There are many factors that can interfere when diabetics test their blood sugar levels and make the process difficult and inconvenient. It’s imperative that individuals obtain an accurate reading and the easier it is it get those readings, the more likely it is that diabetics will perform the test to manage their disease. The following are some common mistakes to avoid when testing blood sugar.

Finger Pricks

Testing on the side of the finger will cause less discomfort than testing on the middle of the fingertip. Don’t use the same finger each time for testing.

Hand Cleaning

It’s easy to pick up traces of residual sugar from foods that have been eaten or prepared to produce an inaccurate reading. Always wash hands before testing and don’t use hand sanitizers or rubbing alcohol prior to testing. Soap and water works fine and make sure hands are dry.

Insurance Preferences

Each insurance company has a preferred meter, and the accompanying test strips for which they’re willing to pay. Individuals get better coverage when using the insurance company’s preferred meter.

Incorrect Settings

Individuals will need to set the correct date and time on their meter. Failure to do so will result in inconsistencies that affect monitoring blood sugar levels over time.

No Routine

It’s easier to remember to test, and test at the correct times, when a regular routine has been established.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can affect readings. Avoid alcoholic drinks that can cause erroneous readings. Drink more water if dehydration is a problem.

Testing Supplies

Make sure testing supplies are properly stored under the correct temperatures and conditions for accurate readings. Change lancets after every use and use the right test steps for the meter. Test strips aren’t interchangeable between different brands of meters.

Testing Times

One of the biggest mistakes people make is testing too soon after a meal. The optimal time is two hours after eating for the most accurate reading.

Tracking Results

It’s important to track results to know what foods increases blood sugar the most, understand eating patterns, and insulin needs.

Wrong Meter

It’s important to get a meter that fits the person’s individual lifestyle. Young or active people may prefer a small meter that fits in a pocket, purse or briefcase – or one that can feed data into an online chart. Older individuals may require a meter that has larger, easier to read numbers or one that emits a beep.

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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Diabetic test strips are the means to test sugar levels in the blood and the readings must be accurate to effectively manage the disease. Test strips are manufactured with micro technology and the strips have to be treated appropriately to ensure accurate readings.

One of the most important things to remember is that test strips aren’t interchangeable among different brands of meters. Always make sure that the test strips you’re using are for the correct meter.

Most test strips are ready to use directly out of the box. However, some require calibration with the meter using a special solution. If you have one of those meters, always make sure the calibration formula hasn’t passed its expiration date.

Test strips should be stored in an appropriate environment. Don’t expose them to extreme heat, cold, humidity, or moisture. Doing so can damage the delicate internal workings of the strip or the meter and readings will be inaccurate. Always store your test strips in their original vial and make sure the lid is closed securely after taking one out.

You never want to use test strips that are past their expiration date. Each strip contains an enzyme necessary for obtaining an accurate reading. Those that have expired shouldn’t be used and you’ll want to dispose of them properly.

Glucose test strips use advanced technology to detect blood sugar levels. They can also detect other substances that will affect the accuracy of your test, including vitamin C, uric acid, and acetaminophen – a common ingredient in many over-the-counter pain remedies. Don’t handle test strips unless you’ve washed and dried your hands.

Test strips have a relatively long shelf life, but they don’t last forever. Incorrect storage and treatment can damage them and you won’t get an accurate reading. That makes managing and controlling the disease that much more difficult.

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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Everyone has food cravings. The difference for diabetics is that those cravings make it much more difficult to manage and control their disease. Unfortunately, a lot of those cravings involve bread, pasta, sweets, or junk food – all of which are high in carbs that elevate blood glucose levels.

Fruit is a natural and healthy snack, but it can also contain large amounts of sugar. Arriving at a happy medium can be a precarious balancing act. The good news is that there are some healthy solutions that will satisfy those cravings without raising glucose to dangerous levels.

Add Yogurt

Adding a little fruit to yogurt is a healthy snack that feels substantial. It’s a good idea to use fruits such as mangoes or even grapes that have a slightly higher sugar content than others to beat the cravings. Yogurt also supports a healthy immune system.

Berries

Nutritious and high in fiber, berries taste sweet but are actually low on the sugar scale. They promote gastrointestinal health and contain strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Choose darker colored berries whenever possible for the greatest health benefits.

Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a healthier choice than milk chocolate. It has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and is effective for satisfying cravings. Just limit chocolate intake to a couple of squares.

Snack Bars

All snack bars are not created equal so choose wisely. Select those that use natural sweeteners such as fruit. Be aware that “healthy” sweeteners such as agave syrup, coconut sugar, and honey are all sources of sugar and the body treats all sugars the same.

Sugar-Free Gum and Mints

Dozens of sugar-free gum and mint options are available, but take time to check labels. Choose those that are low in sweetener content and that they’re low in calories.

Trail Mix

The dried fruit and nuts in trail mix help control cravings. They contain fiber, healthy fats, and proteins. Be aware that trail mix can carry a high-calorie content, so it’s a good idea to limit how much is consumed.

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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Diabetics typically go through several glucose monitors before finding one that fits their lifestyle and with which they feel most comfortable. There are many more options for monitoring and managing glucose levels than in the past, including technological upgrades to glucose meters that can make testing and tracking more convenient.

Today’s options for monitoring blood sugar levels include mobile technology and wearable sensors that require no finger pricks, blood samples, or test strips. They’re typically more expensive and insurance companies may or may not consider them an approvable expense. However, they’re extremely convenient and fit better into multiple lifestyles.

Wearable Tech

One of the newest options is a wearable monitor that consists of two parts – a sensor and a meter. Individuals simply attach a small sensor to their upper arm. To obtain a reading, they pass the meter over the sensor. The wearable sensor and meter combinations are lightweight and eliminate the need for finger pricks. Some models can be used in conjunction with insulin pumps, while others don’t have that capability.

Digital Tech

Glucose monitors are now taking advantage of the digital age. Some have USB connectors and resemble a thumb drive. Individuals simply test and plug the monitor into a computer, laptop, or tablet. Information about testing times and results are automatically loaded into an online graph to chart changes and trends in personal glucose levels.

Wireless monitors are also available that measure glucose levels and send the information to a mobile device. Models are available that send the information to the individual, while others can be programmed to also deliver the data to the individual’s physician.

On the Horizon

Anyone that wants to upgrade their glucose monitor has multiple options from which to choose that exist now and are currently on the market. It’s important that individuals research each monitor to decide which one fits their lifestyle needs for ease and convenience.

As science searches for new ways to test blood glucose levels without finger pricks, a variety of new methods are being explored for different circumstances in the future. They range from fluorescent “tattoos” and contact lenses to infrared light readers.

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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