The Wonders of Diabetes Supply Home Delivery

Diabetes Supply Home Delivery: What’s in it for you?

People with diabetes need a wide range of supplies for the effective management of the condition. Even though these supplies can be purchased at drug stores, the wonders of diabetes supply home supply have made it easier. These companies have a wider range of supplies diabetes patients need and they can also give customers volume discounts.

Many drug stores only carry necessities and if you’ve been prescribes something better or less common, you may be out of luck. Diabetes supply home delivery companies, in contrast, often have an exhaustive selection.

Therefore, whether you want the latest glucose meter, insulin pump or an uncommon brand of testing strips, diabetes supply home delivery companies have you covered. These companies also have supplies that help with other complications that go along with the condition. Catheters, erectile dysfunction aids, CPAP equipment, and even ostomy equipment can be found at well-stocked companies.

Benefits of diabetes supply home delivery

  1. Convenience

diabetes supply home deliveryOne of the main benefits of diabetes supply home delivery companies is that most of them deliver and have built a reputation of being highly reliable. This saves patients as well as caregivers many trips to the drug store to replenish supplies.

Most companies also have the option for customers to set up an ongoing schedule where they have all of their items delivered in a timely fashion without reordering each time. Therefore, when the time comes, the company will automatically charge the insurance or credit card on file and immediately ship the goods.

Since most diabetes supplies are a necessity for many patients, they are covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance so customers don’t have to worry about costs when setting up their delivery accounts. However, it’s essential to understand that some insurance covers will only pay for specific models or brands of equipment and it’s important to consult your provider for guidance whenever you have any doubt.

  1. Improved medical adherence

According to the American Journal of Managed Care, when diabetes patients get their supplies delivered directly to their homes, they are 19% more likely to use the supplies as prescribed. This leads to fewer hospital visits and better health outcomes.

  1. Lower costs and bigger savings

Compared to drug stores and retail pharmacies, diabetes supplies home delivery services save you both money and time as lower-cost channels. Diabetes supplies home delivery programs offer customers a wide variety of supplies ranging from safe and effective lower-tier and generic items to high-priced, brand-name supplies. Moreover, depending on the customer’s health plan, they may be able to save on supplies with home delivery. For instance, many 90-day supplies usually cost less when using home delivery services.

  1. Discretion in delivery

The term medical supplies include a wide range of items ranging from large equipment such as wheelchairs and adjustable medical beds to smaller items such as raised toilet seats, commodes, catheters, cleansers, dressings, Ice packs, support braces, and continence supplies.

Some people find it more convenient and less embarrassing to medical supply representatives on the phone or via email than in person.  Medical supply reps know what items are appropriate, understand the situation and always strive to ensure your supplies are delivered in a timely fashion.

  1. Experienced set-up

Many home medical supply companies employ delivery personnel skilled in setting up equipment. This service often comes with rentals to ensure you use the products correctly. However, whether you are renting or buying, this service is particularly essential for larger pieces of equipment such as hospital beds which can be fully electric or part manual, part electric in operation. Most suppliers will help you set up such equipment and show you how to use them.

  1. Evolving with patients’ needs

Suppliers who rent medical equipment are usually with customers for the long haul. Therefore, if your medical needs change, the company will help you change your products accordingly.

This typically includes customizing your equipment or swapping your products for something more advanced and better suited to your specific needs. You simply need to make a phone call or write an email to explain your needs. Easy transition as your condition changes is vital to your comfort.

Conclusion

Many smaller drug stores are retail establishments and the things customers purchase are usually paid for in cash because they don’t process insurance claims. Larger diabetes supplies home delivery companies have partnered with insurance companies and can easily run insurance verification to check your benefits.

Having diabetes supplies delivered to your home can save both money and time. This allows you to preserve the ability to focus on daily tasks that matter.

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Toddlers with Diabetes: Caring for the Littlest Patients

Type 1 diabetes usually occurs when the immune system, which is responsible for fighting toxins and other harmful organisms, attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The reasons behind this are not well understood but researchers believe that environmental factors (such as exposure to viruses) or genetics could be responsible for triggering this autoimmune response.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in Toddlers

It’s particularly important to understand that some of the signs of diabetes can be easily mistaken for normal daily-life occurrences, such as increased thirst on a warm or hot day. Therefore, if your toddler has any of the diabetes warning signs outlined below, it is vital to immediately contact your doctor, who can either diagnose or rule out diabetes.

