How Can I Tell If Im Diabetic
Diabetes is a severe medical condition and needs to be treated its all start with managing your blood sugar and regularly monitoring them to be sure they are within their target range.
The signs that show you have diabetes can be so calm that you dont even know you have them, most especially for type 2 diabetes. Most people find out when they have problems with wounds caused by diseases or accidents.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms happen quickly in a matter of days or weeks and get much severe if not treated.
Here are the basic early signs of diabetes you should note, these signs are for both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes
Are There Devices That Can Help Manage Diabetes
There are many new tools that can help people with diabetes manage this disease just as they manage other facets of their lives. For instance, increasingly sophisticated software programs are available that allow you to track and analyze trends in blood sugar levels over a period of time. These programs allow you to download and store data from a blood glucose meter directly onto a computer or cell phone and then view charts that show what percentage of time your glucose levels were within normal ranges. You will also be able to see what percentage of time they were above or below normal. These programs do more than just help you understand when glucose levels change and when they stay stable. They also let your doctor review the same data in order to make recommendations that help you stay well.
Another way you can help manage diabetes is by using a continuous glucose monitoring system . A CGMS is an FDA-approved device that records blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. This technology allows you to use the results of glucose monitoring to make informed decisions about nutrition, activity level, and medication.
Other tools include smaller, disposable glucose monitors that can be worn directly on the skin and concealed under clothing. And there are combination tools that let you monitor blood glucose and administer insulin therapy with one piece of equipment.
Free Blood Glucose Meter
Abbott Diabetes Care are giving away FREE blood blood glucose monitoring systems. It’s a smart diabetes support at your finger tips. Complete the form and find out if you qualify for a free meter. This freebie is perfect for people on insulin therapy. Could be useful for someone you know. Please DO NOT abuse this offer.
To order a FreeStyle Optium Neo blood Glucose meter, just fill in the form with your details on the linked page. They will let you know if you qualify. The meter lets you log insulin dosses, quick blood glucose testing and highlights when your blood glucose needs attention. Check out the meter benefits on the linked page.
Please allow up to 28 days for delivery.
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The Big Picture: Checking Your Blood Sugar
Blood sugar monitoring is the primary tool you have to find out if your blood glucose levels are within your target range. This tells you your blood glucose level at any one time.
Its important for blood sugar levels to stay in a healthy range. If glucose levels get too low, we can lose the ability to think and function normally. If they get too high and stay high, it can cause damage or complications to the body over the course of many years.
The logging of your results is vital. When you bring your log to your healthcare provider, youll have a good picture of your bodys response to your diabetes care plan. To help keep track of your levels, we have a glucose log. We also have a blood glucose log available for purchase that is smaller so you can carry it with you.
What Youre Testing When You Test Your Blood Sugar
When your body does not make or properly use insulinthe hormone that processes food into fuel for your bodythe glucose from food builds up in your bloodstream. Higher blood sugar means you do not have enough insulin pulling glucose out of your bloodstream to create fuel for your body.
Thats why its so important to check your blood sugar so you know if and how much more medication you need to give your body the proper fuel it requires to function and feel good. For people with Type 1 diabetes, this impacts how much insulin you need to take. For people with other types of diabetes, it can impact a variety of medication doses, like metformin or insulin.
Key is knowing what your blood sugar number is blood sugar tests arent a judgement, but just a piece of data that lets you know how your body is doing. If your blood sugar stays too high for too long, youll likely feel sick and tired, and could be damaging your body over time. If it stays too low, you may feel confused and shaky, and if you have a severe low blood sugar, you could pass out or have a seizure.
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Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
If your test results show you have prediabetes, ask your doctor or nurse if there is a lifestyle change program offered through the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program in your community. You can also search for an online or in-person program. Having prediabetes puts you at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes, but participating in the program can lower your risk by as much as 58% .
Does Medicare Cover Blood Sugar Test Strips
Medicare Part B covers blood sugar test strips and some other diabetic supplies such as blood glucose self-testing equipment and supplies, therapeutic shoes and inserts, and insulin pumps and the insulin for the pumps.1
These items are covered for people with diabetes whether or not they take insulin. The only difference is that Medicare generally will cover strips more frequently for people who use insulin. Medicare will also cover blood sugar test strips more often if your doctor documents why it is medically necessary.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to make sure to get your diabetic supplies from a supplier that works with your plan. Call your plan for more information.
