Simple Ways to keep Blood Sugar Levels Low

Diabetes is a common illness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for it. All one can do is to manage diabetes. Managing the condition requires adept monitoring on glucose levels. You also require making efforts towards maintaining level of glucose in the body. This is possible only if you have appropriate diabetes supplies. Hence, it is crucial for an individual with diabetes to test glucose level using a monitor at regular intervals. The monitor makes it easy for you as you can do it within the comfort of your own home. Using glucometer is really simple. Once you get used to measuring levels of glucose, you would love it. Using a glucose monitor will let you know if you really need a modification in diet, exercise regime or medication.

A glucometer is a special tool used for reading precise sugar levels. All you need to do is prick your finger a little and the device will help you get precise reading. The levels need to be checked daily. In some severe case, the patient may require measuring levels several times in a day. If you are worried about glucometer price in India, just visit the World Wide Web and know prices at which the monitors are available. Comparing various monitors will help you get the best price. Also make sure you don’t go for one with a lot of ‘fancy’ features which you may not use. These features take a lot of money unnecessarily.

Apart from investing in a high quality glucometer, it is important to make some significant dietary changes to control the blood sugar levels. This will prevent from allowing blood sugar to rise to a very high level. High levels of sugar are not good for health. It results in a lot of health complications. To avoid this condition, you need to include foods valued for their capacity to decrease blood sugar levels.

Here’s how you can do this:

Less Carbohydrates

Make sure you cut down on carbohydrates in your daily diet regime. This is very important for controlling increase in sugar.

Limit High Glycemic Foods

It is crucial for you to avoid foods high on the glycemic scale. Some of the foods such as white bread, pasta, and potatoes should be strictly avoided.

Include Grains

Grains should make an integral part of your diet. It should include cereals such as bran, barley, wheat, and oats.

Lentil

This is a good source of protein and should form an important part of your daily diet.

Dairy Products

You should be careful with dairy products. Instead of whole milk, have low fat milk. Also have low fat cottage cheese, yogurt etc.

Special Spice

Cinnamon is known to be a useful spice to control sugar levels in the blood. So try to sprinkle this spice on breakfast cereal and fruit salads.

Researching and comparing different glucometer price in India will help you get the best quality monitor at best rates.

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Guidelines to use a blood sugar monitoring device

If you have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, it is important to start off with a special diet and exercise regime to make sure your blood sugar levels are healthy. Buying a blood sugar monitoring device accuchek will help you with your diabetes management regime.

The Glucose Monitoring Regime

Ideally, a type 1 diabetes patient must test their blood sugar at least six times a day. Ask your doctor about the precise number of times the procedure needs to be undertaken.

Methods of Blood Glucose Testing

1. Using Blood Sugar Monitoring Device Accuchek

First you need to prick the skin with a lancing device (don’t worry it won’t hurt much). This will give you a drop of blood. Place it on a test strip. Insert the test strip into a blood glucose meter to calculate the concentration of blood glucose levels.

2. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

This is a method that needs to be used in cases, where meter readings display unexplained highs and lows. This is a special device designed to track blood sugar levels of body over time to disclose trends that may not be shown during procedure of standard blood glucose monitoring usage.

A tiny sensor is inserted under the skin (abdomen). It is then connected through a wire to a glucose monitor. The monitor is strapped to the pant waist. The results are evaluated by your health care practitioner after a few days. This will help the doctor to analyze whether or not the treatment requires being changed completely or modified.

Insulin Pumps

This is an option for diabetes treatment. It works via delivering insulin throughout the day according to the requirement of body. The process is kicked off through placing a catheter under the abdominal skin. Then a small, device is attached to the waistband of pants. This device pumps insulin into the body.

Why blood sugar monitoring device accuchek?

The importance of diabetes monitoring device in diabetes management cannot be ignored. In order to keep blood sugar levels healthy, it is crucial that you go for the best quality meter available on the market.

These days, most of the reputed companies are offering their products online. This has helped diabetics invest in a specific product right from comfort of home. They can actually shop around before making an investment.

When buying a glucose meter, you need to consider certain important factors including actual price of the device, user friendliness, maintenance process, efficiency, and accuracy. Also check the reputation of brand before invest money.

Buying blood sugar monitoring device accuchek is important for all diabetics. They must make this investment to stay healthy and maintain decent blood sugar levels.

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Benefits of a Glucometer

A glucometes, also known asd self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), is the most beneficial device for diabetics. A number of types and brands of glucometers are easily available these days. Most of these are based on the following two principles:

1. Chemical

A chemical is present on the test strip. When it comes in contact with glucose, a colour is produced. The meter measures intensity of colour intensity and the level of glucose present is expressed in mg/dl.

2. Electric Current

The second type of glucometer measures the electric current present in the blood. This depends on the amount of glucose present. As soon as blood is put on the test strip, an enzyme transfers electrons from glucose to a chemical in the test strip. Thereafter, the meter measures the flow of the electrons as current. The amount of current will depend on the amount of glucose present. Thereafter, the meter produces the reading in mg/dl.

Glucometer Accuracy

Many are worried about the accuracy of the meter readings. However, there’s nothing to worry because the values are generally quite reliable. There may be a slight inconsequential difference between the sample of laboratory and glucometer reading due to the resons stated below:

10-15 per cent Difference

This difference in readings is observed because laboratory utilizes plasma blood while glucometers use
whole blood.

Higher Reading

Meters use capillary blood while laboratory make use of venous blood. Capillary blood may provide a slightly higher reading as compared to venous blood.

Test Strips

Each glucometer is available with its own test strips. You need to buy the correct strip for the glucometer. A strip has a code that must be set correctly before using.

Lancets

These are used to prick the finger and obtain a drop of blood to be placed on a test strip. Each pricking device comes with its own size of lancet. The lancets are sterile. Hence, they should not be shared.

