Check If You Have Diabetes At Home

How to do a self-check for diabetes

Home blood sugar monitoring shows the body’s effectiveness in processing glucose. Fortunately, you can easily and conveniently test your blood sugar in the comfort of your home using a home blood glucose monitor.

Home blood glucose test kits are designed to read glucose testing strips. The testing strips allow the kit to effectively determine the blood glucose level in a small drop of blood. You can get a sample of your blood by pricking your finger using a tiny needle or lancet.

For accurate blood sugar testing, it is recommended that you keep a log or record of the food you eat and keep an eye out for trends in your blood sugar readings. Whether the meals you are consuming are high or low in carbohydrates, higher than normal blood glucose readings after meals suggest that your body is not using up blood sugar effectively after meals.

Most glucose monitors have a different working mechanism and healthcare providers recommended that you read the test kit manual before use. However, in most cases, testing strips should only be inserted into the monitor just before readings.

The blood sugar testing process

  • Wash and dry your hands well before handling your test kit. Substances such as food can give you inaccurate readings.
  • Some testing methods advise cleaning the testing area with warm water and soap while others recommend using an alcohol swab. Either way, it’s essential to ensure that the testing area is clean and dry before testing.
  • Most glucose monitors recommend testing on less sensitive areas such as the arm. However, rapid changes in your blood sugar levels may not be accurately detected in less sensitive areas of the body. The best place to test for rapid blood sugar changes is the finger.
  • In case you’re testing on your finger, test on the side and test different fingers each time. Nowadays, most lancets allow users to set penetration depth and users with drier or thicker skin can set higher penetration in order to draw enough blood for the test.
  • Position your finger against a hard surface before lancing it. The lance should be applied firmly but without forcing it.
  • Hold the finger at chest level and squeeze it gently.
  • Allow one drop of blood to gently flow onto the testing strip and note the reading.
  • Record the reading after each test.

If you have diabetes, your doctor may recommend alternative tests to measure HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin). Although the procedure is typically the same, the readings will be different. This test is usually used to indicate blood sugar level trends over 2 to 3 months.

When should a blood sugar test be done?

Doctors usually recommend that blood sugar tests be done at 3 different times of the day for several days:

  • Morning fasting reading

A morning fasting reading helps provide information about your blood glucose before you drink or eat anything in the morning. Blood glucose readings taken before consuming anything helps provide a baseline number that offers clues about the body’s glucose processes throughout the day.

  • Before meals

Blood sugar levels before meals are typically low. Therefore, high blood sugar readings before meals may indicate problems regulating blood glucose.

  • After meals

Testing blood sugar levels after meals shows how your body is reacting to food. It can also help determine whether glucose is reaching the cells successfully. Post-meal blood glucose testing can help diagnose diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). It is recommended that post-meal testing be done about 2 hours after meals.

It is important to keep in mind that your doctor may have to personalize your glucose monitoring schedule according to your specific condition, needs, and goals.

Blood glucose readings for diabetics

  • Fasting test (morning test before a meal): 80 to 130 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter)
  • Before meals: 70 to 130 mg/dl
  • Two hours after a meal: Under 180 mg/dl
  • At bedtime: Below 120 mg/dl
  • HbA1c: 7% or lower

It is recommended that you get clear target blood sugar numbers from your doctor before you begin home testing. This is because target figures usually change over time and vary depending on a wide range of factors such as a person’s weight, age, and health.

 Blood sugar levels for people who don’t have diabetes

  • Fasting test (morning test before a meal): Less than 100 mg/dl
  • Before meals: Below 110 mg/dl
  • Two hours after a meal: Below 140 mg/dl
  • At bedtime: Below 120 mg/dl
  • HbA1c: 5.7% or lower

a1c home test kit diabetesChoosing a home blood glucose test kit

Testing strips, lancets, and a blood glucose monitor are all required for blood sugar tests. Some home testing kits require users to purchase each item separately, while others come as a complete package with all there.