There are two ways that you can get the blood sugar test strips you need. You can get blood sugar test strips from a Medicare-contracted supplier or at your local pharmacy.
1. Order blood sugar test strips from a Medicare-contracted medical equipment or mail-order supplier.
Medicare will cover blood sugar test strips from a medical supplier, but you will need a prescription from your doctor to place the order.
Medicare also has a mail-order program for diabetic testing supplies. You can enter your ZIP code to find a supplier on the Medicare web site. Check the box for Mail-Order Diabetic Supplies, then scroll down and click the Search button. Youll get a list of contracted suppliers.
2. Buy blood sugar test strips at a pharmacy that accepts Medicare assignment.
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Buy Blood Sugar Test Strips At A Pharmacy That Accepts Medicare Assignment
Medicare pays the same amount for diabetic supplies whether you buy them through the mail-order program or from a local pharmacy. You just need to use a pharmacy that accepts Medicare assignment pharmacies that dont may charge more than the Medicare-approved amount. You could be responsible for any additional cost.
Best Smartphone Compatibility: Dexcom G6 Cgm System
- Price: $1,099.99
The Dexcom G6 CGM System provides automatic updates to a connected smart device or app. People with Medicare may need to purchase the connected device monitor, but they can also use their phone or tablet. The app notifies the user if their glucose levels are low or high.
The device comes with transmitters and three sensors that last 90 days and 10 days, respectively, so people need to purchase new components regularly.
The Dexcom G6 CGM System is available at various pharmacies across the United States and in online stores.
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How Often You Should Test Your Blood Glucose Levels
If you arent taking insulin, you should test your blood sugar levels only when you have a reason to test.
Your doctor and diabetes educator can answer your questions. There are also helpful online resources:
- Diabetes Canada: Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose Interactive Tool Use this handy tool to determine the best testing pattern for you
- PharmaCare Blood Glucose Testing for Type 2 Diabetes Information Sheet Available in multiple languages, this sheet offers information on when you might want to check your blood sugar levels. It also offers tips on managing type 2 diabetes
Why Get A Free Diabetes Screening
The purpose of this type of screening is to serve as an early alert, hopefully cutting down on the damage done by type 2 diabetes by uncovering it and addressing it early, before you have any complications of high blood sugar. Also, “These screenings have the potential to catch other types of diabetes,” adds Knapp. Since more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, and another 86 million are at risk for the disease, early diagnosis is more important than ever.
Here are more reasons for getting a screening:
- You can find out whether you might have a type of diabetes called prediabetes, which almost always starts before full-blown type 2 diabetes.
- Early diagnosis enables you to start self-care with healthy lifestyle changes, like increasing exercise and losing weight.
- For some people with prediabetes, early treatment can actually return blood glucose levels to the normal range.
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How To Get Free Diabetic Supplies
Glucose meters | Syringes | Test strips | Insulin pumps | MedicAlert bracelets | FAQs | SingleCare savings
If youre one of the 30 million Americans living with diabetes, chances are youve noticed how expensive the supplies necessary to treat the condition are. Diabetes is one of the most expensive health conditions to treat in the United States. From glucose meters to syringes, test strips, and insulin pumps, the cost of a diabetes diagnosis can add upnot to mention the expensive diabetes medications. Self-monitoring of blood glucose with test strips alone can cost upward of 25% of all diabetes and insulin supply costs, with the price of products varying dramatically between brands.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can save on the supplies they need to treat and manage their condition, and in some cases get free diabetic supplies.
