Skip to main content Skip to search

News

Are All Test Strips Created Equal?

At first glance, test strips used to monitor blood glucose levels all appear pretty much the same. Their appearance is similar and they’re used for the same purpose. They’re all created in much the same way, though each manufacturer utilizes its own process in the creation of the strips. However, each manufacturer incorporates small, proprietary differences that ensure it’s only compatible with the company’s brand of meter.

Each test strip is a modern miracle of engineering that enables individuals to monitor their glucose levels and manage their diabetes. The test strip and the meter must work perfectly together to achieve accurate readings, making the meter equally important. There are no universal test strips that will work with every meter.

The National Institute of Health conducted research on the accuracy of 17 commercially available meters/test strips and discovered that some are more accurate when detecting high glucose levels, some were better at identifying low glucose levels, and that discrepancies in accuracy levels existed between all brands tested. Similar results were confirmed by the American Diabetes Association.

The Food and Drug Administration relies solely on data provided by test strip/meter manufacturers for accuracy information. One of the most significant reasons for discrepancies was environmental factors. Exposure to excessive temperatures and humidity disrupts the ability of the test strips to function properly. Expired test strips also demonstrate inaccurate readings.

It’s important to note that there are a wide variety of factors introduced by the tester that will affect at-home accuracy. Prescription and over-the-counter medications other than those prescribed for diabetes can affect readings. Dirt, lotions and other substances on the hands, an insufficient blood sample, and dehydration will all affect the accuracy of the reading

Diabetic test strips/meters do demonstrate small discrepancies, but they’re the first and best line of defense for monitoring glucose levels. Even the most conscientious diabetic must test their glucose levels if they hope to manage their disease. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what brand of meter and test strip combination anyone uses. The important thing is that they’re used and the test strips haven’t expired.

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!

Like us on Facebook

sell diabetic test strips

Read more

Signs and Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes in Teens

Type 1 diabetes was once referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes due to its appearance in adolescence and early childhood. The symptoms are often misinterpreted, overlooked or mistaken for something entirely different at first.

The body produces the hormone insulin to utilize sugar in the body to provide energy for motion and movement. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin and glucose levels in the blood increase dangerously. Insulin is essential for the human body to live – it moves sugar from the bloodstream and into cells where it can be utilized effectively.

Depending upon the age of the child, teens may be fitted with an insulin pump. They may also need to learn to count carbohydrates, test their blood glucose levels, and give themselves insulin injections. Signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in teens include:

  • Increased thirst and frequent urination
  • Extreme hunger
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability and/or behavioral changes
  • Blurred vision
  • Fruity smelling breath
  • Yeast infection

No one knows why the pancreas stops producing insulin, but some individuals may have increased risk factors that include genetics, family history of the disease, and non-Hispanic races. Science has also suggested that some viruses trigger an autoimmune response in the body that destroys the cells in the pancreas that produces insulin.

It’s imperative that children are diagnosed as soon as possible. Diabetes comes with a variety of potential complications that include heart and blood vessel disease, infections and skin conditions, osteoporosis, and elevated cholesterol levels. Teens are also at increased risk for damage to nerves, eyes, and the kidneys.

There’s no way to prevent Type 1 diabetes in children and teens, but parents can help their child avoid complications. A healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining good control of glucose levels, and regular visits to an eye doctor and family physician are paramount. Type 1 diabetes is frightening to parents and children, but teens can live a long, healthy and active life by learning to control their condition.

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!

Like us on Facebook

sell diabetic test strips

Read more

Myths About Sugars for Diabetics

More people are being diagnosed with diabetes and with awareness also come a resurgence of myths and misconceptions about sugar in relation to diabetes. It’s been a popular trend to “shame” diabetics about what they eat, their weight, age, and other factors that have absolutely nothing to do with the disease. Some of the more commonly circulated falsehoods include the following.

Sugar Causes Diabetes

False. The body converts all the carbohydrates eaten into glucose the body uses for energy. That includes fruits and grains to dairy products and vegetables. Type 1 diabetes is now seen as an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas doesn’t product insulin. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition in which the body doesn’t process insulin effectively.

Cinnamon Cures Diabetes

False. There is no cure for diabetes. Cinnamon, turmeric, and even fasting are just some of the current crop of home remedies purported to “cure” diabetes. Once a person has diabetes, they can manage and treat it, but they have it for life. It can go into remission, but the underlying disease is still present.

