Diabetic Seniors » Test Strips

Free Diabetic Test Strip

DiabeticSeniors.com — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:23:00 +0000

Diabetics with Medicare may be able to receive free diabetic test strips.

There’s no doubt: diabetes test strips are expensive — especially if you must test your blood sugar several times a day.

But, did you know that if you are a diabetic you could get free strips to test your blood sugar?

“Free test strips? That sounds too good to be true.”

As a Medicare participating provider, Liberty Medical Supply helps people with diabetes get the Medicare benefits they are entitled to. If you are a diabetic and have a doctor’s order to test your blood sugar at home, you may be eligible for home delivery of test strips and other diabetes testing supplies. And, if you have qualified supplemental insurance, you may owe nothing at all. Diabetics, that means free strips to test your blood!

Here’s How the Services Work:

Liberty Medical Supply offers diabetics a world of free strips to test their blood as well as other diabetes testing supplies — name brands like Accuchek, Bayer, Optium, Prestige, Roche and more.

Once you are approved, it usually takes three to five days to receive your first order from Liberty.
We send your supplies according to your doctor’s instructions with no charge for shipping.
We bill Medicare and your insurance company for you! That may mean free test strips if you have qualified supplemental insurance!
When it’s time to reorder, Liberty will remind you. So you don’t have to worry about running out of supplies.

See If You Qualify for Free Strips to Test your Blood Sugar

Diabetics, to find out if you meet the requirements for free strips to test your blood sugar, call toll-free to 1-866-382-6460 . Liberty will check with your doctor and Medicare to determine if you qualify.

* Co-payments and deductibles apply.

Diabetes Test Strip

DiabeticSeniors.com — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:24:00 +0000

Any person who has been diagnosed with a blood glucose condition is aware of the importance of a diabetes test strip. A diabetes test strip is a thin piece of plastic meant for one-time use. A small sample of blood can be either dropped onto a diabetes test strip or drawn into one (depending on the type), and then the diabetes test strip is placed into a meter to read your current blood glucose levels. Most people with onset diabetes will use a diabetes test strip a couple times every day, whether or not their condition is insulin dependent. Your doctor will determine the actual frequency and best times for you to use a diabetes test strip. Many seniors have questions about whether their insurance or Medicare coverage will include the diabetes test strip, and in most cases the answer is yes (standard deductibles and certain restrictions will apply). Better yet, you can now have the diabetes test strip supply you will need every day delivered right to your door—often for no additional out-of-pocket expense. An easy way to help monitor your daily blood glucose levels, the diabetes test strip is a necessity for many individuals, but you can now take advantage of ways to reduce the cost and effort to keep a diabetes test strip in-hand, and ready to go.

Please be aware that this page about the diabetes test strip is meant for informational purposes only; please consult your physician for more specific info about your case.

Diabetic Supply Test Strip

DiabeticSeniors.com — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:18:00 +0000

Once diagnosed as being at high risk or having onset diabetes, every patient will become familiar with a diabetic supply test strip to help monitor his or her levels. The really good news is that now, having an affordable diabetic supply test strip sent right to your door is easy—even for people on Medicare. The typical patient will use a diabetic supply test strip and a glucose meter a couple times every day, but your doctor will determine the frequency and specific times for you to use a diabetic supply test strip to check your daily blood glucose levels. As of January 2005, Medicare can cover up to 100% of your necessary glucose monitors including the diabetic supply test strip. You are encouraged to discuss the specifics of your own situation with your doctor and Medicare administrator to make sure you are getting the most from your available coverage (standard deductibles, co-payments and some restrictions apply). Since you will be using a diabetic supply test strip a couple times every day to monitor your blood glucose levels, you will appreciate the convenience and affordability of having your supplies sent right to your own front door. Living a full and rewarding life with onset diabetes never has to be out of reach, and by choosing your diabetic supply test strip from a trusted provider, you are taking the first step toward better managing your condition and what it means to you.

Please be aware that this page on a diabetic supply test strip is meant for informational purposes only; please consult a physician for more specific questions pertaining to individual cases.

