Choosing Diabetic Supplies

The chronic disease of diabetes affects many Americans. Statistics show the growth of diabetes is at almost epidemic proportions. It is estimated that over six percent of our population is affected by the disease. Health care authorities are not clear on the reason for the increase, but agree that it demands urgent attention.

Diabetes Requires Treatment

Diabetes is a serious disease that needs immediate and constant attention. Many people do not even realize they have it until their symptoms become severe. Without proper treatment and management there can be harmful consequences. With proper care and monitoring, however, people can lead a normal and fulfilled life. By taking care of yourself in the early stages, you may prevent more serious health issues later.

A person with diabetes cannot utilize the glucose in their food for energy. Instead it builds up in their bloodstream where it can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. After being diagnosed, a person with diabetes has to take personal responsibility for their care unless there is a caregiver to monitor their needs. Needs will vary from person to person and therefore choosing a self monitoring device will be based on what will fit your specific requirements and lifestyle.

When a person is diagnosed with diabetes they will be informed of the type or stage that they suffer from. Then the doctor will prescribe treatment that is proper for that condition. Some people are able to treat their condition with diet or oral medicines while others require more complicated measures. There is no cure for diabetes but with proper monitoring and control of glucose a person can live an ordinary life.

Checking Blood Glucose

It is absolutely imperative to check your blood glucose regularly. You need to know the levels so that you will know if you are staying in a healthy range. The most common method is using the lancet to prick your finger to draw a sample of blood with a testing strip. Then a glucose meter is used to read it and show you the result on the screen.

The newer meters are simpler to use and more accurate than the older styles. There have been improvements in the chemical and mechanical elements of meters to more accurately monitor glucose levels.

Your doctor will tell you how many times a day to check your glucose level. You need a glucose meter and strips to do this. Usually these come together in a starter kit and you can purchase strips and lancets to supply your glucose meter. The meters and strips are not usually compatible with different brands.

Buying a Glucose Meter

When shopping for a meter, look for one that will best suit your needs. Find one that is comfortable for you to use and easy to manage. For your convenience, choose a size that is easy to handle. If you have to take it to work or school each day you will want a size that is portable and easy to store. If purchasing for a child you will want to get a meter that is both easy for him or her to use and to read.

There are different features in glucose meters. Some show a digital reading of the glucose level and some show a color change. If the numbers are hard for you to see, too small or too dim, the color graph may be more convenient. If you have arthritis or cannot see well, find one that is easy to manipulate or look for one that has audio capabilities. One important thing to look for is the simplicity of use. Many have simple procedures that are only two or three steps from start to finish.

Some new meters enable you to hook your meter to a computer to record readings. You can keep records and analyze them alone or with your doctor. There are some meters that store the last reading and others that contain enough memory to store hundreds of readings. Some glucometers give an instant reading while others require more time. You basically decide if you need one that is faster than others for your needs.

Find out what kind of batteries a device needs before purchasing it. Some batteries may be hard to find or expensive to replace. If English is not your first language you may be able to find a brand that offers other languages.

Different Types of Meters

It is important to be consistent with your glucose monitoring. Before choosing a meter, find out where you have to draw the blood. It may help you select a model. Some people who work with their hands prefer to have blood taken from another area.

New machines have been developed that use a smaller amount of blood. This is less painful and can be used elsewhere on the body instead of the finger. The BD Ultra-Fine 33 Gauge Lancets are the thinnest lancets available. They are easy to use and assure 50% less pain. Use with BD Logic Blood Glucose Monitor and BD Latitude Diabetes Management System. These require a very small blood sample.

For someone who cannot easily handle a meter, strips and lancets, there are now glucose meters that don't require strips. They come with a testing drum that you insert into the meter. When you push a button the strip appears and you apply your blood sample.

Remember to keep track of your glucose levels. You may use a journal or a calendar with your glucose level information. This information will help your doctor monitor and adjust your treatment when needed. A record will enable you to see how your glucose levels are being managed and help you to control it and feel better.

Daily Injections

Many diabetics are required to take daily injections of insulin for their glucose management. Insulin must be absorbed through the bloodstream to be affective. It helps the glucose to be absorbed by the body's cells and used for energy, growth and repair.

Along with the insulin , you will need to keep supplies on hand for your daily requirements. It is important to have a sufficient supply of syringes on hand (you should never reuse a syringe). Any syringes need to be disposed of in a Sharps container and not thrown into the trash. When it is full you can take it to your doctor and they will dispose of it for you.

