Articles | Diabetes Healthy Solutions

Prestige Glucose Meter

The Prestige glucose meter provides an accurate and simple way to test blood glucose levels anywhere, anytime. Blood sugar testing is a vital part of controlling diabetes.

Research shows that keeping blood sugar levels within the recommended levels lowers the chance of developing diabetes-related complications such as blindness and kidney problems.

Regular testing lets diabetes patients know if their blood sugar is ‘too low’, ‘too high’ or ‘just right’ depending on what healthcare provider recommends for you.

Prestige Glucose Meter – Can also help if you are following a Keto Diet

Although the prestige glucose meter requires more blood to get an accurate reading compared to other glucometers, it is important to note that this system is not just a plasma monitor. It is specifically designed to measure ‘whole blood’ glucose.

This is very important for people who want to keep their blood glucose levels within a very narrow range (70 to 100). While the more common plasma glucose monitors are designed for diabetes patients who have extremely low (<50) or extremely high (>150) blood glucose readings, whole blood glucose monitors such as the Prestige glucose meter are particularly useful for non-diabetics whose blood glucose level is either in the normal (80-100) range or hypoglycemics (~50 range) who want to know the accurate amount of sugar in the blood.

This system is also beneficial for people who are on the ketogenic diet (blood glucose levels must be maintained within the 60-80 range).

Plasma glucometers are most accurate when the blood glucose is usually extremely low, requiring medical attention or extremely high, requiring patients to use insulin. Therefore, plasma glucose meters do not help non-diabetics particularly because they don’t provide accurate readings for the 50-100 range.

While plasma glucometers work well for people who are diabetic they are not useful for those who are non-diabetic. However, whole blood glucose monitors such as the Prestige glucose monitor meet this need.

Therefore it’s important to note that:

People who are diabetic most likely prefer plasma glucose monitors but the Prestige glucose meter can also be used by diabetics
Non-diabetics may want to try whole blood glucose monitors such as the Prestige glucose monitor

Key features of the Prestige Glucose Meter.

Fast and accurate
Provides the date and time for each test
14 and 30-day averaging
Large and easy to read display
Tests in 3 simple steps
Large, easy-to-read digital display
Uploading capability
Fast and accurate results
One-button coding
Compatible with prestige blood glucose test strips

Package contents

Prestige Blood Glucose Meter with AA batteries installed
Self-test log book
Compact case
Owners booklet
Quick reference guide

Product details

Brand: Nipro Diagnostics
Dimensions: 2″ x 3″ x 2″
Weight: 0.53125 lbs

Meter options

The Prestige blood glucose meter has the following wonderful options that can be easily customized to the user’s needs:

Test results as whole blood

Whole blood refers to blood that is obtained directly from the finger. Users should always use whole blood when testing with the Prestige glucose monitor.

Test results as plasma

Plasma, one of the key components of blood, is used by most laboratories for testing. However, it’s important to note that plasma glucose results are about 12% higher than results from whole blood. When using this option, the glucometer uses the whole blood value to determine and display the result. However, plasma should never be used for testing with this system.

Mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)

This is a glucose unit of measure that is commonly used in the United States.

Mmol/L (millimoles per liter)

This is a glucose unit of measure that is used in some countries outside the United States. When using this options users should either choose Per (Period: 6.1 mmol/L) or Com (6,1 mmol/L).

Avg=14d

This option displays the average results for the last 14 days

Avg=30d

This option displays the average results for the last 30 days

12 hr

Time based on am/pm (12 hour clock system)

24 hr

Time based on the 12 hour clock system

The prestige glucose meter is an excellent glucose monitor that offers a wide range of great additions. It features a large easy-to-read screen for people who have bad eye sight as well as children. Moreover, it uses Prestige smart test strips and offers accurate blood glucose test results, unlike many other glucometers on the market.

So, talk to your doctor and diabetes supplier about using the Prestige glucose meter.

The Ascensia Elite Glucose Meter

The Ascenisa Elite Glucose Meter is a new glucometer on the market that features a small and compact design. The lancets and test strips are stored in the same little pouch that can be easily stowed in a purse or pocket for easy travelling.

The Ascenisa Elite Glucometer is a miniature compared to the glucose meters that were considered the best on the market just a few years ago. Technological advancements have made this glucometer so small yet very powerful and fast.

One of the main advantages of the Ascenisa glucose meter that have made it so popular is that it takes a very small amount of blood to provide accurate glucose level readings in just a few seconds. Less blood means that the lancets used are thinner and users experience minimal discomfort. Moreover, the Ascenisa Elite Meter is very fast.