  1. Dehydration or increased thirst

diabetes in toddlersExcess blood glucose draws fluid from cells and this causes dehydration or increased thirst. Although your child consuming more fluids could have a wide variety of natural causes, including being especially active or hot weather, it can also be a sign of diabetes or other conditions, especially if it is combined with other signs or is prolonged.

  1. Increased or frequent urination

You may notice that your child needs to use the bathroom more often or more frequently bedwetting. If your toddler is not potty-trained you may find that you have to change more diapers.

  1. Severe diaper rash

A more severe diaper rash can have several causes including a yeast infection or food allergy. However, it could also be a sign of diabetes especially if it does not respond to common treatment routines such as the use of barrier creams or more frequent diaper changes.

  1. Weight loss

Your toddler may lose appetite persistently resulting in weight loss or they may show an increased appetite and still lose weight. Loss of appetite tends to be the more common sign in toddlers.

  1. Persistent vomiting

If accompanied by weakness or drowsiness, persistent vomiting could be an early warning sign of diabetes in toddlers.

  1. Blurred vision

High amounts of glucose in the blood can draw fluids from the eye lenses, which can cause issues such as problems in focusing. For instance, if you notice that your child is unable to see properly, let your doctor know, as it is one of the most common signs of diabetes in toddlers.

  1. Unexplained fatigue or tiredness

Unexplained fatigue or tiredness without any reason may be a result of cells not getting enough blood sugar for energy.

Cuts and sores that take unusually long to heal are also common signs of diabetes.

Diagnosing diabetes in toddlers

If your doctor suspects diabetes, they may suggest tests to check your child’s blood sugar level. Some of the common tests performed on toddlers to help diagnose or rule out diabetes include:

  1. Random blood sugar test: A blood test done at any random time to determine blood glucose levels.
  2. Fasting blood sugar test: This test requires blood samples to be taken after fasting overnight.
  3. Glycated AIC (hemoglobin) blood test: This test helps determine the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin.
  4. Oral glucose tolerance test: The test is usually done when your doctor suspects type 2 diabetes.

Your doctor will explain the entire testing procedure and you can also interpret the results together.

Treating diabetes in toddlers

If your baby is diagnosed with diabetes, treatment and management can begin right away. Your healthcare provider can help you create a diabetes care team; including a dietitian, diabetes educator, and doctor. This team works closely with you to help monitor your child’s blood sugar level and maintain it within the recommended range.

Although diabetes does not have a cure, with consistent care and treatment, your toddler can go on to have a perfectly normal life. Diabetes treatment mainly depends on whether your toddler has been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes (type 1 diabetes) or type 2 diabetes. However, the treatment regimen may include:

  • Taking insulin: For toddlers with juvenile diabetes, life-long management of the condition with insulin is necessary. In some cases, indoor outdoor trampoline for toddlerstoddlers with type 2 diabetes may also require insulin. Although insulin is often administered as an injection, it can also be administered through pumps. Your doctor will guide you on how to use a pump or give injections, and when your child is old enough you and your doctor can show them how to it themselves.
  • Blood sugar monitoring: It is recommended that you check your child’s blood glucose levels regularly, at least 4 times a day to ensure they are within the recommended range.
  • Regular exercise; Ensure that your child gets at least 1 hour of physical activity each day. You can make it more interesting by getting involved and making it part of the family routine. You can do this in many different and exciting ways, For instance, you can take your family on hikes, play ball together, bounce around on an outdoor trampoline or play tag.
  • A healthy diet: Adopting a healthy diet and timing meals properly is a critical element of any diabetes treatment regimen. Your dietitian or healthcare provider will create a tailor-made meal plan for you to adhere to.
  • Medication: Toddlers with type 2 diabetes may be given medications like liraglutide (which stimulates the pancreas to make and release more insulin, especially after meals) or metformin (which helps reduce the amount of blood glucose released into the bloodstream by the liver).
  • Counting carbs: For toddlers with type 1 diabetes, your physician will explain how calories in food are counted in order to calculate your toddler’s dose accurately.