A1C Home test kit for diabetes

Diabetics use several testing strips each day throughout their lives, and so it is essential to carefully consider all the tests associated with the model you intend to use.

Other tips include:

  • Choose a monitor with automatic coding. This helps you avoid the hassles of coding your monitor with each test.
  • Consult your health insurance provider to see which monitors are covered.
  • Check whether the monitor stores previous results.
  • Consider portability especially if you commute or travel a lot.
  • Consider the blood sample size required for tests, particularly if you don’t like pricking yourself.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

In some cases, people who have diabetes may not have any symptoms of the disease. However, this does not necessarily mean they don’t have the disease. Many of the symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be the same particularly because both conditions affect the regulation of blood sugar in the body. These symptoms include:

  • Increased thirst and hunger
  • Unexplainable fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Increased urination
  • Slow-healing wounds and sores
  • High blood pressure
  • Blurred vision

The bottom-line

Diabetes cannot be diagnosed using home tests alone. If you notice any unusual readings, it is essential to see your doctor for further testing.

Your doctor might recommend fasting tests, HbA1c tests, oral glucose tolerance tests, or a combination of several different methods.

How to check if you have diabetes at home

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Defeat Diabetes Association

People with diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational) know all too well the challenges it puts on life, from close monitoring of blood glucose levels to adhering to a particular diet, to concerns regarding the progression of the disease in the long term.

That is why Defeat Diabetes Association has been dedicated to providing original diabetes content and resources, progressive programs, and empowering people in a bid to defeat diabetes.

The association uses an integrated approach and works determinedly to provide individuals as well as communities with credible information to help raise diabetes awareness. The mission is t provide every person with tools and actionable strategies they can employ to prevent diabetes.

The program offers a structured resource designed to provide information and support. Some of the things the Defeat Diabetes Association help with include; empowering individuals and the community to create healthy habits, teaching diabetes self-care strategies, such as proper diet through meal planning, raising awareness about diabetes, and providing guidance for blood glucose monitoring

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

More than 34 million U.S adults are living with diabetes. That is more than 10% of the adult population. Of this, more than 90% have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can develop as a result of genetic predisposition, diet, environmental factors, and lifestyle. If uncontrolled, it can cause serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness.

Before being diagnosed with diabetes, there is a condition known as prediabetes where although blood glucose levels are high, they are not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Studies show that up to 70% of people who have prediabetes eventually develop type 2 diabetes. However, progression from prediabetes to diabetes can be prevented.

Although factors like your age, past behaviors, and genes cannot be changed, you can take actions to lower the risk of diabetes. These include:

  • Cutting refined carbs and sugar from your diethelp your diabetes
  • Working out regularly
  • Drinking water as the primary beverage
  • Losing weight if you are obese or overweight
  • Adhering to a low-carb diet
  • Watching portion sizes
  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoiding sedentary behaviors
  • Watching portion sizes
  • Eating a high-fiber diet
  • Optimizing vitamin D levels
  • Minimizing intake of processed foods

Read more about the top 5 Carb Counting apps HERE!

coronavirus and diabetesDiabetes and the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges in care provision for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes. Moreover, research shows that people with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk for COVID-19-related complications. It is essential to ensure that diabetes patients can access sustainable healthcare services to avoid diabetes-related complications as a result of poor glycemic control.

Diabetes Self-dare tips during the pandemic

  1. Take your prescribed medication exactly as directed

If you stop taking medication, you set yourself up for serious diabetes-related complications. Moreover, activities such as smoking and drinking lower your immunity, increasing the risk of serious infection and poor outcomes.

  1. Staying active

Exercise such as swimming and walking are recommended for diabetes management. They help improve blood glucose control and promote weight loss. Moreover, staying active even while at home reduces risk for chronic issues such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Exercise is great for mental health and it also gives you the opportunity to monitor your body especially your leg and foot health to avoid loss of sensation (neuropathy).

You can follow online workout programs to stay active indoors. If you are exercising in the outdoors practice physical distancing and follow other COVID-19 safety guidelines.

