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Exercising with Type 1 Diabetes

In times past, Type 1 diabetes was called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes since the disease typically manifested in children, teens and young adults. It’s less common than Type 2 diabetes. Those in the medical profession believe Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the pancreas, which is responsible for releasing insulin. Others have genetic risk factors making them more at risk of developing the disease.

Exercise is an integral part of managing diabetes. The most important aspect is that exercise aids in preventing insulin resistance. People with insulin resistance will need higher doses of insulin to compensate for what they eat. Those with high blood sugar levels, high triglycerides, and high “bad” cholesterol may be deemed insulin resistant by their health care provider.

People who exercise have greater insulin sensitivity. The body will burn carbohydrates more efficiently and they’ll need less insulin to compensate for what they consume. Exercise also helps diabetics burn calories that aids in managing and maintaining their weight. It’s recommended that Type 1 diabetics engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 to 6 days a week, and to go no longer than 48 hours between exercise sessions for optimal results in controlling diabetes.

A combination of exercise and healthy eating is critical in managing diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure. It’s equally important for diabetics to learn how to balance physical activity with their food intake to minimize highs and lows in blood glucose levels. Exercise is beneficial for losing the weight in the mid-section that often accompanies diabetes.

As important as exercise is for managing diabetes, it’s equally crucial that individuals engage in activities that they enjoy. No one is going to maintain regular exercise if they don’t enjoy what they’re doing. No one has to work out at the gym everyday to stay active and get in sufficient exercise. They can ride horses, rollerblade, dance, or do yoga, tai chi or water aerobics.

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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Why Diabetics Should Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Diabetes and alcohol can be a detrimental combination. People with diabetes have to monitor their blood glucose levels closely and alcohol can make that considerably more difficult. Those with diabetes should drink in moderation, if at all.

Any type of alcoholic beverage can play havoc with blood sugar levels. Some people claim their A1C levels are lower when they have a drink per day, but that doesn’t mean anyone should begin drinking. A single drink for diabetics is defined as 1½ oz. of liquor, 5 oz. of wine or 12 oz. of beer.

Hypoglycemia

Drinking can interfere with typical diabetic medications, resulting in low blood sugar levels. The liver breaks down toxins so they can be eliminated from the body. The organ will work to metabolize the alcohol, not maintain glucose levels. Hypoglycemia can occur up to 12 hours after someone has had a final drink, particularly if they’ve been dancing, playing games or exercising in some way. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are often confused with being drunk.

Sugar

Alcohol, especially the syrups used to make a variety of mixed drinks, have a high sugar content. They can quickly elevate blood sugar levels. However, diabetics also need to beware of low-sugar cider and beer. They may contain less sugar, but they’re higher in alcohol content.

Calories

Alcoholic drinks are high in calories, but relatively low in carbs. People can easily lose track of what they’ve eaten and the drinks they’ve had. It’s easy to pack on the pounds through drinking without even realizing it. Alcohol also acts as an appetite stimulant and can result in overeating.

Eat Something

It’s important to eat a healthy meal before drinking or nibble on appropriate snacks while drinking. Never drink on an empty stomach.

Increased Risk

Those with diabetes are at increased risk of high blood pressure and heart-related conditions. Drinking any type of alcoholic beverage can increase blood pressure and increase heart rates.

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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diabetic diets

Diagnosed with Prediabetes? What to do Next

A diagnosis for some people can be as frightening as being diagnosed with full-blown diabetes. There are more than 35 million people that have been diagnosed with prediabetes – and they’re receiving that diagnosis at a younger age.

Anyone with prediabetes should be aware that it can lead to Type 2 diabetes if they don’t make changes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s use and regulation of insulin is impaired. It’s possible to delay or reverse a prediabetic diagnosis and prevent it from transitioning into Type 2 diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) millions of people – 8 in 10 – are prediabetic and don’t even know it. Food insecurity and little or no access to fresh foods is a contributing factor to developing prediabetes and diabetes.

