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What is the Main Cause of Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that results when the body can’t use sugar in the body effectively. The
pancreas releases the hormone insulin, enabling cells in the body to use sugar for energy. If the
pancreas produces little or no insulin, cells aren’t able to absorb enough sugar to power the
body. It’s called insulin resistance.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Science disagrees on exactly what causes the disease. Currently, the most popular line of
reasoning is that diabetes occurs when people are overweight and don’t exercise. Those factors
can contribute to or exacerbate the disease. It’s important to know that the “overweight and
no exercise” theme became popular around the same time that obesity was declared a national
security threat. It became a rallying cry for a healthier lifestyle.
Reversal and Remission
Along with an increased awareness of diabetes, many individuals were told that the disease can
be reversed or sent into remission. There are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of
developing it and methods to control it, but there’s no “cure.” Prediabetes and gestational
diabetes are the two types of the disease that can potentially be reversed.
Viral Infection
New data shows that some types of viral infections can trigger an immune response that results
in insulin resistance. Viral infections can affect the way the pancreas releases insulin.
Genetic Component
Genetics play a strong role in developing the disease. Some people are genetically predisposed
to developing diabetes and there’s typically a family history of diabetes. Following a healthier
lifestyle can delay or prevent it from developing.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that the disease occurs when the body can’t use glucose effectively or the
pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin resistance and diabetes is diagnosed. It’s a multi-
dimensional disease that can be activated by genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, or triggered by a
viral infection. There’s no single, universal causal component that’s been identified that causes
diabetes.

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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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What Are the First Signs of Being Diabetic

The most common form of diabetes in adults and an increasing number of children is Type 2.
The signs of Type 2 diabetes take years to develop. People don’t just wake up one morning with
the disease. There are early warning signs and not everyone experiences all of them or all at
once.
Frequent Urination
It happens throughout the day and can even last into the night as the kidneys attempt to
remove excess sugar from the body.
Excessive Thirst
As the kidneys try to flush sugar from the body, individuals become dehydrated, resulting in
increased thirst. Dry mouth can be a problem.
Very tired
The body doesn’t use the available sugar in the blood stream for energy, making people feel
tired and lethargic.
Very Hungry
The body can’t use the sugar present for energy. That triggers the hunger response in the brain,
telling the individual they need to eat.
Blurry Vision
High sugar levels result in damage to small blood vessels in the eye. Permanent blindness can
occur if diabetes is left untreated or uncontrolled.
Very Dry Skin
Those with diabetes often have poor circulation and when combined with dehydration, the skin
becomes dry and even flakey.
Slow Wound Healing
Simply put, the body isn’t getting the energy or circulation required it needs to heal itself
effectively or efficiently.
Increased Infections

 

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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!

Visit us at Sell Your Test Strips and get your free quote today!

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Why Diabetics Should Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Diabetes and alcohol can be a detrimental combination. People with diabetes have to monitor their blood glucose levels closely and alcohol can make that considerably more difficult. Those with diabetes should drink in moderation, if at all.

Any type of alcoholic beverage can play havoc with blood sugar levels. Some people claim their A1C levels are lower when they have a drink per day, but that doesn’t mean anyone should begin drinking. A single drink for diabetics is defined as 1½ oz. of liquor, 5 oz. of wine or 12 oz. of beer.

Hypoglycemia

Drinking can interfere with typical diabetic medications, resulting in low blood sugar levels. The liver breaks down toxins so they can be eliminated from the body. The organ will work to metabolize the alcohol, not maintain glucose levels. Hypoglycemia can occur up to 12 hours after someone has had a final drink, particularly if they’ve been dancing, playing games or exercising in some way. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are often confused with being drunk.

Sugar

Alcohol, especially the syrups used to make a variety of mixed drinks, have a high sugar content. They can quickly elevate blood sugar levels. However, diabetics also need to beware of low-sugar cider and beer. They may contain less sugar, but they’re higher in alcohol content.

