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If you have too much fluid in your system, it collects in the lowest part of the body due to gravity, and your feet and ankles swell. People with high blood pressure frequently have this kind of swelling. Another cause of foot swelling is inactivity.

Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin caused by too much rubbing or pressure on the same spot. Corns and calluses can become infected

Blisters can form if shoes always rub the same spot. Wearing shoes that do not fit or wearing shoes without socks can cause blisters. Blisters can become infected.

Ingrown toenails happen when an edge of the nail grows into the skin. The skin can get red and infected. Ingrown toenails can happen if you ...

High blood glucose from diabetes causes two problems that can hurt your feet:

Nerve damage – One problem is damage to nerves in your legs and feet. With damaged nerves, you might not feel pain, heat, or cold in your legs and feet. A sore or cut on your foot may get worse because you do not know it is there. This lack of feeling is caused by nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy (ne-ROP-uh-thee). It can lead to a large ...

Diabetic socks are designed to reduce pressure on swollen feet, ankles, and sensitive legs by minimizing constriction. Socks that maintain their shape and ability to absorb moisture are preferable and are seen with materials with a blend of cotton and polyester. Manufactures will soon be coming out with cushioned and low-abrasion potential socks to use in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Yes. Newer blood glucose meters use test strips that only require a tiny drop of blood and can be used at alternative sites such as the forearm. Be sure to check the package insert of your test strips to see which sites are appropriate for use with your strips.

It really depends on the individual. Many people have callused skin, therefore a thicker needle is required. You should experiment with different sizes to find the lancet that will provide you with an adequate blood droplet each time you test. Always make sure to use the least depth possible.

Diabetic lancets are designed for one time use. You can use them more than once but make sure you sterilize them beforehand. The only problem with doing this is that the blade edge tends to deteriorate which can lead to more pain. It is not recommended.

Diabetic lancets which are used for blood sampling are available in different gauges. The gauge of the lancet refers width of the metal point. The higher the gauge, the smaller the perforation (cut) the lancet makes. Usually a higher-gauge lancet is less painful to use, but it may be harder to get an adequate amount of blood with a higher-gauge lancet.

All American citizens over age 65, the disabled, and individuals with end-stage renal disease who purchase Medicare Part B coverage and/or Medicare managed care policies are eligible for the following:

• Blood glucose testing supplies
• Blood glucose monitors
• Blood glucose test strips
• Lancets
• Spring loaded lancet devices
• Glucose control solution for calibrating meters

However, some limitations apply, including:

• All patients with diabetes are entitled, upon receipt of a physician’s prescription, to a blood glucose monitor for the life of the monitor.
• Patients treated with insulin are eligible for 100 blood ...

The FDA has monitored Internet sales of health products for several years and has sent warnings about illegal practices to more than 50 companies. Even though its resources are limited, the FDA is increasing its monitoring of Internet sales and is working with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to stop illegal advertising. The FTC works with both state and Federal consumer protection and public health agencies. It can take legal actions against Internet advertisers of health products that run false ...

Employer sponsored group health insurance plans are not allowed to turn you down based on your health status. Some employers require newly hired employees to take and pass a physical exam (or to fill out a health questionnaire) before enrolling in health coverage.

Individual health insurance policies, however, are not subject to the same consumer protections. The individual health insurance market in most states is characterized by “medical underwriting.” That is, insurers in this market decide whether to sell coverage ...

No. Expired test strips may give inaccurate results. Do not use test strips if the expiration date has passed. Test strips are only good for 3 months after opening the vial. 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. What out for low priced Test Strips, usually on Ebay. Many times they have expired.

Testing your blood sugar level will show you how food, physical activity and diabetes medications affect you. The readings from the testing will help you manage your diabetes. Be sure to keep a record of your test results and review them with your health care provider. Keeping your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible may also help prevent the onset diabetic-related health complications.

It’s not necessarily the actual materials that make up the test strips that make them expensive. Its the research, development, and testing of the manufacturers that makes them expensive (at least that’s what they say). Its also interesting that the price of most glucose monitors have decreased as of late. Hmm. You ever bought an inkjet cartridge or a razor. Looks like they’re following the same trend. Give away the equipment and make money on the supplies.

The level of coverage for diabetic supply benefits will often vary from one policy to another. In the case of the individual and small group markets, 46 states have laws requiring comprehensive coverage of diabetes supplies, services and medications. Medicare is required by law to cover blood glucose monitoring supplies, diabetic test strips, insulin pumps and diabetes education services; but the program does not cover oral medications, insulin, or syringes for most seniors in America. The Medicaid program covers or ...