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.
Weight Loss Surgery and Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity, in itself, is a major medical risk. But obesity with type 2 diabetes significantly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other major medical problems associated with diabetes. Increasingly, weight loss surgery is being used as a tool to manage type 2 diabetes. That's because controlling diabetes and managing the related health risks is directly related to losing weight.
Read the Weight Loss Surgery and Type 2 Diabetes article > >
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
December 09, 2009
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
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Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
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.
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.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. 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 currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
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.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
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.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
