Costs associated with traditional glucometer utilizing test strips, and a review as to how often you should be checking...

The estimated annual costs of using test strips...

Self-monitoring of blood glucose-related pharmacy costs accounted for 27% of the diabetic treatment costs for insulin users with an average $772 per patient in prescription testing strips and supplies. 

In a review of 373,946 patients prescribed insulin at least twice, the overall average of blood glucose testing resulted in using 764.3 test strips per year (only testing twice a day which is low), the average cost per testing strip was $0.98. Annual self-monitoring of blood glucose costs were 24.5% of total insulin and self-monitoring of blood glucose-related pharmacy costs.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22235952

As you can see, the costs per year are not insignificant...  and stabbing your finger with a needle is annoying too

Why test your blood sugar

Blood sugar testing — or self-monitoring blood glucose — provides useful information for diabetes management. It can help you:

• Judge how well you're reaching overall treatment goals
• Understand how diet and exercise affect blood sugar levels
• Understand how other factors, such as illness or stress, affect blood sugar levels
• Monitor the effect of diabetes medications on blood sugar levels
• Identify blood sugar levels that are high or low
• Control diabetic crisis and/or complications

When to test your blood sugar

Your doctor will advise you on how often you should check your blood sugar level. In general, the frequency of testing depends on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment plan.

• Type 1 diabetes. Your doctor may recommend blood sugar testing 4-8 times a day (1460-2920 times a year, significantly higher than noted in the study above... if you have type 1 diabetes. You may need to test before meals and snacks, before and after exercise, before bed, and occasionally during the night. You may also need to check your blood sugar level more often if you are ill, change your daily routine or begin a new medication.
• Type 2 diabetes. If you take insulin to manage type 2 diabetes, your doctor may recommend blood sugar testing two or more times a day, depending on the type and amount of insulin you need. Testing is usually recommended before meals, and sometimes before bedtime. 

Wouldn't it be great if you could test without stabbing your finger, or using expensive test strips?  Or at least doing it less?

Helo Lx is in the final testing of it's bloodless blood sugar monitoring from a bracelet!  The accuracy of this type of testing is within the range of current finger stick methods, but I would use both methods, allowing the Helo to be used to provide a more complete picture with a painless method of obtaining blood glucose estimates more frequently. It is scheduled to be released in the 4th quarter of 2017!!

But think of the savings in both cost and pain!  Well worth the $320.00 cost of the Helo!  Be sure to to learn more about the Helo Lx by clicking here!

For more information on how you can join the business, Click here!