Calories

Alcoholic drinks are high in calories, but relatively low in carbs. People can easily lose track of what they’ve eaten and the drinks they’ve had. It’s easy to pack on the pounds through drinking without even realizing it. Alcohol also acts as an appetite stimulant and can result in overeating.

Eat Something

It’s important to eat a healthy meal before drinking or nibble on appropriate snacks while drinking. Never drink on an empty stomach.

Increased Risk

Those with diabetes are at increased risk of high blood pressure and heart-related conditions. Drinking any type of alcoholic beverage can increase blood pressure and increase heart rates.

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 diets

Diagnosed with Prediabetes? What to do Next

A diagnosis for some people can be as frightening as being diagnosed with full-blown diabetes. There are more than 35 million people that have been diagnosed with prediabetes – and they’re receiving that diagnosis at a younger age.

Anyone with prediabetes should be aware that it can lead to Type 2 diabetes if they don’t make changes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s use and regulation of insulin is impaired. It’s possible to delay or reverse a prediabetic diagnosis and prevent it from transitioning into Type 2 diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) millions of people – 8 in 10 – are prediabetic and don’t even know it. Food insecurity and little or no access to fresh foods is a contributing factor to developing prediabetes and diabetes.

Eat Healthy

Fruits and vegetables will play a big role in a healthy diet. Use olive oil instead of other oils. Foods low in fat, calories and carbs – yet high in fiber – are ideal choices. It can help for people to widen their repertoire of edibles to avoid boredom and improve nutrition. It can be beneficial for individuals to eat out less often and prepare more meals at home where ingredients can be more closely controlled.

Get Active

Exercise will help increase insulin sensitivity. That means the body will use insulin more effectively. It will also help individuals shed pounds if they’re overweight that can exacerbate diabetes. Vigorous exercise is recommended for a prediabetic diagnosis, but any type of exercise is beneficial.

Medications

Oral medications are typically prescribed for prediabetes, especially if an individual is at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Stop Smoking

Begin a smoking cessation program. Smoking affects the way that insulin works within the body. The chemicals contained in nicotine changes cells in the body and increases insulin resistance. Cells stop responding to insulin as they should. There are over 7,000 chemical substances in tobacco.

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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emergency diabetes kit

Are There Better Insurance Policies for Diabetics?

Affordable and adequate health care insurance is critical for people with diabetes. Yet a significant portion of adults and children with diabetes are underinsured or uninsured. People may have to choose between their health and paying the bills or putting food on the table.

One change that will impact diabetics that receive Medicare goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. It forces Medicare to cap the price of insulin at $35 per month. That’s good news, but it doesn’t reduce the cost of test strips and other supplies diabetics require. Neither does it affect anyone with traditional insurance.

Insurance coverage of diabetic supplies varies wildly among insurers. Diabetics that work are still at the mercy of employer-provided insurance coverage that can charge virtually any amount of co-pays they want and pass the majority of the cost for diabetic supplies on to the patient.

Coverage through the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, can be obtained at the Healthcare Marketplace. There are plans that have no monthly premium if the applicant qualifies and they cover diabetic supplies. However, the deductibles are typically so high – up to $5,000 or more – that the average person is still shouldering the entire cost of their insulin and other diabetic necessities.

Medicaid helps low-income households with medical costs, providing individuals meet income eligibility guidelines. They may have deductibles, also called spend-downs, that run into thousands of dollars before Medicaid will pay for any covered expenses.

Diabetes has multiple ways it affects the body. Depending on how well the disease is controlled and how long the person has been afflicted will have an impact on the healthcare services a person will need. Each person must evaluate their current and ongoing healthcare requirements to locate the insurance company and policy that best meets their needs now and in the future.

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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keto

The Order You Eat Your Food Affects Blood Sugar

If you’re like most people, you tend to eat a meal in a descending order of favorites. Meat fans will consume their meat portion first and so on. Several studies with non-diabetic subject have demonstrated that the order in which you eat your food has a direct impact on your blood sugar levels.

Your glucose levels naturally begin to rise when you eat. The order in which food is consumed has does impact how the body releases glucose into the bloodstream and how insulin affects that process. Subjects in the study that ate vegetables and protein first had glucose levels that were 28 percent lower than those that ate high-carb foods such as bread and pasta first.

