans, broccoli, brown rice, cauliflower, green peas, nuts, pears, quinoa, and whole grains.

Essential Nutrients

Adding vegetables to any diet provides essential vitamins and minerals the body needs for a variety of processes. They also contain antioxidants. The darker the color, the healthier and higher the level of antioxidants. They encompass Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, spinach, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables, along with kidney, black and pinto beans.

Dairy

A variety of dairy products provide calcium for strong bones. Choose low-fat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese.

Meat, Fish, Poultry

Fish is the best choice, but the white meat of chicken and the dark meat of turkey are equally beneficial. Select lean, non-fatty cuts of meat, fish and poultry

Regular Meals

Eating at regular intervals is essential to maintain energy and avoid spikes in blood sugar levels. Meal times can be set to meet individual schedules.

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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What are Some of the Warning Signs of Oncoming Diabetes?

Many of the early signs of impending diabetes, often called pre-diabetes, are silent, go unnoticed, or are attributed to other factors. Some people go for years without being diagnosed. However, there are some warning signs of which everyone should be cognizant, even those without a family history of the disease or have a genetic component.

Diabetes is more prevalent in some demographics than others. They include African-Americans (12.1%) Hispanic/Latin populations (11.8%), and Native Americans/Alaska Natives (14.5 %), though it can occur in anyone. Some Pacific Islanders and Asian-Americans also have an increased risk at (9.5%).

Increased Thirst

The body attempts to eradicate elevated sugar levels through the kidneys. This requires more water, resulting in increased thirst.

Increased Urination

As the kidneys call for increased liquid intake to remove excess sugar from the blood stream, more frequent urination is experienced.

Feeling Very Hungry

Insufficient insulin in the body means individuals don’t use the food they eat efficiently for energy. They often feel hungry and increased food intake can lead to weight gain.

Extreme Fatigue

Insulin converts food to energy for the body to use in everyday activities. Insufficient insulin levels interfere with that process, making people feel tired and fatigued.

Blurry Vision

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to optical nerves, leading to blurry vision and the potential for future blindness.

Pain, Tingling, Numbness

Known as diabetic neuropathy, diabetes damages nerves that results in pain, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet.

Slow Healing

Damage to blood vessels impedes the flow of blood, inhibiting the body’s ability to deliver nutrients to wounds and injuries, resulting in slower healing.

Darkened Skin

Some people experience darkening of the skin, particularly on the neck, in the armpits, and the groin area.

Weight Gain/Loss

The body produces insulin to convert food to energy as fuel for everyday activities. When sufficient insulin isn’t present, food can turn to weight gain.
Conversely, the body begins to use body fat for fuel, which causes weight loss. Known as ketoacidosis, it’s a dangerous condition in which the blood becomes acidic.
 

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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Some of the Best Management Tools for Diabetes

Proper management of diabetes is critical to delay and even avoid some of the most common detrimental effects of the disease that includes cardiovascular and kidney disease, blindness and the potential for amputation. There are a number of simple tools that individuals have at their disposal to successfully manage diabetes.

Glucose Monitors

Anyone with the disease has a close relationship with their glucose monitor and the test strips it uses to measure blood glucose levels. Testing before or after meals is intensely important, depending on the type of insulin being taken. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices provide a moment-by-moment measurement of blood sugar levels, allowing individuals to make appropriate decisions in real-time.

Medications

Individuals are typically prescribed medications – in addition to insulin – to perform functions that include enhancing insulin efficacy to controlling blood pressure. It’s imperative that individuals take their medications as directed and not skip dosages because they’re “feeling better.”

Apps

A wide variety of apps are available to help individuals make healthy choices in the foods they consume to the number of calories they’ve burned in various activities. According to studies, turning to tech as a means of managing diabetes can be a highly effective tool.

Healthy Food Choices

Choose fruits and vegetables that are rated low on the glycemic index. Generally, darker colored fruits and vegetables are best and have the added bonus of containing high levels of antioxidants. Add whole grains to the diet and choose low-fat dairy products. Select lean fish, dark meat turkey, and white meat chicken for protein.

Support Groups

Even though family and friends may know what diabetes is on an intellectual level, they can’t fully comprehend the dozens of decisions individuals must make on a daily basis. A diabetic support group is comprised of other people who know and understand the struggles associated with the disease.

 

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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What are the 5 Biggest Long-Term Health Concerns with Diabetes?

People with diabetes have to worry about major issues that affect their blood glucose levels on a daily basis. Those things are far more important than many people suspect. There are 5 major long-term effects of diabetes that day-to-day monitoring can aid in mitigating.

Vision Loss

People with diabetics can experience a number of eye conditions that end in reduced vision or blindness. They include diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, glaucoma, and cataracts. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage optical blood vessels. It typically occurs with macular edema, in which the eye’s macula swell and leak fluid.

Cataracts are more common in diabetics with poorly managed glucose levels, causing clouding of the lens. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can occur due to excessive pressure on the optic nerve or blockage of bleed flow.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular problems include heart attack and stroke. Individuals are twice as likely to die from a heart attack if they’re diabetic. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels through the build up of plaque from cholesterol, also known as hardening of the arteries. Stroke can also occur, resulting in damage to the brain, mental and physical disability, and death.

Kidney Disease

The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste from the body. Diabetes damages blood vessels and impairs the ability of the kidneys to function properly. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease

Nerve Damage

Diabetic neuropathy is the term used to describe diabetic-related nerve damage. Most often experienced in the hands and feet, it can include pain, tingling numbness, or extreme sensitivity to touch. It can also affect the arms, legs, and digestive and urinary tract.

Foot Problems

People with diabetic neuropathy often sustain scrapes, scratches and other types of wounds of the feet without noticing. Those wounds easily become infected due to bacterial, viral or fungal agents. It can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening emergency, or amputation.

 

We Buy Unused Diabetic Test Strips and Supplies

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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