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Diabetes can be a challenging condition to manage. From frustrating symptoms to frequent doctor’s visits, there’s a lot involved with staying comfortable. It’s important for people with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels and watch for telltale signs that may require medical attention. One way to do this is through at-home testing with a glucometer and test strips. Knowing the basics of blood glucose testing is essential for anyone with diabetes, so here’s what you need to know. The Importance of Blood Sugar Testing for Diabetics Regular testing allows individuals to be aware of their current glucose levels and take the necessary steps to regulate them if needed. It’s also helpful in detecting patterns over time so you can understand how different activities like exercise or food intake affect your blood sugar levels. Without frequent testing, it can be difficult to know if your levels are within a healthy range or if you need to seek care.

Living with diabetes can be a challenge for anyone, but having the right tools at your disposal can make it easier. Certain supplies can make a big difference in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of complications, and improving your ability to deal with unexpected health issues. Here, we'll discuss five essential diabetic supplies every person with diabetes should keep at home and what makes them so important. This way, you'll be prepared to face any diabetes-related challenge that comes your way. 1. Blood Glucose Meter When you’re going about your daily routine, being able to take your blood glucose measurements easily is essential to stay informed. For that reason, a blood glucose meter is an essential tool for anyone with diabetes. These small, handheld devices allow you to measure your blood sugar level quickly and accurately so that you can adjust your diet and medication accordingly. Best of all, you can even take them with you when you

Thanksgiving and other holidays that are centered around an abundance of food can be challenging for someone with diabetes. Traditional Thanksgiving foods like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie are high in calories and carbohydrates. With some careful planning and creativity, a person with diabetes can eat a delicious Thanksgiving meal with their friends and family while keeping their blood sugar under control.   A great way to check your blood sugar if you are diabetic is through continuous glucose monitoring. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a CGM automatically tracks blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, throughout the day and night. You can see your glucose level anytime and you can also review how your glucose changes over a few hours. Seeing glucose levels in real-time can help you make more informed decisions throughout the day about how to balance your food, physical activity, and medicines.  Diabetes-Friendly

Living with diabetes makes dessert time a little more complicated. The good news is that there are lots of yummy treats that won’t mess up your blood sugar while also satisfying your sweet tooth! Next time you’re craving something post-dinner, try out one of these delicious treats.  Raspberry-Mocha Cake  The first dessert is beautiful, delicious and blood sugar friendly all in one! This recipe makes 16, 1-piece servings – the perfect size to share with the whole family.  Ingredients:  Two 8-ounce packages of chocolate sugar-free, low-fat cake mix  1 ½ cups of brewed chocolate-almond flavored coffee  1 ¼ cups of raspberry spreadable fruit, melted  Two ½ ounce packages of sugar-free instant cocoa mix  One 1.3-ounce envelope of sugar-free whipped topping mix  ½ cup of fat-free cold milk  ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract  Directions:  Preheat

  Interested to learn more about Continuous Glucose Monitoring? Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems track glucose levels throughout the day. CGM users insert a tiny sensor wire just under their skin using an automatic applicator. An adhesive patch holds the CGM sensor housing in place so the sensor can measure glucose readings in interstitial fluid throughout the day and night.    Just as in life, the Continuous Glucose Monitoring arena is full of choices.  The brands have unique features that make them better choices for different people.  Below is a comparison with the pros and cons of some of the CGMs now available.       FreeStyle Libre   Dexcom G6   Medtronic Guardian III Available Online!   Available Online!         --

  Did you know your insurance may cover the purchase of a pair of Diabetic Shoes and Insoles? What exactly are Diabetic Shoes? They are specially designed shoes intended to offer protection for diabetic feet and reduce the risk of skin breakdown, primarily in cases of poor circulation, neuropathy and foot deformities. They're specifically constructed to provide pain relief and enhanced levels of comfort. In order to qualify for diabetic shoes and insoles through Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, patients must be diagnosed with diabetes and a related issue with their feet. Most insurances will reimburse for one pair of diabetic shoes and three pair of insoles per year, as well as other accommodations to insoles like toe filler. There are two items of documentation required: office notes and a prescription. Hart Medical Equipment has an order form to help with the ordering process.  Insurance requires that patients see their physician for what’s called

What is CGM and How Does it Work? Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems track glucose levels throughout the day. CGM users insert a tiny sensor wire just under their skin using an automatic applicator. An adhesive patch holds the CGM sensor housing in place so the sensor can measure glucose readings in interstitial fluid throughout the day and night.    A small, reusable transmitter connects to the sensor wire and sends real-time readings wirelessly to a receiver, so the user can view the information. With some systems, a compatible smart device (cell phone) with the CGM system app can serve as the display device. The receiver or compatible smart device displays current glucose levels, as well as historical trends in levels. Unlike a blood glucose meter (BGM), which provides just a single glucose reading, CGM systems can provide real-time, dynamic glucose information every five minutes — up to 288 readings in a 24-hour period.  Users can gain valuable