  1. Stay hydrated and follow a healthy diabetes diet

Be sure to manage your nutrition by incorporating the right amount of carbohydrates to maintain your blood sugar levels within your target range throughout the day. Sip caffeine-free drinks, preferably water, throughout the day. Minimize or avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase dyhydration and is often full of carbohydrates.

  1. Diabetes – Mind your immunity.

There is no magic pill to improve your immune system. However, making healthy choices helps improve your health, thereby boosting immunity.

  1. Take care of your mental health with diabetes.

Physical and social isolation can increase depression and anxiety, especially in people with underlying conditions. According to CDC people with diabetes are at a higher risk of being depressed partly due to the added restrictions and responsibilities of the disease. You can connect with your family and friends using technology such as video calling. Seek help if you’re struggling with unexplained fatigue, anxiety, or low mood.

If you have diabetes, long-term goals and planning can make all the difference. Although the current pandemic has thrown us a curveball, Defeat Diabetes association is dedicated to helping individuals and communities move forward and live their most healthy and best lives.

Learn everything about Covid 19 and Diabetes HERE!

Defeat diabetes Association

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Non Invasive Glucose Meter Wins FDA Approval

Freestyle Libre ‘Flash’ Glucose Monitoring System.

The United States Food and Drug Administration  (FDA) recently announced the long-awaited approval of Abbott Labs’ FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System (Bloodless Glucose Meter). This is a meaningful development both for the company and for Diabetes patients, especially in the United States. However, it was expected. Abbott is already marketing this new noninvasive glucose meter and it was just a matter of time before the device received U.S. FDA approval.

When Can We Expect it in Major Retail Pharmacies?

Earlier this year, the company presented data from 50,000 Freestyle Libre users which show that patients are checking their blood sugar levels at least 16 times per day. This frequency is significantly higher compared to other monitoring systems. The high frequency of checking blood glucose levels is largely attributable to the fact that the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System does not require any finger pricking.

Since more frequent monitoring is usually associated with better health outcomes, particularly for diabetes patients, you can expect high demand for the device in the United States especially after winning FDA approval.

We expect the device to be launched in major pharmacies in the United States by the end of 2017. However, in the United States, FreeStyle Libre Flash is approved only for adults with diabetes. The FreeStyle Libre sensor can be considered a ‘replacement’ for fingersticks because it provides real-time readings and clear trends that are used for insulin dosing. Therefore, this device eliminates the need for any fingerstick calibrations.

In the United States, FreeStyle Libre Flash has three main differences:

  • A shorter wear time (10 days).
  • It will require a physician’s prescription.
  • A significantly longer warm-up period after installation (12 hours).

Outside the United States, the device does not require a prescription, has a longer wear time of 14 days, and requires just a 1-hour warm-up.

One of the biggest changes is the longer war-up period which means that when you insert a new sensor, it will not provide any real-time blood glucose readings for the first 12 hours. Therefore, some users must go back to fingersticks during the warm-up period. Therefore, it’s recommended that you put a new sensor on before bed in order to get through much of the warm-up period. The other option is to buy two readers, overlap sensor wear times in order to avoid going for 12 hours without glucose data.

FreeStyle Libre Flash is a Continuous Glucose Monitor because it collects glucose data every minute and displays the reading and trend arrow. However, it’s essential to understand that it does not have an alarm and it does not communicate continuously with the reader device as other Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices do.

The sensor must be scanned within 1.5 inches using the hand-held reader to get real-time glucose data. You can scan the sensor even through clothing making the process far less painful, visible and obtrusive than a fingerstick.

Read about the Top 5 Companies Developing Non-Invasive Glucose Monitors in 2022!

Freestyle Libre Adhesive patchFreeStyle libre Flash is approved to be worn on the upper arm, is fully disposable, is waterproof (for swimming and showering), is not affected by acetaminophen (Tylenol) and can store 8 hours of recent data. Remember, if more than 8 hours have passed between scans, the device will only capture the most recent 8 hours of data.