Benefits

There are many benefits of using a glucometers for diabetics:

It allows diabetics to take care of themselves sans any need to visit doctors and labs regularly.

It works towards promoting well-being of the patient.

It helps to detect and confirm hypoglycemia.

These meters ensure better understanding of medications.

The meters helps in altering medications.

It also helps in detecting infections. Since high blood sugars may be a sign of infection or illness, timely
assistance can save many health problems.

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Diabetes Diet – Foods to Avoid

Diabetes diet is the basis of diabetes management. A lot has been said and written about what one should eat to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. But how much do you know about food offenders? There are certain food offenders that may pose serious health risks especially for diabetics. These contain high amounts of fat, sodium, carbohydrate, and calories. These dangerous elements can increase your risk of uncontrolled blood glucose, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and weight gain.

So think twice before eating these foods:

Eating with diabetes doesn't necessarily mean deprivation or starvation. However, it is definitely important to make wise choices and avoid or limit the foods available on the list mentioned below. This is because they are usually high in saturated fat, calories, sodium, carbs, or even trans fats.

The problem is that very high amounts of sodium and saturated fat lead to serious heart disease. On the other hand, indulging in excess sugars, high carb counts, can make you gain weight and the blood sugar level also shoots.

Apart from following a healthy diet regime, it is also crucial to keep tabs on glucose levels using Accu-chek glucometer.

Say No to these Foods

Coffee Drinks

For a perfect diabetes diet, you need to eliminate your favourite cup of coffee or coffee shakes. Did you know your favourite Starbuck's Chocolate Mocha with whipped cream will make you rich by 470 calories and 63 grams of carb? So it is best to stay away from it as far as possible.


Fruit Beverages


These are not only high in calories but also rich in sugar. So it is better to stay away from your favourite juice drinks. Make wise choices by reading labels. Be aware that nutrition information is per serving; many beverages that come in cans or bottles contain more than one serving.


French Fries


This is known to be a staple diet for fast food lovers. Hence, it's no surprise that this fast-food is always on your list. Now, needless to say, these are quite a risky choice for diabetics. French fries are loaded with sodium, saturated fat, as well as calories. It is true that food joints and fast-food restaurants offer trans-fat-free fries, but they still don’t make that good an option for you.


Cookies

These are yummy and a beautiful combination with coffee and tea. Munching on it may be one of the greatest pleasures of your life. But alas! You need to sacrifice on these yummy treats. These are not healthy with all the sprinkles or chocolate chips. These could be hiding  lot of trans fats. The cookies are also laden with butter, margarine, high-fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated oils. Hence, cookies make the biggest saturated fat and trans fat contributors. Having these daily will make you pile on a lot of calories and carbs.


Fried Chicken


This is another restaurant staple and all-time favourite food. It tastes heavenly and is simply irresistible. But diabetics need to cut down on this comfort food as far as possible. Frying chicken tends to add a lot of calories, and carbs. It also contains sodium, and fat. You need to avoid it to keep your weight and cholesterol in check. So the extra crispy KFC chicken is actually harmful for you.


Frozen Meals


Frozen meals are very convenient. However, their high sodium and fat contents tend to make them unhealthy choices for all (diabetic or non diabetic). So it is better that all of your family stays away from it. These quickies should be only an emergency option.


Regular Soft Drinks

These are laden with sugar and soda. They taste good but can actually derail your healthiest meal plans and spike blood sugar levels to a risky zone. Understand that each 4 grams of sugar equals 1 teaspoon! Hence, if your drink comprise of 30 grams of sugar, that equals to consuming 7.5 teaspoons of sugar!!!! Now that’s really, really risky for a diabetic! Hence it is important to stay away from it to manage healthy blood glucose levels. Beverages with high sugar content will also add to the calories and carbs. However, they may also cause a lot of weight gain. Of course, there are many diet versions of soft drinks offered in the market place, these days. But all of these are made with artificial sweeteners. You need to go for healthier alternatives such as lime or lemon juices. A little research on the internet will let you know about more refreshing and satisfying drink choices. The best part is that these alternatives won't add much burden to your waistline.


Milk Shakes

We’re talking about the rich, thick milk shakes straight from your favourite restaurants or fast-food joints. You need to stay away from these beverages. They are loaded with sugar and calories. Many of these may also be hiding trans fats that are really very bad for your heart.

Other Foods to Avoid:

White rice

White Potatoes

Regular pasta

White Bread

Sugary Breakfast Cereal

Instant oatmeal

Cornflakes

Corn

Sugar – Stay away from white sugar, cake, honey, jam, jaggery, jelly, pastries, icecream, pie, canned juice, chocolates, syrup, artificial sweeteners, doughnuts, cream and cookies foods.

Fried Foods – Strictly avoid fried foods. You can bake, saute or boil in a pan. Steaming vegetables is also a good option.

Sodium - MSG, Soy sauce, and brine contains a lot of sodium. Make sure you limit your sodium content.

Salad Dressings – Limit use of dressings such as salad dressing, mustard, mayonnaise, and avocado.
These are also high in sodium.

Refined Flours - Avoid white bread, pasta, all purpose flour (maida), puffs, pretzels, pizza, and processed foods.

Fruits - Mango, custard apple, grapes, strawberry, and prunes should be avoided to lower the blood sugar level.

Starchy Vegetables - Avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, peas, beans, and beet.

High Cholesterol Foods – Avoid high-fat meat, egg yolks, poultry, and high-fat dairy products.

Oils - Avoid hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils. Canola or olive oil are the best option for diabetics.

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What is diabetes – Understanding all about Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes should be handled with great care. This is possible only when you know what is diabetes understand the condition well. Type 1 diabetes was also once referred to as juvenile diabetes.
This is because it is usually occurs before the age of thirty without warning.

A healthy pancreas in human body consists of cells that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that transports a type of sugar known as glucose from the bloodstream into all of your cells. It is definitely an important job. Sugar is also fuel of body.