Diabetic Test Strip

DiabeticSeniors.com — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:49:00 +0000

If you are risk or have been diagnosed with a diabetic condition, using a diabetic test strip to monitor the progression of your condition will become part of your daily routine. You will use a diabetic test strip to measure the amount of glucose found in your bloodstream, placing it in a glucose meter to read and evaluate a small blood sample taken from your fingertip. You will be asked by your doctor to perform this test at specific times every day, and typical cases show the use of a diabetic test strip between two and four times every day. A quick and effective way to determine the amount of glucose your system, each diabetic test strip is a small part in your larger picture of maintenance and monitoring. And with the recent changes in Medicare coverage for diabetes, you can now receive a regular supply of necessary items including the diabetic test strip for much less than you might have imagined. Talk to your doctor and insurance administrator to determine the best route for you to take advantage of savings on a regular diabetic test strip supply, which can now be sent right to your door for greatly reduced rates, or even for free. Never rely solely on the results shown by your diabetic test strip to determine the extent of your condition, and defer to your doctor’s advice and guidance for the best plan to help you to live without the complications of diabetes.

Please be aware that this page on a diabetic test strip is meant for informational purposes only; please consult a physician for more specific questions pertaining to individual cases.

Blood Glucose Test Strips

DiabeticSeniors.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:59:00 +0000

Blood glucose test strips or testing strips are thin material (often plastic) upon which a small drop of blood is placed. Chemicals on the strip react with glucose in the blood drop. The blood glucose test strips are placed in a glucose meter so that measurements can be taken and blood glucose levels determined. Your doctor may require you to take measurements between two to four times daily.

Changes in Medicare coverage for diabetes now make it possible to receive a regular diabetes supplies including the blood glucose test strips for less than you may think. Discuss this with your physician and insurance professional to determine the best way to take advantage of savings on blood glucose test strips and other diabetic supplies that you may need which can now be sent right to your door for reduced rates, or possibly free of charge. Always defer to your physician’s guidance for the best methods of living with diabetes.

Blood Glucose Test Strips: The Color of Health

Using blood glucose test strips to regularly monitor your blood-sugar level is at the core of keeping your diabetes under control.

You can easily tell if the level of glucose in your blood is low, high or normal in one of two ways. Both involve placing a small drop of fresh blood on a blood glucose test strip.

With the first method, you compare the color on the end of the blood glucose test strips to the color chart printed on the side of the test strip container. The second method involves inserting the blood glucose test strip into a blood glucose meter, which reads the strip and shows the level of blood glucose in a digital window display.

Why is Glucose Control Important?

Using blood glucose test strips to help control your blood sugar level will help you:

Feel better
Stay healthy
Have more energy
Avoid the symptoms of high blood sugar (feeling very thirsty and tired, blurred vision, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal)
Lower your chances of having eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and heart disease.
Enjoy a better quality of life.

What to Look for in a Blood Glucose Test Strip

Finding the right blood glucose test strip — and learning to use it properly — is an
important step in managing your diabetes. Look for a blood glucose test strip that:

Requires a small blood sample (who wants all that sticking?).
Provides capillary action (just hold your finger to the edge and the strip does the rest — blood is automatically drawn into the test window).
Is easy to handle (look for a compact, easy-to-open vial, and a shape and size that’s easy to use).

Liberty Medical Supply delivers a world of blood glucose test strips and other diabetic supplies right to your door. Buy brand name blood glucose test strips at wholesale prices — names like Accuchek, Bayer, Optium, Presitge, Roche and more.

Source:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Glucose Meters & Diabetes Management
The American Diabetes Association

Palco Labs Testing Supplies

DiabeticSeniors.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:25:00 +0000

A diabetes finger stick test requires a drop of fresh blood lanced from a clean, dry finger. Fortunately, Palco Labs makes blood sampling products that simplify the process while minimizing pain.

Using Palco lancets and following a few simple steps, you can ensure you get a proper sample every time.

Always use fresh Palco lancets — reusing them can lead to calluses, infections and increased pain.
Apply the drop of blood to the test spot area of the test strip. Do not allow your finger to touch the test spot.
Use a fresh test strip. Test strips are only good for three months after opening the vial. An expired strip may provide inaccurate results. When opening a new container of test strips, be sure to code your meter using control solution and a new strip.
If the entire color spot area does not show full color development (not enough blood) or appears “wet” (too much blood), discard the strip and repeat the test with a new test strip.
If your test results in an abnormally high or low test reading (a number you feel does not match your symptoms), use control solution to check that your meter is coded properly, then retest using fresh Palco lancets.