Non invasive glucose meterThis approval comes one year after being submitted to the FDA for approval and a year since FreeStyle Libre Pro was launched in the US. This real-time version of FreeStyle Libre will expand the US Continuous Glucose Monitoring market significantly. The lower price, small on-body footprint, pharmacy distribution, no need for fingersticks, and ease of insertion are all very welcome improvements especially for diabetes patients.

FreeStyle Libre Flash is similar to convention CGM devices in that it measures the glucose levels in interstitial fluid in real time. However the device offers various advantages such as lower cost and longer sensor wear. Moreover in contrast to other CGM devices, FreeStyle Libre is factory calibrated meaning it doesn’t require fingerstick measurements for calibration.

New Information on Compatability with iPhone!

continuous glucose monitoring appsEditor’s Note: The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the LibreLinkUp are both now available from the app store for free download. the The LibreLink is compatible with the iPhone 7 and later versions and the LibreLinkUp has compatibility with iPad and iPhone. There’s no need to have the separate reader device.

Features of the FreeStyle LibreLink App

Bloodless glucose meter

Pros:

  • Text-to-speech glucose readings. This is a very valuable feature for those who are visually impaired.
  • The app is now available in more than 24 countries and supported in 26 languages.
  • The option is available to make additional notes on insulin dosing, food, exercise and anything else relevant.
  • The app has the ability to log small insulin doses (of 0.1 units)

Bloodless glucose monitor app

Cons:

  • You must have the app ‘open’ for it to scan – you can’t use it from the phone ‘lock’ screen
  • persons ages 4-17 must be supervised by a caregiver 18years or older.

Most people are excited to see this version of FreeStyle Libre Glucose Monitoring System coming to the United States. Diabetes patients globally have responded positively to this device and it’s now being used by at least 400,000 people in more than 41 countries.

More on Glucose monitoring on your phone!

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Top 4 Diabetic Lotions to Help Increase Circulation.

Best Lotions for Diabetic Feet

Diabetes can cause deprivation of oxygen to your skin, leading to poor circulation that might lead to severe, chronic dryness, slow healing, redness, cracking, and itching. This basically means that diabetics can get injured more easily and are more likely to get infections that take longer to heal. Here are some of the best lotions for diabetic feet that can help alleviate these diabetes complications:

  1. Neoteric Advanced Healing Cream

Neoteric advanced healing cream provides treatment for cracked, damaged, and chronic dry skin. One of its main ingredients is TriOxygenc which helps infuse oxygen into your skin. This diabetic skin care cream is proven to speed healing and increase circulation by strengthening the natural defenses of the skin. It provides instant soothing action by quickly restoring your skin to a healthier, smooth soft texture.

Main benefitsbest lotion for diabetic dry skin

  • Especially great for feet and hands
  • Speeds healing by strengthening the natural defenses of the skin
  • Protects and restores chronic dry, damaged, cracked skin
  • Helps increase the skin’s natural collagen production and circulation
  • Promotes, healthier, stronger, more resilient skin
  • Provides therapeutic skin moisturization and protection
  • Non-greasy
  • Absorbs very easily

Best Cream for Diabetic Feet

Neoteric advanced healing cream provides exceptional skin care for people with all types of dry skin conditions including diabetes.

How to use

Apply as often as necessary or as directed by the healthcare expert or physician. Daily use is recommended to help maintain the skin’s soft, healthy appearance.

  1. Gold Bond Ultimate Hydrating Lotion – Diabetic Skin Care Lotions

With diabetes, your skin can become rough, cracked and uncomfortable. Gold bond ultimate hydrating lotion is specifically formulated for dry skin with hydralast and seven intensive moisturizers to hydrate and soothe the skin while adding a strong protective layer of moisture for up to 24 hours. Gold bond ultimate hydrating lotion is ideal for daily use and does not contain any harsh alpha hydroxyl acids that irritate the skin.Foot Creams For Diabetic Neuropathy

  • Ideal for all over body use
  • Contains aloe and essential vitamins that moisturize and nourish dry, flaky skin
  • Keeps the skin feeling and looking noticeably healthy
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • An exclusive formula that is dermatologist tested

Diabetic Cream for Feet

How to use

Apply Gold bond ultimate hydrating lotion liberally to rough, dry and problem skin areas to speed up moisturization.