Once you develop type 1 diabetes, your immune system gets confused. It actually destroys the insulin-producing cells. Since the insulin supply dwindles, the cells are deprived of glucose and builds up in your bloodstream. The body tries to get rid of this excess glucose through filtration system (kidneys). Among various other symptoms, this can also cause you to feel frail, and hungry. You may also need to urinate frequently, and feel thirsty. Not drinking a lot of water may even make you dehydrated.

Hyperglycemia

This is also referred to as High blood glucose levels and can cause serious health problems. Blood vessels and nerves can get damaged. It will also result in serious complications such as kidney failure, blindness and various other complications.

Type 2 Diabetes

This is also known as adult-onset diabetes and a progressive condition. This also indicates that the symptoms usually increase with time. Unlike Type 1 diabetes wherein insulin producing cells are completely destroyed, Type 2 diabetes is capable of producing insulin. The only problem is that it may not be enough to meet the body’s requirements.  Sometimes, the body does not process the inslulin produced by the body. This results in high blood sugar levels. When left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to damage eyes, nerves, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy. It also clears up after childbirth. It can usually be controlled via making a few small healthy lifestyle changes such as monitoring the diet, and exercising. In rare cases, insulin may also be prescribed.

Living With Diabetes

Once you discover that you have diabetes, the situation can be frightening. However, it is definitely not a reason to panic. You just need to help your body via eating more nutritious foods in reasonable size portions. Also try exercising more and also paying closer attention to stress levels and sleep habits.

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Diabetes Diet for Longer, Healthier Life for Type 2 Patients

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis is not an easy thing to manage. The situation can be really overwhelming. However, you are not alone. Many thousands of people are suffering from diabetes these days. The guide for newly diagnosed individuals with diabetes can really be of great help for managing the condition.

So you have diabetes. What should be your step now?

Life before diabetes was definitely different. It didn’t involve careful diet plans, meticulous exercise regime, and prescribed medications. Most importantly, you never worried about glucose test strips and Accu Chek glucometer and its readings. You never knew the importance of maintaining blood glucose levels.

Now your health care provider is taking care of you. He is encouraging you to make some lifestyle changes. You need to choose healthier foods and become more physically active and testing blood glucose (blood sugar) at regular intervals. The new diabetes regimen may seem daunting. However, step-by-step approach will make you lead a healthy and active lifestyle. It will even help you manage your diabetes.

The Medications to Lower Glucose

Your doctor may prescribe medicine to control your blood sugar. Understand that type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. This means your capacity to produce and use insulin decreases over time. This is owing to the changes in your body. The medications you take may go up and new additions may be done by your doctor over time. Regular monitoring is important to help your doctor suggest effective changes.

Your Diabetes Diet

The treatment plans for diabetes may vary. The food and activity plans are the major contributors. You need to get started by keeping track of your food plan. Write down what, when, and how much you eat. Thereafter, you must test your blood glucose to understand the impact of foods on your blood glucose.

You should identify your food preferences and healthful foods. Thereafter, you must accommodate your unique day to day schedule and activities. It is important to distribute carbohydrate-containing foods in order to achieve your target glucose levels after meal. Some of the most common carbohydrate oriented foods include fruit, starches, fruit juice, sweets, milk, and yogurt.

Diabetics should choose healthful fats in order to achieve target blood cholesterol and triglyceride (lipid) levels. The best option is to determine appropriate portion sizes for weight loss and maintenance.

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What is Diabetes Mellitus? Understanding Diabetes Better

Understanding diabetes is a difficult task for patients and those who are not suffering from it. The disease is difficult to understand due to the initial signs and symptoms it shows. Most of these are similar to that of any other disease; you may have suffered from before.

So, what is diabetes mellitus precisely? It is crucial to understand the disease in detail in order to make sure you live healthy and happy with it. Diabetes mellitus is usually categorized into three different types. One needs to identify these to get the right treatment.

The main definition of Diabetes Mellitus the question “What is Diabetes Mellitus” depends on the condition of the patients. It is usually referred to as condition where the body of an individual suffers from presence of excessive blood glucose. To be precise, anyone too much sugar in his blood suffers from diabetes.

The problem with the disease is that if left untreated, it may cause many complications. It can even disable an individual’s capability to indulge in daily activities. Many a times, individual also faces life threats due to the disease and its impact on body.

Main signs and symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus include the following listed below:

Unexpected weight loss

Fatigue

Excessive urge to urinate

Excessive thirst

Disorientation

Light headedness

Extreme hunger

It is significant to check with a medical practitioner if you experience any of the above mentioned signs and symptoms. Once Diabetes Mellitus is detected, the patient requires monitoring his or her blood glucose levels via using an external device. These devices are referred to glucometers, test strips, and insulin pumps.

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The Art of Using glucose meters

Diabetes is one of the major problems people suffering from these days. WHO has estimated that the number of diabetics across the globe will increase at least 300 million by the year 2025. The disease can be managed via following a healthy diet plan and monitoring blood glucose levels. This is also the reason every diabetic is recommended to self-monitor the glucose level in the blood. This process is also known as 'SMBG' or 'self-monitoring of blood glucose'.

These days, the test for glucose has become really easy with glucose meters. These meters are easily available online these days. However, there is a specific technique one needs to follow when using these meters. Here are some crucial steps involved:

Step 2: Hygenie is very crucial. So wash your hand thoroughly before starting off with the process.
Step 3: Disinfect hands with alcohol.

Step 4: Take a sterile lancet and prick your finger tip.

Step 5: Place a small drop of blood on a test strip.

Step 6: Place the test strip in a glucose meter.

Follow the instruction given on the pack of glucose meter carefully because the procedure might change with brands. The market is loaded with many new models and Glucose Meters types. Some of these read the amount of electricity travelling through the blood sample while others may measure the light reflection.

