Both diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 are caused by the body's failure to produce enough insulin to properly process sugar. When the sugar you consume is not broken down or disposed of properly, the blood sugar levels in your blood will rise. High blood sugar levels can cause heart disease, poor circulation, eye problems, and many other ailments.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is vital that you monitor your blood sugar levels. Careful monitoring will allow your doctor to adjust your medication if necessary and will let you know if you need to eat more or less at your next meal.
There are two basic methods for monitoring your blood sugar, the finger prick method and the continuous reading method.
Finger Prick Method
This is the most common method used to monitor blood sugar levels. This method involves using a spring-loaded lancet to prick your finger. When a drop of blood comes out, you use a testing strip to sop it up and then slide the testing strip into the monitor. The monitor will read the blood sugar levels of the blood on the test strip and provide you with a reliable glucose reading.
There are many brands of monitors on the market, like the OneTouch® Ultra® 2 Some use Wi-Fi to connect to your doctor or your smartphone to provide updated blood sugar readings. Others are more basic, and you will have to keep a written journal of your readings to present to the doctor at your next appointment.
Continuous Reading Method
This is a newer way to monitor your blood sugar levels. A sensor is placed on your body with this method, usually on the upper arm. It remains there for as long as two weeks and tests your blood glucose levels every few minutes. Using your smartphone and a downloadable app, some continuous blood sugar monitors, like the FreeStyle Libre 2 Sensor, will transmit your current glucose levels to your phone when you scan the sensor so you can see the results in real-time.
Like the DexCom G6, other continuous brands take this a step further and automatically send the blood sugar results to your phone every five minutes. You can also have alerts set up on the newest DexCom model so that an alarm goes off if your blood sugar goes above or below preset levels.
Use the RxLess Discount Cards For all of Your Diabetic Testing Needs
Regardless of which method you choose to monitor your blood sugar levels, there are a lot of supplies needed to keep up with regular testing. The cost of buying all of those testing supplies can add up quickly, especially for the newer technology-based types.
The RxLess discount card is accepted at all the major pharmacies, including Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. Simply use the RxLess search tool to find your prescription medications or tools, choose a pharmacy, and download or print a copy of your discount card. Show the card to the pharmacist and save instantly.
