People with diabetes face a constant battle of choosing the right foods, monitoring their blood glucose levels, and administering the right amount of insulin. What many may not know is that they’re at increased risk of experiencing a condition called adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder. It occurs when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, stiff and swollen.

Effects of frozen shoulder

The pain and inflammation make it difficult to perform everyday activities. As the condition progresses, the stiffness becomes worse and the pain can be excruciating. Frozen shoulder is a symptom associated with poorly managed glucose levels. High levels of glucose affect the protein collagen that’s a major component of connective tissue.

Frozen shoulder typically affects those around the age of 52 and 25 percent of diabetics will experience it. As the condition progresses, the connective tissue of the shoulder thickens, tightens around the joint, and restricts movement. People with diabetes often experience the most severe cases of frozen shoulder.

Stages of frozen shoulder

There are three stages of frozen shoulder. The first is the “freezing stage” with stiffness and pain. In the “frozen phase,” there’s often less pain, but more shoulder stiffness. In the “thawing stage,” the shoulder returns to its previous, normal range of motion.

Since it develops slowly over time, frozen shoulder is often mistaken for arthritis and misdiagnosed by those in the medical community. Even with an MRI, doctors may see what’s termed as age-appropriate rotator cuff tears with a stiff shoulder. It’s a good idea to ask if it could actually be frozen shoulder, since the treatment for each is different.

Treatments

The usual treatment prescribed by physicians is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication for pain and a series of exercises that can be performed at home. If the condition doesn’t improve in a specified amount of time, the doctor may prescribe some combination of physical therapy, steroid injections or even acupuncture until frozen shoulder is resolved.

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!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it’s a time that can be particularly frustrating for people with diabetes. Many of the traditional holiday dishes served during Thanksgiving are laden with sugars and carbohydrates that adversely affect control of the disease.

The good news is that turkey is still on the menu – as long as it’s roasted instead of fried. It’s protein-rich and won’t disrupt carb counting. It’s not difficult to produce delicious diabetes-friendly dishes with a few adjustments or substitutions. The following are some tips for Thanksgiving dishes that are diabetic-friendly.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a tradition at Thanksgiving, but an increasing number of people are moving to riced cauliflower as a healthy alternative. It can be purchased pre-made or prepared at home with fresh cauliflower that’s been cooked and run through a blender. A ½ cup of mashed potatoes contains 18 grams of carbs, while ½ cup of riced cauliflower contains 3 to 5 grams, depending on the brand.

Candied Yams

Also known as sweet potatoes, candied yams are an invitation to a “sugar coma.” Yams are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but candied yams have an average of 36 grams of carbs. When yams are cooked, they tend to take on a sweeter flavor on their own. Try eliminating the marshmallows, significantly reducing the amount of brown sugar, and using spices to acquire a sweet or spicy flavor.

Stuffing

There aren’t many options when it comes to stuffing. However, individuals can cut some carbs to make it healthier by using unsalted butter, along with a low-sodium or unsalted broth/stock. Another strategy is to use a low-carb bread or those made with nut flour. Just don’t expect it to have the same taste or texture as usual. Stuffing is a dish that diabetics should consume in small amounts.

Additional Tips

Alcoholic beverages are loaded with carbs – and they can react poorly with some medications – so minimize the amount consumed. Instead of a normal-sized slice of pumpkin pie, take one that’s half the usual size and eat smaller portions of the actual dinner. Don’t starve in anticipation of the meal. It only leads to overeating. Moderation is the key. It can also be helpful to offer vegetable-based appetizers. They’re low in calories and help fill individuals up before the main event.

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!

Anyone with diabetes knows how expensive test strips can be, not to mention the myriad of other supplies that individuals need to monitor, manage and control their glucose levels. The costs of those items continue to escalate. The good news is that there are ways to save money on diabetic test strips.

Purchase From a Third-Party

Many third-party companies buy top quality test strips from individuals that have more than they require or no longer need them. The companies then sell them at a discount to diabetic clients that may be uninsured, underinsured, or whose insurance won’t supply as many as they need each month.

Drug/Coupon Cards

Drug manufacturers sometimes provide coupons for purchasing test strips at a discount. There are also phone apps that will compare prices across multiple pharmacies to find the lowest prices. Individuals can simply show their result at the designated pharmacy or print out a physical copy of the coupon from a home printer.

Clinics and Non-Profits

Some community clinics and health centers have taken the lead for their patients and established programs to distribute test strips or offer them at a discount. Some non-profit organizations are doing the same thing.