Modern glucose meters are capable of recording concentration of glucose in the blood over a broad range. The range usually falls between 0 mg/dL and 600 mg/dL. Hence, it is crucial to check with manufacturer’s instruction as different models will offer different readings. You also need to pay close attention on the 'type' of glucose you have been monitoring.

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What to Know Before You Buy Testing Strips

Diabetic testing strips are used by diabetics for home testing. Although these are easily available online these days, there are some things you really should know prior to deciding a specific glucose monitor to invest in.

First, you must consider the cost because these are not one time investment. You need to buy these regularly to be able to use the glucose monitors. Visiting various websites online will help you get the best testing strips at affordable prices. Comparing the services and products offered at different websites will help you a great deal in this respect.

You need to check the expiration date before buying the glucose test strips. Understand that the meter readings can be made useless if the test strips are out of date. Hence, you need to always check the dates as soon as you receive them in the mail. Return them if they have crossed the expiration date. Expiration dates are printed clearly on every vial and disc. Strictly avoid using these if they are old.

Don’t buy in bulk if you are not recommended to check frequently by the doctor. This may prove to be a waste of money for you. Coding is important.

Most diabetic meters need to be coded for every new batch or vial. Here, you need to remember the code and feed it correctly to get accurate results.

In case, you don’t want to face these hassles, it is better to look for the "no coding" label when shopping for a new glucose meter. The idea is to get a monitor that does not require being coded.

Protect your glucose test strips from moisture, humidity and heat. These elements can make the strips unusable.

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Buying the Right Glucose Blood Meter

It is crucial for diabetes patients to choose the best glucose blood meter so as to monitor their own blood glucose levels at home. This saves them from the hassles of rushing to laboratory every now and then. Checking at the privacy of home is the most convenient method of all. This saves one’s time, efforts, and money.

This is possible only if the patient focuses on choosing the right meter. The meters are usually recommended by doctors. You can also get into a serious research online before buying one. This will help you buy the best meter.

The decision of buying a Glucose Blood Meter should be based on the following:

Requirements for testing

Lifestyle

Physical abilities

Those with bad vision should go for a meter with a large display. Similarly, a diabetic with limited dexterity in hands should opt for a meter that loads the test strips automatically. Understand that what meter will work for you before buying one.

There are certain key things to look for when selecting a glucose meter. These include readable display, compatible test strips, cost, special functions, additional features, and many more. Since test strips are a consistent expense, it is important to research for the most affordable ones. These may be easily bought online. So when buying a glucose meter, it is important to know the price of compatible strips.

Some of the meters are available with special functions and features to help patients better manage the disease. Some of the most desirable special features include the ability to provide super fast results. In fact some of the meters can have the results in as little as 5 seconds!

Other important things to look forward include internal memory and a smaller size. It is wise to go for a handy device that can store up to the last 1000 results.

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How to Conduct a Diabetes Test at Home?

Diabetes has been termed as one of the most common diseases in today’s time. There are many reasons behind this including our dietary habits, genetics, and a lot more. People diagnosed with diabetes and those above the age of 50 years should undertake regular diabetes test.

In earlier days, a blood Diabetes Test for was considered a painstaking task. However, with the advancement in technology these days, people can undertake this test within the privacy of home. Ignorance can lead to a person's untimely death. These circumstances occur when blood sugar of a patient’s body fails to reach the cells and produce energy owing to a no-response situation to insulin. Now the blood sugar level starts to accumulate in the body. It fails to reach the cells and develops a condition referred to as hyperglycemia. There are certain factors that lead to worsening of this health condition including the following listed below:

Obesity

Genetics

Poor dietary habits

When an individual shows symptoms of diabetes, medical practitioners usually recommend them to take a ‘diabetes test’. This is a kind of blood test to detect the blood sugar levels in the body. Many types of blood tests can be carried out to get desired results. The primary of all of these tests is to find out the sugar levels in the blood.

Once an individual is diagnosed with diabetes, it is important to follow a strict diet regime that includes less amount of sugar. Doctors also recommended that the individual should take diabetes test at least once in seven days or fourteen days. This is vital for keeping tabs on the blood sugar level in the blood.

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Diabetes Glucose Meter Strips Coding Dilemma

Diabetes glucose meter strips are an integral part of a diabetic’s life. These strips are available widely these days online. Different companies and brand names offer these strips. The latest ones are technologically advanced and do not make patients go through the hassles of coding. However, the old ones would still require patients to understand codes and follow them in order to get accurate results.

What Is Coding?

Most glucose meters available on the market use a plastic test strip. The strip is coated with glucose oxidase. These strips may vary from batch to batch. Most Diabetes Glucose Meter Strips will have a code or a chip. This is for the user to enter prior to using the meter with the new batch of strips.

When the user enters the code, glucose meter and the diabetic test strips are calibrated to ensure accurate readings. This is based on the amount of glucose oxidase coated on the strips in the package.

The problem with the coding system is that if the user forgets to recode the meter when using a new box of test strips, the readings will be incorrect. The results will not accurate if the user enters the code improperly. The inaccuracies may vary. The readings on the meter can be off by about 43 per cent. This may not be a good option for those actively managing diabetes. Since an incorrect meter would encourage them to take wrong dose of insulin that further increase his or her risk of hypoglycaemia and other diabetes-related complications, it is not wise to rely on coding completely.

These days, many companies gave come up with glucose meters and strips with "no coding" claim. This means no coding is involved for getting accurate meter reading. These meters calibrate automatically via checking the strip electronically.

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Diabetes Diet

Diabetic diet refers to the diet recommended for diabetes mellitus patients. A lot of controversy has been doing rounds about a standard diet for diabetics. Most commonly, a low fat (saturated), low in sugar diet high in dietary fiber (soluble fiber) is usually recommended by doctors. As per the diet chart recommended for diabetics by medical practitioners, total calories to be obtained from carbohydrate usually range between 40 and 65 per cent. These may vary as per the condition of the patient.

