Diabetic supplies and medication can be expensive, especially for people who do not have health insurance coverage or are not entitled to assistance from National Health Services. Some state programs, medical centers, and insurance companies provide low-cost or free medication, test strips, and meters. Therefore, you can contact several programs in your area to find out how you can get free diabetic supplies.
Go through insurance
Enroll in an insurance program
Obtain insurance coverage if you don’t have insurance. Basic programs can provide discounted or free diabetes supplies and medication. You can obtain insurance through healthcare.gov under AFA (Affordable care Act).
AFA does not turn down clients for preexisting conditions and some people may be eligible for discounted premiums depending on their income.
You can also obtain private insurance coverage on your own. However, private insurance programs typically require clients to undergo a health physical which serves to determine their pay rate.
It is essential to keep in mind that this option can be quite costly, especially for people who already have diabetes. Some preexisting conditions can increase your premium rate.
If you are employed, consult your employer to see whether they provide health care options and their requirements for eligibility.
Contact your current insurance provider
If you have already enrolled in an insurance plan, call your current provider to discuss diabetes coverage. Be sure to ask them what diabetic supplies are covered under their insurance program, whether local clinics and pharmacies will offer you discounted or free supplies, and what the co-pay is. If you are not happy with your current insurance plan, consider obtaining alternative coverage.
Consider Medicare
Medicare is an assistance program established by the government in a bid to provide discounted healthcare to people who are 65 and over. You can look into Medicare if you are in this category and need assistance paying for diabetic supplies.
Medicare Part B is a basic insurance program that covers self-testing supplies, therapeutic shots, shoe inserts, and insulin pumps.
If you are at risk and have already been diagnosed with diabetes, you can enroll for Medicare Part D which covers prescription drugs, insulin, and other diabetic supplies such as anti-diabetic medication. Look for a health care provider that accepts Medicare as a form of payment.
Try Medicaid
Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income families and individuals. If you are eligible for Medicaid, you can get diabetic supplies at a discounted rate or for free.
Medicaid covers both outpatient and inpatient services for a wide range of medical issues, including Diabetes. Therefore, diabetes supplies will be covered as well as appointments regarding diabetes. Make sure you choose a health care provider that accepts Medicaid before booking an appointment.
If you are a veteran, ask for veteran benefits.
If you are a veteran, you qualify for certain healthcare benefits. Contact your VA office to enquire about coverage. Various diabetic supplies may be covered by your veteran healthcare program depending on your benefits.
Explore pharmaceutical assistance programs – for free diabetic supplies
Try RX Hope and RX Assist
Many programs and organizations can help you access discounted or free diabetes supplies, depending on your income level, age, profession, and other factors. Websites such as RX Hope and RX Assist can help you find the right program for you.
RX Hope helps you contact volunteers and coordinators that can help you access discounted or free medication. They also provide help with logistics such as paperwork if you still need assistance after finding a program through them.
RX Assist provides a detailed database of medical assistance programs by location, age, health condition, age, and other factors.
Visit the Needy Meds Website
Needy Meds provides a detailed database of medical assistantship programs. Moreover, you can search for information regarding free diabetic supplies through Needy Meds. This can be a good option for people who are having difficulty using the RX Hope website.
Explore other options
In some countries, people without health insurance can go to free health clinics. However, most of these free clinics only accept citizens of the countries where they are located, and getting an appointment can take longer.
If you still can’t find a reliable way to get free diabetic supplies, there are various online sources of supplies that are affordable with free shipping or low shipping costs with a minimum purchase. If you catch a sale you can save even more. Moreover, it is extremely important to control your diabetes more effectively to ensure that you need fewer diabetic supplies and avoid diabetes-related complications.
When you buy through links on our website, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support 🙂
Many more companies, people, and organizations out there today recognize the need for diabetics to be able to have all that they need in order to safely manage their diabetes. That’s part of the reason that more and more places have started offering free diabetes supplies to those who need them.
If you have unused, unexpired diabetic supplies that you don’t need, don’t discard them. There are several ways you can easily donate your diabetic supplies to other people.
If you have switched to a new device or new medication, you may have diabetic supplies that you no longer need. Diabetic supplies can be quite expensive and some people may not be able to afford them.
Therefore, it can feel like a waste to throw away supplies such as needles, teat strips, CGM devices, and insulin vials especially when many people are unable to live healthy lives because they cannot access or afford the medication and devices they need.
The good news is that you can touch and improve lives by donating unused diabetic supplies to people who need them.