A few years ago, the best glucose meters on the market used to take at least a minute to read the blood glucose. However, now it’s possible to have accurate glucose readings in a matter of seconds, in fact experienced users can accomplish the entire process in less than a minute, including cleaning the fingertip, checking blood glucose, and putting on a band-aid.

In days past, diabetics on the go had to carry a booklet to record glucose readings. However, modern glucose monitors feature built-in memories for storing up to 100 readings, making it easy for diabetics to track and observe trends of their glucose levels wherever they go.

Therefore, newly diagnosed diabetics who are about to buy their first glucose meters or diabetics who are thinking of getting a new glucose meter, this new breed of quick, tiny and almost painless devices like the Ascenisa Elite Glucometer can make the process of tracking their glucose less of a hassle.

Key features of the new Ascenisa Elite Glucose meter

Professionally recommended
Offers confidence and security
Proven reliability and accuracy
One button memory for easy PC download

Pros

The one button access allows users to access up to 100 tests
No button testing
No cleaning or wiping
Requires a very small blood sample of only 2 micro liters
Cleared for multiple site testing
Serum Plasma Referenced
Touchable Ascenisa Elite blood glucose test strips
Features automatic strip filling action
Less pain

Cons

This glucometer cannot hold a large number of test results (holds up to 100 tests)

What is included in the test kit?

XL blood glucose meter
Check strip
5 test strips
Normal control
Automatic lancing device
5 lancets
Record diary
User manual
Carrying guide

Statistics for Ascensia Elite Glucose Meter

Requires a very small sample compared to other glucometers on the market
Lower overall costs for blood glucose level testing because the testing strips are significantly less expensive than other brands
Holds up to 100 tests
Testing strips are designed to draw blood directly into the strip creating anxiety relief and a sense of convenience to patients
Unit is automatically activated once the test strip is correctly inserted
Compatible with Glucofacts PC software
Provides a 30 and 14-day average for easy comparison

The Ascenisa Elite Glucose Meter has gained immense popularity largely because it is designed as ‘no-frilled’. Users don’t have to sort through any menu options or endure complicated procedures prior to testing.

The unit turns on automatically once you insert the testing strip. After administering the lance, you simply allow the Ascensia testing strip to extract the amount of blood needed for testing.

The low cost of Ascensia elite testing supplies makes it a very popular model. Moreover, this glucometer is approved for testing on multiple sites, making it appealing to many users, including people who have sensitive hands.

Bottom line

Although there are other glucometers that feature additional features that can be helpful to users, the Ascenisa Elite Glucose Meter has been proven to be remarkably reliable and accurate in testing. Moreover, the low cost of operation makes this unit worth considering especially if money is a major consideration.

For people who have children who are diabetic, this unit may be a solid option mainly because it’s easy to operate and less expensive to replace.

Moreover, the Ascenisa Elite Glucose Meter allows for multiple site testing so the fingers or hands will not always be a primary requirement for accurate testing. The sip-in sample testing makes this unit virtually error-proof for taking accurate blood tests.

Read about diabetic watches HERE!

Best Supplements for Diabetics

What are the Best Supplements to Lower Blood Sugar?

As diabetes continues to be a health concern, many are turning to complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to help with the prevention and management of this condition.

Along with the use of CAM, there is growing interest by the scientific community, which has translated into more research focusing on plant remedies and nutrient supplements. There are several critically important side issues that can be managed with nutrients, apart from the direct management of glucose control.

Excess inflammation and oxidation are major issues and contribute to both the pathogenesis of diabetes and to more life threatening symptoms such as cardiovascular disease and neuropathies.

There is increasing evidence that the most important focus for the management of diabetes is to obtain good glycemic control and reduce the damage caused by excessive oxidation and inflammation.

There is a strong relationship between glycemic control, oxidative stress and vascular complications that has long been recognised in type 2 diabetes. Oxidative stress is also a critical step in the development of complications in diabetes, mainly the cardiovascular complications and the inflammatory processes which occur causing so much damage.

Supplementing with anti-oxidative nutrients could potentially improve outcomes overall, but it’s very important to choose your antioxidants carefully.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is the primary water soluble antioxidant found in human plasma. It reacts with oxygen before the oxidative process even begins. It is also able to restore oxidised vitamin E. Vitamin C has shown to reduce oxidation, inflammation and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Co-enzyme Q10

Research shows that 200 mg of co-enzyme Q10 per day in patients with type 2 diabetes, showed marked improvements in both blood glucose level and blood pressure. There has been much research on the effect of statin drugs given to lower cholesterol that also significantly impact on the levels of co-enzyme Q10.

