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

Gestational Diabetes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Most diabetics are worried about not having a large enough sample when testing their glucose levels, receiving an error message, and wasting one of the valuable and expensive strips. What you may not know is that you can also have too much blood on your test strip. Test strips will take up the correct amount of blood, but you don’t want blood covering the end of the strip.

Each test strip manufacturer has a recommended amount of blood needed for their brand of test strips. An over abundance of blood will result in an error message or inaccurate results. Inaccurate readings can also occur if you scrape the test strip over your finger or otherwise have the test strip contact anything other than the blood sample. Fingers that are damp or sticky can throw off readings.

There are very definite guidelines when using test strips to avoid inaccurate readings. You should wash and dry your hands thoroughly each time before you test. A variety of contaminants can be found on the hands, even if they don’t appear dirty.

Hard squeezing of your finger to obtain enough blood shouldn’t be done. People with poor circulation are more apt to do this, as their hands are cold and blood may not flow as freely. Warm your hands before pricking the site for a blood sample.

Blood glucose manufacturers recommend that you use an alcohol wipe to sterilize the testing site. However, many in the medical community are now advising against doing so as it can result in a reading that’s too low.

For decades, individuals have been directed to prick a finger for their blood sample. However, there are more nerve endings in your fingers and many in the medical community are recommending that you use other sites and to change the test site in a regular sequence. Using expired test strips will also result in inaccurate readings.

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Test strips are an essential part of successfully monitoring blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Most insurance benefits cover test strips, as does Medicaid and Medicare, but the amount of coverage depends on the health insurance benefits and co-pays of the individual plan.

Test strips are one of the most expensive items for monitoring blood sugar and even with insurance, they can be expensive due to co-pays and the need to meet deductibles. They can also be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacies, but the cost can be prohibitive for those that are uninsured or underinsured.

Most insurance companies will cover test strips, but the amount and brands can vary by provider. Some insurance companies only pay for a certain amount of test strips, which may not meet the needs of the individual. Other insurance companies pay for a set number of strips that are far more than the individual needs per month.

Depending on the insurer, there may be expensive co-pays that are even more costly than if the person just bought them over-the-counter. It’s imperative that individuals understand what diabetic supplies their insurer will cover each month.

Medicare Part B will pay for 100 test strips per month if an individual injects insulin. For those that are on oral medication only, Medicare will pay for 100 test strips every 3 months. A prescription from a doctor is required for Medicare to cover the cost and deductibles and co-pays will apply.

When it comes to Medicaid, each state decides what diabetic supplies are covered, even though the program is partly funded by the federal government. The state also determines if there are “preferred” medications or supplies that Medicaid will cover.

There’s still wide spread confusion among diabetics as to what their medical plans cover due to the variations in insurance plans and the regulations that states place upon Medicaid plans. Even for those with Medicare, deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance will apply and much will depend on if the individual has drug coverage (Part D) or a Medicare Advantage Plan.

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Establishing good eating habits in children as toddlers can help them in avoiding a variety of diseases and health-related problems as adults. Toddlers can be finicky eaters, but there are some strategies that parents and caregivers can utilize to create good eating habits.

Small Portions

Portion control is one of the most important elements of teaching good eating habits. Keep portions small so they don’t feel overwhelmed. It will also aid them in not following “super-size” trends.

Different Foods

Don’t expect toddlers to like every food that’s offered. Some people just don’t like the taste or texture of certain foods. If a toddler flatly refuses a food, don’t force them to eat it. Bear in mind that their tastes will change over time and they may like something that was previously rejected. Keep serving healthy foods.

Old and New

It can be easier to get toddlers to eat a new offering when it’s served with a food with which they’re familiar and they already like.

Healthy Snacks

Offer a variety of healthy snacks such as apple slices, bananas, carrot sticks, cottage cheese and yogurt. Try offering berries, cucumber slices, celery sticks or graham crackers, along with sunflower seeds, or meat and cheese cubes.

Avoid Power Struggles

Food is one of the first areas where children will try to exert some control. Let them feed themselves as much as possible – it gives them that feeling of control. Don’t threaten, negotiate, bargain or bribe them for trying new foods. It only serves to escalate power struggles.

Model Eating Habits

Toddlers tend to imitate what they see their parents do. Try cooking more at home and eating meals as a family. Stay away from fast food whenever possible. Letting toddlers see that their parents like different foods and eat them is the best example for teaching toddlers healthy eating habits.

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People with diabetes must test their blood sugar periodically throughout the day. Doing so is a life and death situation. That testing tells them if they need to inject insulin. Much has been written about the dangers of diabetes and insulin resistance, leading many to take the pre-emptive step of regularly testing and/or using modern technology to track their blood glucose levels in real-time.

