According to national organizations that provide information about diabetes such as the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Diabetes Association, reasons for a drop in blood sugar varies. Some of the causes are as follows as well as what you can do to manage the symptoms before they worsen.

When an individual takes too much medicine, eat too little food or skip or delay a meal, he or she may experience lower blood sugar levels. In addition, sometimes people will exercise too much without extra food, drink too much alcohol or lose a lot of weight.

Some of the symptoms that will occur include: headache, hunger, drowsiness, irritability, blurred vision, slurred speech, weakness, numbness or tingling, shakiness, staggering, and sweatiness. Diabetes patients will use a glucose monitor to check their blood sugar usually before the symptoms get out of control.

When these signs occur, patients will treat themselves by immediately eating or drinking one of the following: A sports drink or soft drink (not diet), a ½ cup of orange juice, hard candies such as jelly beans, raisins or taking glucose tablets which can be found at the local drug store.
The individual will test their blood sugar about 15 minutes later. If it's still low, they will have another snack or drink. After another 15 minutes has passed, the blood sugar is tested again. If it's still low, they will have another snack. The healthcare provider is usually called when the person is still suffering and the sugar still is low.

Family members who are aware of the individual's condition can be a great service to them by helping them administer a glucagon shot (also known as an insulin shot). This is usually prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. The shot will help normalize blood sugar levels. When some individuals have been unable to get control over their blood sugar levels, they have passed out, couldn't swallow, acted confused, uncooperative or had a seizure, when this happens and there is no shot available, the ambulance is contacted.

Hypoglycemia affects people differently, one person's experience may not necessarily be the same as someone else's. So loved ones will train themselves to know what to expect and how to deal with symptoms when they arise with their relatives and/or friends. For instance, in the event of an emergency, a victim is placed on his or her side. If a glucagon shot is available, they will inject the glucagon by following the steps provided that come with the kit. The place of injection is usually discussed before a situation like this occurs. When the victim feels better, he or she will eat a healthy snack not a Twinkie, a bowl of ice cream or a glass of chocolate milk or some other unhealthy snack. However, there are those situations that a victim will not respond to a shot, if this occurs the ambulance is called. Severe hypoglycemia can cause one to pass out or worse enter a coma.

If you have been experiencing any of these warning signs, make an appointment to see your health care physician. During the office visit, he or she will question how often you have been experiencing these symptoms, they will conduct a blood test, prescribe a medication if necessary, and show you how to monitor your blood sugar levels. With some pregnant women with gestational diabetes (another type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy,) they have to journal what they eat and interview with a dietician to go over a meal plan that will best help them control their blood sugar levels.

The advantage of procuring wholesale diabetic supplies

Author: gardnerwilkinson

People who are diagnosed with diabetes face a number of rude shocks. The first of these is the fact that the condition is a lifelong one. There is no getting over it. The second is the burden of medical supplies and diabetic testing equipment that they have to buy. The expense becomes daunting over time.

But the good news is that the condition may be managed effectively. Managing diabetes is not a difficult task. By exercising strict control over food, diet and exercise, a person can not only live long and healthy, but enjoy a good quality of life.

Diabetic patients need a regular stock of diabetic supplies. For example, a diabetes patient requires a regular supply of test strips. They also need a glucose meter, which needs to be tested from time to time. Glucose meters lose their accuracy as they age. Therefore, they will have to be changed from time to time. Patients who use strips and charts for checking their urine samples also need to buy fresh supplies regularly. Syringes, needles and insulin will also have to be restocked periodically.

Thus, a diabetic patient needs to invest a huge amount of money on replenishing their dwindling diabetic supplies. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the expenses of all the diabetic supplies for a month. In most cases, Medicare and insurance have a cut off limit beyond which the patient has to bear their own expenses. These recurring expenses erode savings quite substantially.

One of the reasons why people find it so difficult to bear these expenses is because of the sheer amount of money involved. Most of these supplies need to be highly accurate. Since companies assure the accuracy of their products, these supplies are expensive.

