Learn How Diabetic Supplies Have Changed

Over the past several decades, many changes in technology have affected diabetes management. There has been a significant change in the kinds of insulin being used, how it is administered, and how folks measure glucose. These changes in diabetic supplies have made a huge improvement in the lives of folks with diabetes. Back in 1977, folks measured glucose by testing urine with tablets and monitoring tapes. At that time dipsticks were just being introduced.

In spite of nonexistent technology, health care practitioners believed diabetes management was state of the art. There were no notable changes in the management of diabetes from 1947 to 1977. Folks monitored glucose in the urine and took one to two doses of insulin at a fixed amount. Today there are personal glucose monitors that test the blood, many different types of insulin, and a variety of options for injection. This disease requires a high level of diligence by the patient.

Checking glucose levels, calculating snacks and meals, and administering insulin, makes this disease require the individuals attention numerous times each day. Diabetics need to pay attention to identify feelings that may point to hypoglycemia. There are not many conditions that require such a high level of attention. This is something that has not changed for diabetes management.

Healthcare professionals who do not have diabetes can not understand the intense burden their patients face. Even though there have been some great improvements that have simplified glucose monitoring and insulin injections, the burden of managing diabetes has not been erased. Advancements in technology have not changed the fact that it is important for the patient to continue to be careful when managing diabetes.

Nutrition therapy has also been affected by changes. There are many discussions about the type of food that should or should not be consumed. However, the actual concern seems to be whether insulin should be made to match the food or foods should match the insulin. For years patients were prescribed a diet, met with the dietitian, and given food exchange lists or lists with carbohydrate values. The insulin dosage was set and the foods prescribed.

With diabetes Type I, people measure their glucose and then adjust the insulin dose according to the the level. This practice takes place before eating. Today folks have the option to match the insulin to the food after they have eaten. This is not a pass for the person to eat anything they want, however. This method gives insulin after meals.

Administering insulin after eating requires that folks evaluate the meal content, the type of food, and the amount. After assessing the meal, the person will decide the dosage of insulin needed following the meal. Not every person has the ability to perform food analysis. Additionally, not many have the skill to determine the insulin dosage.

In the past, people ate their meal after they took a fixed dose of insulin. Now they have the option to select foods, analyze them, taking glucose level into account, and determine the dose of insulin that is needed following a meal. This method is indicative of a shift in managing diabetes.