As we celebrate World Diabetes Day 2022, this November 14, we turn our attention to what matters – improved access to diabetes care and awareness. According to the 10th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas, 537 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, and this number is projected to increase to 643 million by 230.
Diabetes caused 6.7 million deaths in 2021, which is a grim reason why a call to raise diabetes awareness and improve access to diabetes care has taken a heightened sense of urgency.
What Is Diabetes, And What Are Its Symptoms?
Diabetes is a health condition identified when a person’s blood sugar — more known as glucose — is higher than average. Glucose is essential to our health as it is the primary source of fuel, but too much of it could eventually cause health problems.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss and fatigued
- Blurred vision
- Sores
- Irritability
- Slow-healing infections
People with diabetes could be categorized into two primary groups: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes may or may not experience symptoms. Those with type 1 diabetes may go through more severe symptoms, and their health condition may deteriorate quickly if not given treatment.
Along with these types of diabetes, there is gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. It is common for doctors to test pregnant women for gestational diabetes. It usually has no symptoms and resolves quickly after giving birth.
Use These Products to Monitor Your Blood Sugar Level
There are products that you can use to monitor your blood sugar or glucose levels. Understanding what to buy and how to use each product is vital to managing your condition.
You should always follow your doctor’s recommendations when treating your diabetes and read your prescription instructions carefully. Don’t waiver from what your physician suggests in any way when it comes to medication and managing your diet.
1. Safety Lancets
One way to test your daily blood sugar is to prick your finger using a traditional lancet device. However, lancet devices are more prone to accidental sticks.
The practical way to prevent this is to use safety lancets instead. Safety lancets are gamma-sterilized, single-use lancets designed to make getting a blood sample easier. They are typically less painful to use than traditional lancets, as well.
2. Diabetes Test Strips
To read your blood sugar level, you need a diabetes test strip. Test strips are easy to use — you just have to put the test strip on your blood glucose meter, prick your finger with your safety lancet, and then put the blood drop on the test strip.
Get Involved and Raise Diabetes Awareness
Diabetes is generally manageable and, in some cases, preventable. Each of us can fulfill a role in helping spread diabetes awareness across the globe. Whether pledging your support through online petitions or simply encouraging your local officials to provide more access to diabetes care, your role in raising diabetes awareness is more valuable than ever.
Simply Medical offers diabetes supplies, including blood glucose test strips, safety lancets, and blood glucose control solutions to help you manage your illness or that of a loved one.