CONTOUR NEXT Blood Glucose Test Strips, 100 Count

CONTOUR NEXT Blood Glucose Test Strips, 100 Count
 

•     Highly accurate testing: test strips for use with the CONTOUR NEXT range of blood glucose meters(1,2)
•     No coding techology: fast, highly accurate(1,2) results in seconds with one less step in testing and eliminates errors due to user miscoding
•     Self testing: monitor blood glucose levels with an at-home test and tiny 0.6uL blood sample
•     Second-chance sampling: allows you to apply more blood to the test strip being used, which may help prevent wasting test strips and save money(4)
•     Compatability:  can be used with any of the CONTOUR NEXT portfolio of blood glucose meters

HIGH, LOW OR NORMAL GLUCOSE? UNDERSTAND THE VALUES ​​AND WHEN IT IS CONSIDERED DIABETES

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HIGH GLUCOSE?
Having high glucose can cause symptoms such as:

• Excessive thirst;
• Excessive urine;
• Excessive hunger;
• Sudden weight loss without reducing calorie intake
• Frequent tiredness and fatigue;
• Blurry vision;
• Dry skin;
• Difficulty in healing;
• Headache;
• Dizziness
• Frequent nausea and vomiting

WHEN TO DO THE FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST?
The fasting blood glucose test is used to measure the level of glucose (sugar) in the patient's bloodstream. It is necessary to be 8 to 12 hours fasting, without consuming any kind of food or drinks, only water is allowed. With this test it is possible to assess blood sugar levels during fasting and the presence of diabetes.
 

BLOOD GLUCOSE REFERENCE VALUES

• Normal fasting glucose: less than 99 mg / dL;
• Altered fasting glucose: between 100 mg / dL and 125 mg / dL;
• Diabetes : equal to or greater than 126 mg / dL;
• Low fasting glucose or hypoglycemia: equal to or less than 70 mg / dL.

It is important to note that the definitive diagnosis of changes in blood glucose depends on the presence of two or more altered values ​​in different blood samples.


 

WHEN IS THE BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL CONSIDERED DIABETES?
The diagnosis of diabetes occurs when in two tests with adequate fasting and performed on different days, the blood glucose value is equal to or greater than 126 mg / dL. The doctor may also order other tests to complement the investigation and confirm the diagnosis.
 

IS GLUCOSE ABOVE 200 DANGEROUS?
Having glucose higher than 200 mg / dL, even after the meal, is dangerous and may indicate that the patient has diabetes, requiring a repeat test the other day to be confirmed.
 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TYPE 1 AND 2 DIABETES?
There are many types of diabetes. The most frequent are types 1, 2 and gestational:

Type 1 diabetes: The patient who has type 1 diabetes is not able to produce insulin to control his or her blood glucose, so glucose remains in the blood and is not used as energy by the cells.

Type 2 diabetes: The patient who has type 2 diabetes is unable to properly use the insulin it produces and is therefore unable to control the blood glucose level.

Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, usually after the 20th week of pregnancy and occurs in approximately 4% of all pregnancies.


WHAT TO DO WHEN THE GLUCOSE LEVEL IS HIGH?
When the glucose level is high it is recommended:

• Drink plenty of water after eating;
• Use medications and insulin according to medical prescription;
• Reduce the volume of carbohydrates in meals;
• Increase the consumption of foods with fiber;
• Fill half of your plate with starchless vegetables.
• Avoid foods with  high triglycerides .

Physicians Approved Diabetic Socks Crew Unisex 3, 6 or 12-Pack

Physicians Approved Diabetic Socks Crew Unisex 3, 6 or 12-Pack
 

•     90% Cotton
•     Machine Wash
•     Physician Approved Therapeutic
•     Recommended for: Circulatory Problems, Diabetes, Edema, Neuropathy
•     90% Cotton, 7% Polyester, 3% Elasthane
•     Machine Wash
•     Loose Fitting, Non Binding Top

Can diabetics wear compression stockings?

Diabetics usually have circulatory problems , which lead, among others, to swelling in the feet, legs and ankle. Of course, the swelling may be the result of sitting for many hours - which is the case with everyone who doesn't take off their chairs all day, even for a walk around the office -, but it can also be due to venous insufficiency, one of the complications of diabetes. It can also be caused by the use of medications, such as vasodilators to treat hypertension. People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have high blood pressure.

One of the common measures is the use of compression stockings , as they relieve the “weight” of swollen legs and feet, bringing more quality of life. It works like this: it compresses the most superficial veins of the leg and also the muscles, helping the blood to be pushed back to the heart and preventing it from accumulating in the feet, which generates the swelling. But can those with diabetes wear any compression stockings? The truth is, no.

Although compression stockings improve blood flow in the lower limbs, helping the return of venous blood to the heart, they are not the same. They are sold in different pressure grades. Check it out:

• Pressure between 8 and 15 mmHg - these are light compression stockings, also called supportive, preventive or prophylactic stockings;
• Pressure between 15 and 20 mmHg - are those of medium compression;
• Pressure between 20 and 30 mmHg - are those with firm compression;
• Pressure between 30 and 40 mmHg - are those of extra firm compression.
• Pressure between 40 and 50 mmHg - these are indicated for very special and severe cases, such as when a person has a clot in a leg vein.

Which to use

For diabetics who suffer from swelling in the legs and feet, the ideal is that they wear socks with medium pressure. A study published in 2017 in the journal Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice showed that in addition to not compromising the health of blood vessels, the use of socks really works for those who suffer from the problem.

But beware! Try to avoid running compression socks, which have been famous for a few years now. Their degree of compression is generally higher, because they are designed to improve performance and reduce recovery time. Although they also help to stimulate blood flow, these stockings have fibers arranged in a longitudinal and transversal direction, that is, the compression is homogeneous and not graduated, as found in the market, considered even medical and non-aesthetic products. The idea is to help control the vibration of the muscles, helping to save energy, essential for those who practice running.