Sunday 19 July 2009

Confused About Diabetes Testing Supplies? Read On!

By Philip Leighton

Diabetes testing supplies are an essential part of a Diabetes sufferer's life. Diabetics require constant monitoring to ensure that their glucose and blood sugar levels are kept within a sustainable range. In the event of diabetes cures the regime of using diabetes testing supplies may subside, but until then they are a necessary commodity. One common product that is widely used by Diabetics is the glucose monitor which aids people in monitoring their blood sugar levels effectively. Many of the packs are designed to be effortless to use and give the person fast results, usually in under one minute. They are compact and weightless, usually functioning by way of a battery. Many monitors allow the user to store results for up to one year.

It is necessary to use other diabetes testing supplies in conjunction with a glucose monitoring kit; one of these essential items is the lancet. A lancet creates a small whole in the skin from which a sample of blood can be taken, normally from the finger or sometimes the arm. Its main purpose is to curtail the tearing of the skin in the area and it is possible on most lancets to change the depth at which the item penetrates the skin. It is a great way of reducing the risk of hitting nerve endings in the finger or arm. Lancets are available ready for constant use, which means there is no hassle with small needles; you simply discard the lancet once it has run out.

Diabetes testing supplies such as testing strips then need to be used. The blood spot is placed onto the strip which is then placed into the glucose monitoring machine. Most glucose monitors will include testing strips in the package you buy but replacements can be received from pharmacies.

One newer product available in the niche of diabetes testing supplies is the Embrace Meter. This piece of equipment boasts the ability to read blood results in as little as 6 seconds. Results can be viewed on the screen or read aloud in either Spanish or English. The readings are scientifically correct and it can get results from the smallest amount of blood. The Embrace Meter can also store your readings and give blood sugar level results over an average period such as 7, 14 or 30 days.

It is a fact that all Type 1 sufferers and many Type 2 sufferers will have to have Insulin to help them maintain their blood sugar levels. Insulin is not available without a prescription from a medical doctor and supplies can be obtained from pharmacies. Insulin users usually have to perform more tests throughout the day and inject the correct dose of Insulin via a syringe.

Some diabetic supplies are available without a prescription; this includes the testing strips, syringes and lancets. An Insulin pump is also a popular choice for Diabetics which is available over-the-counter. The pump is designed to give a constant stream of Insulin to the diabetic over a period of 24 hours. The dosage needed is normally determined by studying the diabetic's lifestyle. Most of these kits include the cannula needle, tuning, pump reservoir, a battery operated pump and a microchip which ensures the dose is correct.

Finally, one of the best diabetes testing supplies for people on the go is oral glucose gel. These sealed tubes contain a specified amount of glucose to help balance your blood sugar levels if they are too low. They are easy to keep in a purse or bag and designed not to burst or split.

Diabetes testing supplies are a crucial part of life for a Diabetes sufferer. Once diabetes cures are established these items are available to help those with the condition lead relatively normal lives.

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