While these drugs do lower cholesterol successfully, they also strip the body of other fats indiscriminately. Co-enzyme Q10 and vitamin D are included here.

Alpha Lipoic acid.

This is a supplement that is showing great promise is regulating type 2 diabetes.
It enhances glucose uptake in muscle and has positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Alpha lipoic acid is also a major antioxidant for the liver.
It may also help to reduce fatty liver caused by high-fructose corn syrup.

Minerals for Diabetes.

Chromium is an essential mineral that has a beneficial role in the regulation of insulin action and its effects on carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism.

Chromium supplements enhance the metabolic action of insulin, reduce insulin resistance and lower the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, particularly in those who are overweight. Supplements containing 200-1000mcg chromium as chromium picolinate, taken daily have been found to improve blood glucose control.

Vanadium

Vanadium (taken as vanadyl sulphate) has insulin-like effects and has shown marked and sustained decreases in plasma glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels. It also improves glucose transportation, reduces glucose oxidation and glycogen synthesis.

Long term supplementation reduces the symptoms of the secondary complications of diabetes like cardiomyopathy, vascular hyperactivity and the formation of cataracts. 50 mg per day is recommended if taking vanadium for long periods of time.

(It is important to seek advice from your diabetes management professional prior to taking any supplements)

Magnesium

High fructose consumption, combined with low magnesium, has been shown to be a significant dietary risk factor for metabolic dysfunction. Regulating fruit intake (and avoiding any foods with high fructose corn syrup added) along with high consumption of green leafy vegetables and / or magnesium supplements, may be beneficial.

With the excessive urination associated with diabetes, a deficiency of magnesium is a common problem, and low magnesium itself increases the risk of insulin resistance. Common symptoms of low magnesium are cramps, spasms and twitches, as well as anxiety. Magnesium calms the nervous system (along with calcium).

Low magnesium has also been shown to have a role in the development of diabetic complications such as high blood pressure, neuropathy and kidney failure.

Zinc.

There are multiple interactions between zinc and insulin metabolism. Zinc promotes the formation of insulin, as well as promoting correct lipid metabolism in the liver. People with insulin resistance, often have depressed zinc levels, and zinc deficiency may play a role in the development of insulin resistance.

The rate of insulin secretion is reduced in a zinc deficiency, as zinc plays a major role in the health of beta cells in the pancreas. Zinc participates in the synthesis and storage of insulin in the beta cells of the pancreas.

Common deficiency symptoms are :

Lowered sense of taste and smell
Poor wound healing
Excess inflammation
White spots on the nails and
Geographic tongue.

Different people will manifest different symptoms and vegetarians are more likely to have a zinc deficiency as this nutrient is really only bio available from animal products – meat and seafood.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Along with increased weight (increased fat stores), low grade chronic inflammation in the fat tissue is causally linked with insulin resistance and the development of diabetes.

While the exact trigger for inflammation is unknown, hypoxia (low oxygen) in the adipose tissue, cellular stress and immune dysregulation are all implicated.

Fish oil supplementation has been shown to reverse high saturated fat- induced insulin resistance and liver disorders. Growing evidence suggests a strong link between systemic inflammation and type 2 diabetes.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to both prevent and reverse high-fat-diet-induced adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance.

A dose or 2 of two to four grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce fasting and postprandial serum triglycerides by 20-40 per cent.

Vitamin D

The more research that is done on Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, the more we are realising its importance and that many of us are not getting enough of it. Diabetes is yet another chronic degenerative condition that is being shown to be partially due to a deficiency of this crucial nutrient.

Obese people are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency because the excess body fat sequesters the vitamin D. Deficiency of this vitamin in adults increases the risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 50%, colorectal cancer by as much as 50% and increases the risk of heart attack by as much as 50%.

Probiotics

High fat diets and high sugar diets change the balance of the gut microflora, increasing intestinal wall permeability and resulting in increased inflammation and increased risk of obesity and diabetes. Increased gut permeability (leaky gut) may also increase the absorption of antigens, toxins or chemicals that can potentially damage pancreatic cells.

Supplementing with a live probiotic formula is important. Yogurts and kefir can help with this, but if you have had antibiotics, a supplement may be necessary. Adding in slippery elm and plenty of leafy green vegetables will provide a good food source of these beneficial bacteria.