Eligible Privately Insured Patients Can Receive A Free* Contournext Ez Blood Glucose Meter With Minimum 50
Simple to use. Simple to get. We’re committed to helping you simplify your life with diabetes. That is why we made it so simple for you to get your free* CONTOUR®NEXT EZ meter. All you have to do is: Fill out the information below Click the SUBMIT button Print your coupon and bring it to your local pharmacy with a prescription from your healthcare provider Purchase minimum 50-count CONTOUR®NEXT test strip at the pharmacy Get your free* CONTOUR®NEXT EZ meter This offer is not valid for participants eligible for prescriptions reimbursed under Medicaid, Medicare drug benefit plan, Tricare or other federal or state health programs. *Limitations and restrictions apply. Limit one meter per person. Void where prohibited by law.Continue reading > >
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Imagine Living A Healthier Life With Glucowise
META is currently developing a non-invasive glucose monitor that will help you take control of your life.
This device is under development, and is not available yet for public testing. If you are interested in future updates, please use the “Get involved” signup form on this page. Due to the overwhelming demand we are unable to respond to individual emails .
Best Rechargeable Transmitter: The Guardian Connect System
- Price: $620 for the transmitter and $345 for three sensors
The Guardian Connect System is a CGM device that can send early warnings of potential high glucose levels to a person before they occur. The company reportedly works with over 600 insurance companies to help people get the system at a lower price.
The Guardian Connect System features:
- a rechargeable transmitter that does not need replacing
- a smartphone app for Android and iOS devices
- a free 30-day trial
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How We Chose Glucose Monitors And Meters
Above all, we included glucose monitors that are reportedly the most accurate. Since home meters are designed to help you monitor your glucose in between laboratory work from your doctors visits, its important that your device provides the most accurate results possible.
While no home test will be as accurate as a lab version, getting as close as possible to the quality of such tests can help provide peace of mind as well as better diabetes management.
Other items we looked at include:
We included glucose meters across a variety of features and price points. The cost of CGMs and blood glucose meters can vary widely based on their features, your insurance coverage, and location. Cost is also subject to change over time based on the type of insurance you have, so be sure to check with your carrier for the most accurate price.
Best Home Remedies For Diabetes
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Random Blood Sugar Test
This measures your blood sugar at the time youre tested. You can take this test at any time and dont need to fast first. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.
| 140 mg/dL or below | N/A |
*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if youre being tested for gestational diabetes.Source: American Diabetes Association
If your doctor thinks you have type 1 diabetes, your blood may also tested for autoantibodies that are often present in type 1 diabetes but not in type 2 diabetes. You may have your urine tested for ketones , which also indicate type 1 diabetes instead of type 2 diabetes.
Is Clear Urine A Sign Of Diabetes
When a diabetes patient has clear urine occasionally, it means the person is well hydrated or too hydrated. A diabetes patient often experiences excessive thirst, which makes them drink lots of water. The kidney reabsorbs more water and puts out concentrated urine, the ADH falls, then comes out in clear and dilute urine. This condition is called Diabetes Inspidus.
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How Do I Check My Blood Sugar
You use a blood glucose meter to check your blood sugar. This device uses a small drop of blood from your finger to measure your blood sugar level. You can get the meter and supplies in a drug store or by mail.
Read the directions that come with your meter to learn how to check your blood sugar. Your health care team also can show you how to use your meter. Write the date, time, and result of the test in your blood sugar record. Take your blood sugar record and meter to each visit and talk about your results with your health care team.
How Testing Works
To test your blood sugar, you first wash your hands and insert a test strip into your blood glucose meter. Next, you prick your finger with a needle-tipped tool called a lancet. Then, you collect a small sample of blood on a testing strip. The strips contain an enzyme known as glucose oxidase that reacts with sugar in the blood. When you insert the strip into the glucometer, it calculates how much glucose is present in the sample and displays the number on the screen. Your glucose monitor will come with directions for use that explain how to use the specific device in greater detail. Following those instructions carefully will help to ensure that you get the most accurate results possible.
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What To Look For
If youve used a traditional glucose monitor in the past and are looking for a less painful, more portable option, then a CGM may be a better choice. You may consider the Libre, G6, Guardian Connect, or Eversense based on their features, as well the accuracy and duration of sensor wear.
While insurance and Medicare do cover CGMs, these monitors are more expensive overall. Depending on your insurance, they may offer coverage for one type of CGM but not another. Its important to check these details with your provider ahead of time.
If you dont have insurance, you can check with your doctor or pharmacist for discounts on your CGM and accessories. Its also possible to get coupons directly from the manufacturer to help offset the costs.