An increasing number of doctors are even recommending testing to help people stay healthier by learning how food and exercise affects them and their energy levels. Surprisingly, people are discovering that supposedly healthy options, such as fruit, can spike sugar levels higher than cookies.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices make it easy for individuals to track and monitor blood sugar levels, without painful finger pricks, and the technology provides a more accurate and up-to-the-minute view of how dietary choices affect glucose levels. Many people are turning to CGMs or even traditional monitoring methods because they’re at a higher risk of developing the disease due to a family history.

Individuals should know that CGM technology requires a prescription. For those that haven’t been diagnosed as diabetic, insurance probably won’t cover the cost and the devices aren’t cheap. Many insurers won’t cover the cost at all, deeming traditional meters and test strips as a more cost-effective solution for the insurance company.

In some instances, durable medical equipment (DME) insurance benefits may cover the cost. Others are ordering their CGMs from Europe where at least one brand of CGM is available without a prescription.

There are multiple guidelines that diabetics must follow to stay healthy and control their blood sugar levels. The use of CGMs by non-diabetics can provide powerful and important insight into established “rules” by which diabetics currently live. It can be helpful in creating more effective dietary methods of managing diabetes.

The devices are an effective way to preemptively address the disease before it develops. It can be equally important for learning how medications, stress and other factors directly affect blood sugar levels.

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If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

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Diabetics are advised to eat a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables. However, there are some fruits that will spike sugar levels quicker than others, some even more so than a cookie.

It doesn’t matter whether individuals prefer fresh or dried fruit, they need to be cautious when consuming grapes, bananas, pineapple and watermelon due to their high sugar content. Sweet cherries, raisins, apricots, mangos and figs are also on the list of high sugar fruits. When fruits are dried, the moisture is removed and the inherent sugars become concentrated.

It’s also important to know that fruit juices will increase sugar levels quicker than fresh fruit, which is why many people keep a bottle of fruit juice on hand for after workouts. High sugar fruits and juices must be consumed in moderation. Avoid fruits that are packed in syrup.

Berries are a good alternative that won’t produce an immediate, high spike in blood glucose levels. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are much better options. Pay close attention to recommended serving sizes when consuming any fruit and be aware that the riper the fruit, the higher the sugar content.

Individuals will need to know serving sizes and the glycemic index number of the fruits they want to eat. People no longer have to deal with the tedious task of looking through pages of written documents to determine those levels. There are numerous apps available that provide all of the needed information to make the best fruit choices for a diabetic diet.

People diagnosed with diabetes used to be told they couldn’t have fruit at all. Current diabetic guidelines no longer adhere to that flawed method. Diabetics can and do consume fruit as part of a healthy diet, they just can’t eat unlimited amounts and should look for fruits that have the lowest glycemic index ratings.

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If you have extra, unopened and unused boxes of diabetic test strips – whether you have switched brands, no longer need to test or test less frequently, or have a loved one who has passed away – don’t let them gather dust until they’ve expired and end up in the trash. We’re the best place to sell diabetic test strips online, and if you want to sell your test strips, we’re here to make the process easy and enjoyable!

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Lancets are the small, disposable devices that people with diabetes use to obtain a blood sample for testing their glucose levels. The needles have different attributes depending on the brand. Some use smaller thinner needles, while others are thicker. The lancet device used can be adjusted for different depths. The shallower the depth, the less pain or discomfort that an individual experiences.

Traditional Lancets

They’re small, plastic cylinders that hold a sterile needle. They’re used to prick the finger or other part of the body to collect a small sample of blood. The blood sample is collected by a test strip and inserted into a glucose meter that analyzes the sample and provides a reading of the individual’s current blood glucose levels.

With traditional lancets, a new needle must be inserted into the device after each test to help prevent infection and lessen pain or discomfort associated with pricking the finger. As a “sharps” device they require special disposal methods.

Pip Lancets

A pip lancet is a little different. It’s a single use lancet device used to obtain a blood sample that’s simply disposed of after each use. There’s no need to reload a fresh needle into a lancing device each time a person needs to test. The needle remains retracted within the cylinder and it has a twist off cap. Individuals simply press the device gently against a fingertip to activate.

Pip lancets are easy to use and marketed to be less painful than traditional types. Many users claim they’re the least painful lancet device they’ve used. Pips lancets are especially beneficial for people that are needle averse, those with needle phobias, and children as they never actually see the needle.

The design also eliminates accidental stabbing. Multiple companies make Pip style lancets and prices can vary widely depend on the brand and where they’re purchased. Pip lancets are advantageous for those on the go, but they’re still classified as sharps and must be disposed of in an appropriate manner. For the eco-minded, there’s also the concern of the additional use of plastics.