Diabetes has been recognized for millennia, but is an increasing problem in todays world. However, there are many positive things you can do to either prevent or treat the disease. Dietary, herbal or nutritional supplements can play an effective positive role, particularly in the early stages of the condition. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so start early, especially if you have a family history of these conditions.

These remedies are based on improving the health of the system, not just on treating the disease, so they are slower to work and take a little more effort and time. The improvement in overall health and sense of well being will be worth it using these supplements for diabetes.

10 People You Need On Your Diabetes Care Team

So who is involved in diabetes care?

Diabetes affects every part of the body and there is no one provider who is skilled in offering resources to address all of those areas. Although it may feel daunting to have several professionals, it’s important to note that each of these providers offers a specific resource tailored to increasing the likelihood of overall success in managing diabetes.

Therefore, you should do the best to utilize the resources at your disposal, which includes time away from your normal schedule, money, and the ability to get to appointments via public transportation, your own car or virtually over your personal computer. With that in mind, here are the 10 people you need on your diabetes care team:

Primary care physician (PCP)

When it comes to type 2 diabetes, the primary care physician is the general health coordinator. This is the professional you’ll see for checkups, routine care, as well as concerns that are not linked to diabetes. That means they may recommend that you see other specialist for specific issues, follow up to understand what treatment plans you’ve been offered, and facilitate adherence to your care plan. They also keep an up-to-date list of all supplements and medications you are taking.

Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist helps you with blood glucose management as well as other diseases related to the endocrine system. In addition to treating diabetes this doctor will also assess the need for blood-sugar-lowering medications and determine the best medications and right dose for you. Because diabetes is a life-long disease, your endocrinologist may have a close and long relationship with you.

Dietitian nutritionist

An understanding of nutrition is a critical part of managing most health conditions, including diabetes. Building a diabetes-friendly diet involves knowing what you should eat and avoid while keeping your blood sugar level in check. A dietitian nutritionist will help with this and help you meet other goals such as improved blood pressure, weight loss, and improved cholesterol. Moreover, they can provide assistance in trying diet plans such as intermittent fasting or the ketogenic diet in a safe way.

Pharmacist

This professional will help you understand your prescribed medications, how they work, and medication interactions. This is particularly important if you are taking several medications prescribed by different doctors. Pharmacists play an important role in type 2 diabetes care and can help reduce the number of low and high blood sugar episodes which benefits your health and helps you save money on your care.

Diabetes care and education specialist

This healthcare professional helps you create a healthy lifestyle as well as put the diabetes management plan into practice. A Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist usually spends more time with the diabetes patient compared to a Primary Care Physician.

This allows for specialized care so that patients can success in attaining their goals. Some Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists are also trained behavioral psychology, which offers additional benefits for patients.

Such professionals act as accountability partners who can address various barriers, including adhering to medications and sticking with treatment. These are experts who understand their patients without judging them.

Ophthalmologist

This is an eye specialist who will help prevent eye diseases that are commonly caused by diabetes. An ophthalmologist will help you improve or maintain healthy vision by monitoring you for complications caused by uncontrolled or elevated blood glucose levels, including diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Podiatrist

This healthcare expert specializes in treating foot-related diabetes complications, and helps patients watch for and care for any complications in the lower extremities. Studies conducted by the American Podiatric association show that diabetes complications account for about 100,000 lower limb amputations annually. Scheduling regular appointments with a podiatrist to treat and monitor foot problems can decrease the risk of lower limb amputation by up to 85 percent.

Dentist

Taking care of gums and teeth is important for everyone. However, monitoring gum health is particularly vital for people with diabetes because gum (periodontal) disease is a common complication of diabetes. Moreover, treating gum disease has been shown to improve blood glucose control.

Your inner circle

Letting your close friends and family know what is going on and how they can help you goes a long way in supporting good habits as well as relieving the burden of the diagnosis. By offering positive support, your loved ones can help reduce the stress that comes with managing diabetes. In other words, your inner circle lets you know and feel that you are not alone.

Support groups

Support groups connect you with other PWDs (people with diabetes) who understand the challenges and struggles and can offer strategies and tips for a healthy life.

Most support groups are virtual right now and they typically feature helpful forums for people with diabetes as well as their caregivers.

Controlling Gestational Diabetes

This article will describe standard signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes, how it is diagnosed and just how it’s handled. It is going to show how a gestational diabetic diet program is very important for controlling diabetes in conjunction with other treatments.

So how do we go about Controlling Gestational Diabetes?