The bottom line

Diabetes typically requires lifestyle changes and consistent care that can be a challenge to explain and implement with toddlers. Despite being a life-long condition that requires keen attention and management, diabetes can be treated and support is available to help make sure patients remain healthy and productive throughout life.

If you have any questions about your child’s health or treatment plan, be sure to consult your healthcare provider.

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How Vitamin D can Help Juvenile Diabetics

Vitamin D is well known for its critical role in regulating skeletal metabolism. Recently, there has been speculation regarding whether the levels of vitamin D in the body are associated with juvenile diabetes.

This is largely because vitamin D receptors are present in immune cells and insulin-producing beta cells, as well as the impact of vitamin D on autoimmunity and the immune system in general.

According to recent studies, children with low levels of vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing islet autoimmunity, compared to those with higher levels. Islet autoimmunity is a condition where the immune system is unable to distinguish foreign elements from healthy cells and starts mistakenly attacking insulin-producing beta cells.

Vitamin D DiabetesA study conducted by the Colorado School of Public Health shows that high levels of Vitamin D in the blood might play a preventive role against autoimmunity.

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age. However, onset is most common during childhood. Statistics obtained from the American Diabetes Association show that around 1.25 people in the U.S have type 1 diabetes.

Vitamins D2 and D3 in the body are converted into calcidiol, a metabolite that is in turn metabolized into calcitriol. In the body, calcitriol is mainly responsible for helping prevent or suppress autoimmunity.

Studies suggest that Type 1 Diabetes can be partially attributed to damaged islet beta cells as a result of the immune system attacking itself. This promotes the hypothesis that vitamin D can help manage and prevent juvenile diabetes by regulating autoimmune responses.

The Relationship Between Vitamin D, Type 1 Diabetes, and Genes

Vitamin D is commonly known as the “sunshine vitamin”, because the sun is the main source of it. It is also present in various foods including, fatty fish, egg yolks, and cheese. Vitamin D is also available as a supplement.

Although studies show that vitamin D supplementation might help prevent and manage type 1 diabetes, the answer is not quite that simple. Your unique combination of genes could determine whether vitamin D supplementation will help prevent type 1 diabetes. The relationship between type 1 diabetes and vitamin D is influenced by enzymes involved in the metabolism of vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein, and genes for vitamin D receptors. As a result, responsiveness to supplementation with vitamin D varies depending on your genetic makeup.

Vitamin D and Diabetes – What Does Research Say?

Numerous studies have proven that supplementation with vitamin D especially during early childhood can help decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. According to a Norwegian study, high levels of vitamin D particularly during the last trimester of pregnancy help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in offspring.

According to data compiled by Grassroots Health (a health research organization), infants who are given 4000 IU/day have a significantly lower incidence of type 1 diabetes.

However, the results have inconsistencies. A Finnish study on newborns showed that the concentration of vitamin D at birth was not linked with the risk of developing type 1 diabetes later in life.

Such inconsistent results can be attributed to the specific roles played by metabolism genes in the development of type 1 diabetes as a result of islet autoimmunity. For instance, according to a Norwegian study, a higher level of vitamin D in the blood at birth was linked to a significantly lower risk of type 2 diabetes in newborns with a specific genetic composition.

What are the 6 Signs of Juvenile Diabetes?

Can Vitamin D Supplementation Help Juvenile Diabetics?

Vitamin D supplements for KidsVitamin D supplementation would most likely have the best impact if done preventively. However, even for people who have already been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, supplementation could help make them healthier and reduce the risk of developing other life-threatening or chronic conditions.

Vitamin D Juvenile diabetes

What’s next?

The relationship between type 1 diabetes and vitamin D is complicated by many different factors.

Therefore, further long-term studies with different dosing schedules should be conducted, while taking into account various factors such as individual genetic receptiveness to vitamin D and specific populations of juvenile diabetes patients.Vitamin D supplements designed for kids diabetes

Currently, various studies are being conducted with the main goal of identifying factors that protect against type 2 diabetes and those that trigger the condition. All these studies are also examining the effects of vitamin D supplementation. Recent findings suggest that higher levels of vitamin D during childhood can help prevent islet autoimmunity.