This is where wholesale diabetic supplies can be of great help. Just as in everything else, buying wholesale can help consumers save money. When manufacturers provide supplies in bulk, consumers can enjoy huge cost cuts. That is why people can save themselves huge sums of money by buying wholesale diabetic supplies.

Diabetic wholesale supplies sell all items that diabetics require from insulin syringes, strips, needle free injection pens and other supplies. Buying these supplies in bulk makes sense for consumers too as these are recurring requirements and substantial savings in cost can be made by buying bulk. However, care must be taken while storing some of these items. For instance, insulin and oral tablets will need to be well within the expiry dates and stored properly so they are safe to use.

You can avail of great discounts by buying wholesale diabetic supplies online. Most reputed online dealers have a customer friendly delivery and return policy, which makes it possible for buyers to procure the best materials at decent prices. Since online dealers do not have to spend money on inventory storage, staff or rent, they can pass on the accumulated profits to the consumers.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-advantage-of-procuring-wholesale-diabetic-supplies-947701.html

About the Author

We offer a wide variety of high quality diabetes testing supplies at the lowest price. Contact us at 1-877-888-9659.

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If You Have Diabetes Know When to Seek Medical Care

Author: John Bradstreet

If you or anyone you know are experiencing symptoms of diabetes it is important to seek medical care. This is true even if the person is not known to be diabetic. When making the appointment tell them that you are concerned with diabetes. This way your healthcare provider may make arrangements for blood sugar testing before your visit. It is estimated that over 40 million people have diabetes and do not know it.

If the person is known to be diabetic call your healthcare provider immediately if any of the following apply to their situation.

If the patient's blood sugar levels are not being controlled with normal treatment or their blood sugar levels remain above 200mg/dL consistently. Blood sugar levels remaining high persistently is the main factor in triggering complications.

You must also be concerned if blood sugar levels fall below 60 mg/dL. This can be a sign of infection, kidney failure, liver failure or adrenal gland failure. It can also be an indication that the treatment plan that is being followed is too aggressive. In either case your doctor needs to be aware.

When a person has any injury to their feet or legs, no matter how small. Even a small or minor cut can be serious for a person with diabetes. Receiving treatment for any problems with the person's lower extremities is very important. This is why many people with this disease receive regular diabetic foot care. It is critical in preserving function of the legs and avoiding amputation.

Infections can be much more serious for people with diabetes than other people. A low grade fever, usually below 101.5 F, can be a sign of infection. Make special note of any conditions such as painful urination, chest pain, redness or swelling on the skin or abdominal pain. This will help your doctor to pinpoint the source of the infection.

If the patient can keep liquids down but has nausea or vomiting you need to let your doctor know immediately. He or she may want to adjust the medications while the patient is still sick and recommend an urgent office visit or a visit to the emergency room. Persistent nausea or vomiting can be a sign of ketoacidosis, which can be a life threatening condition.

If the patient has a non healing sore or ulcer on their feet or legs you should see your doctor. These types of sores can be easily evaluated with an office visit provided the patient does not have a fever and their blood sugar levels are under control.

When contacting the healthcare provider let them know that you are concerned about someone with diabetes. They will probably have you speak to a nurse who can ask questions a recommend a further course of action. Be prepared to have this conversation. Have a list of medications being taken, medical problems, allergies to any medicines and a blood sugar diary handy. This will help them determine the urgency of the situation and proceed with the best plan of action.

EMERGENCY CARE

There may be times that an emergency 911 call is in order. The following are some of the diabetic emergencies that would necessitate such a call.

If a person is showing signs of an altered mental state such as forgetfulness, agitation or just behavior that is not normal for them this may be a sign of low blood sugar. In a situation like this try giving them fruit juice or cake icing, avoid hard candies that could cause choking. If the person does not come back to their normal mental state within 15 minutes call 911 immediately.

If the person can not keep food, water or medication down this may be a sign of ketoacidosis or other complications. If the person has not taken their latest medications do not administer them without taking to a medical professional. If the person already has low blood sugar taking medication may push them to dangerously low levels.