It is essential to note that the supplies you donate should be unopened and unused. Most organizations do not accept donations that have expired or are unsealed.
Diabetic supplies can be expensive and hard to come by
In a perfect world, every diabetes patient would have easy access to the diabetic supplies and medication they need to manage their condition and live comfortable, healthy lives. Unfortunately, we are living in a time where the affordability and access of diabetic supplies is restricted. Although some strategies have been adopted to combat the high cost of diabetic supplies, there is still room for improvement.
Some of the common barriers that make it almost impossible for a huge percentage of diabetes patients to access diabetic supplies include:
Lack of education on proper management of diabetes
High cost of glucose test strips and insulin
No home refrigeration
Insufficient resources for proper diabetes care
These high entry barriers make it extremely difficult for lower-income families and individuals to receive the supplies they need to take proper care of themselves or their loved ones. That is why it is important to donate any unused diabetic supplies that you don’t need. You can easily donate unused supplies to many organizations looking to get pens, insulin vials, cartridges, and more for people that need them.
How Can You donate diabetic supplies?
1. Gather your supplies
The first step in donating diabetic supplies is to gather all of your unused, unexpired supplies. Each organization has its own unique criteria. However, most organizations will accept diabetic supplies such as:
After gathering all your leftover diabetic supplies, double-check to ascertain that they have not expired and are still sealed.
Where Can You Donate Diabetic Supplies?
2. Find an organization to donate to
The second step is to find a trusted organization to donate to. Various great organizations are ready to accept unused supplies and ensure people who need them actually get them.
Integrated Diabetes Service collects diabetic supplies such as insulin pumps, insulin pump supplies, current CGM supplies, and insulin. They then give these supplies to diabetes patients in the United States and worldwide.
Insulin for Life (IFL)
This is a renowned non-profit organization that specializes in collecting unused diabetic supplies and delivering them to people who don’t have access to the supplies and treatments they need to manage their diabetes. IFL accepts all of the diabetic supplies listed above.
CR3 focuses on providing affordable diabetic supplies and devices (insulin pumps, pump supplies, test strips, and glucose meters) to diabetes patients around the world. The organization currently accepts unexpired insulin pump supplies, glucose test strips, Guardian3 sensors, and Medtronic insulin pumps – 530G (models 751 and 551), 670G, and 630G.
SafeNetRx
SafeNexRx mainly collects and redistributes diabetic supplies to people with diabetes living in Iowa. It currently accepts unexpired and sealed glucose test strips, unexpired lancets, needles, and syringes. SafeNetRx distributes diabetic supplies and devices to Iowans that are uninsured, underinsured, or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
The bottom-line
Donating unused, unexpired diabetic supplies is a good way of changing lives by helping people who can afford or access the much-needed medications and supplies to manage their diabetes. The diabetes community continues to display strength and generosity by supporting each other with everything from diabetic supplies to critical diabetes information. There’s hope that someday everyone will diabetes will be able to afford and access everything they need to live a healthy life.
Be sure to read the specifics for mailing and donating instructions for the organization you want to donate to.
Is Fish Oil Actually Helpful For Preventing Juvenile Diabetes?
Despite tremendous advances in the management of type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), it is still on the rise and is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity. Diabetes is etiologically a multi-factorial condition involving various genetic, behavioral, and environmental origins. People with juvenile diabetes should understand the use of correct dietary habits, which have proven to be extremely essential in the regulation of blood sugar.
On the other hand, despite the promising research, current clinical evidence for the use of fish oil for the prevention and management of juvenile diabetes is both limited and conflicting. In this article, we will summarize the most recent findings of practical considerations of dietary sources and the potential benefits and mechanisms of fish oil supplementation for the prevention and management of type 1 diabetes.
Does fish oil prevent the onset of juvenile diabetes?
A recently published report shows that omega-3 oils found in fish such as sardines and trout could prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes in children.
The research which involved 1,700 participants found that children who ate food rich in fish oil reduced their risk of developing juvenile diabetes by up to 50%. The research was based on a clinical study that observed kids who were genetically predisposed to developing diabetes.
Researchers observed how the children’s fish oil intake affects the development of ICA (islet cell autoimmunity), which, if progressed, usually precedes the development of juvenile diabetes.
This study suggests there is a link between the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and the development of juvenile diabetes in kids who are genetically predisposed to the conditions.
Is the claim supported by scientific studies?
