In an effort to manage their diabetes, many people are seeking new sources of sweeteners that have a lesser effect on their blood glucose levels. The latest sweetener to hit the shelves in the U.S. is monk fruit. No adverse side effects have been reported, but that doesn’t mean it should be consumed with wild abandon. The impact and effects of monk fruit haven’t been studied in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Monk fruit has received the “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) designation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The sweetener is said to be no-calorie and it’s intensely sweet. Monk fruit is being widely used as an alternative to traditional sugar since it satisfies a yearning for sweetness, while being low in carbohydrates.

It can be 150 to 200 times sweeter than traditional sugar and used in baked goods because its stable at high temperatures. It’s used in the manufacture of products that include candy, juices and soft drinks, condiments, desserts and dairy products.

The American Diabetes Association indicates that monk fruit sweetener may be an acceptable substitute for diabetics that regularly consume sugar, honey and agave syrup – when used in moderation. Endocrinology and metabolism specialists at the Cleveland Clinic say there’s no studies or evidence that monk fruit has any health benefits.

Monk fruit is native to Southern China where it’s known as lo han guo or swingle fruit.  The sweetener is produced by crushing the fruit and filtering out the skin and seeds. The liquid can be used as a liquid or turned into a powder. During the manufacture of monk fruit as a sweetener, it’s often blended with a carbohydrate called erythritol to aid in making in look and taste more like regular sugar.

However, some people are allergic to monk fruit. Signs of an allergic reaction can encompass developing hives or a rash, wheezing and/or difficulty breathing, and a rapid or weak pulse. Additionally, it can cause dizziness, a swollen tongue, stomach pain, and vomiting.

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!

Fruit is an essential part of a balanced diet and it provides a natural sweet treat. However, for those with diabetes, fruit can create glucose spikes that makes it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels. In addition to sugar, fruit contains carbohydrates that the body converts into sugar. Fruits should be eaten in moderation and it’s important to count carbs with fruit.

Some types of fruit will increase blood sugar levels faster than others and rate highly on the glycemic index. Some of those include bananas, cherries, figs, grapes, mangos, pineapples and watermelon. That doesn’t mean they should be eliminated from the diet. They just need to be consumed in moderation.

Dried fruits have the water content removed, thereby turning them into concentrated bites of sugar. Canned fruits packed in syrup should be avoided in favor of those packed in water. People with the disease should be careful when consuming fruit juices. They may seem like a good alternative to fruits, but they’re full of sugar.

Choose fruits that have a low glycemic index rating. They include fruits such as apples, blackberries, dates, pears, plums and strawberries. Keep in mind that darker fruits are also heart healthy. Fruits that have a medium rating on the glycemic index are kiwi, oranges, raisins and underripe bananas.

Eating fresh fruits also have other benefits. They contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals cause damage at the cellular level and are responsible for early signs of aging. Fresh fruit contains fiber that helps people feel fuller longer and can help in weight loss. Fruits are also beneficial for supporting the immune system.

The bottom line for diabetics is that fruit is an integral part of a healthy diet and has a variety of benefits for the entire body. People with the disease should strive to consume fruits that have a low glycemic index rating and consume them in moderation.

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!

Test strips are an essential element in the life of diabetics to monitor and manage their disease. Development of the test strip is the result of chemist Helen Murray Free. It paved the way for the home testing kits that today’s diabetics use. She left a legacy that’s saved countless lives.

Before the invention of test strips to measure blood glucose levels, testing for diabetes meant dropping a reagent tablet in a test tube containing a urine sample mixed with water. The level of sugar in the urine was determined by the color it turned – from dark blue to orange. The problem was that the test detected any sugar, not just glucose.

Free earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Western Reserve University and had research experience at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic. She was an employee, along with her future husband, Alfred, at Miles Laboratory. He hired her in 1947 as a quality control chemist for a research team.

The team was successful in making the Clinistix®, the first dip and read test, more sensitive, but they wanted to create a strip that was more convenient and didn’t use a tablet. The solution was found in 1956, but was a labor-intensive process in which the paper filters were cut by hand, dipped into a reagent solution, then dried in ovens.