Diabetics are recommended to drink plenty of water as their body is prone to serious hydration-level dip causing serious health problems. Eating about 20 - 25 grams of raw onion on a daily basis also helps. Onions are rich in properties that fight against diabetes and aids digestion. It also serves as a diuretic.

It is significant to be familiar with the foods that could send sugar levels shooting up. Cutting down on the carbs is important. Pulpy fruits such as mangoes and jackfruits should be restricted as they contain high levels of sugar.

Whole grains, whole fruit, pulses, vegetables, and low fat milk are good choices for a standard Diabetes Diet. It is important that meals throughout the day are properly spaced out to small, frequent portions. This strategy helps in controlling sugar levels. The gap between meals should not cross five hours.

Whole foods are essential as they provide body with essential fibre that slows down the hunger pangs and helps out the passage through the alimentary canal. Some of the best foods to include in your daily Diabetes Diet include the following:

Cucumber

Spinach

Greens

Broccoli

Tomatoes

Egg plant

Capsicum

Peas

Onions

Radish

Cauliflower

Cabbage

A handful of almonds

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Diet Chart

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Understanding the Significance of Diabetes Blood Sugar Test Strips

Diabetes blood sugar test strips are plastic made sheets to hold blood sample taken out from the finger tip of the diabetic. As these strips are to be used with a glucometer, it should be confirmed whether the strip fits well with the glucose measuring device on hand. Automatic glucometers with strips incorporated inside are also available.

Blood glucose test strips are part of the technique that is used to measure blood glucose levels. The test strip is placed in a blood glucose meter to help you read your blood glucose levels by having blood dropped on them or drawn into them. Some of the blood glucose test strips below are meant to be paired with specific meters, while others can be paired with the meter of your choice. Now, some meters use blood sampling discs that are loaded once for multiple tests.

Diabetes Blood Sugar Test Strips are the disposable part of the Glucometer, that contains chemicals like glucose oxidase-the main component that reacts with blood sugar. Most models of Glucometer use plastic test strips, perfectly designed to fit into a specific meter, and the meter-strip system functions using different mechanisms-light reflected from the strip or electricity generated due to chemical reaction in the strip. While plastic test strips are for one time use, some models of Glucometer avail the reusable feature of discs for several readings.

The test strips are unique for a specific model of Glucometer, hence each strip comes with a particular code, usually found on the vial of the strip or on a chip, for the user to enter. The meter gets calibrated by entering the code and ready to use. Some of the strips available on the market allow microchip to be directly inserted into the meter.

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Blood Sugar Testing Strips

Blood sugar testing strips are one of the most important supplies for a diabetic. These are used along with a glucometer to determine the precise levels of blood sugar in the body. Since, these are known to be an expensive affair and a regular investment a diabetic should make in his lifetime, certain factors should be taken into consideration when buying them. Here’s what you must consider:

Cost

Since Blood Sugar Testing Strips are very expensive, it is crucial to make sure you research well before buying them. Making an extensive research prior to investing in these strips is vital especially if you wish to save money. Also buy it in bulk whenever a reputed company offers schemes and sale offers. This will save you a lot of money.

Brand Name

Of course, brand and reputation of a company matters a lot when buying diabetic sugar test strips. The strips need to be efficient and of high quality in order to make them ensure accurate results. So buying from a reputed brand name really matters. A reputed company will offer you a slightly better selection of meters and strips.

Functionality

Know how effective and functional these strips are. Go for the latest technology by reputed brand names. Look for what the generic ones are offering you.

Size

Buying in bulk really helps. This saves you a lot of money and time. Many companies offer discounts on bulk buying. You need to look for these offers regularly online. This will help you know about websites selling high quality strips at lower prices.

Expiration Date

Most people don’t check expiration dates before buying diabetes test strips in bulk. It is crucial to check the date because strips past the expiration date will not give accurate results.

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The Dangers of Expired Blood Sugar Test Strips

Most people may not be aware of this but diabetic test strips do have an expiration date. It is clearly printed on them. Many believe that the date mentioned on the blood sugar test strips is not the actual expire date. There is a notion that an additional six months of life following the expire date is allowed on strips as long as the strips are still in the unopened vial and stored in a dry, cool shaded area.

The additional cushion was added to the date of expiration in order to prevent diabetics from testing with a strip that is a few days old. Old strips are known to give bad reading. Moreover, it is not illegal for an individual to test with expired strips. This is usually up to the diabetic if they wanted to use them. Many feel that they get same readings at a time via using expired strips and in date strips.

However, it is important to remember that expired Blood Sugar Test Strips will never guarantee accuracy.

Another problem is that you cannot claim compensation for any false information or data recovered from expired product. Every product has its shelf life past which the manufacturers don’t guarantee accuracy, performance, and compensation. And it is not wise to take risks with a life threatening disease like diabetes.

The risks for expired glucose test strips are inaccurate results. Hence, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's directions for storage and use of test strips to reduce this risk. Using strips improperly may put you at risk for uncontrolled blood glucose levels. The problem has very dangerous consequences.

Hence, it is crucial to pay close attention to the expiration date of glucose test strips. Avoid using a glucose test strip if it appears to be wet or damaged.

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Monitor Blood Glucose to Monitor your Diabetes

In case, you suffer from diabetes, it is crucial to keep a close track of glucose levels. The task becomes easy with a blood glucose meter. For diabetics, it is vital to manage your condition and living life to its fullest. Most health care practitioners recommend patients to monitor sugar levels as an integral part of daily regimen especially when they have Type I or Type II diabetes. Fortunately, the latest generation of meters available on the market are very easy to use and ensures accurate and reliable results without wasting time. In fact, the latest collection of monitor blood Glucose devices is capable of displaying results within seconds.

Each individual is different and there are certain typical guidelines that most health care practitioners suggest for their patients especially when it comes to monitoring blood glucose levels. Insulin-dependent patients (taking insulin injections) must test their blood glucose level before every meal and prior to retiring for the evening.