This study was conducted by researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Colorado, USA, and published in the American Medical Association Journal. The researchers observed children who had a higher risk of developing juvenile diabetes by having a close relative with diabetes or high-risk genes.
They studied whether the kids developed AIC (Islet Cell Autoimmunity) – where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells – leading to diabetes. They also wanted to learn how the consumption of fish oil affects the risk of developing juvenile diabetes.
A total of 1,770 children were observed over a 12-year study period and the average age at the end of the study was 6.2 years. Their diet was observed from age 2 onwards by assessing what the child eats and whether their diet includes fish oil, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, and how often the child eats food such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc. This helped researchers calculate the total amount of fish oil consumed.
The kids were examined at 9, 15, and 24 months and then on an annual basis thereafter for the development of ICA. The researchers then calculated the risk of developing ICA according to fish oil intake. Factors such as socio-demographic factors, total energy intake, age when introduced to foods such as cereals, and the child’s genetic risk were also taken into consideration.
Results of the study
At the end of the study, 58 children of the 1,770 participants developed ICA. The criteria for Islet Cell Autoimmunity was defined to be a condition whereby 1 of 3 antibodies responsible for attacking insulin-producing cells were present on two consecutive tests.
After taking other contributing factors into account, the researchers found that children who consumed an additional 0.8 grams of fish oil per day had a 55% lower risk of developing Islet Cell Autoimmunity.
When the analysis was limited to the kids who had at least one of the antibodies, they observed that the decrease in risk of developing diabetes was even greater. However, they did not observe any effect of omega-6 fatty acids in reducing the risk of ICA.
Interpretations drawn from the results
The researchers concluded that a higher intake of fish oil, specifically omega-3, is linked to a reduced risk of juvenile diabetes, especially in children who are predisposed to the condition. This has been attributed to omega-3’s anti-inflammatory benefits in the body.
Several modern clinical studies are being conducted to validate this hypothesis, which, if confirmed will make fish oil a mainstay for the prevention of type 1 diabetes. Although these findings are interesting and promising, moderation is extremely important, and consuming excessive amounts of any food should be avoided.
This study also suggests the need for further research into the potential links between fish oil and juvenile diabetes risk.
People who have already been diagnosed with diabetes should not interpret the study and reports to mean that consuming fish oil can cure or help improve diabetes symptoms.
If you have an underlying condition, such as diabetes, getting a life insurance policy can prove to be an uphill task. However, if you are suffering from a chronic health condition this does not automatically disqualify you from life insurance coverage. In fact, most life insurance providers offer life insurance for people with diabetes, but they may have to pay more than people without pre-existing conditions.
The amount you have to pay usually depends on your projected life expectancy. Pre-existing health conditions may shorten your life expectancy, which is the main reason why life insurance coverage for diabetics tends to be significantly costlier compared to life covers for people without pre-existing medical conditions. Even with proper management, diabetes can still cause problems and complications, so most providers regard it as a risk factor.
Factors that influence life insurance rates for people with diabetes
If left unchecked, diabetes can lead to a wide variety of serious medical conditions that can potentially lead to death. Some of the most common diabetes-related complications include:
Hypertension
Obesity
Diabetic neuropathy
Stroke
Obesity
Heart disease
Issues with teeth, eyes, and other organs
Limb amputation
Kidney failure or kidney disease
However, you should note that diabetes may differ from person to person. Life insurance usually rates applicants’ eligibility based on a wide range of factors, such as family medical history, personal medical history, age, lifestyle (such as alcohol consumption and tobacco use), and current age.
Some of the key factors providers consider when determining your insurance rates include:
1. Your current health condition
When setting your life insurance rates, providers want to know how well your diabetes is controlled as well as its potential negative impact on your health in the future. Your insurance company will have you undergo a medical underwriting process that helps determine your risk. This typically includes standard medical questions as well as questions about your diabetes and other diabetes-related conditions and complications you may have.
For instance, you may have to provide accurate answers about your initial diabetes diagnosis, how it is managed (e.g., exercise and diet, insulin, prescription medications, or a combination), your recent blood sugar, your cholesterol ratings, and your blood pressure.
Users who are applying for larger coverage amounts may have to undergo a full physical exam and provide medical records to verify their medical history. There are also life insurance plans available for diabetics who want to apply for life insurance without completing a medical exam, but these policies usually cost more
2. The specifics of your diabetes
Your life insurance rates are also impacted by the specifics of your health condition. For instance, as part of their underwriting process, providers may inquire about the specific type of diabetes applicants have – gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, or type 2 diabetes.