Honey Is Okay Because It’s Natural

False. Sugar is sugar, no matter what form it’s in and the body views it all in the same way. Honey will increase glucose levels the same way as ordinary sugar.

Only Kids and Seniors Have Diabetes

False. Anyone at any age can be diagnosed with diabetes. An equally dangerous misconception associated with this is that anyone over 45 will automatically have diabetes.

Diabetes Isn’t That Bad

False. Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that can damage the nerves, kidneys and eyes. It increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, infections, and can result in situations that require amputations.

Use Discretion

Those with diabetes can enjoy all the foods and beverages that others consume – they just have to do so in moderation and pay attention to portion sizes. Trying to compensate with diabetic medications for eating too many carbs should never be attempted. The key is a balanced diet, exercise, and learning to correctly manage the disease.

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!

Like us on Facebook

sell diabetic test strips

Read more
sell test strips online

5 Simple Ways to Earn Extra Money Online

Putting a little extra cash in your pocket is always welcome. There are numerous ways you can earn extra money online from the comfort and convenience of your own home. You need to use caution since there are a lot of scams, but there are also legal and legitimate ways to infuse your budget with some extra currency.

Sell Your Test Strips

If you have boxes of new, unopened diabetic test strips you can sell them. It’s completely legal to do so as long as they weren’t paid for by Medicaid or Medicare. The strips are purchased by companies that resell them at a discount to people that are uninsured, underinsured, on fixed incomes, and low-income families to ensure they have the vital healthcare products they need.

Online Gigs

People around the world are using their skills and selling them online through offers called gigs. You can sell virtually any service, ranging from writing and translations to voiceovers and videos. Graphic arts, digital marketing, music, social media posts and programming are just some of the services you can offer to make money. The biggest site for this is Fiverr.

Testing Websites

You probably visit hundreds of websites and User Testing is one of the most well-known for paying people to visit websites, perform tasks, and write a review. The average project requires about 20 minutes, pays around $10, and is delivered to your PayPal account.

Buy/Sell Domain Names

No one knows when a specific website address will be in high demand, but if you “own it” you can sell it for a profit. Domain names such as .com, net. .co.uk and others can be registered in your name and renewed each year. If a company wants the name, you can negotiate a deal to give up the rights to the address to them for a profit.

Sell Your Photos

Stock photos are always in demand. If you take creative, high-quality photos, you can sell those images through sites such as iStock and Dreamstime if you’re just starting out. You can also try Adobe Stock, Getty Images, Alamy in Britain, and other sites worldwide.

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!

Like us on Facebook

sell diabetic test strips

Read more

Ensuring Test Strip Accuracy

A glucose test strip is a small and unassuming item, but they’re high-tech devices that make it possible for people with diabetes to monitor and manage their disease. Glucose test strips must be accurate and to ensure that they work as intended manufacturers stamp expiration dates on each batch.

Glucose test strips were originally created in 1962 for use exclusively in physician’s offices. It was a complicated process that relied on a light and dye process to analyze a blood sample. The development of home glucose meters in 1980 radically altered the way diabetic patients cared for themselves and placed the power for daily management of their disease in their own hands.

Individuals rely on the accuracy of test strips to ensure they receive correct readings of their blood sugar levels. Test strips that have passed their expiration date can give inaccurate readings that can result in individuals injecting too much or too little insulin, both of which are situations that can be deadly.

There are multiple manufacturers that create test strips and they all work in basically the same way. Today’s diabetic test strips utilize an enzyme that transforms a small blood sample into an electrical current that’s read by the glucose meter. Chemicals are used to stabilize the enzyme. A test strip is comprised of several different layers, each of which has its own specific functionality.

To ensure the accuracy of each test strip, manufacturers must closely control the way the chemicals that stabilize the enzyme is dried during the manufacturing process. The strip has to maintain an exact amount of hydration. Too little and the enzyme won’t function correctly. Too much moisture will accelerate the breakdown of the chemical.

Accuracy also depends on how much blood is allowed to enter the strip. Too much blood will overload the electrical circuit that’s created by the blood. Not enough blood and the circuit won’t be completed. Manufacturers know exactly how long the chemicals and enzymes within the test strips will provide an accurate reading.

