Diabetics quickly learn that there are essential items they need to keep with them at all times, whether they’re traveling long-distance or making a quick trip to the supermarket. Glucose levels can drop or increase quickly. Digestion rates can vary, which will dictate how quickly or slowly glucose from foods enter the system.

The majority of diabetics still use injectable insulin and rely on finger pokes to measure their glucose levels. Being without essential supplies can place individuals at extreme risk. Eating, forgetting to eat, exercise, and a number of other factors affect when individuals will need to test and potentially correct their insulin levels.

Whether individuals live in a hot or cold climate, insulin must be kept at the appropriate temperature. Don’t leave it in a vehicle to overheat or freeze. The following are essential items for a safe and essential diabetes management plan that no diabetic should be without.

Insulin

Whether it’s a long-acting or fast-acting insulin, or a combination of both, diabetics need to ensure they have insulin with them at all times. Diabetes is a difficult disease to manage. Allowing glucose levels to skyrocket leads to a variety of complications over time. Allowing levels to dip too low can lead to life-threatening ketoacidosis.

Syringes/Pen Needles

Insulin doesn’t do any good if the syringes or pen needles aren’t available to inject it. Be sure to replenish the diabetic travel kit each time an item is used out of it.

Glucose Meter/ Test Strips/Lancets

The glucose meter and test strips are the only way individuals will have to accurately monitor their blood sugar levels. Lancets are required to take the blood sample. Don’t forget any of those critical items.

Sharps Container

Used syringes, pen needles and lancets will need to be disposed of properly. Portable sharps containers can be purchased or made, depending upon the laws in a particular state.

Oral Medications

Diabetics and pre-diabetics are often prescribed oral medications as part of their diabetes management and control regimen. Be sure to include any pertinent medications.

Fast Acting Carbs

When glucose levels drop, individuals will need to consume a fast-acting carbohydrate. Make sure that the chosen food is able to withstand extremes of heat, cold and won’t rot. Rescue pens are also available for emergencies.

Carry Case

Use a carry case to keep supplies ready and organized. There are many different types from which to choose that will accommodate multiple lifestyle needs.

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 benefits of exercise are simply too numerous to not include them as part of your routine on a regular basis. Regular workouts are extremely beneficial to your health in more than 1 way. Here are 5 major benefits of consistent exercise.

1. Strong Immune System

The first benefit of consistent exercise is that it helps to build a strong immune system. Studies have shown that the benefits of consistent exercise can lead to a stronger immune system that can ward off the flu and other illnesses. This includes influenza, swine flu, and hepatitis.

2. Energy

The second benefit of exercise is that it helps to increase your energy level. Many people suffer from fatigue and lack of energy due to a poor immune system. Exercise regularly will help to improve your energy level so that you can fight off feelings of fatigue.

3. Cardiovascular Health

The third benefit is the improvement in cardiovascular health. Frequent exercise can lead to a reduction in high blood pressure and cholesterol, which can lead to a healthier heart. Exercise has also been shown to reduce the risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer. This is a combination of factors that can lead to a longer life and a healthier immune system.

4. Stress Relief

The fourth benefit is that it can help to relieve stress. Exercising regularly can allow you to release endorphins through your system. These hormones are often described as the “happy drugs” of the body because they are natural pain killers. They are often used by bodybuilders and athletes to combat stress and provide an escape from daily challenges.

5. Weight Management

The fifth benefit of exercise is that it can help to maintain your weight at a healthy level. Many people struggle with the task of losing weight. Many times the benefits of exercise are overshadowed by a deep fear of gaining weight. People who are exercising on a regular basis find it easier to lose weight and keep it off than those who exercise less frequently or stop any weight loss program cold turkey. This can make a big difference in your health over the long term.

While these are not the only benefits of consistent exercise, these are five of the biggest benefits you will get from it. If you are not already doing it, you should consider incorporating it into your lifestyle now. Your body will be well prepared for the stresses of life and will have a strong immune system to fight off illness.

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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A Do Not Miss Broken Brain Podcast Episode #154 with Dr. Benjamin Bikman, a renowned metabolic research scientist, and a popular speaker on human metabolism and nutrition. Backed by years of research, Dr. Bikman’s mission is to help the world appreciate the prevalence and relevance of insulin resistance.

Around the world, we struggle with diseases that were once considered rare. Cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes affect millions each year. any people are also struggling with hypertension, weight gain, fatty liver, dementia, low testosterone, menstrual irregularities and infertility, and more. We treat the symptoms, not realizing that all of these diseases and disorders have something in common. Each of them is caused or made worse by a condition known as insulin resistance. Over half of all adults in the United States are insulin resistant, with most other countries either worse or not far behind.

