List of Supplies for Testing Blood Sugar
The supplies you need for testing your blood sugar at home when you have diabetes include:
- A blood sugar meter (blood glucose meter).
- Testing strips that are designed for use with your meter.
- Sugar control solution that is designed for use with your meter.
- Lancets, which are short needles specifically made for sticking your finger or other sites, such as your forearm.
- A pen-sized lancet device, which holds and positions the lancet as well as controls how deeply it goes into your skin.
- Clean cotton balls or tissues, which are used to stop bleeding.
If you don't have the supplies you need to test your blood sugar, you can find them at most drugstores as well as at larger grocery or discount stores that have a pharmacy. Shop around for the best price for your supplies. You also can get some supplies through the mail. Your health insurance may cover the cost of these supplies. You most likely will need a prescription from your doctor to be reimbursed for your purchase.
Shoes and Diabetes: What's on Your Feet Matters
When you have diabetes, you know you have to pay special attention to your feet. Diabetic nerve damage, or neuropathy, can lessen your ability to feel pain -- especially in your feet. That's why it's important to inspect your feet daily and choose your shoes wisely. You can get a corn, blister, callus, or foot injury and not be aware of it. Any of those foot problems can develop into open sores, called foot ulcers. Wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes can prevent potentially serious problems...
Read the Shoes and Diabetes: What's on Your Feet Matters article > >
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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