If the person has a temperature of 101.5 F or higher. In this case if your primary care provider can not see them right away seek emergency care. Make note of any symptoms such as abdominal or chest pain.

If the patients has a blood sugar level of 400 mg/dL or higher this can be a sign of serious complications. When their primary care physician can not see them right away call 911. These complications can lead to death.

Other conditions that may require immediate medical care would be large wounds greater than 1 inch in diameter that are not healing properly, chest pain or severe abdominal pain.

If a person has to go to the emergency room make sure someone who can speak for them is present to give emergency personnel the information they need to treat them quickly and effectively.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/if-you-have-diabetes-know-when-to-seek-medical-care-1257138.html

About the Author

John Bradstreet is an experienced Biochemist with extensive knowledge in nutritional supplementation. He has more than 25 years of increasing responsibility in his field. To learn more about blood sugar (glucose) control we have included additional links at the bottom of the page to help educate you on the subject. You are also invited to visit our Vitamin and Supplement Blog for information on this and other subjects.

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Buy Your Diabetes Glucose Monitor Kit Carefully

Author: Roberto Sedycias

Whether you are a type 1 or type 2 diabetic, you need to have a regular and constant monitor to find the state of your health. Though most of the diabetic patients understand the importance of testing blood glucose level frequently, many of them are confused about selecting the right kind of meter.

When for the first time they are dictated with blood sugar, they rush to the nearest chemist and take home their glucose monitor kit without considering how effective it can be for them. But, now that research and studies are constantly being upgraded, glucose meters have got new forms and shapes. Whether you are purchasing your diabetes glucose monitor kit for the first time or you are less delighted with the one that you have and trying to get a new one, you have to consider various aspects of the home medical device.

A dependable Glucose meter:

While purchasing your diabetic glucose monitor kit you need to take care of two major aspects. The most expensive one is not surely the best one. There are many good quality strips available at a reasonable price. Hence, you must select the one that is affordable for you. Besides, select the one that has got the maximum features meeting your requirements. A standard diabetic glucose monitor kit is one that displays a striking balance between its cost and features.

Testing Strips:

Testing strips are unique for each testing meter. You may be thinking of the reason behind it. But more than that, it is important to find that which strip will go fine with your diabetes glucose monitor kit. Some models take comparably cheaper strips than other. After selecting the strip to buy take a 30 day test supply on hand. There is no reason why you should take over-the-counter and make it remain in your cupboard for ever.

Reading Logbook:

Now the meters are available with memory of keeping few hundred readings. But it is always better to keep a written logbook of your own that you can take with you to the doctor the next time you visit. It should store not only the readings of your blood glucose record, but also the date, time and the circumstances that led to the fluctuation in the record.

A lancing device and lancets:

Every diabetes glucose monitor kit is available with a lancing device and lancets. It is the most indispensable part of the whole kit as it pokes the skin to bleed for the test. Survey says, most people use and reuse the same lancet before changing it. But every time you should use fresh lancet for best result, less pain and hygiene.

There are some other things that you need to consider. Pick up a disposal container for the sharps like lancets and needles. Once the container is filled up it can be disposed off at a safe place. It is also essential to take blood contaminated materials such as swabs, tissues and test strips.

Type 2 diabetic patients are open to various side effects if they are not controlling their abnormal sugar level. The simple device of diabetes glucose monitor kit can inform you about your glucose level and you can decide on your intake of insulin. In case you are not satisfied with your idea of finding the right kind of device for you, search engine websites is the answer to all. You can search and gather complete information about it. Also you should consult your physician about the strips and the kind of glucose monitor kit that you should use.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/buy-your-diabetes-glucose-monitor-kit-carefully-479738.html

About the Author

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/beleza-saude.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br

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Buying Glucose Test Strips on Ebay Safely!

Author: Steve Bralovich

Glucose testing is a vital part of an effective blood sugar management program for people afflicted with diabetes. Having access to cost effective test strips is an absolute must but even though blood sugar testing devices have been around for over 20 years, the cost of testing strips has not declined very much, if at all.