About Palco Labs

Palco Labs, Inc has been in the healthcare business for more than 25 years, focusing on blood sampling and injection aid products that reduce pain. During that time, Palco Labs has sold more than 50 million lancing devices.

Palco diabetes products include these well-known brands:

Auto-LancetTM “Classic” — This re-usable lancing device has set the standard for quality, comfort and adjustability since 1983. It’s the only lancing device with a lifetime warranty.

EZ-Lance® — This disposable safety lancet features an extra-large tab for easy removal and an ergonomic thumb groove. The high-speed, in-line needle strike minimizes the perception of pain. Safety features include a non- re-cockable feature that eliminates the possibility of reuse. The EZ-Lance needle is covered at all times before and after lancing.

EZ-Lancets(TM) — These premium Palco lancets have precision engineered needle edges to reduce discomfort and promote quick healing. EZ-Lancets fit most re-usable finger lancing devices, and are available in three sizes: 21 gauge, 26 gauge and 30 gauge.

Inject-Ease® — Palco Labs makes injections easy — even if you are fearful of injections — with the Inject-Ease device. In fact, an independent clinical study showed that 91 percent of participants reported less fear of injections with the Inject-Ease. After placing a loaded syringe in the Inject-Ease, you just place the tip against your skin and press the button to automatically deliver the needle through the skin. The special tip is designed to reduce the sensation of pain. Inject-Ease also allows for one-handed use so you can access hard-to-reach injection sites.

The Right Way to Use Blood Sugar Test Strips

DiabeticSeniors.com — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:04:00 +0000

Blood sugar readings help you manage your diabetes day-by-day. This do-it-yourself test uses a blood sugar monitor and blood sugar test strip to keep tabs on how well food, medicine and exercise are working to keep your blood sugar at healthy levels.

But your test results are often only as good as the blood sugar test strip you use (and how well you use it).

So, keep these tips in mind:

1) Always use a fresh test strip. Blood sugar test strips are only good for three months after opening the vial. Using an expired strip may provide inaccurate results.

Tip: When opening a new vial, count forward 90 days and write that date on the vial. Throw away any remaining test strips after that date.

2) Code your meter. When opening a new container of test strips, be sure to code your blood sugar monitor using control solution and a new strip. Make sure that the blood sugar test strip you are using is compatible with your meter (you’ll find this information with your meter instructions and on the strip packaging). Note that some newer blood sugar monitors have no coding technology, and don’t require you to manually enter a code.

Tip: When shopping for a meter, find out how much the test strips cost and take that into consideration.

3) Wash and dry your hands. Before performing your test, wash your hands in warm water to clean the area and get the blood flowing.

Tip: Avoid using alcohol, which can cause your skin to dry and crack.

4) Use a fresh lancet. Among the blood sugar testing supplies you’ll need are a supply of sterile lancets to get a drop of blood. Never reuse lancets. This can lead to calluses, infections and increased pain.

Tip: Try lancing the side of your finger, which may be easier and less painful than pricking the tip — especially if you test several times a day.

5) Dangle and squeeze. If you have trouble getting a sample, try dangling your hand below your heart for a minute then slowly squeeze from the base to the tip. When you have a large hanging drop of blood, apply it to the pad on the test strip. Or, if your strips are “sip-in” style, touch the strip to the blood droplet. When you apply the drop of blood to a diabetes strip for a test, do not allow your finger to touch the test spot area of the strip.

Tip: If you have a hard time getting enough blood for testing, consider changing to a glucose meter that requires a smaller sample.

6) Record your results. Blood sugar monitor readings you should aim for throughout the day include:

Fasting and before meals: 80 to 120
After meals (about 1 to 2 hours): Less than 160 to 180
Bedtime: 100 to 140

Remember that these are just general guidelines. Your blood sugar goals may need to be different. You’ll need to work with your doctor to develop the goals that are best for you.

Tip: Remember that you may need extra tests before you exercise or when you’re sick.

7) Watch for bad results. If the entire color spot area of the blood sugar test strip does not show full color development (not enough blood) or appears “wet” (too much blood), discard the strip and repeat the test with a new strip.

Tip: If your test results in an abnormally high or low reading (a number you feel does not match your symptoms), use control solution to check that your blood sugar monitor is coded properly. Then, retest.