  1. Eucerin Diabetics’ Skin Relief Body Lotion

Eucerin diabetics’ dry skin relief lotion is specifically designed to leave the skin feeling comfortable, hydrated and healthier all day long. This unique, non-greasy formula is enriched with alpha hydroxyl which repairs and exfoliates dry, flaky skin. Besides smooth ing dry, rough skin, Eucerin diabetics’ skin relief body lotion noticeably improves overall skin condition and appearance just after one use! It is designed to repair, enhance and protect your skin, giving you the confidence that comes from healthy-looking and radiant skin.

BenefitsBest lotion for diabetic dry skin

  • The alpha hydroxyl formula smoothens rough, dry skin after just one use
  • Fast absorbing and lightweight
  • Fragrance-free
  • The clinically proven formula that provides 24-hour moisture
  • Paraben-free
  • Dermatologist recommended brand

Diabetic Lotions to Help Increase Circulation

How to use

Apply liberally over rough, dry skin every day or as recommended by the physician. Apply immediately after showering or bathing for best results.

  1. DiabetAid Pain and Tingling Relief Lotion

Diabetes can cause two main problems that hurt your legs and feet. One complication is damage to the nerves which leads to an infection or a sore. The other problem is blood flow which can make it hard for an infection or sore to heal. However, if you check for sores, cuts and also for sand, wash your feet and hands with mild soap, chances of infections are greatly reduced. Sometimes you may also feel a tingling sensation in your hands and feet. Applying DiabetAid pain and Tingling Relief Lotion will relieve those uncomfortable sensations.

Benefits Diabetic Lotions to Help Increase Circulation

  • Soothing relief for uncomfortable tingling in the feet and hands
  • Contains 4 essential moisturizers to relieve dry, rough skin
  • Does not contain any ingredients that are considered harmful or dangerous to diabetics.

diabetic skin care lotions

How to use

Apply to affected areas daily but you should avoid applying more than 4 times per day. Children under 2 years should consult a doctor for directions and recommendations.

Learn everything you should know about Coronavirus and diabetes HERE!

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Lastest Info on Inhaled Insulin

Latest Information on Diabetic Inhalers

Post updated: 20th May 2023

People with diabetes, researchers, as well as doctors, agree that conventional injected insulin is effective when it comes to managing diabetes. They’ll also probably agree that getting insulin into the body through anything other than an injection would be better.

Insulin can’t be administered through pills, but how about inhaling it. The effectiveness of insulin inhalers for managing diabetes means that insulin aerosolization (using compressed air to convert insulin into particles that can be inhaled and absorbed through blood vessels in the lungs) is a viable treatment option for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Although previous attempts to produce insulin inhalers have been unsuccessful, lessons were learned and modern insulin inhalers are again a thrilling area of modern diabetes technology.

How Does Inhaled Insulin Work?

Insulin Inhaler AFREZZAWhilst the idea of inhaled insulin has been around for several decades, researchers only made it possible in the 1990s. With inhalers much like the ones used by asthma patients, people with diabetes simply breathe a fine aerosolized insulin powder into the lungs where it is absorbed into the blood through blood vessels.

Insulin Inhale Afrezza

Some diabetic inhalers work by converting dry compressed insulin into particles that can be inhaled. Other inhalers use the breath to activate insulin stored in powder form.

Modern Inhaled Insulin

The first inhaled insulin known as Exubera was approved by the FDA in 2006. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients could use the drug to control blood sugar.