Even the calmest of Mothers-to-be will become concerned if they are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. It’s a sad fact that more and more women are going to receive this worrying news as gestational diabetes is on the rise.

It’s important to know there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes before even trying for a baby.

For pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, there are many lifestyle and dietary measures that can be taken to help bring blood sugar levels under control, and these are often all that is needed.

Most pregnant women are screened for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28 of their pregnancy with a glucose challenge test. This involves drinking a sugary drink before testing the blood to see how well the body manages to regulate the blood sugar levels.

When a pregnant woman is diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it means her blood sugar levels are too high. This is concerning, because it can have negative implications for the baby as well as the mother if not treated and brought under control.

Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels in pregnancy can cause babies to grow larger that usual and increase the chances of respiratory distress, bone fractures, nerve palsies, low blood sugar levels and early birth. For the pregnant mother there is a higher risk of placental trouble as well as a higher risk of perineal tearing or caesarean due to the large size of the baby.

The likelihood of these issues can be reduced if gestational diabetes is identified and blood sugar levels brought under control. It is possible to prevent or reduce the impact of gestational diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight, healthy diet and regular exercise. The Majority of women with gestational diabetes will find their blood sugar levels return to normal after giving birth.

Despite this, women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Additionally, women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy face a 35 to 50 per cent chance that it will return in future pregnancies.

What Causes Gestational Diabetes?

During pregnancy, the placenta is responsible for providing nourishment to the baby from the mother. Hormones released by the placenta cause a slight insulin resistant state in the mother as a normal part of pregnancy. As insulin is important for moving sugars into the cells, it plays an integral roll in maintaining steady blood sugar levels.

Insulin resistance impairs the ability of insulin to perform its job effectively, although slight insulin resistance during pregnancy is normal and allows more sugar and nutrients to be available for the baby. Problems develop if these sugar levels become too high. A pregnant woman can also get gestational diabetes if her pancreas is simply not making enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Pregnant women can have gestational diabetes without displaying any physical symptoms, which is why it is so important to be tested during pregnancy. However, some women may display symptoms, particularly if they display another form of diabetes they were not previously aware of. These symptoms may include:

Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased hunger
Blurred vision.

Many pregnant women, experience some of these symptoms as a normal part of pregnancy, so speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Treatment for Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes can be treated with dietary and lifestyle changes and these can prevent the disease recurring in future pregnancies, potentially warding off type 2 diabetes in the future. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you will usually be closely monitored by your doctor and will need to check your blood sugar levels with a machine at home.

Exercise

Regular exercise before and during pregnancy is a great way to help keep maternal blood sugar under control. Pregnant women can safely do as much exercise as they feel comfortable with. Studies show that as little as 15 minutes 3 times per week can be beneficial, although 30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended when there are no other pregnancy complications.

Walking is excellent and can be enjoyed right up until the last few days. Swimming during pregnancy is wonderful as it takes weight off the joints and back and brings welcome relief in later pregnancy. Cycling on a stationary bike is also considered very safe. Avoid exercising during the mid-day heat and pushing yourself beyond your existing fitness / stamina levels.

Diet

A healthy diet is essential in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Reducing carbohydrates to 40 or 45per cent of your diet while making sure any carbohydrates have a low glycaemic index (GI) and low glycaemic load is crucial.

There’s are variety of smartphone apps that can give you a very accurate indication of your carbohydrate intake day by day. Obtaining a book outlining a low-GI diet will provide you with tables listing the glycaemic index and load of most foods.

As well as these changes, ensuring high dietary fibre levels is also very important. Hence a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, legumes, lean meat, eggs, nuts and seeds healthy fish and pure water is ideal.

Lifestyle

Stress increases hormones that encourage the release of sugar into the blood stream. Ancient cultures have long understood the need for pregnant women to be relaxed and happy and in our busy western society, pregnant women need to ensure they actively work at reducing stress. Meditation, prenatal yoga, exercise and /or counselling can help reduce stress levels.

Sleep helps to reset hunger hormones, which will encourage healthy food choices. Pregnant women will often experience disrupted sleep so, were possible, try to get to bed that little bit earlier or nap through the day.

Prevention

Ideally, women planning to get pregnant should seek good preconception care in order to avoid gestational diabetes altogether. Women who have had gestational diabetes in prior pregnancies can draw motivation from the knowledge that a good diet, regular exercise and weight normalization can help avoid complications from gestational diabetes in future pregnancies.

Following these healthy diet and lifestyle guidelines will put women in a better position to shine through motherhood and raise healthy children.