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Archives for Diabetes

What is the No. 1 Cause of Diabetes?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no single underlying cause for developing the disease.
There’s nothing that modern medicine can point to definitively as a cause. The uninformed
often cite being overweight and overeating as the causal agent, but those are effects, not the
cause.
Diabetes is a chronic disease, not a character flaw. In some instances, the pancreas stops
producing insulin. Some people develop insulin resistance, in which the body’s cells are unable
to use insulin effectively. The result is the same – an increase in blood glucose levels.
Genetics
People with a family history of diabetes are at an increased risk of developing the disease
themselves. Scientists have identified over 120 genetic markers associated with diabetes that
interfere with the body’s ability to secrete or use insulin effectively.
Viruses
Researchers are also collecting an increasing body of evidence that supports a link between
diabetes and viral infections. A viral infection can act as a trigger for the body’s immune system
to identify insulin-producing B cells as invaders. The body reacts by destroying the invader or
suppressing it.
Symptoms
The early symptoms of diabetes often go unnoticed and are only detected during routine
blood work. People feel tired and have no energy, leading to a reduction in physical activity that
in turn leads in weight gain.
Multiple Types
There isn’t just one type of the disease. There are multiple classifications.
 Type 1 – The pancreas produces no insulin or insufficient amounts
 Type 2 – The body doesn’t utilize insulin effectively
 Gestational – It occurs during pregnancy when blood glucose levels are elevated, but
not to diabetic levels, and typically disappears after delivery
 Pre diabetes – Elevated blood glucose levels are detected, but not high enough to be
diagnosed as diabetes
No Cure
There’s no cure for diabetes, though the disease can be monitored, managed and controlled. It
won’t magically disappear with healthy nutrition and more exercise. Many people, even

doctors, use the word remission in connection with the disease. Diabetes doesn’t go into
remission. What they really mean is that It can be tightly and rigidly controlled to the point
where medications can be reduced or eliminated, but the disease is always there.

 

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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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What’s the Most Important Topic to Teach Diabetic Patients?

A diagnosis of diabetes can be frightening. Many individuals hear little of what their doctor tells
them after the diagnosis. Of all the new information that diabetic patients need to understand,
nutrition is the most important.
Eating Habits
Proper nutrition directly affects how individuals manage the disease and they often need to
alter their eating habits. However, it’s important to understand that anyone can develop the
disease, even those that eat conservatively. Diabetics need to understand what to eat, portion
size, and how to manage carbohydrates. Carbs are a form of sugar that will create a spike in
blood sugar levels and make management even more difficult.
Meal Times
Regular testing of glucose levels and exercise are important elements of diabetes management,
but so is nutrition. Learning how to eat well entails more than simply eliminating certain foods,
counting carbs, and eating bland meals. For many people, it’s a major lifestyle change and it can
be even more difficult for those with few monetary resources.
Nutrition education teaches individuals how to prepare tasty meals that are healthy and won’t
create spikes in blood glucose levels. Individuals learn what foods are high in carbohydrates and
the appropriate portion sizes to consume. Those lessons are especially important so individuals
don’t feel deprived and are tempted to indulge in detrimental foods.
Future Health
Nutrition education is an investment in future health and well being. It’s effective for mitigating
the effects of cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease for which diabetics are at high
risk. Unfortunately, nutrition education is a topic that typically only receives cursory attention.
In other instances, individuals may not have the skills to prepare healthy meals that are also
appealing. Some forward-thinking healthcare facilities understand this and offer cooking classes
to help get diabetics started on their new journey to health. Nutrition education gives people
the knowledge they need to manage the disease effectively for a long and healthy life.

 

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 Three Key Management of Diabetes?

People with diabetes have multiple health concerns that must be managed and controlled.
However, there are 3 key elements that individuals need to focus on when they have the
disease.
Glucose and A1C
Regular testing of blood glucose levels is essential. It tells individuals their current blood sugar
levels. If glucose levels are too low, they need to eat something to increase those levels or
administer insulin to lower blood sugar.
Equally important is obtaining regular A1C testing. It’s a measure of how well an individual is
managing their glucose levels. The test provides a record that spans the previous 3 months and
shows how well glucose levels are being managed. A1C is utilized by doctors to create or
maintain a treatment plan.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. Diabetes causes a degenerative cascading
effect that begins with the kidneys. The disease scars the kidneys and impairs function. They
don’t filter waste and toxins from the body efficiently.
As kidney function suffers, it results in salt and water retention that causes high blood pressure.
Diabetes causes blood vessel walls to stiffen and harden over time. Blood vessels don’t work as
efficiently at moving blood through the body.
Cholesterol
Elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure are inextricably linked. High blood pressure
occurs when an individual has too many lipids – “bad” fats – in their blood. If too many lipids are
present, they can’t be eliminated from the body. Lipids build up in arteries to form plaque that
narrows the pathway for blood to circulate.
Testing is Crucial
The only way for individuals to know if they have high blood pressure and cholesterol build up
is testing. Both conditions often progress for years without any obvious signs or symptoms.
When detected early, any problems with blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol can be
treated successfully.

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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Can Diabetes Lead to Bone Problems?

Along with high blood pressure, heart disease and neuropathy, people with diabetes are at a
higher risk of bone and joint-related disorders. In many instances, the problems can’t be linked
to a specific cause. The following are some disorders of which diabetics should be aware.

Charcot Joint
Primarily affecting the feet, this occurs when a joint disintegrates due to nerve damage.
Symptoms can include numbness and tingling in joints, along with redness, warmth and
swelling. Joints may also become deformed or unstable. When detected early, progression can
be slowed with orthotics.

DISH
Also known as Forestier disease, it causes hardening of ligaments and tendons anywhere in the
body. Symptoms are pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. The disease is treated with
corticosteroid injections and pain relievers.

Dupuytren’s Contracture
It’s a deformity that causes one or more fingers to bend toward the palm of the hand due to
scarring and thickening of connective tissues. Skin in the palm may become thickened and
fingers won’t straighten. Treatment can include steroid injections, minimally invasive needle
therapy or surgery.

Frozen Shoulder
The condition results in pain and limited motion in the shoulder. Treatment includes physical
therapy, home exercise and glucocorticoid injections.

Limited Joint Mobility
It typically affects the small joints of the hands. It causes stiffness, palm skin becomes thickened
and waxy, and joint mobility is eventually limited. It may not be reversable, but physical therapy
and increased glucose control can help.

Osteoarthritis
A degenerative joint disease, it weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. Joints
become stiff, swollen and painful. Joint movement and flexibility are limited. Pain medication,
physical therapy, massage and acupuncture, even surgery may be prescribed.

Osteoporosis
Bones throughout the body become weak, brittle and break easily. Advanced osteoporosis can
result in stooped or hunched posture and loss of height. It’s treated with a diet rich in calcium
and vitamin D, or supplements if required, along with weight bearing exercise. Medications are
available to reduce bone loss.

 

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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Thanksgiving

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.

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 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

 

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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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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