Type II diabetics control their diabetic condition through dieting, exercising or taking oral medications.

They are also advised to take their blood glucose level test twice on a daily basis. The most preferred time is prior to breakfast and dinner. This will help them maintain and verify sugar levels stability.

Testing with a Monitor Blood Glucose device is simple and fast. All you require doing is to use a lancet to prick your finger to get a small drop of blood. The lancet is a small, sterile piece of metal encased in plastic. It also has a twist off cap. Some of the meters available on the market are very sensitive and help in testing on other areas of body such as arm.

The blood droplet is applied to a test strip. This is inserted in the meter. The monitor’s digital screen will display level of blood sugar.

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Crucial Insulin Pumps Accessories for Diabetics

Insulin pumps are one of the most important tools for diabetics. These help in maintaining and keeping tabs on blood glucose levels on an individual. Apart from buying a pump, it is also crucial to know about various accessories it should be teamed up with.

There are three important accessories one should focus on when buying an insulin pump. These accessories are important for facilitating users get the pumping done in an effective and proper manner.

The first most important accessory is the electronic pump. It utilizes battery power. The pump comes with a control panel as well as a processor. Next, you should have the container with the insulin. The moment the container is inserted into the pump, it will help insulin to pass through in an easy manner. Users can dispose off the container as soon the process is done.

Another important accessory is the disposable infusion set. All Insulin Pumps are available with the set. These are included with the kit. It also includes a cannula tube to be placed beneath the skin. This helps in getting the insulin inside the body.

These days, insulin pumps are available with find accessories such as cool insulin pouches with strap, a special pocket to be wrapped around user’s calf or thigh, insulin pump belt, and many more. These accessories are also known as fashion accessories and easily available online. This belt can be easily attached comfortably to the waistband.

The market place is loaded with a huge number of accessories that one can choose from. This depends on how and where you wish to carry the insulin pump. An insulin pump is known to be a very important tool for diabetics. These pumps help diabetes patients to lead a better, healthy and happy life.

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What to know about Glucose Blood Meters before you Buy One

There are many important things one requires to know before buying Glucose Blood Meters. This is one of the efforts that require being made towards maintain optimal health. A glucometer can facilitate people with diabetes keep better track of their blood sugar levels. Doctors usually advise their patients to keep track of the blood sugar levels so as to identify problem at an early stage.

Many different types of glucose blood meters are available on the market these days. Patients have an option to choose from these varied ranges of devices available on the market. A small bit of blood needs to be placed on paper specially designed to be used in the unit. This will trigger the machine to do its job and process the blood sample. The results will be soon displayed on the screen. The entire process is of huge help for diabetics in a close track of sugar levels in an individual’s blood.

When looking for a glucometer there are certain crucial things one should look into. These include the following listed below:

Test strips

Memory capacity

Size of the device

Display screen

The above listed are only a few of the very important things one needs to take into consideration when buying glucose blood meters.

Remember that the test strips are different for various units. The pricing are also different. The test strips are supplied during the purchase of the unit. Replacing these strips can be an expensive affair. Choosing with care is important to buy the best. Making a list of requirements and budget will help you in this respect.

Researching online will help you get the best glucose blood monitoring device. This is possible via researching on the internet. You need to take some time to compare features and prices online prior to making an investment.

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The One Touch Glucometer

A Glucometer is an important device for diabetics. These are compact yet very effective. It would not be wrong to say that these blood glucose meters are life saving devices. The marketplace is loaded with these meters these days. Right from handy user friendly devices that display results within a short period of time and those that operate with just one touch, diabetics are spoilt for choice, these days.

Prior to purchasing a glucometer, it is crucial to gather a lot of information. Looking for the latest meters with technologically advanced features can really help. The one touch glucose testing monitor is the latest introduction on the market. It looks stylish and comes handy. The device is easy to use, saves time, and can be carried along anywhere. These are quite durable.

The one touch meters can save patients from the hassles of carrying a bulky glucose monitor each time you go out. It also ensures you the efficiency you had always wished the monitor comes with. These glucose monitors are designed in a fashion to offer results in less than five seconds! The best part is that the monitors are capable of saving up to five hundred test results. This also indicates that one can keep a watch on blood glucose levels without having to face a lot of hassles and wasting valuable time.

The one touch glucose monitors are highly efficient and pain free. These are also available in attractive colors such as silver, red, white, and black.

The importance of monitoring the sugar levels cannot be ignored. Having an outdated glucose meter can make the entire experience unpleasant. Making a research on various one touch glucose testing meters can help you get the best and most affordable deal. Good Luck!

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The History of Diabetic Test Strips

Diabetic test strips have made it possible for diabetes patients to manage their illness on their own. It would not be wrong to refer to these products as a revolutionary invention capable of determining precise numbers facilitating patients controlling diabetes and enjoy life better.

The present day test strips for diabetes used by most people across the globe are based on a detection pattern referred to as ‘blood analyte levels’. Kevin J. Phillips was the inventor of these strips. A patent was applied for in the year 1994. It was approved in the year 1996. Initially, it was hard for diabetics to self-test due to the level of equipment that was crucial to place the analytes within human blood firstly. The reason behind this is that originally spectroscopy and spectroscopic equipment was quite bulky and costly to be effective for self-use.

The strips used initially used to change color due to a chemical reaction. The reaction occurred between the chemicals in the blood and chemicals available on the strip. The color indicated the level of glucose within the blood. The scale was inscribed on a chart and it simply involved matching the color available on the strip to the color on the chart.

Unfortunately, the test was not the most accurate of diabetes tests due to the change of color system involved. With advancement in technology, this test transformed into a digital read out. This involved Diabetic Test Strips and made it very easy for home users to test their blood sugar.

However, the basics of the diabetes test strips is still the same. These test strips have made the lives of diabetics easier. These are easily available on the World Wide Web these days at reputed online medical stores.

