Medicare and Diabetes Testing Supplies

Being diagnosed with diabetes is a scary experience.  You imagine a life of poor health and hospital stays.  Once you realize that you can maintain this disease and your quality of life at the same time, you start to worry about other things, like the ongoing cost of medication and diabetic supplies.  If you are a senior citizen and are on Medicare, you will be relieved to know that Medicare Part B covers most of your necessary diabetic testing supplies.

What is covered?

Medicare covers the following diabetic supplies, even for those who do not take insulin:

• Blood sugar monitors
• Blood sugar test strips
• Lancets
• Solutions needed to test the accuracy of your equipment

The amount of diabetic supplies they will cover per six-month period may vary depending on whether or not you are taking insulin.

Is the Ultra2 Right For Me?

There are several different glucose testing meters on the market today. One of these is made by LifeScan and is called the Ultra2. The OneTouch Ultra2 glucose meter is a very reliable glucose testing meter that has been on the market for a while.

How the Ultra2 works:
The Ultra2 is a glucose testing meter that uses a lancet to get the blood sample. Most blood glucose monitors such as the Ultra2 has three separate parts that are required for them to work properly: a lancer, a test strip and the meter itself. The Ultra2 includes a lancing device or the lancet which you prick your finger with. You collect the small amount of blood on a testing strip which the monitor reads. You can see the results within five seconds. The Ultra2 has a backlit screen that allows you to take a reading in any situation even if it is in a low light area.

Blood Glucose Meters or Urine Test Strips – Which is Best to Monitor your Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that needs to be monitored very closely. One way to do that is by using a blood glucose meter, but there are other ways as well, such as urine test strips. Along with exercise, diabetic diet (incorporating diabetic recipes into your life), and medications, testing and monitoring your glucose levels is extremely important. But which is better, blood glucose meters or urine test strips? There are several factors to consider in that choice.

Blood Glucose Meters

Blood glucose meters take a tiny amount of your blood by using a small needle to puncture the skin of your finger or, more recently, the arm, leg, hip, or stomach. They then use that blood on a small test strip to determine your blood sugar level, and display it on a screen in the form of a number. Blood glucose meters are extremely accurate, making it easy to monitor and keep track of whether your latest diabetic recipes and your newly formed diabetic diet is working. Your finger or other body part has to be pricked with every testing occurrence, however, which can be frustrating and lead to sore fingers.