People who have all three forms of diabetes can still access life insurance, depending on the diagnosis. However, the coverage provided may be more limited, and the application process more complicated.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (insulin resistance) is typically more difficult to manage in relation to other forms of diabetes. When you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes later in life, it basically means that it has affected your body for a relatively short period of time. But, in most cases type 1 diabetes is diagnosed in teens and children, making it even riskier. As a result, it is often associated with higher insurance premiums.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed later in life, meaning it has lesser time to impact the body. Diabetics who have learned how to manage their diabetes with exercise and diet are likely to qualify for more affordable rates. However, even type 2 diabetes patients who are insulin-dependent and those who have diabetes-related complications will find that their options are limited and their monthly premium costs are higher largely due to higher risk.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal imbalances in pregnant women. It is typically a temporary condition that goes away soon after birth. However, this is not always the case. If your gestational diabetes goes away, getting a life insurance policy may be easier and more affordable.
The bottom line
If you have diabetes you can improve your life insurance options and lower your rates by adopting simple lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating healthy, following your diabetes treatment plan, and quitting smoking, among others. Be sure to ask your life insurance provider about the available options for applicants with pre-existing conditions and the steps you can take to take out a life insurance policy at a more affordable rate.
Type 2 diabetes is often a progressive disease that is preceded by a long period of elevated blood sugar. In fact, for most people who are finally diagnosed with diabetes, medical experts believe they have been on the path for 5 to 10 years. Therefore, most of them have already lost about half of their insulin-making capability.
Although it’s impossible to undo your lifestyle of the last decade, you can take some steps to stop the progression or even reverse diabetes. Recent studies show that losing weight can delay the onset of pre-diabetes or delay its progression to type 2 diabetes. The keys to prevention and management of diabetes or preventing its complications include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and creating an environment that fosters general healthy living.
For instance, losing a few pounds earlier on when your glucose levels start rising can greatly improve your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol levels, and more.
It is vital for people to get to their ideal weight especially if they have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Robert Huizenga, MD, an associate professor at the University of California says that people should be athletically fit and have no excess fat.
A diet of healthy eating and 90 minutes of exercise 6 days a week is the best way to manage type 2 diabetes even without medications.
For most people, this is easier said than done. However, with perseverance, commitment, and a positive attitude, you can achieve your ideal, healthy weight. You can set small and achievable goals first and add new goals gradually as you succeed in meeting the small goals.
Research studies recommend setting a small goal of losing about 5 to 7% of the weight you started with in order to improve your health and lower blood sugar, with the intention of keeping the pounds off.
What are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually develop very slowly and this is the main reason why most people may have it and not know it. Here are some of the symptoms you should look for:
Increased hunger: Since the body does not have enough insulin to move glucose into the cells, your organs and muscles will be depleted of energy thus triggering intense hunger.
Frequent urination and increased thirst: When excess sugar builds up in your bloodstream, your tissues lose excess fluid to the bloodstream. This is the main reason why you tend to feel thirsty and may urinate and drink more than usual.
Weight loss: Although most people with diabetes tend to eat more than usual in order to relieve intense hunger, they may also lose weight. Since the body does not have the ability to metabolize sugar, it uses the alternative energy stored in fat and muscles. You end up losing calories and excess sugar in your urine.
Blurred vision: In case your blood sugar level is too high the fluid in the lenses of your eyes may also be pulled off into the bloodstream. This affects your ability to see or focus.
Fatigue: Since your cells are deprived of glucose, you become easily irritable and tired.
Some darkened areas on the skin: If you have type 2 diabetes, you may have some patches of velvety, dark skin in the creases and folds of your body. This is quite common in the neck and armpits. This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans and in most cases, it’s a sign of insulin resistance.
Frequent infections and slow-healing sores: Your ability to resist infections and heal wounds may be affected.
Tingling and numbness of the feet and hands
Impotence
Are there any Forms of Natural Treatment for Diabetes Available Today?
Figleaves
Due to its anti-diabetic properties, diabetics need less insulin when using fig leaf extract for treating diabetes. The extract should be taken first thing in the morning preferably with breakfast. Alternatively, your fig leaves can be boiled in freshly boiled water and taken as a tea.
Black seed
Nigella Sativa, also known as black seed has been used for over 2000 years to treat numerous diseases including diabetes, pancreatic cancers, acne, and more.