Be sure to keep track of your supply so you will not run out. You may discuss with your doctor the kind of needle that is needed for your dose of insulin . There are different sizes that are appropriate for a prescribed amount.

Syringes and Pen Needles

Most people use plastic syringes because they are disposable and easy to use. There is no need to cleanse or store used ones that way. The modern needles are short and ultra thin to make the injection less painful. The needles are specially coated with fine points to make the patient more comfortable. The syringes are clearly marked to be sure you receive the correct dosage.

Many people are using the pen needles. These are easy to use and available in ultra thin sizes. The pens are the size of a fountain pen and are easy to carry in your purse, pocket or briefcase. They have an attached cartridge filled with insulin . You simply turn the dial for your dose and press the injection button to receive your medication. These insulin pens are ideal for a person on a multiple injection schedule or a busy lifestyle. You can buy a carrying case and buy replacement needles or use disposable pen needles.

The BD Ultra-Fine III Mini pen needle is 31 gauge, 5 mm (3/16"). It's the shortest pen needle in the world, and the thinnest. Children and adults can safely use these needles. It affords a reliable injection with no "pinch-up" of skin required.

Be sure to keep a supply of alcohol swabs with your other materials. You can also buy a small dispenser bottle of alcohol that bathes the area to be used. However, the swabs are individually wrapped and easy to pack and carry with you.

Insulin Pumps and Test Strips

Another option in insulin therapy is to use an insulin pump. The insulin pump is worn outside the body with a catheter embedded in the abdomen. These pumps are programmed to give a steady dose of insulin to control your glucose level. This can be ideal for an active person or someone with an unpredictable schedule.

IF the body does not produce or receive enough insulin , fats will be used instead of glucose. This causes the production of Ketones, or Acetoacetic Acid. The Ketones are passed through the urine and can be detected by a urine test. Your health care giver may think you should monitor for excess Ketones. You can buy urine sample strips that will show you what your level is. This is a fast easy way to test for dangerous levels.

Also available are urine test strips to test the PH levels in your system.

Foot Care

For the diabetic foot care is of supreme importance. A diabetic can suffer nerve damage and loss of feeling in their feet. Poor circulation will cause even a small abrasion or bump to produce major complications. The leading cause of amputations in America is complications from diabetes.

First, check your feet everyday for calluses, bunions or sores. If there are any cuts, blisters or swelling call your health care provider before it becomes worse. Keep your toenails short so they don't become ingrown. Any of these minor problems can quickly turn into an infectious ulcer that is hard to clear up.

As you take care of your feet, take other measures to ensure continued health. Buy shoes that are comfortable and fit right. Make sure they are not too tight, or rub in some areas. If possible, buy shoes that are custom fitted. Some diabetics cannot feel their feet because of nerve damage and may not have shoes that fit well.

There are special socks and insoles for a diabetic's comfort. There are insoles made particularly for the top of a diabetic's foot. These are to make sure that their foot is comfortable and not rubbing on the inside of their shoe.

Taking preventive measures is the best choice, as they say "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." DiabetiDerm Foot Rejuvenating Cream is good for softening rough skin and calluses. DiabetiDerm Heel & Toe cream is good for severely dry skin. By keeping the skin on your feet soft and moist you may avoid having to deal with problems in the future.

Checking Blood Pressure

It is important for a diabetic to keep their blood pressure in a normal to low range. This will reduce the chance of a stroke, heart disease, eye damage and kidney problems. The doctor will check it on your regular visits. If your blood pressure is borderline he may decide to have you monitor it yourself. Along with diet and exercise this may effectively keep you from having to take medication.

There are a wide variety of blood pressure monitors available. They are very simple to use by yourself. If you are going to leave the unit at home and only use it there, you might not have to be picky about which one you buy. On the other hand, if you need to carry it with you anywhere you will want a compact size. Most have readouts for your pulse as well as systolic and diastolic rates.

The Heart Sense YS-760 Digital Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor is ideal for the daily monitoring of blood pressure. Features include: LCD display systolic, diastolic, pulse, data, and time zone simultaneously. And more. This is a comfortable and clever device to check your blood pressure and is also reasonably priced.

Take Charge of Your Health

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes it is important that you begin immediately to take care of yourself. Educate yourself to find out your options in treatment, diet and lifestyle. Be diligent in taking your medicines and monitoring your blood glucose levels.

It is important that you listen to your doctor, follow his advice and become responsible for your health. Having diabetes may seem to be overwhelming at times. But if you take care of yourself your life can still be happy, active and rewarding.

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