Eat Healthy

Fruits and vegetables will play a big role in a healthy diet. Use olive oil instead of other oils. Foods low in fat, calories and carbs – yet high in fiber – are ideal choices. It can help for people to widen their repertoire of edibles to avoid boredom and improve nutrition. It can be beneficial for individuals to eat out less often and prepare more meals at home where ingredients can be more closely controlled.

Get Active

Exercise will help increase insulin sensitivity. That means the body will use insulin more effectively. It will also help individuals shed pounds if they’re overweight that can exacerbate diabetes. Vigorous exercise is recommended for a prediabetic diagnosis, but any type of exercise is beneficial.

Medications

Oral medications are typically prescribed for prediabetes, especially if an individual is at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Stop Smoking

Begin a smoking cessation program. Smoking affects the way that insulin works within the body. The chemicals contained in nicotine changes cells in the body and increases insulin resistance. Cells stop responding to insulin as they should. There are over 7,000 chemical substances in tobacco.

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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Ways to Prevent a Blood Sugar Crash

After a diabetes diagnosis, doctors are quick to warn people about spikes in glucose levels, but little is said about blood sugar crashes, known as hypoglycemia. They’re just as dangerous as a spike and can lead to a coma or even death. A sugar crash can occur when sufficient carbs aren’t consumed or after administering too much insulin.

A blood sugar crash encompasses a wide range of symptoms. Some people experience only one or two signs, while others will have multiple symptoms. They can include shakiness, sweating and fatigue to headache, irritability, paleness, and a fast or irregular heartbeat. Some people feel hunger or nauseous, dizziness or lightheadedness, or a tingling or numbness of the cheek, lips or tongue.

If not addressed immediately, symptoms worsen. They include confusion, blurry vision, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. The individual may have a seizure, lose consciousness, and be unresponsive. There are multiple ways to prevent blood glucose crashes, but requires work on the part of the person with the disease.

Monitoring

Constant monitoring is required to determine if sugar levels are elevated or decreasing. Individuals use a continues glucose monitor (CGM) or a traditional monitor and test strip method.

Regulation

To regulate blood glucose levels, those with diabetes need to eat a variety of foods consisting of long and fast acting carbohydrates. Both are needed to ensure glucose levels remain steady. A sugar crash can be alleviated by eating or drinking something sweet to increase glucose levels.

Too Much Insulin

Without testing, there’s no way to know if sugar levels are dropping. Levels that are too high often mimic symptoms of being too low. Taking too much insulin in an effort to compensate for high glucose levels will result in a sugar crash. Some types of medications also have the potential to reduce glucose levels and its something that individuals need to be vigilant about.

Not Eating

One of the directives from doctors to diabetics is to lose weight or to watch their weight carefully. That leads many to try dieting. Not eating regular meals, eating irregularly, or forgetting to eat are sure ways to cause a sugar crash.

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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How do Glucose Sensors Work?

Technology has increased the ability for people to monitor and manage their diabetes more effectively. One of those is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. They eliminate the need for multiple finger pricks to obtain a blood sample for testing.

CGMs monitor glucose levels through an adhesive sensor that’s placed on the arm or abdomen. It has a small needle that’s inserted into the skin and held in place by the adhesive backing. Readings are sent to a phone or a specific monitor designed for the task. Depending on the brand, sensor patches will need to be replaced every 4 to 10 days.

The sensors monitor the fluid between cells and takes readings every few minutes. It’s the equivalent to testing glucose levels approximately 300 times per day. The sensor patches notify individuals when their blood sugar levels go above or below a specified reading. The reading will tell them if they need to administer insulin or consume something to raise glucose levels.

CGMs are extremely helpful in identifying trends and patterns in glucose levels. They’re especially beneficial for those that work out, exercise regularly, or have jobs that can make monitoring difficult. The devices are FDA-approved and can only be obtained with a prescription. Depending on the brand, the readers cost between $200 and $300. That doesn’t include the cost of sensors that can run $400 to $500 per month.

The technology is effectively out of reach for many people. Some health insurance companies consider them a covered expense, other don’t. Not all state’s Medicaid program cover them, will only do so for Type 1 diabetes, or for children.

Some states also have strict criteria about the frequency of doctor visits, number of times a person tests each day, and their A1C levels. Some states will only accept a diagnosis of the disease from an endocrinologist. Medicare will cover 80 percent of the cost, but also has stringent requirements as to who qualifies for the technology.

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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freestyle libre 3 continuous glucose monitoring system

Sell Excess Diabetic Supplies for Cash

Millions of unused diabetic test strips and supplies end up in landfills every year when they could be earning people money. A number of companies purchase test strips from individuals that have more than they need and resell them to people who are uninsured or underinsured.

While no one will get rich selling diabetic supplies, it’s an easy way to make extra cash, especially in times of inflation when purchasing power is reduced. Individuals can get a free quote online for the diabetic supplies they have for sale, the company pays for shipping, and free tracking is always included. Most major brands are accepted. Many companies also purchase other types of diabetic supplies.

Test Strips

The most common diabetic test supplies accepted are test strips. They’re essential tools that help people monitor and manage their glucose levels. Combined with their meter, the strips tell people when their glucose levels are too high or too low. Test strips are literally a life and death tool for diabetics.

Lancets

The small devices are used for finger pricks to obtain a blood sample that will be tested by a glucose monitor.

Pen Needles

Most people think of syringes to administer insulin, but the medication also comes in the form of disposable “pens.” They utilize small pen needles instead of syringes.

Transmitters & Sensors

Many individuals have given up manual testing of their glucose levels for technology that automatically monitors sugar levels. Others utilize continuous insulin delivery systems. Transmitters and sensors for the technologies may also be sold to the companies for resale to those that need them.

Diabetes is Expensive

Diabetes is an expensive disease. The cost of test strips, lancets, and syringes or pen needles add up quickly. The average cost per month is around $100 and that doesn’t include insulin. Individuals that sell their excess diabetic supplies earn some extra cash and help people stay alive.

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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Enjoying Your Holiday and Maintaining Your Blood Sugar

The holidays are filled with temptation. Rich foods, high-carbohydrate snacks and alcoholic drinks all present a clear and present danger if you’re diabetic. It’s exceedingly difficult to manage diabetes during the year and holidays don’t make it any easier to maintain control of your blood sugar levels. The following tips can help you minimize highs and lows of blood glucose levels during holiday celebrations.

Insulin Go Kit

It’s almost inevitable that at some point during the holidays you’re going to slip up and eat something that will affect your blood sugar levels. That’s why it’s vitally important that you have a go-kit with testing supplies and insulin with you at all times. Be sure to test more often.

Eat Before You Go

Eating a regular, healthy diet before attending parties will make you feel full and less likely to indulge at a party. You can still enjoy any low-carb, low-sugar treats that are on the menu.

Alcohol

Stay away from alcoholic drinks. Whether it’s beer or mixed drinks, they have high levels of sugar. Even mocktails can have elevated sugar levels due to the fruits and syrups that are used.

Sweets

Many hosts don’t understand that treats that claim to be no-sugar or “diabetic safe” can contain significant amounts of sugar. The body doesn’t distinguish between different types of sweeteners – it treats them all the same. It can be helpful to bring a gift of treats to share that you know are safe for you to eat.

Meals

Try to maintain a regular eating schedule during the holidays, don’t skip meals and eat slowly. Consider bringing a dish of vegetables to share that you like and are low carb. Avoid candied fruits and vegetables and keep portions small. Certain types of meat can also increase blood sugar levels.

Unreasonable Limits

Don’t place unreasonable limits on yourself. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a nibble of the exceptional foods you’ll encounter during the holidays. It’s important that you also forgive yourself if you make a mistake – you’re only human. You can monitor your sugar levels at celebrations and administer insulin if necessary.

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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sell test strips online

Top Rules for Selling Test Strips Online

Companies that purchase diabetic test strips have some stringent rules in place for purchasing the devices – and for good reason. Test strips are an essential tool for people with the disease. An incorrect reading from a test strip can result in a life and death situation.

Anyone thinking of selling their excess test strips should ensure they’re dealing with a reputable company. The business should offer online quotes, pay for shipping, and include tracking. Shop around among different companies to get the best price for your extra strips. Before selling test strips, there are some top rules to remember.

