Living with diabetes means that one must take more into account in order to experience a long and healthy life. Anytime the body does not operate properly all on its own, it is necessary to be hyper-vigilant in managing those things the body cannot. In the case of diabetes, however, many people don’t realize the consequences of mismanagement until something irreparable occurs. To avoid permanent health implications, it is important for the diabetic to have the diabetes supplies that are necessary and to review and take advantage of the release of new, improved product with better performance and additional features coming onto the market continually.
It has been stated in prominent publications such as USA Today that, by the year 2050, 1 in 3 Americans will live with diabetes. Part of our role as a society is to learn ways to avoid this potentially deadly disease; and part is to continue research and development to come up with better performers and quality product as well as ways to improve the diabetes supplies that are already on the market. Fortunately, obtaining diabetic supplies like lancets, meters, test strips and carrying cases has become easier with ecommerce and the accessibility of the internet to most patients.
Now, those who live with diabetes may choose the convenience of ordering their diabetic supplies online and from the comfort of home.
One of the first steps in the management of diabetes is working with the health care team and coming up with a personalized diabetes treatment plan. This plan will incorporate the necessary medications and supplies and will also cover diet and exercise recommendations. While the health care team is important in diabetes management; the most important factor in managing a long and healthy life will be the determination of the patient to control his or her own health and follow those recommendations. Understanding the role and options of diabetic supplies available in the market today is vital to that control.
In terms of blood glucose meters, a patient may choose according to their personal preference, from a talking meter- some offer speech in English or Spanish, a large display meter or a “wellness” meter. The talking meter is ideal for those who are visually impaired as are those models with a larger display area. The large display meter has an expanded display and easy to use buttons. A “wellness” meter provides the patient with online reporting capability and also provides educational tools.
Some patients may prefer a larger meter, where the strips are more easily held. Some may prefer to use a meter that requires the smallest droplet of blood or another option that stores and tracks readings, yet another that allows for direct transfer to a computer so that the patient does not have to manually log such information. The more compact meter is often preferred by the very active patients. With new, improved performance meters and other testing supplies coming onto the market each year, and meter costs not high, patients can make sure they have the latest and best available.
Spoilt for choice? There is no one-size-fits-all in diabetes supplies!