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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Every diabetic patient knows how expensive test strips are. They’re an essential part of managing the disease. The cost can vary widely, depending on where they’re purchased and if an individual has insurance. The brand of test strips plays a major role in costs, even though the devices are essentially manufactured in the same way and perform the same task.

The average cost of manufacturing a test strip is about 15 cents, yet they can cost as much as $2 each on the shelf. Manufacturers say the expense is due to research and development costs. Overall, test strips are uniformly accurate, though some may produce results that vary up or down by 10 to 20 percent, which is true of most strips.

The most expensive test strips include the following. It’s important for individuals to remember that the pharmacy used and the area of the country will impact costs.

• OneTouch Ultra Blue, $50. 90, 100 count
• One Touch Verio, $49.99, 90 count
• Accu-Chek, $44.99, 100 count
• FreeStyle Lite, $37.97, 100 count
• Contour Next, $30.13, 100 count

Expensive doesn’t mean better. There are plenty of store brand monitors and diabetic test strips that are just as accurate as name brands and they cost considerably less.

The cost of insulin continues to grab headlines across the U.S., while little attention is paid to test strips that are an ongoing month-to-month expense. Meters and test strips account for an estimated 27 percent of diabetes-related expenses. Glucose meters can provide service for up to 10 years, while meter manufacturers say people should replace their meter every five years.

Changing the brand of glucose meter and test strips can help reduce costs, or look into companies that buy test strips and resell them at a discount. In some instances, it’s cheaper to pay cash for test strips and bypass insurance completely.

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 constantly looking for ways to reduce their sugar intake so they can better manage the disease. There are a number of strategies that people can employ to reduce the amount of sugar they’re consuming.

Serving Size

One of the biggest problems for all people in the U.S. is serving size. It’s helpful to reduce the serving size by 1/3 or even half.

Sugar and Substitutes

Reduce the amount of sugar in everyday foods and don’t be fooled by sugar substitutes. The body doesn’t make distinctions in how it reacts to different types of sugar.

Hydrate

That means drinking water instead of sports drinks, soda and similar sugary beverages Consume alcohol sparingly. The ingredients in many cocktails contain a substantial amount of sugar.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh is best, but frozen, dried and canned fruits and veggies are equally acceptable. They’re high-fiber foods that make people feel fuller longer and individuals may even lose some weight. When buying canned or frozen fruits, avoid those that have heavy syrup. If they do contain syrup, drain before eating.

Extracts, Spices & Substitutes

A variety of extracts are available to enhance the flavor of baked goods instead of adding sugar. Consider using substitutes like sugar free applesauce instead of sugar. There are also an extensive range of spices that can be added to dishes for interest and flavor rather than high-calorie ingredients.

Breads, Desserts & Snacks

Breads, desserts and “healthy snacks” are some of the most difficult items for diabetics. They have the ability to cause dangerous sugar spikes. Desserts alone account for up to 18 percent of added sugars in the diet. Limit breads and instead of ice cream, cake or doughnuts, eat some fresh fruit or no-sugar-added yogurt. Nutritionists suggest Greek yogurt, but many find the taste bitter or otherwise unpleasant. Try adding some cinnamon or nutmeg to make it more palatable. Healthy snacks often contain as much sugar as candy.

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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The methods for managing diabetes have expanded rapidly and people with the disease now have many more options. One management method that has been around since 1979 is the insulin pump. It’s an attractive alternative for those that are tired of injecting insulin.

An insulin pump works in two ways. It automatically delivers the appropriate amount of insulin in a measured and continuous dose. Individuals can also direct the pump to release a large dose prior to having a meal. The small, computerized devices provide a convenient means of maintaining insulin control without the need to stop activities and manually administer a dose of insulin.

When using an insulin pump, insulin is delivered through a small plastic tube called a catheter. The catheter is attached to the pump on one end and a needle is attached to the other end. The needle is inserted into the fatty tissue of the body and taped in place. Insulin pumps emulate the body’s normal functioning.

Modern insulin pumps can be integrated with a continuous glucose monitor. Doing so helps people understand how different activities and meal times affect glucose levels. The pumps help individuals attain better control and lower A1C numbers.

The pumps have been used for people of all ages. If a continuous glucose monitor isn’t used in conjunction with the pump, individuals will still need to perform regular testing. It’s an important safety measure to ensure that the pump is working correctly. If for any reason the pump fails to perform, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition.

Choosing an insulin pump over insulin injections is a highly personal decision. The pumps can be especially beneficial for those that have slow digestion and absorption of food from the stomach, known as gastroparesis. It’s advantageous for women planning a pregnancy, those that are very active, and people that experience frequent low blood sugar readings.

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!