Why is this so?

By eliminating competitors, four medical companies now dominate about 90 percent of the market which keeps prices high. These firms are in the game to make money and since the markup on test strips is so high (cost of manufacture is typically around 5 cents each, versus 85 cents to one dollar at retail) it represents a windfall profit opportunity.

At the same time, the growing number of diabetics, identified by increased medical screening, is set to generate greater demand for glucose strips in North America which means more people paying inflated prices. This is fine if a patient has medical insurance but if that's not the case it can financially over-burden them and make testing a lot harder to justify. They become torn between the dire need to test and the fiscal need to save money. A diabetic needs to test without much concern for price.

How to lower the cost.

Clearly, a way to lower the cost of test strips is desirable. New companies are showing up that have lowered the cost of testing to about 60 cents per strip but that price is still somewhat steep.

One method that has proven to lower the cost of my own blood sugar testing supplies is to buy them online on EBay. For one reason or another, people are ending up with a surplus of glucose test strips and they're auctioning them off on the world's largest garage sale.

Typically, test strips go for at least 50 percent less than retail which can bring your cost down as low as 25 - 30 cents depending on the brand and model of blood sugar monitor you use.

EBay has proven effective for me and many others but since it's an online auction, I urge you to be cautious and do your research on products and buyers before committing to anything. Before buying test strips on EBay there are some things to be wary of in order to buy safely.

It is possible to buy bargain test strips on EBay and so far I've perosnally had good experience.

But unwary buyers could get more than they bargained for. They could be opening themselves up to eye damage or unnecessary surgery if they don't know how to buy glucose strips safely. There is also the possibility of ending up with counterfeit strips, so it pays to be informed.

So go ahead and buy. But before you do, take a few minutes and get solid information before you commit and make a mistake you might regret.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/buying-glucose-test-strips-on-ebay-safely-556270.html

About the Author

Steve Bralovich understands the need for inexpensive glucose testing because he's been a diabetic since 1995. Before you buy test strips on EBay, you must read 10 essential safety tips for buying glucose test strips on EBay at http://stripsforless.com/buying_glucose_strips_on_ebay.html

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Basic Knowledge For Blood Glucose Levels

Author: Eric Timmy

The body closely regulates blood glucose (also know as blood sugar) to maintain an adequate supply of glucose for cells. If blood glucose levels drop too low. A person becomes shaky and weak. If blood glucose levels rise too high, a person becomes sluggish and confused and may have difficulty breathing. Two hormones produced by the pancreas tightly control blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin into blood. Insulin acts like a key, "unlocking" the cells of receptors on the surface of cells, increasing their attraction for glucose and increasing glucose uptake by cells. Insulin also stimulates liver and muscle cells to store glucose as glycogen. As glucose enters cells to deliver energy or be stored as glycogen, blood glucose levels return to normal.

When an individual has not eaten in while and blood glucose levels begin to fall, the pancreas releases another hormone call glucagons. Glucagon stimulates the body to break down stored glycogen, releasing glucose from protein. Another hormone, epinephrine (also called adrenaline), exerts effects similar to glucagons to ensure that all body cells have adequate energy for emergencies. Released by the adrenal glands in response to sudden stress or danger, epinephrine is call the "fight-or-flight" hormone.

Different foods very in their effect on blood glucose regulation. Foods rich in simple carbohydrates or starch but low in fat or fiber tend to be digested and absorbed rapid absorption cause a corresponding large and rapid rise in blood glucose levels. The body reacts to this rise by pumping out extra insulin, which rapid lowers blood glucose levels. Other food, especially foods rich in dietary fiber, resistant starch, or fat, cause a lesser blood glucose response with smaller swings in blood glucose levels.

The glycemic index measures the effect of a blood glucose levels. Foods with a h9igh glycemic index cause a faster and higher rise in blood glucose than foods with a low glycemic index. Although some experts disagree on the usefulness of the glycemic index for humans, diets that emphasize foods with a low glycemic index many offer important health benefits.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/basic-knowledge-for-blood-glucose-levels-144127.html

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