On today’s Broken Brain Podcast, our host Dhru talks to Dr. Benjamin Bikman, a renowned metabolic research scientist, and a popular speaker on human metabolism and nutrition. Backed by years of research, Dr. Bikman’s mission is to help the world appreciate the prevalence and relevance of insulin resistance. He is the author of the newly released book, Why We Get Sick, which offers a thought-provoking yet real solution to insulin resistance and how to reverse pre-diabetes, improve brain function, shed fat, and prevent diabetes.

Dr. Bikman has a Doctor of Philosophy in Bioenergetics from East Carolina University, a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Brigham Young University. In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Bikman talk about why insulin resistance has become so prevalent and why it matters. They discuss what makes us insulin resistant in the first place, and the evidence linking many major diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease, to it.

They also talk about how to reverse and prevent insulin resistance through specific diet and lifestyle modifications. In this episode, we dive into: – Fat cells and the role they play in the body (3:01​) The recipe for weight loss (12:23​)
The role of insulin in our bodies (18:05​)
How to know if you are insulin resistant (45:22​)
Lab testing for insulin resistance (50:09​)
The role cholesterol plays in insulin resistance (52:40​)
4 steps to improve insulin resistance (1:01:57​)
Why movement is so important when it comes to insulin resistance (1:11:57​)
The power of wearing a continuous glucose monitor (1:13:49​)
Where to learn more about Dr. Bikman (1:18:21​)

For more on Dr. Bikman you can follow him on Instagram @BenBikmanPhD, on Facebook @BenjaminBikmanPhD, on Twitter @BenBikmanPhD, and through his websites http://bikmanlab.byu.edu/

​ and https://www.insuliniq.com/

Test strips have an expiration date like everything else. If you’re considering selling your unused, unwanted, or unneeded test strips, it’s essential that you do so while they still have a sufficient expiration date.

Test strips that are past the expiration date may not provide the accurate blood glucose reading that people with diabetes need to manage their disease. Diabetic test strips may appear simple, but they’re really high-tech medical devices. The manufacturing process is much more complicated than even diabetics may realize and represent precise pieces of engineering.

Diabetes testing has undergone radical changes through the years. Until the development of insulin, it still remained a virtual death sentence. During the Franco-Prussian War, physicians noticed that people with diabetes did better during the food rationing that took place. Unfortunately, it also led to fad diets popular in the 1900s that did more harm than good and the testing process was still fairly primitive by today’s standards.

Diabetic test strips are manufactured with an enzyme and stabilizing chemicals that create an electrochemical reaction that’s read by a glucose monitor. Those enzymes and stabilizing chemicals have a specific shelf life in which they return an accurate result. Those elements break down past the expiration date.

The manufacturers of test strips utilize their own proprietary combination of chemicals, each of which is stable over varying lengths of time. Being able to sell your test strips successfully will rely heavily on the time left before the expiration date on the box. It’s essential that the test strips aren’t near or at their expiration date so they’ll provide accurate results. Anything less will result in serious health consequences for diabetics.

Selling your test strips is a good way to put some extra cash in your pocket and it provides an immensely important opportunity for those with diabetes that may not be able to afford expensive co-pays, are underinsured or lack insurance entirely. For diabetics, test strips are a life-saving necessity.

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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Diabetes is scary and frustrating for those that have the disease and it can be confusing for friends that want to help. They often go online in search of information rather than talking directly to the person that’s been diagnosed. The following are some tips for people that want to help their diabetic friends.

Nagging Never Works

Nagging a friend about their food choices, level of exercise or weight is counterproductive. Diabetics are well aware of their requirements. They may choose not to exercise or make poor dietary choices. There’s a very thin line between being helpful and being annoying.

Healthy Eating

Diabetics know that others can indulge in foods that they have to limit or shouldn’t have at all. Eating rich desserts and unhealthy foods in front of them is just plain rude and does nothing to encourage healthy eating. For those hosting a party, be sure to provide diabetic-friendly choices.

Exercise With Them

Regular exercise is essential for people with diabetes. Offering to exercise with them is healthy for everyone involved. Even a 30-minute walk per day is beneficial.

Be Positive

Encourage diabetic friends to check glucose levels when needed. Diabetes isn’t the automatic death sentence it was in the past and many diabetics live long and healthy lives. The last thing they want to hear about are complications such as heart attacks or amputations. Encourage healthy habits instead of delivering horror stories.

Keep Informed

Individuals can educate themselves about the disease by attending a support group with their friend or seeking information from reliable sources.

Be Observant

Sometimes diabetics may wait too long to eat without realizing it. Understand the signs and symptoms of low glucose levels. Know what to do should that occur as they may be unable to articulate their needs.

Just Listen

Making the changes required for living with diabetes is a 24/7 task that can take a toll on the nerves and mental health of people living with the disease. Sometimes diabetics just need someone to talk to that won’t be judgmental or offer unsolicited advice.

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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There are many small changes individuals can make to help reduce the potential for developing diabetes that are part of a healthy lifestyle. People should also be aware that there’s no guarantee that they won’t develop the disease at some point in their life. However, initiating small changes now can aid in minimizing the risk of developing diabetes.

Weight Control

Being overweight increases the risk of developing diabetes. However, it’s important to note that weight gain is one of the symptoms of diabetes and even very thin people can develop the disease.

Healthy Diet

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Choosing whole grains and healthy fats, eliminating sugary beverages, limiting red meats, and minimizing processed foods of all types are small steps that have big results.

Portion Sizes

Eating the right foods isn’t going to be particularly helpful without portion control. Controlling the size of portions will aid in regulating glucose levels and aid in preventing weight gain.

Get Moving

Exercise helps manage weight and reduces insulin resistance. Even a brisk, 30-minute walk each day is sufficient to reduce the risk of diabetes. It’s also beneficial for building muscle and cardiovascular health.

Limit Alcohol

Many mixed drinks utilize sugary syrups that add calories and increase glucose levels. Experts recommend no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for women and no more than two for men of any kind.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking constricts blood vessels and can result in high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease.

Depression

People suffering from depression often engage in comfort foods and unhealthy activities that increase the risk of developing diabetes. Addressing depression is essential for reducing the risk of developing the disease and coping with it if they’re diagnosed. Self-care is not selfish.

Regular Check-Ups

While diabetes can occur at any age, people over the age of 45 are at increased risk. Many of the body’s hormones and chemicals change as individuals age that can impact developing the disease.

Don’t Assume

Even if an individual has no history of diabetes in their family and they take all the appropriate precautions, it’s still possible to develop diabetes. Research has demonstrated that some people develop the disease as a result of infection by a viral pathogen.

Doctor Recommendations

An individual’s doctor is their best source of information about more specific steps they can take to ward off diabetes. They know an individual’s health history best and the early warning symptoms.

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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People with diabetes know the importance of diabetic test strips. For those unfamiliar with diabetes, be aware that test strips save lives. They tell individuals the levels of glucose (sugar) in their blood so they can administer the correct amount of insulin.

Diabetes is a disease that’s been known since ancient Egypt. Until the introduction of insulin in 1922, diabetes was typically a death sentence and resulted in an untold number of premature deaths. The first test strip was developed in 1965 and was worlds away from those of the modern era. The first glucose monitor for home use was introduced in the 1970s, but accuracy and precision was lacking.

People with diabetes rely on test strips and accompanying glucose meters to measure the amount of glucose in their blood. Individuals with diabetes can then adjust their diet or insulin amounts accordingly to compensate. Diabetes occurs when the body produces no insulin or insufficient insulin. If insulin levels are too high or too low, both situations are equally damaging and dangerous for diabetics.

Being able to test regularly is essential. Glucose is the body’s fuel and primary energy source. When glucose levels drop too low, the body begins to burn fat to fuel itself resulting in a very serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. As the condition worsens, individuals may have seizures and will eventually lose consciousness. A variety of medications can exacerbate the problem.

When blood glucose levels are too high, insulin must be administered to bring the levels down. Test strips are the way diabetics monitor and manage the disease. Glucose levels that are too high take a severe toll on the body over time, damaging blood vessels, vital organs, and creating nerve damage. It also increases the risk of heart disease.

Diabetic test strips may seem like a trivial matter to many, but for people with diabetes, it enables them to live longer, healthier lives. Test strips are a critical tool for managing glucose levels every day of the year to save lives.

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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People with diabetes need a variety of supplies to monitor and manage their disease. Those that have been newly diagnosed with diabetes are usually overwhelmed with the news. While they’re trying to come to terms with the way their life will change, they often don’t realize the wide array of essential supplies they’ll soon be using. The following are must-have supplies for diabetics that aren’t using an insulin pump.

Insulin/Insulin Pens

Insulin is the hormone that regulates the absorption of insulin in the bloodstream. Diabetics must inject insulin to counteract the sugars from the foods consumed. Insulin is available in vials that need to be kept cool. Insulin pens are more convenient, don’t need to be refrigerated, and can be tucked into a pocket or purse.

Syringes/Insulin Pen Needles

To administer insulin from a vial, syringes will be used for the injection. A different type of needle will be required for an insulin pen. It screws on the end of the pen for the injection.

Glucose Monitor

A glucose monitor uses test strips to analyze a small drop of blood. In just a few seconds, the monitor will provide individuals with the level of glucose in their blood.

Lancing Device/Lancets

A lancing device with a small needle called a lancet is used to prick a finger to obtain a blood sample for testing.

Test Strips

Test strips are an essential part of blood glucose testing. The end of the test strip is inserted into the monitor and the other end of the test strip is used to collect the blood sample obtained from the lancing device.