Mail Order and Rewards

There are some pharmacies that provide clients with a discount when they order their test strips – and medications – by mail rather than picking them up locally. Many pharmacies offer reward program points that can be redeemed for pharmacy items.

Assistance Programs

Several pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs that provide free or discounted pricing. There will be specific program-based application forms to complete by the individual and their doctor. Some states also offer their own assistance programs in coordination with Medicare and insurance companies – each state is different.

Buy in Bulk

There will be a considerable monetary outlay initially, but the cost of each strip will be less.

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!

Exercise is an important element for diabetics to manage their disease, but it’s especially important for preventing insulin resistance. The condition occurs when the body doesn’t utilize insulin effectively and can result in individuals needing to use larger doses of insulin to combat the effects of more glucose in the blood.

Experts recommend diabetics engage in some type of exercise 3 to 4 times per week, in sessions of 30 minutes. There are dozens of activities that allow individuals to reach those goals. Diabetics should choose a type of exercise they enjoy as they’re more likely to do it consistently. Any exercise will aid in fighting insulin resistance and losing weight.

Swimming

Gliding through the water is more than just a pleasant pastime – it utilizes every muscle in the body. It burns calories for weight loss, builds strength and endurance, and is particularly beneficial for the heart. Water buoys and supports the swimmer, while reducing the effects of gravity on the body.

Tai Chi

The ancient Chinese tradition was developed as a means of self-defense. There are now sessions in which it’s practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It aids in managing stress and the body is in constant motion. It places minimal stress on joints, muscles, and is scientifically proven effective against insulin resistance.

Walking

A brisk walk requires no special equipment and is low-impact. Walking a dog for 30 minutes has benefits for the canine and their human companion. Try tracking steps and progress as a motivational tool.

Dancing

It’s fun, can be done with a partner, or even alone at home. It burns calories, relieves stress, and is good for the heart and lowering blood pressure.

Gardening

Most people don’t realize how relaxing flower or vegetable gardening can be. It lowers stress, builds muscle and strength. It’s a low-impact, aerobic form of exercise.

Multiple Methods

There’s a myriad of ways for diabetics to get the exercise they need. Yoga, cycling, rollerblading, and horseback riding are just some of the opportunities to improve balance and fitness levels. Individuals can choose an activity they already enjoy before attempting to move out of their comfort zone.

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!

Dogs have been used as guardians by humans for as long as time has been recorded. These pups have provided a means of defense and protective “buddy” to human beings. Most recently, these dogs have been trained to be service animals for those who suffer from a health condition that makes them extra susceptible to seizures.

Diabetes is a health condition that has become a prevalent disease. There is a massive surge in the number of people testing positive for diabetes every year, which calls for a drastic solution. There is a variety of tools and tracking devices to help those with the condition. Among those tools is the diabetic service dog.

Service Dog helps in monitoring and alerting a diabetic patient

Service dogs can help individuals compete against diabetes and its related health issues. The canine trained to respond to diabetes-related needs such as blood glucose monitoring, alerting for hypoglycemia, and reminding at risky times of insulin and caloric intake for dieters and patients on dialysis. These specially trained animals can provide independence while still acting as a security blanket at critical moments in an individual’s day.

Help to reduce blood glucose levels

A diabetic service dog is an animal with specific training to help people living with diabetes. They can help you with several different tasks. Their role is also to warn their owners before anything dangerous happens, such as when their insulin drops too low (hypoglycemia), when their blood sugar drops, or when they’re having low or high blood sugar reactions.

Detect low blood sugar levels or fluctuations

Dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system causes a person to be unaware of how much carbohydrate is absorbed from the digestive tract. A diabetic service dog monitors this process by detecting signs of low blood sugar levels or fluctuations in cardiovascular function. If one of these conditions is reached, it will contact the owner and help get them out of a situation before they need medical assistance.

Assist in changing lifestyle for people with diabetes

Diabetic service dogs offer assistance to change lifestyle for diabetic patients, such as trouble with self-monitoring, meal prep, and management systems. The role of a diabetic service dog is very vital. The “Type 1” service dog is specifically geared toward diabetic needs. The service’s main duties are to remind its handler to take multiple daily blood sugar levels and respond appropriately when the levels ebb or flow out of the desired range. Since a diabetic service dog will be with a person throughout the day, they can alert their owner to a few key changes in blood sugar levels.

Smell a change in the smell of perspiration

A service dog can smell a change in the smell of perspiration or notice differences in your urine. If your dog notices that there’s a drop in your blood sugar, they will bark to let you know that something might happen soon.