However, Exubera didn’t catch on with customers and it was taken off the market in 2007. Later, concerns were raised that the drug might cause lung cancer and other lung problems. Patients also thought the canister was too clunky and big. (Afrezza is smaller and easily portable).

Afrezza, an inhaler with rapid-acting pre-measured insulin, was approved by the FDA in June 2014. It is an inhaler that is taken before meals and is approved for use in the U.S. However, Afrezza should not be used for diabetes-related complications like DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis).

Inhaled insulin can have several side effects such as a cough, low blood sugar, and a sore or scratchy throat. People with type 1 diabetes still need to use long-acting insulin, to help control their blood sugar. Moreover, inhaled insulin should not be used by people who smoke or have lung diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma.

Ultra-rapid Acting Insulin

Ultra-rapid-acting inhaled insulin means that insulin that is breathed directly into the lungs enters the bloodstream quicker and acts faster than injected insulin.

Rapid-acting insulin injections usually have their peak activity 30 to 90 minutes after injections but the Afrezza inhaler has its peak activity 12 to 15 minutes after use.

In the future inhaled basal (slow-acting) insulin could become a reality, however, there’s no indication that it will be available in the near future. Therefore, people who take long-acting insulin need to continue taking basal dose injections.

Benefits of Inhaled Insulin

inhaled insulin benefits     Studies show that insulin inhalers have become increasingly successful in insulin delivery and controlling blood sugar levels. Clinical studies of the recently approved Afrezza show proved it to be successful in reducing incidences of severe hypoglycemia in patients compared to rapid-acting insulin injections that are most commonly used to control blood sugar.

Whilst previous devices, such as Exubera, were cumbersome and large, modern insulin inhalers are notably smaller and more portable.

Insulin without needles     One of the key advantages of inhaled insulin is its non-invasive nature. Unlike injections, which can be painful and inconvenient, inhaled insulin delivers insulin directly to the lungs through a handheld inhaler. This method eliminates the need for needles, reducing the discomfort associated with injections and making it a more comfortable option for individuals who fear or dislike needles.

Insulin without injection     Moreover, inhaled insulin provides a rapid onset of action. It allows for the quick absorption of insulin into the bloodstream, resulting in faster blood sugar control. This is especially beneficial for mealtime insulin dosing, as it mimics the natural release of insulin in response to food consumption.

Inhaled insulin     Another advantage of inhaled insulin is its flexibility and convenience. With inhalable insulin, people with diabetes can discreetly administer insulin whenever and wherever necessary, without the need for privacy or special equipment. This flexibility empowers people with diabetes to better manage their condition, leading to improved adherence to insulin therapy.

Inhaled insulin     Furthermore, inhaled insulin offers a more precise dosing option. Inhalers are designed to deliver precise doses, allowing for accurate insulin administration. This can help individuals achieve better glycemic control, reducing the risk of hypo or hyperglycemia and promoting long-term health.

Disadvantages of Insulin Inhalers

Insulin Inhaler     In recent clinical trials of Afrezza, the inhaled insulin drug was outperformed by daily injections, in terms of reducing HbA1c levels. Fortunately, the deference was a mere 0.4% or 4 mmol/mol.

Insulin without needles     Insulin doses for inhaled insulin are not easy to vary as for injections. Injections can deliver insulin doses by half-unit increments but Afrezza, the latest inhaled insulin device, can only deliver doses by 4-unit increments.

Insulin without injection     A few concerns exist such as the long-term effects of using insulin inhalers on people who have breathing problems as well as people who smoke.

Insulin without injection     Although there’s no evidence that inhaled insulin increases the risk of lung cancer, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States continues to monitor inhaled insulin devices such as Afrezza just in case evidence of lung cancer causation emerges.

Precautions

Be sure to consult your doctor before using Afrezza to ensure that you’re making a sound and ‘safe’ decision. Tell your physicians if you are taking any medicines or have any allergic or unusual reactions to medications, including Afrezza. This will help your doctor determine whether doses need to be changed as well as how often you use your medications.

Inhaled Insulin

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