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Diabetes Diet Chart

Diabetes is known to be one of the scariest diseases. No wonder people get extremely conscious about their diet once diagnosed with diabetes. Diet also plays a crucial role in the treatment. Hence, it is wise to get a Diabetes Diet Chart designed by an experienced health care practitioner.

The chart is made on the basis of an individual's height, age, weight, sex, nature of diabetes and physical activity. An effective diabetic management requires healthy regular lifestyle. This should include a regular balanced diet. One should also focus on indulging in regular exercise to maintain a weight control.

An ideal diabetes diet chart should emphasize mainly on high fiber foods. This is more important than taking supplements available in the marketplace. You must recommend to a doctor who will provide you with a proper diet plan for diabetes.

The diet chart should be free of sugary foods and salt. Also avoid snacks and crisps from your diet. These are rich in salt. Excess salt can be replaced with garlic or other herbs. Alcohol should be removed immediately from the diet. Too much of oil is also bad for diabetics. Special emphasis should be paid on including foods rich in fiber such as brown rice, whole wheat, grains, seeds, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables.

The diet chart will also include medications prescribed by the doctor. You need to go for regular check-ups prior to actually deciding on a diet plan. These diet plans need to be assessed thoroughly on a day to day basis using a glucometer. This will make sure that the diet followed is suiting the patient.

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Understanding the Process of Blood Test for Sugar

How does sugar actually get into the blood? Sugar is usually present in human blood mainly due to the kind of foods consumed. The amount of carbohydrates consumed determines sugar in blood. The sugar level is controlled by a hormone referred to as insulin. This is created by the pancreases. This means that the insulin converts sugars into the requisite energy for the body.

The Normal Blood Sugar Range

The normal levels are counted as 70 - 150 mg. The blood sugar levels moves in-between these two values all through the day. This depends on the types of food one consumes. It sometimes can go above or below the requisite limit and then get back to normal after a while. In case, your blood sugar is either too low or too high for a long period of time, it is not considered as a good sign.

In case, the levels go above 150 mg for a specific period of time then the person is said to have high blood sugar. The condition is also referred to as hyperglycemia. If sugar levels are lower than 70mg then the person is known to suffer from low blood pressure or hypoglycemia

For those suffering from constant have high blood sugar and fail to cure it on time it are vulnerable to develop diabetes. When diabetes is not treated on time, one may suffer from serious conditions such as eye, kidney, heart, and nerve damage.

Types of Blood Test For Sugar:

Fasting Blood Test

This is known to be the best way to measure the sugar levels in the blood. In case, a person is being diagnosed for diabetes, this is the first test to be taken. The patient needs to fasts for 8 hours prior to the blood test. Blood sugar levels between 70mg and 99mg is considered safe.

Two-hour Postprandial Test

The test is done 2 hours after eating meals. The sugar levels should range in between 70-145 mg.

Random Test

The blood test for sugar is done several time a day. Safe levels are between 70-125 mg.

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Mastering the Art of Buying the Best Glucometer in India

Diabetes patients must constantly monitor their glucose levels in the blood. Also one needs to keep a detailed record of glucose results related to how food and fluid intakes, insulin, and exercises affect the level of blood sugar. Based on the results a diabetic can control his/her body balance and avoid various diabetic complications. This measurement operation can be easily conducted by each patient individually via using a portable medical device known as a glucometer.

However, it is important to buy the Best Glucometer in India before depending on it completely to test blood glucose levels. The decision isn't easy with so many monitoring devices available on the market, these days. You must focus on choosing the most efficient type of glucose monitor to get maximum benefits from the investment.

There is a complete palette of models available under the category of glucometers offered by reputed companies. Patients can choose one that fits best with his/her requirements. It is important to note that all glucometers meet their primary function. Beside that there are some details such as pricing," visual" part and supplementary features of the device that should be taken into consideration. These features tend to differentiate two glucometer devices in terms of price and quality. For instance, there are certain glucometers specifically designed for people with poor vision.

Some of these devices are also capable of storing and preserving results in their memory for a long time. One can also choose from a complete range of one touch ultra mini devices available in stores these days. These are small and highly effective. The key is to buy the best glucometer in India as per one’s specific requirements and budget.

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Best Glucometer

Those diagnosed with diabetes must take the condition as a signal of your body's condition wherein the pancreas is no longer competent of producing sufficient insulin. When the pancreas fails to translate glucose into glycogen, the patient loses ability to manage and uphold normal blood sugar levels. Under these situations, it is imperative to keep diabetes under control and body protected from serious and the bad consequences of the disease. Hence, the patient should get timely consultation with a medical doctor who can propose prescription medicines some necessary diabetic products to help the patient.

It is essential to select the Best Glucometer models before truly start using them. This will guarantee precise results. There are a lot of factors to be taken into contemplation in this respect. Right from material characteristics of glucose meters such as display, size, clock, memory etc, you need to take good care of how these glucometers fare in the operations.

Right from fundamental models to more-advanced meters with up-to-the-minute features and options, you can opt from a selection of blood glucose meters and test strips. It is significant to know the basic prior to choosing a blood glucose meter. This can truly help to be aware of the basics of how meters function. In order to use blood glucose meters, one must insert one end of a test strip into the device. Thereafter, you need to prick a clean fingertip with lancet to draw a drop of blood. You need to touch the other end of the test strip to the blood and read the blood glucose level that appears on the screen. The readings offered by blood glucose meters are usually accurate. On the other hand, these meters can vary in features and functions.

Meters differ in price. Hence, you need to shop around before finalizing on the best glucometer. Test strips are the most expensive part of monitoring. Figure out the type of strip that is most cost-effective for you.

