Currently, 25.8 million people in the US are living with diabetes. The numbers are expected to increase as the population ages. While uncontrolled blood sugar levels can increase the risk of other chronic conditions such as kidney and heart disease, strokes, or vision problems and skin infections, keeping it under control allows a person to live a healthy, full life. Rehabmart offers the tools needed to support people living with diabetes to do just that.

  
For someone just diagnosed, the One Touch UltraMini System has the basic equipment to get started. It includes a blood glucose monitor that gives results in five seconds, a lancing device with ten lancets, a clear cap for sampling on the arm or palm, and a carrying case. There's also a log book for keeping track of blood glucose readings and an owner's manual. The monitor comes in a choice of four attractive colors.

  



Since it needs to be kept cool, transporting insulin used to be a hassle. Thanks to the Protector Insulin Case, it's not anymore. The attractive blue mini-cooler is just the right size for carrying two bottles of insulin and has pockets for syringes and prep pads. It has two cooling pads and a carrying strap, making it easy to take insulin on the go.

  
Whether insulin-dependent or not, a person with diabetes needs to check their blood glucose levels several times a day. This involves a small blood sample taken from a finger, palm, or arm. Making it a little less painful is the Softclix Lancet Device. It has eleven settings to accommodate almost any skin thickness and ensure a quick in-and-out motion of the lancet without the painful side-to-side motion that causes tearing. It's a bit smaller lengthwise than other devices on the market, but weighs about the same. To use, simply remove the cap and expose the lancet holder, insert the lancet into the holder, twist off the protective cover, and replace the cap. The lancet gets cocked with a press of a button. To get the sample, swab the selected area with a prep pad, place the device over it and press the button. When done, remove the cap and discard the lancet.

  



To help stay on schedule independently, the WatchMinder2 Vibrating Watch can be set to provide up to thirty alerts per day. It vibrates, making it suitable for the hearing impaired, someone with memory issues, or for anyone simply needing a discreet reminder to check their glucose levels, eat, or take insulin.

  


Another tool to support independence for people living with diabetes and who are differently abled is the Prodigy Voice - The Talking Blood Glucose Monitoring System. Developed with assistance from the National Blind Association and certified diabetes educators, the glucose monitor gives audible prompts and results in six seconds. It features raised buttons to enable easy operation. The unit turns on automatically when the test strip is inserted. The Prodigy Voice offers the option of alternative test sites to spare the nerve-rich fingertips discomfort. It comes with test strips, lancets, and a lancing device.

Thanks to today's technological advances and innovations, life with diabetes has become a little easier, and hopefully, healthier and longer as well.

Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO