Wednesday, July 24, 2013

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.

Monday, July 22, 2013

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.
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.
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.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

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.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

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.

Friday, July 19, 2013

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

Thursday, July 18, 2013


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.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

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.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

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.

Monday, July 15, 2013

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.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

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.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

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.

Friday, July 12, 2013

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!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

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.
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.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

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.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

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.

Monday, July 8, 2013

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.