  • It’s legal to sell test strips as long as they weren’t paid for by a government-backed insurance plan, such as Medicaid or Medicare.
  • They must belong to the seller and not be stolen.
  • All sellers must be 18 years or older.
  • Test strips must be in their original, sealed, unopened and undamaged package, and not be tampered with in any way. Strips that don’t meet those conditions will be destroyed.
  • Each company has its own rules on expiration dates. Generally, test strips should have an expiration date of at least 10 months from the current date.
  • The way the strips have been stored is also important. Strips that have been exposed to high levels of heat or cold, along with moisture or high humidity levels, are unacceptable. As long as the plastic container the strips come in hasn’t been opened, they should be acceptable.

Over 37 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes. That number doesn’t include the number of adults that are pre-diabetic or children with the disease. The cost of test strips isn’t cheap. While there are store brands that can cost as little as 20 cents each, name brand test strips can cost as much as $2 each when purchased over the counter.

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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How Many Test Strips do Diabetics Use Per Day?

The number of diabetic test strips a person uses each day varies widely. There’s no set number. Someone that’s newly diagnosed with the disease will use more than someone who has their diabetes tightly in control. The number of times people test their glucose levels each day is complicated.

They may be uninsured or underinsured and unable to afford insurance co-pays or the cost to purchase strips at over-the-counter retail prices. Diabetic test strips are not cheap. People may go without testing due to cost. Unfortunately, many insurance companies override the recommendations of the patient’s doctor.

A patient’s insurance company has a direct impact on testing. Some people that are well-managed can test as little as 4 times per day. Others with Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, may need to test 10 to 12 times a day.

Insurance companies have widely differing policies when paying for test strips. Insurers may pay for a set amount that’s not enough or more than the individual needs. Others base their policies on what someone with well-managed diabetes may need, while discounting the requirements of newly diagnosed patients.

It takes time for people to coordinate and control all the variables connected with diabetes and that’s especially true for youngsters that develop the disease. Testing will also be dependent on factors ranging from if an individual is prediabetic or taking insulin, their age, and A1C profile.

Further complicating the issue of test strips is a trend by non-diabetics to test their glucose levels due to fear of developing the disease. Others are concerned about medications they’re taking that increase glucose levels. Insurers don’t want to pay for either practice, though it can be beneficial for those with a family history of diabetes.

The testing needs for each individual is different. A variety of factors can affect blood glucose levels. Some medications, stress, pain, sleep loss, hormone levels, dehydration, and even caffeine can elevate blood glucose levels, necessitating the need for extra testing.

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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emergency diabetes kit

Are There Better Insurance Policies for Diabetics?

Affordable and adequate health care insurance is critical for people with diabetes. Yet a significant portion of adults and children with diabetes are underinsured or uninsured. People may have to choose between their health and paying the bills or putting food on the table.

One change that will impact diabetics that receive Medicare goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. It forces Medicare to cap the price of insulin at $35 per month. That’s good news, but it doesn’t reduce the cost of test strips and other supplies diabetics require. Neither does it affect anyone with traditional insurance.

Insurance coverage of diabetic supplies varies wildly among insurers. Diabetics that work are still at the mercy of employer-provided insurance coverage that can charge virtually any amount of co-pays they want and pass the majority of the cost for diabetic supplies on to the patient.

Coverage through the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, can be obtained at the Healthcare Marketplace. There are plans that have no monthly premium if the applicant qualifies and they cover diabetic supplies. However, the deductibles are typically so high – up to $5,000 or more – that the average person is still shouldering the entire cost of their insulin and other diabetic necessities.

Medicaid helps low-income households with medical costs, providing individuals meet income eligibility guidelines. They may have deductibles, also called spend-downs, that run into thousands of dollars before Medicaid will pay for any covered expenses.

Diabetes has multiple ways it affects the body. Depending on how well the disease is controlled and how long the person has been afflicted will have an impact on the healthcare services a person will need. Each person must evaluate their current and ongoing healthcare requirements to locate the insurance company and policy that best meets their needs now and in the future.

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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