Mitigating Factors

The research can have important implications for people with diabetes, but there are other facts that you should consider. By eating your veggies first, you’re beginning to fill up on vegetables before you even get to other parts of the meal. You may not even be able to eat as much of the protein and other meal elements. Since vegetables are lower in carbs, blood glucose levels will reflect that.

A number of other factors will impact your blood sugar levels. Drinking too much coffee, consuming alcoholic beverages, insufficient sleep, hormonal levels, and high or extended levels of stress will increase glucose levels. Other things that will affect your glucose levels include certain medications, smoking and dehydration, in addition to pain, illness, injury, infection and surgery.

There are dozens of considerations when you have diabetes, from what you eat and your activity level to regular testing and precautions when going out in very hot weather. Even the temperature of your shower will affect glucose levels. If eating your veggies first can keep blood sugar levels from spiking, it’s worth a try.

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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diabetes exercize

Best Ways to Reverse Prediabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 96 million Americans have prediabetes and they don’t even know it. It’s very common and there are simple lifestyle changes that people can implement to prevent the condition from deteriorating into full-blown diabetes.

People with a family history are at greatest risk of developing prediabetes, along with those of African-American, Hispanic, and Native American descent. Other risk factors include being overweight, people age 45 and over, and those with a sedentary lifestyle.

Lose Weight

Never start an exercise program without a doctor’s clearance. Start slowly and don’t expect instant results. Individuals don’t have to start a hard-core gym regimen, though they can work with a trained coach if desired.

It’s important that individuals choose a type of activity they enjoy doing. That can encompass horseback riding, walking, biking, swimming, bowling or badminton. No one is going to keep doing something they don’t enjoy.

Eat Healthy

Make an appointment with a nutritionist. The professional can teach individuals how to eat healthy and make healthy choices. Individuals will also learn how food choices affect blood sugar levels.

Stress & Motivation

Stress can result in overeating and an abundance of comfort foods, both of which are detrimental for those with prediabetes. High and sustained levels of stress hormones affect the amount of insulin the body produces.

Staying motivated can be a problem for those managing prediabetes. A lapse in daily exercise or consuming a cookie doesn’t mean the entire plan for managing prediabetes has failed. People should be kind to themselves and plan for ultimate success.

Stop Smoking

A little-known fact, even among those with diabetes, is that smoking increases insulin resistance, making it difficult for the body to use insulin effectively. There are a number of smoking cessation methods from which to choose and not everyone responds the same way to each technique. If one method doesn’t work, try a different one.

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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Can Pregnancy Cause Diabetes

Every woman is familiar with the blood tests her OB/GYN orders throughout her pregnancy. He/she is looking for many indicators, including evidence that the patient is developing gestational diabetes. The individual may need to take an oral medication and/or insulin.

Gestational Diabetes

In the U.S., approximately 6-9 percent of pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes. It occurs when a woman’s pancreas can’t make enough insulin to use blood sugar for energy. The condition typically goes away after the baby is born, but additional blood tests will need to be performed to make sure.

However, in some instances, the disease persists and doesn’t disappear. It’s then defined as Type 2 diabetes. Even when the disease does vanish women that develop gestational diabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life.

It’s important that gestational diabetes be detected early. Uncontrolled gestational diabetes results in extra-large babies. It has the potential to cause problems with the delivery. Babies can be born with nerve damage that occurs during delivery and can necessitate the need for a C-section. The disease can also cause high-blood pressure.

Gestational diabetes often doesn’t present any overt symptoms and is often mistaken for normal signs of pregnancy that includes an increase in thirst, tiredness, and more frequent urination. Science doesn’t know why some women develop the disease and others don’t.

Some women are at more risk than others of developing diabetes during pregnancy. They include women with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, women who have previously had a baby weighing 10 lbs. or more, and those who developed gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy. Women of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent are more likely to develop the disease.