Free’s research resulted in a major breakthrough that led to a variety of dip-and-read tests for other substances. She wanted a test that provided a real-time reading of glucose levels that urine-based tests didn’t provide. She was successful and Miles Laboratory introduced test strips for blood glucose in 1964 and the meter to read it in 1969 that was invented by Anton Clemens.

The meter was big and bulky, the test strips expensive, and both were only available in doctor’s offices that could afford them and in laboratories. Through the work of Free and future innovation, people with diabetes now have pocket sized glucose meters and convenient test strips for use at home. The first home metering option was introduced about 1981.

Helen Murray Free received many awards and honors for her work. She was born on Feb. 20, 1923 in Pittsburgh, PA and died at the age of 98 on May 1, 2021 in Elkhart, IN.

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!

A number of people with diabetes use protein powder for daily shakes and smoothies for weight loss and in an effort to gain better control and management of their disease. Protein in food that’s consumed takes longer to digest and aids in managing diabetes. Protein shakes may have the same effect, but there are some ingredients of which individuals should be aware.

Many protein powders contain highly processed carbohydrates that the body identifies as sugar, that can result in blood sugar spikes. They may also contain high levels of sugar or sweeteners that make blood glucose levels soar. It doesn’t matter what type of sugar that’s consumed, the body reacts to it in the same way. Beware of protein powder containing sugar, artificial sweeteners, fruit juice, and agave.

Protein helps rebuild and repair muscles and is present in body cells. The body uses proteins to regulate organs, body tissues, and aids in the functioning of the body. Adding a protein beverage instead of a meal can be effective for some to lose weight. The body can only process a certain amount of protein per day. The excess is excreted from the body as waste. Avoid protein powders high in fats.

There are whey-based that get protein from milk. Plant-based protein powders can use hemp, nuts, peas, soy or rice for its protein content. Plant-based powders are appropriate for those that are lactose intolerant or don’t consume meat.

Individuals have access to dozens of brands of protein powders. Each person will need to make their choice based on factors such as taste, price and availability. Look for protein powder that are low-carb, low-fat, and with no added sugar of any kind. Individuals should begin using protein powder slowly and test their blood sugar levels frequently until they learn how the powder affects their glucose levels.

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!

The summer season presents some special concerns for people with diabetes. It’s more difficult for individuals to keep their blood sugar levels at a safe level during the heat of summer. It’s a time when diabetes management can be interrupted for many reasons.

Use of Insulin

High temperatures affect the way the body uses insulin. Individuals will need to test more often to keep blood sugar levels within range. Individuals will need to adjust their diet, liquid intake, and insulin dosage.

Dehydration

People with diabetes are more sensitive to humidity and temperatures, and they’re at increased risk of heat exhaustion. Diabetics get dehydrated quicker than others and failure to drink enough liquids – preferably water – can increase blood sugar levels. Those elevated levels make individuals urinate more often. Diuretics and some blood pressure medications can contribute to dehydration.

Diabetics should drink water, even if they don’t feel particularly thirsty. Eschew any type of alcoholic drinks and beverages that contain caffeine. That includes coffee, tea, sports drinks and energy beverages. They contribute to dehydration.

Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke

Damage to blood vessels and nerves is a common problem for diabetics and can interfere with the ability to sweat and cool the body. That can easily lead to medical emergencies of heat exhaustion or heat stroke Keep informed about the heat index. The temperature may be 80, but can actually feel like 100 due to the combination of heat and humidity. Stay in the shade as much as possible.

Use A/C

Make good use of air conditioning, especially during the hottest part of the day. Fans don’t cool – they just blow around the heated air. Exercise, walk the dog and run errands during the coolest part of the day. Consider exercising at an air-conditioned gym or fitness center.

Dress Light and Loose

Wear light colored clothing that fits loosely and is lightweight to reduce sweating and allow sweat to evaporate better.