Conclusion

As you can imagine, the role of a service dog in someone with diabetes is incredibly important and benefits many different areas in a person’s daily life. I would highly recommend that everyone with diabetes take the time to learn more about their options for living with diabetes, including having a Diabetic service dog.

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!

Diabetes mellitus is frequently described as diabetes, it is considered as high blood glucose levels that result from the body’s difficulties to produce enough insulin or inability to utilize the insulin. Blood glucose levels can be checked through a glucose meter with test strips. There are multiple factors that play crucial roles in term of accuracy in readings:

• Compatibility of meters and strips

As mentioned above the blood glucose is a sensitive issue therefore the material we used to monitor diabetes is also sensitive. Each company works on the compatibility of meters and strips according to their own brands. Accuracy of results can be checked by multiple factors like manufacturing materials of different brands of both meter and strips, blood concentration, time exposure, the resistance of a material against environmental changes, expiry and sensitivity.

• Manufacturing materials of strips

Multinational companies are using highly sensitive materials but generally use less sensitive and diverse materials. So, meters and strips should be homogenized for more accurate results rather than different brands with various accuracy measuring issues.

• Blood concentration incompatibility of different models of meters and strips

It is a common observation that each meter shows the different results of different blood concentrations on different strips. It may be due to different models’ calibration or sensitivity and technology.

• Time duration of blood exposure to strip and meter

Various reports in America show that time duration is also an important factor for the reading of blood glucose measurement by meter and strips. Each strip gave different results on the same meter. It is due to the calibration of meter testing reading with respect to exposure of blood with the meter.

• Date of manufacturing and usage date also affects on both

Some literature denotes that the date of manufacturing of strips, moisture and heat also affects strips of different brands. Same acclimatized products of the same companies show more accurate results than different brands expired product strips with the same meters.

• Temperature-dependent meters

The meter reading is also influenced by different products at various temperatures. Some brands work more accurately at low temperatures and some at higher temperatures. Test strips show different results in different brands at different temperatures with the same meter.

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!

A primary concern for someone with diabetes is the recurring medical costs like test strips. Test strips are very crucial for diabetic patients to keep track of their blood sugar levels. It is expedient for them to carry out this test daily, and when you add up these costs, things can get expensive fast.

Test strips can be pretty expensive. Some of them cost up to $2 per piece.  This is why some people find it hard to dispose of their expired test strips. It can be quite frustrating to spend such an amount and then have to throw them away because they reached their expiration date.

Well, the conversation around using expired test strips is a debatable and interesting one. There are a lot of controversies as to whether or not it is okay to use expired test strips. I’m sure you might have considered using expired test strips to cut down costs.

How do test strips work?

Before deciding if you should be using an expired test strip or not, it is crucial to understand how these strips work. To you, the test strip might appear as a simple plastic. But, there is more to it than meets the eye. The test strip comprises layers that each play a significant role in giving you the test readings.

A liquid-attracting layer moves your blood into the chemistry strip (a little window on the strip). The chemistry strip comprises an enzyme that reacts with the glucose in your blood and pulls off the sugar electrons. The glucometer, the mediator on the chemistry strip, picks up the pulse and signals your reading.

Do Test Strips Really Expire?

Now that we know how test strips work, let’s get to the ultimate question. Do test strips really expire? Or is it just another ploy by drug industries to suck us dry?

The simple answer to this is yes! Test strips do expire over time, and that’s because the enzyme on the strip is living organisms, and they have a lifespan. Eventually, the enzymes will start to break down and die over time.

You should also know that different brands have different enzyme tolerance. As a result, some brands’ enzymes will break down faster or slower than others.

What are the risks associated with using expired test strips?

What’s the worst that could happen if you continue to use an expired test strip? As you can imagine, once the enzymes which are responsible for generating your reading begin to break down, the integrity of your blood sugar readings becomes compromised. And if your reading is inaccurate, you are setting yourself up for some severe health issues.

It is tempting to use expired test strips to save a few bucks, you should be cautious not to underestimate your safety concerns. Using an expired test strip isn’t worth the risk. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) strongly warns against the use of expired test strips as they could give inaccurate results. Most experts also advise against using expired test strips.

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!

Between trick-or-treating, parties, and festivals, Halloween could be one colossal sugar rush, however, it doesn’t need to be. Your child with diabetes can experience Halloween treats carefully, however, keep in mind there’s more to October 31 than sweets. Listed here are some guidelines for celebrating the spooky holiday without sending glucose stages soaring.

Plan Ahead

Sit down together with your child and discuss your Halloween plans in advance so they know what to assume. Create some boundaries and basic rules, and include them in the choice-making during the festivities. They’ll be less prone to complain about a plan they helped create. Discover what’s important to them about the day, and try to work collectively to have fun and manage diabetes safely.