Never use a diabetic test strip that has exceeded its expiration date. There’s no guarantee that the readings will be accurate and too much or too little insulin may be injected causing a life-threatening situation.

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!

Like us on Facebook

sell diabetic test strips

Read more

Diabetes and Alcohol Consumption

People with diabetes are often cautioned by their healthcare provider against consuming alcohol. If you’re among those that don’t imbibe, consider yourself fortunate. For many, it can be especially difficult to adhere to a no-alcohol policy, especially during holidays and other celebrations. There are some very good reasons not to have that beer, glass of wine or cocktail.

Counteracting Medications

It doesn’t matter if you’re on oral medications to control a pre-diabetes condition or if you take insulin. Alcohol can affect the efficacy of your medication.

Elevated Blood Sugar

Small and moderate amounts of any type of alcohol will elevate blood sugar levels. Sweet wines contain sugar and beer is known for its carbohydrates, both of which will make it difficult to control or compensate for the increased sugar levels. Mixed drinks and cocktails are equally bad for diabetics.

Low Blood Sugar

Consuming large amounts of alcohol can have the opposite effect. It can decrease blood sugar and even cause glucose levels to drop dangerously low.

Weight Gain

Alcohol has a lot of calories and acts as an appetite stimulant. It can cause you to overeat, even if you’re normally a conscientious eater. The more you drink the more you eat and the more calories you consume. It can be extremely difficult to lose the extra weight.

Other Effects

Alcohol has a myriad of negative effects on the body that can be especially dangerous for people with diabetes. It increases triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood that can increase the risk of heart disease. Alcohol increases blood pressure that places excess strain on blood vessels. Drinking too much can result in some of the same symptoms as low blood sugar and it can be extremely difficult to tell the difference.

Drinking Guidelines

If you do drink, avoid cordials, sweet wines, and mixed drinks. Never drink on an empty stomach and sip your drinks slowly. Make sure you’re wearing a medical alert bracelet, necklace or other jewelry to alert people to the fact that you have diabetes. The best course of action is not to drink at all.

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!

Like us on Facebook

sell diabetic test strips

Read more

The Positive Effect Physical Activity has on Diabetes

It’s a common refrain from healthcare providers to diabetic patients, “Get more exercise.” It’s more than just good advice to stay fit, trim, and healthy. You may need to lose some weight, but exercise is a critical element in how well insulin and oral diabetes medications work.

Many people with diabetes take oral medications to control blood glucose levels, combined with a regimen of exercise and diet modifications. Even with medication and changes in diet, without exercise those individuals often find themselves injecting insulin a few years down the road.

Individuals that are taking insulin may find that the type or brand of insulin they take is changed from time to time – along with any oral medications they may be taking. For others, the amount of insulin they inject each time may be increased if it’s not lowering glucose levels enough.

Without sufficient exercise, the body can become resistant to insulin or oral medications. Both types of medications work by taking the glucose circulating in the bloodstream and directing it to cells within the body. When the body becomes resistant, medication doesn’t work effectively and higher doses are required.

All types of exercise are effective for combating insulin resistance. Exercise enhances the body’s sensitivity to diabetes medications and makes them more effective. Even when diabetics don’t lose weight, exercise still enables the body to use diabetic medications more effectively. Even walking two hours a week can lessen the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure – two health risks that increase when people have diabetes.

The best time to exercise is one to three hours after a meal has been consumed when glucose levels are most likely to be higher. For those that take insulin, it’s essential that they test their blood sugar levels before exercising.

Depending on how the body responds to the exercise, it may be helpful to take a piece of fruit or a small snack along to ensure glucose levels don’t fall too low. Exercise is an essential element of a treatment plan to control and manage 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!

Like us on Facebook

sell diabetic test strips

Read more
sell test strips

Don’t Save, Sell Your Test Strips!

Selling your test strips not only helps other people, it’s an environmentally responsible thing to do. Test strips have an expiration date like any other product and there’s no guarantee they’ll provide an accurate reading if they exceed that date. The only alternative is to toss them in the trash. From there they end up in landfills where the strips can’t help anyone.

The most obvious benefit for those that have more test strips than they need or can use is that they earn extra cash by selling their extra test strips. It’s completely legal to sell your test strips as long as Medicare or Medicaid didn’t pay for them. They’re not considered a prescription medication since anyone can purchase them over the counter.

