Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The Whys And Wherefores Of Diabetes Testing Supplies

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.

In conjunction with the monitor, necessary diabetes testing supplies include the lancet. This item is designed to break the surface of the skin, in either the arm or finger area of the body, after which a small specimen of blood can be taken. The lancet reduces the chances of the skin being torn and has a dial which allows the user to control the depth at which the needle penetrates the skin; this also ensures that nerve endings are not ruptured by the needle. Most lancets come ready to use and do not require the user to fill them with fresh needles. They can simply be expelled once the lancet runs out.

Once you have a drop of blood, you need to use another of the diabetes testing supplies, the testing strip. These normally come as part of the glucose testing kit and replacements are available from places such as pharmacies. The testing strip is placed into the monitor and the sugar levels are then read.

A popular and somewhat new addition to the testing equipment for diabetics is the Embrace Meter. This device is able to give accurate readings within 6 seconds and only needs the tiniest amount of blood to work. The blood results can be read aloud or viewed on the machine's screen; at the moment you can have the results given to you in English or Spanish. A unique feature of the Embrace Meter is that it can give your a reading based on average results over a period of either 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.

If you are constantly moving around, one of the best options is glucose gel which is taken orally. The packs of tubes come ready-sealed and are not prone to bursting or breaking. They are compact and are easily stored in a bag, purse or wallet. The oral gel contains a set amount of glucose which can help when blood sugar levels are too low.

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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