Power Outages

Plan ahead for power outages. Have a small cooler and ice on hand for insulin that must be kept cool. Go to a cooling station or other facility where air conditioning is available if the outage will last several hours.

Symptoms

Know the symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels. Symptoms encompass dizziness, headaches, nausea and increased heartbeat, along with muscle cramps, profuse sweating and even fainting. The inability to sweat is a major danger sign.

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!

When you’re diagnosed with diabetes, the overwhelming warning you receive from doctors is to be careful of high blood sugar levels. You’re cautioned about the symptoms of glucose levels that are too high and the deadly conditions to which you’re susceptible ranging from heart disease to kidney failure. What doctors and dieticians seldom tell you is the dangers of low blood sugar known as hypoglycemia.

Low glucose levels can be just as dangerous and deadly as those that are too elevated. In an effort to manage the disease, you could be placing yourself at risk for low blood sugar levels. Glucose levels continually change throughout the day and it’s essential that you know the symptoms of hypoglycemia, its causes, and what to do.

Reasons for Low Blood Sugar

You may have taken too much insulin, it’s been too long since you’ve eaten, or you’ve been engaged in physical activity which uses extra sugar to fuel the body. Drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages, being dehydrated, and exposure to very hot and humid conditions can also result in low blood sugar. Women may experience low blood sugar levels during menstruation. Some diseases and disorders, types of prescribed medications, and over-the-counter remedies can affect blood glucose levels.

Symptoms

Many of the symptoms of low blood sugar are similar to those of elevated glucose levels. You may begin to shake and/or sweat, feel nervous or anxious, and display irritability or confusion. Dizziness and fast heartbeat are also symptoms and you might or might not feel hungry.

As hypoglycemia worsens, symptoms include weakness, along with difficulty seeing clearly and walking. It’s not uncommon to faint and seizures may eventually occur. One of the reasons that frequent blood sugar testing is essential is that some people have no overt symptoms and may be unaware that their glucose levels have dropped.

Treatment

For immediate relief of symptoms, drink some orange juice or other high sugar beverage. You can also eat some glucose tablets, hard candy or glucose gel. It’s a good idea to keep a glucagon emergency kit handy and make sure that family and friends know how to use it.

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 have dozens of things to consider each day and one of those is disposing of their used glucose test strips, lancets and syringes. Many test strip packages have instructions on the inside detailing how to dispose of them, but the information is buried in a mountain of small print.

The first thing to know is that any object that contains blood is considered biomedical waste and must be disposed of in an appropriate manner. There are specially made sharps containers specifically designed for disposing of used test strips, lancets and syringes. The containers are red, come in different sizes, and are available in pharmacies. They also contain visible warnings on the outside of the container about what they hold.

When a sharps container is full, tape the top securely and place it in the middle of the trash bin for pick up. Many Florida counties and health departments have initiated drop off programs where people can take their full containers for disposal. In some instances, individuals can receive another container at no cost or at minimal cost. Drop off programs are also available at some pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and medical waste facilities.

If residents don’t have such a program in their area, the Florida Health Department offers another solution, but advises that individuals should check with their trash pickup company to ensure that the following method is allowed.

People without a sharps container can use a hard plastic or metal container with a screw on top. The most commonly used containers are liquid detergent bottles, though a paint can is also acceptable. When the container is full, secure the top with heavy duty tape. Use a marker and clearly mark the container as “Medical Waste.” It can then be placed in the center of the trash bin for pick up.

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 rely on accurate readings from their glucose test strips and meters to effectively manage their disease. All test strips and meters must meet minimum standards for reliability and accuracy. However, a higher priced glucose test strip doesn’t automatically translate into greater accuracy.

A controversy over test strips has raged for years as some have been proven to be more accurate than others. However, it’s not just the test strips that have to be considered. The meters also figure highly into the equation. Some meters and test strips haven’t been re-evaluated or tested for accuracy since first being approved by the FDA.