Diabetics should take 6 teaspoons of black seed oil per day for 7 days. Take black seed oil three different times. Then take 4 teaspoons per day for 4 days; 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. Follow by taking two teaspoons per day for two days.
Fenugreek
Take 10 to 30 grams of fenugreek with each meal per day. However, you should not take fenugreek at the same time as other medications. Wait at least one hour before taking it. Do not take more than 90 grams because it might cause nausea and stomach upset. Common side effects of fenugreek include gas and diarrhea.
Cinnamon
A study done by Khan and associates in 2003 reported cinnamon as a good natural treatment for diabetes. 60 diabetic people were tested and a third of them were given a placebo. The results were quite impressive with glucose down about 18% and the overall health of the group increased. The results also showed reduced levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Taking about a teaspoon of cinnamon per day is critical to softening your cell membranes. Cinnamon reduces your need for insulin because it actually mimics insulin.
Grape seed extract
Grape seed exact performed quite well in studies conducted in Toyama, Japan, Portsmouth, UK, and Romania in 2009. Grape seed extract is great for setting up strong defensive mechanisms against the reactive oxygen that is produced by hyperglycemic conditions and protecting the liver cells. Grape seed extract comes in 50 to 100 mg capsules but, do not take more than 300 mg per day.
Olive oil
The University of Jaen has been researching the consumption of olive oil and preventing diabetes. They found that an olive oil-rich diet can help prevent diabetes. Olive oil can help reduce your blood sugar levels including triglycerides and LDL. Reducing your cholesterol levels can help prevent various diseases including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
It’s essential to keep in mind that, the prevention of diabetes actually begins with proper diet and weight management. The Mediterranean diet has proven to be very beneficial in the prevention and treatment of diabetes by using coconut oil and olive oil, which are rich in monounsaturated fats instead of saturated fats. Drink about ¼ cup of the oil. You can also mix one teaspoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of lecithin especially if you prefer using lecithin.
Bitter melon
Bitter melon contains insulin-like properties which is the main reason why it works well with diabetes treatment. The insulin-like properties help in lowering glucose levels in blood and urine. Juice bitter melon and take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. You can also grind the seeds into a powder and eat them or use the bitter melon to make tea.
Vitamin C
Studies show that using between 100mg and 600mg of vitamin C can help normalize your blood glucose levels in as little as 30 days. Diabetics have complications of too much sugar in the body which can eventually lead to nerve damage and eye problems.
How Can You Create the Right Diet for Diabetes?
The term “diabetes diet” in this context refers to the food that is eaten every day and is not simply a short-term solution to lose weight or treat diabetes temporarily. You should choose a diabetes diet plan you will adhere to for the rest of your life. Therefore, fad diets that eliminate several food groups are not recommended because they are unsustainable.
The best diabetes diet should be customized to your needs without focusing only on cutting calories but also on making the most of the calories you consume.
A healthy diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, heart-healthy oils, and whole grains. It should also encourage lowering your salt intake and healthy preparation of food such as broiling, roasting, grilling meats, and baking. Another essential element of a healthy diabetes diet is limiting saturated fats. Daily calories from saturated fats should be less than 7%. Also, you should avoid trans fats and limit your daily calorie intake to less than 200 milligrams.
Stick to a low-carbohydrate diet and choose lean proteins to keep you energized and full without too much fat. Some of the good sources of protein include poultry without skin and lean fish. If you prefer pork or beef, choose lean cuts, trim off the fat and avoid frying food. Stick to low-fat or non-fat dairy options for yogurt, cheese, milk, and other dairy products.
What are the Recommendations for a Healthy Diabetes Diet?
Eat 3 meals per day, and be sure to include healthy snacks as needed to help regulate blood glucose.
Eat appropriate proportions
Maintain a regular meal schedule by eating at the same time each day.
Sip low-calorie beverages or water throughout the day.
Eat more vegetables
What are some of the plant foods used for the Treatment of Diabetes?
There are numerous plans that can be used for diabetes treatment, especially for people with type 2 diabetes. These plants include:
Buckwheat
Coffee
Cloves
Brewer’s yeast
Sage
Peas
Broccoli
Okra
Most of these foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber which are vital for good health in diabetics. Some new studies show that plant foods such as coffee, cloves, and cinnamon may actually help insulin and aid in fighting inflammation.
Cinnamon extracts improve glucose metabolism which triggers insulin release and cholesterol metabolism. On the other hand, clove leaf extracts improve insulin function and also lower LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose. Recent studies show that some compounds in coffee reduce the risk of developing diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity.