If more clinical studies can confirm a defensive role of vitamin D in type 1 diabetes, it will have a huge impact on the lives of predisposed people as well as those who have already been diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.

The positive impact will be realized particularly through regular monitoring of vitamin D levels and supplementation.

Vitamin D for Juvenile diabetes

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Top 7 Side Effects of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia is a condition that occurs as a result of a buildup of too much glucose in the blood. Although this is more often a concern for people with diabetes it can also occur in people suffering from other conditions as well as perfectly healthy individuals.

The main goal of a diabetes treatment plan is blood sugar control. Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar can affect both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients. There are 2 main kinds of high blood sugar:

  • Fasting hyperglycemia

This is a condition that occurs when blood sugar levels exceed 130 mg/dL after not drinking or eating for a period of at least 8 hours.

  • After-meal or postprandial hyperglycemia mg/dL

side effects of high blood sugarThis is when blood glucose levels exceed hours after eating. For people without diabetes, their blood sugar levels rarely exceed mg/dL after meals, unless they are really large.

Ongoing or frequent high blood glucose levels can cause damage to blood vessels, nerves, and organs. Hyperglycemia can also lead to other potentially life-threatening conditions. For instance, people with type 1 diabetes are particularly prone to ketoacidosis, as a result of excess acids in the bloodstream.

When it comes to type 2 diabetes patients or people who are at risk for it, hyperglycemia can lead to hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome (HHNS), a condition where the body’s ability to process sugar is significantly impaired. It’s mainly characterized by frequent urination at first and less frequent later on. As the condition progresses, urine tends to become darker and patients may become severely dehydrated. Symptoms of high blood sugar should be treated immediately to help prevent serious complications.

Causes of High Blood Sugar

Factors that may trigger an increase in your blood sugar levels include:

  • Forgetting or skipping your glucose-lowering medicine (oral medication or insulin)
  • Eating too many carbohydrates
  • Infections and illness
  • Stress
  • Sedentary lifestyle (exercising less than usual or becoming inactive)
  • Strenuous physical activity when your insulin levels are significantly low and blood glucose levels are high

Signs, Symptoms, and Side Effects of High Blood Sugar

People with diabetes may be familiar with the effects of high blood sugar on the body. However, for people who have undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes, knowing the signs and side effects of high blood sugar can prompt them to seek medical attention and get a diagnosis in a timely manner to help prevent complications of diabetes. Here are some of the main signs and side effects of high blood sugar:

  1. Fatigue

side effects of high blood sugarFeeling constantly tired is one of the early signs of high blood sugar levels.

Mild fatigue can also occur with even the normal or mild blood glucose fluctuations in perfectly healthy individuals or people with prediabetes particularly when they consume large amounts of carbohydrates.

Although there’s nothing wrong with eating carbs, if they always affect you in a specific way that is troubling, such as feeling incredibly sleepy after meals, you may want to seek medical attention.

  1. Frequent urination

In a bid to get rid of excess sugar in the blood, the kidneys pull water with sugar in it and you end up urinating more frequently than usual.

  1. Increased thirst

When you pee more, your body tends to become dehydrated faster and you may feel thirstier. Moreover, if you consume larger amounts of liquids, you get the urge to visit the bathroom more frequently.

  1. Headaches

In addition to worsening your fatigue as earlier discussed, dehydration can also trigger headaches. Although headaches can point to a variety of different causes, it is worth getting checked out if it’s coupled with other signs or if it’s something new.

  1. Blurred vision

does high blood sugar make you feel sickExcess sugar can get trapped in the lens of your eyes, causing blurred vision. However, this is usually temporary, unlike the eye damage that occurs in the long term with conditions such as diabetes.

  1. Confusion, nausea, vomiting, and more

According to the United States National Library of Medicine, these seemingly unrelated symptoms are signs of a life-threatening condition known as DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis).

Other symptoms of DKA can include difficulty paying attention, flushed or dry skin, or fruity-smelling breath.