Prepare Activities That Don’t Involve Food

Take the focus off of sweet via encouraging arts and crafts tasks, pumpkin carving/painting contests, observing a Halloween movie, touring a haunted house, or attending a hayride. It is a first-class option to create recollections that don’t involve food.

Avoid Snacking on Candy

Planning to go trick-or-treating? Make sure your child eats healthy the previous day so they can begin the evening with average blood sugar. Then, make a pact with your youngster to avoid snacking unless until you get home from trick-or-treating. Once you’re home, your child can dose the correct amount of insulin for the carbs within the sweet he/she is ready to eat.

Use Candy to Treat a Low

D-mother Extraordinaire, Meri Schuhmacher, recommends preserving non-chocolate candy that can be utilized to treat future lows, like starburst and skittles, and divide them up into servings of 15 grams of carbohydrates and bag them in my opinion. Store the baggage of sweet in easy to reach areas (like your child’s backpack, your bag or automobile). Consistent with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), chocolate and other larger-fats treats don’t work well for treating lows so these may also be put aside for purposes other than treating a low.

Limit Pieces of Candy per Day

Teaching moderation is essential. Set a rule as to what number of pieces of candy your child can eat a day. Apply this rule to everyone within the home, not simply the child with diabetes.

Donate Extra Candy

You can donate the extra candy to all sorts of neighborhood agencies, a regional children’s health facility, or troops overseas by way of the Halloween sweet purchase-back program. These are also excellent ways to teach your youngster about giving.

Halloween can be a challenging holiday to celebrate with diabetes, but following a few of these tips can help your child have a fun and safe Halloween.

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!

Anyone that has diabetes will need to test their blood multiple times each day using test strips and a glucose meter. There are a wide variety of monitors from which to choose and selecting one can be confusing. Monitors encompass basic models to those with special features and they’re available in multiple price points.

When choosing a monitor, factor in the cost of test strips. Test strips aren’t interchangeable among different brands of monitors and will account for a significant amount of the cost of managing the disease. Some elements to consider when choosing a monitor include the following.

Insurance

Some insurance companies will cover the cost of any type of monitor, while others will only cover certain models. Insurers may pay the total cost of a monitor or only a portion and limit the number of test strips allowed each month. In some instances, it may be less expensive to pay for a monitor and/or test strips out of pocket.

Ease of Use

Make sure the face is large enough and the numbers are easy to read. The monitor should fit easily in the hand. Consider how large the drop of blood has to be for testing.

Types

Glucose monitors are available in traditional models that require a finger prick to test with a drop of blood, while other enable blood samples to be taken from other parts of the body. People can also choose a model that uses an adhesive sensor on the skin and sends continuous readings to a monitor, smartphone or smart watch.

Special Features

Meters are available with memory storage and retrieval that can help people track their glucose levels over time, along with models that will vocalize the readings out loud. Others will record the time and date of testing, the results and show trends over time. There are also monitors that allow individuals to download their readings and history to a cell phone or computer and send it to their physician.

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!

People with diabetes are always told to eat more fruit, vegetables and foods rich in fiber to aid in managing blood glucose levels. The Mediterranean diet meets all those requirements for a U.S. population where diabetes control is far less than optimal. While the Mediterranean diet isn’t superior to others, it does contain many of the elements that physicians recommend for diabetics and good health in general.

An estimated 50.2 percent of all diabetics fail to reach A1C goals and 53 percent don’t achieve target blood pressure levels. One of the reasons for those figures is confusion about food labels, which leads to uncertainty about what to eat and what to eliminate from their diet while maintaining good nutrition.

Inspired by the eating habits of people living around the Mediterranean, the primarily plant-based diet features an abundance of fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, fish, grain, cereals, legumes, poultry, pasta, and olive oil. Few dairy and meat products are consumed. The United Nationals Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added the Mediterranean diet on its list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

While the diet from the Mediterranean area encompasses a wide variety of foods that are components of healthy eating, without fully understanding the principles underlying the diet, individuals may experience difficulties. Many of the diet’s recipes use pasta sparingly in dishes that are heavy on vegetables, where ingredient ratios would be the opposite in the U.S. To accommodate the need for carbs, bread may be substituted for pasta.

It’s essential for diabetics to keep in mind that the Mediterranean meal plan isn’t a rigid set of recipes, but rather ingredients that can be combined in multiple ways. The eating pattern provides essential nutrition, is high in unsaturated fats (good fats), and relies on fresh fruits and vegetables rather than processed food.

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!