posted
I've been diagnosed with hypoglycemia and insulin resistance. My doctor wants me to use a glucometer and test papers.
My insurance, Medicare, will not cover these for a hypoglycemia diagnosis, only a diabetes diagnosis!
Can anyone recommend a glucometer and test paper to purchase? There are so many available online, and I just have no clue.
Thanks.
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You may be able to get one free. With a few test strips but that is the real cost here.
Just do some research as to the ones you might find easy to use, contact the company directly and ask. I did years ago and they sent me one. My diagnosis was hypoglycemia and they were fine with that. Just tell them what the doctor told you.
Or - contact your local diabetes support groups. I once got a gratis glucometer through a friend in such a group. They get these to give away.
One reason they are so frequently given away is that they will get your money with the strips. So do your homework on pricing before you settle on a particular meter.
As the test strips cost so much, I've not been able to get those for years but have learned how to manage with diet, frequent meals and adding back in grains (non-gluten).
Hypoglycemia was far worse when I avoided grains like black rice, quinoa, etc. Vegetables were not lasting long enough and blood sugar would hit the floor often.
After you get used to this, you may be able to just test once a week or so. Price out the strips, be sure where you might buy them is a reputable source and then budget them.
If you test all the time at first, they won't last long. I made that mistake but it did help me learn that just because I was feeling terrible, that my blood sugar was not always the cause.
Berberine has also helped so much. I test now then then using a friend's meter and I seem to be steady. I don't feel the drops anymore, either.
[ 08-13-2014, 03:47 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- While Berberine can be a help to lower blood sugar, it seems to be adaptogenic is that only if that is what's needed. I never feel that it lowers mine too much. I take it for various reasons but one is for insulin resistance.
Hypoglycemia can lead later to highs. That's why insurance companies should cover this help but they don't. And, hypoglycemia episodes can be very damaging to the body, too, probably just as bad as high, some diabetes experts are now saying.
posted
Diet is definately a key. I was on a no-grain diet for months, in conjunction with treating candida. While on it I was constantly hungry and felt the hypoglycemia.
Now that I'm back eating gluten free grains I feel better. Also I eat protein with every meal and often for snacks, nuts, healthy fats, lots of veggies. And yes, snacking all day.
Maybe I won't need the glucometer and strips? If I can't afford the strips, that will be a factor, living on SSD.
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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