Women can help manage and control the potential for developing the disease while pregnancy by eating healthy, exercising, and taking medication if required. More frequent checkups and blood work will be required

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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Summer Heat and Diabetes

The summer season presents some special concerns for people with diabetes. It’s more difficult for individuals to keep their blood sugar levels at a safe level during the heat of summer. It’s a time when diabetes management can be interrupted for many reasons.

Use of Insulin

High temperatures affect the way the body uses insulin. Individuals will need to test more often to keep blood sugar levels within range. Individuals will need to adjust their diet, liquid intake, and insulin dosage.

Dehydration

People with diabetes are more sensitive to humidity and temperatures, and they’re at increased risk of heat exhaustion. Diabetics get dehydrated quicker than others and failure to drink enough liquids – preferably water – can increase blood sugar levels. Those elevated levels make individuals urinate more often. Diuretics and some blood pressure medications can contribute to dehydration.

Diabetics should drink water, even if they don’t feel particularly thirsty. Eschew any type of alcoholic drinks and beverages that contain caffeine. That includes coffee, tea, sports drinks and energy beverages. They contribute to dehydration.

Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke

Damage to blood vessels and nerves is a common problem for diabetics and can interfere with the ability to sweat and cool the body. That can easily lead to medical emergencies of heat exhaustion or heat stroke Keep informed about the heat index. The temperature may be 80, but can actually feel like 100 due to the combination of heat and humidity. Stay in the shade as much as possible.

Use A/C

Make good use of air conditioning, especially during the hottest part of the day. Fans don’t cool – they just blow around the heated air. Exercise, walk the dog and run errands during the coolest part of the day. Consider exercising at an air-conditioned gym or fitness center.

Dress Light and Loose

Wear light colored clothing that fits loosely and is lightweight to reduce sweating and allow sweat to evaporate better.

Power Outages

Plan ahead for power outages. Have a small cooler and ice on hand for insulin that must be kept cool. Go to a cooling station or other facility where air conditioning is available if the outage will last several hours.

Symptoms

Know the symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels. Symptoms encompass dizziness, headaches, nausea and increased heartbeat, along with muscle cramps, profuse sweating and even fainting. The inability to sweat is a major danger sign.

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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Symptoms Your Blood Sugar is Getting too Low

When you’re diagnosed with diabetes, the overwhelming warning you receive from doctors is to be careful of high blood sugar levels. You’re cautioned about the symptoms of glucose levels that are too high and the deadly conditions to which you’re susceptible ranging from heart disease to kidney failure. What doctors and dieticians seldom tell you is the dangers of low blood sugar known as hypoglycemia.

Low glucose levels can be just as dangerous and deadly as those that are too elevated. In an effort to manage the disease, you could be placing yourself at risk for low blood sugar levels. Glucose levels continually change throughout the day and it’s essential that you know the symptoms of hypoglycemia, its causes, and what to do.

Reasons for Low Blood Sugar

You may have taken too much insulin, it’s been too long since you’ve eaten, or you’ve been engaged in physical activity which uses extra sugar to fuel the body. Drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages, being dehydrated, and exposure to very hot and humid conditions can also result in low blood sugar. Women may experience low blood sugar levels during menstruation. Some diseases and disorders, types of prescribed medications, and over-the-counter remedies can affect blood glucose levels.

Symptoms

Many of the symptoms of low blood sugar are similar to those of elevated glucose levels. You may begin to shake and/or sweat, feel nervous or anxious, and display irritability or confusion. Dizziness and fast heartbeat are also symptoms and you might or might not feel hungry.

As hypoglycemia worsens, symptoms include weakness, along with difficulty seeing clearly and walking. It’s not uncommon to faint and seizures may eventually occur. One of the reasons that frequent blood sugar testing is essential is that some people have no overt symptoms and may be unaware that their glucose levels have dropped.

Treatment

For immediate relief of symptoms, drink some orange juice or other high sugar beverage. You can also eat some glucose tablets, hard candy or glucose gel. It’s a good idea to keep a glucagon emergency kit handy and make sure that family and friends know 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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