The introduction of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that use a sticky sensor applied to the body and read by phones, is gaining popularity and widely used by many diabetics. However, the cost can be prohibitive and there are millions of people that are still pricking their fingers and using glucose test strips and monitors.

The Diabetes Technology Society, a non-profit organization based in California, compared 18 popular glucose meters and test strips for accuracy. The gold-standard is a meter and test strip combination that yields blood glucose readings within 15 percent of laboratory values of at least 95 percent. Only 6 passed the organization’s accuracy tests:

1. Bayer Contour Next, 100 percent
2. Roche Accu-Chek Aviva Plus, 98 percent
3. Walmart ReliOn Confirm from Arkray, 97 percent
4. CVS Advanced from Agamatrix 97 percent
5. Abbott FreeStyle Lite, 96 percent
6. Roche Accu-Chek SmartView, 95 percent

The cost of both the test strips and meter should factor into the decision as to which meter/test strip combination to purchase. Another consideration is if the meter and test strips are covered by insurance, along with any applicable co-pays. Use care when selecting the meter/test strip combo. There are multiple options from each brand and the cost of test strips will be an ongoing expense.

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!

Many people are trading in their unused glucose test strips for cash and you can, too. Before you start inventorying what you have to sell, there are some things you need to know. Buyers of test strips are very particular about what they accept and for very good reason. They sell the test strips to individuals that need them and the strips must conform to the same standards as you’d purchase them in the store.

The answer is no – you can’t sell opened boxes of test strips. The boxes must be unopened and in good condition. Test strips also have an expiration date and companies that buy test strips typically want a minimum of an 8-month window until the strip’s expiration date.

They should also have been stored under appropriate conditions and not exposed to high heat or dampness. Test strips paid for through government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid can’t be resold.

Test strips that don’t meet those requirements can’t be counted upon to provide an accurate reading that’s essential for individuals to manage their disease. Even though they appear simple, test strips are high tech devices and the manufacturing process is complicated. Test strips utilize stabilizing chemicals and enzymes to read glucose levels.

Those enzymes and stabilizing chemicals have a specific shelf life. Each manufacturer has its own proprietary combination of chemicals, each of which remains stable and effective over varying lengths of time.

Companies that purchase test strips resell them to those with diabetes that can’t afford expensive co-pays, are underinsured or are uninsured. Selling your test strips for extra cash is easy.

You can obtain a quote online and the companies will even pay the postage to send the test strips to them. If the strips are accepted, they offer multiple payment methods. If the test strips are rejected, the company will pay the postage to return them to you. It’s a win-win situation for you as the seller and those with 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!

The little plastic test strips for testing glucose levels appear simple, but are a marvel of modern technology, allowing individuals to effectively manage their diabetes at home. All manufacturers of test strips use essentially the same process and the strips work in the same way. However, each manufacturer incorporates small, proprietary differences that ensure it’s only compatible with the company’s brand of meter.

The laminated test strips are comprised of multiple ultra-thin layers and essentially work by using a blood sample to create an electrochemical reaction. A chemical reaction takes place and is converted into an electrical impulse that’s sent to the meter where it’s read.

Test strips begin with a base of polyester, overlaid with a carbon layer to facilitate conductivity. A micro-thin gold or silver-based layer is added and cut into a printed circuit designed to make an electrical circuit when blood is introduced.

A layer of enzymes and stabilizing chemicals are applied to the end of the test strip that accepts the blood sample. When blood is introduced to the strip, a chemical reaction takes place and converted into an electrical impulse that is then read by the glucose meter and presented as a number on the meter’s readout.

The enzymes and stabilizing chemicals have a specific lifespan. High humidity and extremes in temperature degrade the enzyme and chemicals used, thereby rendering an inaccurate reading and placing users’ health at risk.

Test strips that have exceeded their expiration date can exhibit errors by giving readings that are over or under the actual glucose level. Individuals may use too much or too little insulin to compensate. Manufacturers use different enzymes and chemicals unique to their particular brand. Some test strips may provide better accuracy but have a longer shelf life, while other brands may be slightly less accurate but have a longer expiration date.

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!