Test strips contain enzymes that interact with a blood sample to determine blood sugar levels. A test strip is a small medical device, but it utilizes state-of-the-art technology. Those enzymes begin to break down. Selling your test strips far enough ahead of their expiration date means extra money for you and an essential health supply for others.

If you’ve been throwing away your test strips in the past, you’ve essentially been throwing away money. It’s easy to get a portion of your cash back by selling them to a distributor that offers them at reduced prices to those that need them. They even pay for the postage and offer online quotes to make it easy and convenient for you.

Nearly 30 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with diabetes. The uninsured, underinsured, and those with high copays fight a daily battle against their disease and are often forced to ration the test strips they have. Selling your test strips helps others stay healthy, keeps the strips out of landfills, and puts money back in your pocket.

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!

Like us on Facebook

sell diabetic test strips

Read more

Managing Diabetes at Holiday Gatherings

The typical round of holiday parties and events present a special set of problems for those with diabetes, when every bite has the potential to increase or lower blood sugar to unacceptable levels. There are a number of actions that diabetics can take that will help keep glucose levels where they belong and avoid weight gain.

Don’t Skip Meals

Many people are tempted to skip meals and deviate from their regular schedules in anticipation of a gathering. Don’t do it. Maintain a regular schedule of meals, exercise and medications.

Frequent Testing

People with diabetes may need to test their blood more frequently to maintain proper glucose levels due to fluctuating schedules at work, the gym and dining opportunities. Be especially careful when adjusting insulin doses or when operating a vehicle.

Sweet Treats

Pies, cakes and cookies abound during the holidays. Diabetics should try to make them part of their normal carb intake rather than an addition.

Alcoholic Beverages

Never drink on an empty stomach – it can lower blood sugar. Conversely, alcoholic beverages often contain significant calories and sugars that will affect glucose levels. Try drinking club soda or water with a twist of lemon or lime instead.

Eating Out

If attending a potluck, make a dish that’s low in calories and sugar so there’s at least one healthy offering that won’t radically raise or lower blood sugar. When eating out, select dishes or meals that’s low in carbs. It’s also helpful to begin with vegetable-based appetizers before trying the meat and cheese items.

Stay Active

Maintain regular physical activities and gym visits. It will help work off any extra calories. It will also aid in maintaining glucose levels that are familiar so additional insulin or medications don’t have to be substantially adjusted.

Have Fun

The focus of the holiday season should be spending time with family and friends, not a reason to throw caution to the wind and over-indulge. Diabetics can enjoy all the season has to offer without gaining weight or placing their health at risk.

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!

Like us on Facebook

sell diabetic test strips

Read more
insulin pump

How a Diabetic Pump Works

Most people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels by using test strips that analyze a drop of blood to determine blood sugar levels. They use a syringe to inject insulin according to a schedule they’ve arrived at with their physician. Insulin pumps are also available that can be especially beneficial for youngsters, but adults also use them.

The small devices are computerized and automatically delivers short-acting insulin as it’s needed, essentially imitating the way the body’s pancreas works. They’re particularly beneficial when diet, insulin and exercise aren’t effective in regulating and managing blood sugar levels and eliminates the need for daily injections with a syringe.

An insulin pumps works day and night to deliver the exact amount of insulin required in response to eating. It requires a catheter be inserted in the body and the pump may or may not have multiple basal settings – the minimum amount of insulin required to manage fluctuations in glucose levels. A majority of insulin pumps have built-in calculators to determine the amount of insulin needed.

The pumps are approximately the size of a cell phone or a deck of cards, depending upon the model. One type is attached to a catheter that’s inserted near the stomach area in the fat layer beneath the surface of the skin. It includes an insulin container and can be worn in multiple ways for convenience that includes at the waist, in a pocket, as an armband, or even attached to a bra or belt.

The other type has an insulin container and a patch that attaches directly on the skin and is controlled wirelessly. Those that choose either type of insulin pump will require specialized training in its use.

Most insurance companies will cover the cost of an insulin pump, but out-of-pocket costs can vary widely. Modern insulin pumps have a variety of features to accommodate a wide range of needs depending upon individual lifestyles.

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!

Like us on Facebook

sell diabetic test strips

Read more
0
Your Cart
Skip to content