Medication

Most diabetics also take oral medications to treat the disease, along with their insulin. 

Ketone Meter/Test Strips

Some people with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) due to medications or low glucose levels. When the body isn’t fed regularly, it begins to burn fat to fuel itself. This can result in DKA. While many diabetics don’t require testing for ketones, their doctor may recommend they get a meter and the test strips to do so. It’s important to note that ketone meters and test strips are entirely different than glucose monitors and the test strips they use.

Fast Acting Glucose/Glucagon Emergency Kit

Diabetics should always keep fast-acting glucose tablets on hand in the event that their glucose levels begin to dip too low and they can’t immediately eat something. It’s also a good idea for diabetics to keep a glucagon emergency kit with them if their glucose levels drop below safe amounts.  

Medic Alert Bracelet

Medic Alert ID bracelet speaks for a diabetic if they’re incapacitated and can’t communicate for themselves. The bracelet will let emergency personnel know they’re diabetic. The bracelets are available in a myriad of fashionable styles, designs and colors.

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 are advised to limit their intake of common grains due to their high carbohydrate levels, even though they are high in fiber that’s beneficial for the digestive system. If they are consumed, physicians recommend that they not be highly-refined, processed grains. Then there’s the question of ancient grains.

Technically, all grains are ancient grains since they’ve been around for centuries. When eaten in their purest forms, they can be helpful in managing diabetes and in reducing the risk of developing the disease. Grain promotes a healthy heart and digestive system. They contain fiber that can aid in reducing the absorption of sugars.

When nutritionists refer to ancient grains, they typically have specific examples in mind. The following are considered ancient grains that are beneficial for people with diabetes. Just remember to eat them in moderation.

Amaranth – Gluten-free, it’s been cultivated for over 8,000 years.

Barley – It contains vitamin B1, trace minerals known as micronutrients, and it contains gluten. The grain can be added to soups, salads, and stuffing or eaten as a side dish.

Bulgur – Full of trace minerals, it’s often used as a substitute for pilaf and in salads. It does contain gluten.

Farro – The grain is gluten-free, contains trace minerals, antioxidants, and is used in soups and salads.

Fonio – Available in white and black varieties, it has micronutrients and is gluten-free.

Freekeh – It contains gluten, along with compounds that may lower the risk of degenerative eye disorders. It’s often used in soups, stews, casseroles and salads.

Khorasan wheat – Also known as Kamut, the grain contains vitamin B3, trace minerals, and gluten.

Millet – It’s a grain typically used in wild bird seed mixes and has several trace minerals essential for health. It’s gluten-free.

Quinoa – Loaded with micronutrients, it’s gluten-free, rich in protein, and contains antioxidants.

Rye – The grain is rich in micronutrients, but it does contain gluten.

Sorghum – It’s rich in antioxidants and trace minerals.

Teff – It’s the world’s smallest grain, high in vitamins and micronutrients, and gluten-free. It’s often used in soups, stews and baked goods.

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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There are a number of dietary changes that people with diabetes will need to make and some may be more difficult than others. The type of meat that’s consumed is one of those changes. The good news is that it’s not a radical change and it’s easy to do – just switch to lean meats and meat alternatives to avoid saturated fats and control cholesterol.

Meat is high in protein and low in fat, providing a healthy, longer-last source of energy. One good source of very lean meat is chicken or turkey breast without the skin. Both contain an average of 35 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 7 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving.

People with diabetes can still consume a wide range of meats as long as they’re lean. Some examples of lean meat with 3 grams of fat and 55 calories per 1-ounce serving are the following:

• Beef – chipped beef, sirloin, tenderloin and flank steak
• Pork – Canadian bacon, ham, tenderloin
• Veal – all but veal cutlets
• Poultry – chicken, turkey and Cornish hen, all without the skin
• Wild Game – duck, goose, rabbit, pheasant and venison, all without the skin

Meats should be eaten in moderation and no matter what the choice, be aware that some cuts of meat have a higher sodium content than others. Canadian bacon and chipped beef are two examples.

A 1-ounce portion of a medium fat meat contains approximately 75 calories and has 5 grams of fat. Medium fat meat should be eaten infrequently. It includes:

• Beef – ground beef, T-bone steak and chuck house
• Pork – cutlets, pork chops and loin roast
• Lamb – chops and legs
• Veal – cutlets and veal that’s cubed, breaded or ground
• Poultry – turkey, duck or goose with skin

Bear in mind that even 86 percent fat-free luncheon meat can be eaten on occasion, but it has high sodium levels. Avoid hearts, livers and kidneys. Meats to definitely omit from the diet includes prime cuts of beef, pork and lamb. The same is true of processed meats that includes corned beef, hotdogs, sausage, and salami.

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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