This usually occurs in type 1 diabetes patients and it can be the first sign that they’re unwell. DKA can also occur in type 2 diabetes, but in a milder degree.

  1. Recurrent infections

Consistent high blood sugar levels can impair the immune system’s ability to fight off infections making them more serious, recurrent, or lingering. Moreover, the excess sugar in the urine can help feed bacteria that cause infections making you more susceptible to UTIs.

Other symptoms of high blood sugar include slow-healing wounds and sores, tingling hands and feet, and dental issues. If you have noticed one or more of these signs enough for it to affect your life and raise a red flag, it’s a sign that you should seek medical attention. Experts like primary health care providers can help determine if hyperglycemia due to prediabetes or diabetes is the cause of the symptoms.

Read about diabetes patches for continuous blood glucose monitoring HERE!

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Who Needs a Gestational Diabetes Meal Plan?

Statistics have shown that roughly five percent of pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes, a condition in which a woman who doesn’t suffer from diabetes, suddenly becomes diabetic during and usually in the second half of her pregnancy.

When something like this happens, blood sugar monitoring should be done regularly to avoid any complications that may arise during labor.

How Effective is a Gestational Diabetes Meal Plan?

When a woman develops mild gestational diabetes, it is important that a proper diabetic meal plan is implemented with the help of a professional nutritionist to help control blood sugar levels.  If the diabetes is allowed to progress into a stronger condition, insulin therapy may need to be introduced to help lower blood sugar levels.

How do you Design a Great Gestational Diabetes Meal Plan?

Gestational Diabetes Meal PlanThere is tons of information on designing a diabetic meal plan, but you should always take care to make sure that you get a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, minerals, and vitamins.

Because it’s not only you that is being affected by Gestational diabetes, but also your unborn baby, you should really seek out professional help to make sure that you are both getting all of the nutrients you need, while keeping your blood sugar levels in check at the same time.

Gestational Diabetes Symptoms

A good majority of the time, there are no symptoms, or very mild. These can include:

  • Weight loss – even though you are eating more!
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Increased thirst and Urination
  • Increased infections, particularly of the bladder and vagina.
  • Fatigue
  • Raised blood sugar, which will generally stabilize after the birth

Causes of Gestational Diabetes.

  • If you are carrying extra weight prior to becoming pregnant
  • If you have a family history of Diabetes Type 2
  • If you fall into the category of ‘Pre-Diabetes’ which is raised Blood Sugar, but not high enough to be classed ‘Diabetic’ (Read More about Pre-Diabetes)
  • Women over the age of 25 are more at risk.
  • If you have previously given birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds.
  • If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
  • If you are a Pacific Islander, Hispanic, African American or American Indian.
  • You have given birth to a stillborn baby in the past.

A Sample Diabetes Meal Plan

If you are brainstorming for ideas for the meal plan, here are some tips: 

gestational diabetes diet

Breakfast
Get yourself some starchy vegetables along with whole wheat bread, drink some milk to get a good intake of protein. If you want, you may also add a bagel spread with a teaspoon of jam.

Lunch
You can grab a sandwich made with whole wheat bread with two ounces of protein-rich meat, such as roasted turkey, lean roast beef, or fresh tuna. You can use a tablespoon of salad dressing or mayonnaise along with your sandwich for flavor.  Finally, add a cup of nonfat yogurt or some milk to get your dairy requirement for this meal.

Cooking for diabetesDinner
You may want to get more protein and having some grilled chicken or salmon (approximately three ounces) would be a great start.  Next, you’ll want to get your carbohydrate of choice, with suggestions of either a cup of pasta or large baked potato and to this add a cup of steamed asparagus or some tossed salad with low-fat salad dressing.

Gestational diabetes menu plan

 Lastly, for dessert, you can enjoy a cup of fresh apricots, melons, or other fruit.

Snacks!
If you feel hungry, you may want to get some snacks like whole wheat crackers or tortilla chips to help tide you over between meals. If you choose to go this route, just remember to keep the snacks small, so that your gestational diabetes meal plan is effective while at the same time enjoyable!

Gestational diabetes meal plan

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