What do High and Low GI mean?
The GI ranks food according to the rate at which they are broken down by the body to form glucose.
High GI foods are quickly converted into glucose. Examples of foods with a glycemic index include potatoes, oranges, sweetened drinks, and white bread.
A low Glycemic Index diet mainly incorporates foods that are slowly converted into energy and typical examples include beans, milk, berries, leafy vegetables, and whole-grain bread.
Since low GI foods are broken down more slowly, they don’t cause spies (sharp increases) in your blood sugar level compared to foods with a high glycemic index. Therefore, they are a good option for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Foods with a low glycemic index leave you feeling full over a longer period of time.
Can a low Glycemic Index (GI) Diet Prevent Diabetes?
A low GI diet can be effective for diabetics if they apply portion control to foods with high carbohydrate content. Foods with high glycemic index are broken down quickly causing blood sugar levels to rise very sharply. This is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes as the ability to control blood sugar levels is greatly reduced or almost non-existent.
What are the Advantages of a Low GI Diet?
Their nutritional value is higher compared to high GI food equivalents
Reduce the demand for insulin immediately after eating
Provide energy for prolonged periods and it’s unlikely that you’ll feel hungry before it’s time for the next meal
You can eat a varied diet
It’s easier to follow food choices with glycemic index charts
Do low GI diets have any disadvantages?
The main disadvantage of a low GI diet for diabetics comes if the carbohydrate content of a meal is too high for the body to cope with. For instance, bran-based cereal is typically low GI but it contains a high carbohydrate value.
The carbohydrate content of a large portion of bran-based cereal could be too high for people with diabetes which may cause their blood sugar levels to rise very high.
However, this should not be a problem if people with diabetes apply if portion control to foods that have a high carbohydrate content.
What low GI foods are suitable for people with diabetes?
Whole grains
Unsweetened dairy products
Lean meats
Non-starchy vegetables
Legumes
Care must be taken with vegetables and fruits because their GI value can vary significantly.
Low GI fruits include grape fruit, kiwi fruit, plums and berries.
High GI fruits include mangoes, pears, oranges, bananas, raisins and dates.
Low GI vegetables include cabbage, peppers, cauliflower and lettuce.
High GI vegetables include potatoes, sweet corn, beetroots, parsnips and carrots.
What is the Atkins diet?
The Atkins Diet is a low carbohydrate diet plan that was created by Robert C. Atkins in 1972. The diet emphasizes fats and protein while restricting carbohydrates. It has several phases for losing weight starting with a low carbohydrate diet.
Can the Atkins diet help control diabetes?
The Atkins Diet limits carbohydrates in order to change the metabolism of the body from metabolizing glucose for energy to converting fat for energy.
According to Dr. Atkins, the main reason why most low-fat diets fail is that dieters feel hungry and the Atkins diet is much easier because dieters generally feel satisfied when they eat adequate fiber, protein, and fat. Since the Atkins Diet emphasizes avoiding carbohydrates, it can certainly help diabetes.
Is alcohol bad for diabetics?
Beyond all the safety and health concerns about alcohol, people with diabetes need to be very cautious. The action of some diabetes medications and insulin is to lower blood sugar. Therefore, diabetics should not drink on an empty stomach or when their blood glucose is low.
Keep in mind that there is a risk of developing hypoglycemia up to 24 hours after drinking. Therefore, if you have diabetes and want to drink alcohol, you should always check your blood sugar level before drinking, eat before drinking and keep an eye on what and how much you are drinking.
You should also check your blood sugar level before retiring to bed and make sure it is within the safe level (100 to 140 mg/dl).
The symptoms of hyperglycemia and too much alcohol can be very similar; dizziness, disorientation, and sleepiness. Always wear a diabetes ID if you are hypoglycemic to ensure that nobody will confuse hypoglycemia for too much alcohol. This will ensure that you get proper assistance and treatment.
Obtain insurance coverage if you don’t have insurance. Basic programs can provide discounted or free diabetes supplies and medication. You can obtain insurance through healthcare.gov under AFA (Affordable care Act).
Therefore, it can feel like a waste to throw away supplies such as needles, teat strips, CGM devices, and insulin vials especially when many people are unable to live healthy lives because they cannot access or afford the medication and devices they need.
A recently published report shows that omega-3 oils found in fish such as sardines and trout could prevent the onset of 
