There are several different types of diabetes but the main two are diabetes type one and type two, and both are quite different to each other. Although both involve the body’s reaction to insulin, a substance which is produced in the pancreas and is used to convert glucose from food into energy, failure to do this leads to the body’s blood sugar levels to increase which if left can lead to the diabetic falling into a diabetic coma.

Diabetes type one is different from type two as it is usually diagnosed during childhood rather than later in life and rather than the body not being able to process insulin correctly, the pancreas doesn’t actually make it. Due to this anyone who suffers from type one diabetes will have to have daily injections of insulin in order for them to be able to cope with glucose in foods.

The symptoms of diabetes type one are feeling thirsty quite a lot of the time, urinating more than normal especially during the night, losing weight for no real reason and feeling hungry even if you have recently eaten. In order to diagnose diabetes type one your doctor will test your fasting blood sugar levels to see if there is any indication of diabetes.

If you are found to have diabetes your doctor will advise you on the best course of action to keep yourself healthy. As mentioned this will involve having injections of insulin which will help to control your diabetes. You might also have to make changes in your diet so that you do not have too much carbohydrate which can contain a high amount of glucose and is not good for anyone with diabetes. However if you are diagnosed with diabetes you should take comfort in the fact that this condition can be treated and managed quite easily.

As diabetic you must know the importance of monitoring blood sugar level. The most efficient and easy way of monitoring blood sugar level is with the help of glucose monitor. Glucose monitors are not that expensive but test strips are costly. The diabetic needs a new strip at every test and if he has to test several times in one day he requires many strips.

Diabetics that have health insurance can enjoy free diabetic supplies including test strips. Medicare generally covers 80 % diabetic supplies which include test strips, blood glucose meters, batteries and lancets.

There are some companies that offer these meters free of cost and some other diabetic supplies to insurance holders and other Medicare recipients. If some diabetic does not have health insurance but have limited income he can apply for Financial Assistance Program to have free glucose meter.

There are basically three ways of getting a free glucometer;

First is to visit online companies that offer glucometer for free. In this case you just have to fill an online form. The company will ship a free glucose meter and other diabetic supplies free of cost. You simply have to enter some personal information. Some companies even require a prescription for blood glucose monitor.

Second is to visit local pharmacy that offers free glucometers. Some reputed pharmacies offer a free glucose meter on the purchase of test strips. This however requires health insurance.

Third idea to get free one is to order it directly to manufacturer. Again this requires health insurance.

We already know the quinoa health benefits in our diet like its protein content and nutritional value but we never really focus on what this super food can do if you are hypertensive or diabetic. Yes you heard it right, quinoa will be a great addition to your daily routine even if you are dealing with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

The uncooked quinoa has less calories but more manganese, magnesium, iron, tryptophan, copper and phosphorous. If you are worried about serving it in variation then you shouldn’t because quinoa is probably one of the most versatile food we have. You can serve it for breakfast, lunch or supper and it will not alter the taste of other ingredients.

One notable quinoa health benefit I found is its ability to relax the blood vessels. How so? As mentioned above, it is packed with magnesium and we all know that low levels of this in our body can lead to hypertension, ischemic heart disease and heart arrhythmias. Studies show that a serving of quinoa every breakfast dramatically reduces the risk of heart failure.

Quinoa contains a lot of phytonutrients whose activity has gone unrecognized because a lot of research methods tend to overlook this fact.

What about the quinoa health benefits for Type 2 diabetes? Quinoa is loaded with magnesium and this mineral serves as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes and one of these enzymes is involved in the body’s utilization of glucose and insulin secretion. Certain studies confirm that regular consumption of quinoa and other whole grains reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes. If you get tired of eating quinoa, you can add low-fat cheese for variation. You can actually add pretty much anything you want like chopped nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meat and seafood. You don’t have to eat quinoa alone. You can even bake bread using quinoa flour.