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Things to know before using Testing Strips

What is Diabetes Mellitus ? Diabetes mellitus, also commonly referred to as diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition that affects ability of your body to use the energy derived from food. There are about three primary kinds of diabetes that people suffer from:

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes

All types of diabetes mellitus have something in common. Normally, your body breaks down the sugars and carbohydrates you consume into a special sugar referred to as glucose. Glucose works towards fuelling your body cells. However, the cells require insulin (hormone) in your bloodstream to get glucose utilize it for energy. When an individual suffers from diabetes mellitus, the body either doesn't make enough insulin or is unable to produce insulin or a combination of both.

The Testing Strips for diabetes will allow you test your blood sugar safely at home. This is the best way to monitor your blood sugar levels. The test strips are made from plastic. The last part of the strip is usually covered with enzymes. Dehydrogenise or glucose is the most common enzymes used to coat diabetes testing strips.
Here are certain things you require considering prior to buying testing strips:

The Price

Since testing strips are the costliest elements in the process of, you need to know the amount of money involved. The diabetic test strips are a monthly expense for you. So try to get these from a place where you get the lowest price. You need to research online to get compatible yet affordable testing strips for your glucose monitor.

Expiration Date

The glucose meter readings can be useless if your test strips cross expiration date. Hence, you need to always check the dates before buying them.

Coding

Many diabetic meters can coded for each batch or vial. The newer monitors don't need any coding. Make sure you look for "no coding" if you wish to avoid the coding system.

Read more for knowing about Testing Strips.

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Benefits of using Glucose Blood Meter

Testing blood glucose on a regular basis is the base for effective diabetes management. However, readings may fluctuate based on the amount of insulin, diet regime, and exercise one indulges in at any given point of time. Many people across the globe have started integrating the regime of using continuous monitoring devices at home. However, many still shirk away from their glucose testing obligation. But this perception towards diabetes testing should be avoided.

The Glucose Meters can help you and your doctor assess the fluctuations in glucose levels of body. This is definitely a resource you should gather information about and incorporate the practice in your daily life. This is especially important if you have been facing problems with continually high periods of glucose (hyperglycemia). Patients with low levels of glucose (hypoglycemia) should also use this.

These days, with easy accessibility to a number of glucose meters available on the market, there’s no reason you should avoid the vital process of keeping a check on blood glucose levels. Since the Glucose Blood Meter allows you to test glucose levels within the privacy of your home, these are very useful to know how a specific exercise regime or diet plan is faring. You would be able to understand how different activities interfere in your glucose levels. This will also help your doctor assess the readings and offer you a diet plan accordingly.

The info is very helpful for entire healthcare team to understand the best way to adjust timing, diet plan, physical activities, and insulin to balance glucose levels in a better way. All this is possible via using Glucose Blood Meters and monitoring glucose level at regular intervals.

To sum up, glucose meters are a boon for diabetes patients.

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Undertaking the Glucometer Test – The Steps Involved

Health care practitioners usually recommend their patients to keep a check glucose levels regularly. In fact, this is an obligatory routine diabetics must maintain at any cost. Doctors prepare a schedule for patients wherein they mention perfect diet, exercise regimen, and treatment to help maintain a healthy body. The schedule is based on glucose readings. This means that the patient needs to be comfortable with the idea of self testing glucose levels in the body. Blood Test for Sugar is not a difficult process as one can do it within the privacy of home in no time! Using Glucometer will help.

What’s the Process?

Prepare the Lancet

First and foremost, you must prepare the lancet device. The device will prick your skin. So you need to insert a lancet into the device and then push down until you hear a click.

The Steps Involved

Step 1

As soon as you hear a click, twist the top off the lancet to make the needle visible. Make sure you maintain a distance from lancet button to avoid accidental pushing.

Step 2

The glucose strips box will have a unique code. Take a strip out of the container and close it back immediately to avoid ruining other strips.

Step 3

You must push the glucose strip into the glucometer to get a pre-coded data. Proceed to the next step of you get info similar to that of the box code. In case, there’s a difference, you must change it through pushing the button on the left side.

Step 4

Choose the pressure setting on the lancet glucometer. This is actually pressure you prefer to prick your skin. The normal range is from 1 to 5. Very low setting will not give results whereas too high will hurt. So you need to determine the setting that works best for you while undertaking a Diabetes Test.

Step 5

Select the area you wish to prick for diabetes test. Pull down the glucometer lancet and slide on the area.

Step 6

Take the glucometer to blood source and hold it against the glucose strip. Allow the strip to absorb blood. You will soon see a symbol being displayed in the glucometer window. This is to indicate whether or not it has adequate blood to process. The glucose level will soon be displayed on the window.

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Diabetes Glucose Meter Strips Buying Guide

Once you have bought a blood glucose monitor to keep tabs on your blood glucose levels, it is time you find out the best compatible Diabetes Glucose Meter Strips. Also known as Diabetic Test Strips or Blood Sugar Test Strips, these tools contain chemicals that can react with the glucose present in your blood sample. Once you place a sample on the test strip, you should insert the strip into the monitor. This will give you results. Remember that each strip is used only once. They should be discarded soon after use. This also means you need to have plenty of them in hand.

Here are some tips to buy diabetes glucose meter strips:

Expense

Understand that over time, test strips can make for the most expensive part of monitoring blood sugar process. Hence, you should keep in mind the cost of compatible strips when selecting glucose monitor.

Number of Strips

Outdated diabetic test strips will affect accuracy of blood sugar readings. Hence, you must pay attention to the expiration date on the box. You should buy as many as you can use in that specific time period.

Blood Sample Size

The latest glucose meters available on the market will use only a small drop (may be only a speck) ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 microliters for reading. Choose your glucose monitor and blood sugar test strips accordingly.

Ease of Use

Of course, you would not like to spend an entire day or make a lot of efforts just to check out your glucose levels. It should be an easy job that does not consume a lot of time.

Generic

Buying generic strips can save you a lot of money. However, you need to check the box and make sure they work with your glucose monitor accurately prior to buying.

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