Buyer's Guide
Freestyle test strips are designed to give accurate results quickly. They're ideal for diabetics who must monitor their own levels of sugar. With regular tests, it's difficult to know exactly where you stand. That's why diabetic patients rely on freestyle test strips so they can check their blood sugar level anytime, anywhere.
The freestyle test strip has two parts. One part contains a reagent which reacts with the sample of blood. The second part holds a color indicator. If the reaction occurs, the color changes from red to blue. Once the color change happens, the user simply presses the button on the side of the test strip. Then, he or she removes the test strip and places it into a reader. The machine reads the color and displays the corresponding number.
With freestyle testing, users no longer have to wait for lab technicians to perform blood tests. Instead, they can read their numbers immediately. This saves both money and time. Additionally, freestyle testing makes diabetes management simpler by allowing users to track their progress. Users can see trends and patterns in their readings. This gives them insight into their condition and enables them to adjust their diet accordingly.
Yes! Freestyle testing is safe because it uses only natural ingredients. No harmful substances are added during manufacturing. Furthermore, the test strips contain no mercury. All components are non-toxic and biodegradable.
Freestyle test strips are commonly used by diabetics to monitor their sugar levels throughout the day. If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, it's important to purchase quality test strips so you know exactly where you stand. Not only does knowing your sugar level give you insight into your health, but it also gives you control over your condition.
People with diabetes must check their blood sugar levels several times each day. Checking your blood sugar levels lets you know whether or not you're experiencing low blood sugar episodes. Low blood sugar episodes occur when your body doesn't produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which regulates blood sugar levels. Without proper amounts of insulin circulating in your bloodstream, your blood sugar levels become dangerously low. Symptoms of low blood sugar include dizziness, confusion, headaches, fatigue, sweating, shakiness, and hunger.
Diabetes affects nearly 30 million Americans. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 1% of the population has type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to its own natural production of insulin. Because of this resistance, the pancreas produces insufficient amounts of insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels rise above normal limits. High blood sugar levels cause serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, amputations, and death.
Yes! With the right tools, diabetic patients can perform self-monitoring tests at home. Self-monitoring involves checking blood sugar levels multiple times per day. This method requires no medical assistance and offers greater accuracy than traditional methods. Before performing self-monitoring tests, however, you must learn how to properly administer them.
To perform self-monitoring tests, you'll need a glucometer, a measuring cup, a thermometer, and a strip reader. Glucometers are inexpensive handheld meters that contain a sensor capable of detecting changes in blood sugar levels. Thermometers are used to determine the temperature of the patient's finger. Strip readers read the results of the meter and convert them into numbers.
Traditional methods involve drawing blood samples via syringes. Although this method is accurate, it causes discomfort and pain. Additionally, it takes too long to draw blood samples. Furthermore, traditional methods cannot detect low blood sugar levels. On the contrary, self-monitoring tests are non
Freestyle test strips are convenient tools that enable diabetics to monitor their own levels of sugar in their body. With these strips, patients can check their blood sugar level by simply dipping the strip into a drop of blood. Afterward, they can read the results right away. If needed, they can repeat the process later on.
The main benefit of freestyle test strips is that they give diabetic patients freedom. Patients no longer have to wait for hours before receiving lab results. Instead, they can check their blood sugar levels whenever it's convenient for them. Since diabetes affects millions of Americans each day, freestyle test strips are especially helpful for those who suffer from the disease.
Before purchasing a freestyle test strip, it's important to know which model works best for you.
Price - How much does the product cost?
Size - Does the product fit well in your hand?
There are two major categories of freestyle test strips: disposable and reusable. Disposable strips are single-use products that must be thrown away once they've been tested. Reusable strips are intended for multiple uses. Both types of strips contain the same components. However, disposable strips are cheaper than reusable ones.
Both disposable and reusable freestyle test strips consist of three parts: the cartridge, the meter, and the test paper. Each part has its advantages and disadvantages.
Cartridge - Cartridges are inexpensive and easy to replace. However, they only hold a limited amount of blood sample. Thus, users must purchase additional cartridges frequently. Additionally, cartridges are prone to leaking during storage.
Meter - Meters are expensive and difficult to change. However, meters are capable of storing larger amounts of blood samples. Furthermore, they're equipped with built-in scales so users can accurately measure their blood sugar levels.
Freestyle test strips are commonly used by diabetics to monitor their sugar levels. They're inexpensive and convenient. Because they're so affordable, it's important to know which type of strip works best for you.
One Touch - One touch strips contain only two parts; the test strip itself and the meter. The test strip has a window where you insert your finger. Once inserted, you press the button on the side of the strip and wait for results.
Two Touch - Two touch strips contain both the test strip and the meter. Like one touch strips, you simply insert your finger into the window and press the button. Unlike one touch strips, however, you must hold the strip steady during insertion. If you let go, the strip might fall inside the meter.
The type of freestyle test strip depends on whether you prefer to measure your own blood sugar level or have someone else do it for you. If you choose to measure your own blood sugar level, then you'll probably opt for one touch strips. If you'd rather have someone else do it for you, then you'll likely select two touch strips.
FAQs
Freestyle test strips are strips that allow users to measure their blood sugar without having to prick themselves. They are often sold at drugstores and grocery stores.
They are useful when testing your blood sugar levels during exercise or after eating foods high in carbohydrates.
No. A little bit of pain is normal when pricking yourself. If you feel like you're going to faint, stop immediately.
After you have eaten something containing carbs, but no more than 30 minutes later. Your body needs time to process the food and absorb its nutrients.
Your blood sugar level could drop dangerously low. To avoid this, wait until you've had something to eat before measuring your blood sugar.
Most brands of freestyle test strips give results within 5% accuracy. That means that most of the time, you'll get the same result whether you use a brand of test strip or another brand.
Lite test strips contain less sugar than regular test strips. Because they contain less sugar, they won't change the color of your urine.
If you're pregnant, check with your doctor before using freestyle test strips. He or she may recommend another type of test strip instead.
Children with Type 1 diabetes must use insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels. Children with Type 2 diabetes can use either insulin shots or oral medications to lower their blood sugar levels. Both types of treatment require frequent monitoring.
Some parents worry that exposing babies to too much sugar through test strips could harm their teeth. But studies show that exposure to sugars found in candy doesn't seem to make tooth decay worse.
Yes, you can use freestyle test strips on yourself. Just follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Don't panic! Simply wipe off the spilled liquid with a clean tissue. Then continue following the directions on the package.
Just leave the cap off. When you're ready to test your blood sugar, simply press the button on top of the container and watch the numbers appear on the screen.
Don't worry. There are two ways to insert the needle. One way involves pushing the needle straight into the skin; the other method requires inserting the needle sideways. Either way, you'll feel a slight pinch.
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