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How to Prevent & Self-Test for Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that is often misunderstood. That's why every year, people across the globe look to raise awareness on World Diabetes Day (14th November). This year, we have compiled the following guide to diabetes symptoms, prevention and testing. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know, including how to get a blood sugar monitor, blood glucose monitor/ glucometer online today.
What is diabetes?
According to the NHS, diabetes is a chronic condition that causes your blood sugar to rise to abnormal levels. The condition is categorised by two types:
- Type 1 - When your immune system fights, and subsequently damages, your insulin-producing cells
- Type 2 - When your body does not produce normal levels of insulin, or its cells don't react to it
Type 2 diabetes prevention - (blood sugar monitors etc)
According to diabetes.org, research has shown that certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by around 50%.
These include:
- A healthy diet
- Increased physical activity
- Sustained weight loss
You can find out more about why these changes are effective in the video above.
How can I find out my risk?
Diabetes is characterised by a set of typical symptoms.
These include:
- Urinating more than usual, especially during the night
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Losing weight unexpectedly (without trying to)
- Feeling very tired
- Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal than usual
- Itching around your genitals, or getting thrush repeatedly
- Blurred vision
You are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you belong to groups such as:
- Those aged 40+ (or 25+ for south Asian people)
- People who have a close relative with diabetes
- Those who are obese or overweight
- People of black African, Asian or African-Caribbean origin (even if you were born in the UK)
You can check your risk using the calculator on the NHS website. In order to monitor your blood glucose, you can use tools such as glucometers.
Our blood sugar monitors
If you are looking to calculate your diabetes risk, or manage your condition, we offer a range of essential blood sugar monitors to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
These include:
GlucoRx GO Integrated Blood Glucose Monitoring System with 50 Test Strips
If you are looking to monitor your blood sugar levels on the go, we offer the GlucoRx GO blood glucose monitor. Its portable nature allows for convenient transportation; it displays results in just 5 seconds. This means that you can go about your day, or take any necessary actions as quickly as possible.
GlucoZen.auto Blood Glucose Monitoring System
Similar, the GlucoZen.auto glucometer also provides efficient 5 second results. It also stores 500 test results, and it can even connect to your PC via USB for easy viewing whenever you need it.
It is important to note that a self-test does not replace a diagnosis. If you are concerned about any emerging symptoms, we would recommend seeking professional advice. However, if you are looking to keep an eye on your glucose levels, whether you are looking to prevent or manage diabetes, a blood glucose monitor is essential.
Why wait when it comes to your health?
Shop our range of glucometers online today!
This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Carla Moore from Pharmacy Mentor.