person testing blood sugar levels

Did you know that in Canada, 48% of people with diabetes are over the age of 65? (Diabetes Care Community) If you suspect that you or a loved one might be at risk of developing diabetes, or are showing signs of diabetes, the ARTARx pharmacy team is fully equipped to provide support and resources to help you better understand and navigate this condition.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body is either unable to produce insulin, or properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in the blood, meaning that people with diabetes have difficulties maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.

Keeping a healthy blood sugar level is important. Too much sugar in the blood can cause damage to the organs, blood vessels, and nerves, whereas too little sugar in the blood (also known as hypoglycemia) can lead to seizures, comas, or even death.

Older adults are more susceptible to developing diabetes, specifically type 2. This can be a result of many factors as we age including less physical activity, diet, hormonal imbalance, medication, or even family history, leading to insulin deficiency or resistance.

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Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes

Although both type 1 and type 2 diabetes cause high blood sugar levels in the body, the way they produce insulin is different and requires unique forms of treatment to help manage this.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 is the less common form of diabetes, with only 10% of patients having this type. These patients are unable to produce their own insulin because their body is attacking the pancreas. In most cases, this type develops in childhood or adolescence, but it can also develop in adulthood.

Patients with type 1 diabetes need to inject insulin or use an insulin pump to ensure their bodies have the right amount of insulin, which is why it is also referred to as insulin dependent diabetes. For most of these patients, the effectiveness of medications (such as an oral pill) is limited.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes, representing 90% of diabetic patients. These patients cannot properly use the insulin made by their bodies, or their bodies are unable to produce enough insulin. This type generally develops in adulthood, although it can still occur during childhood.

Some patients can manage type 2 diabetes with healthy and regular exercise alone, but they may also require medication. Patients with type 2 diabetes tend to be older and may carry more body weight, but this can depend on the individual.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

If you are showing signs of diabetes, it is important to seek testing as soon as possible. Even if you are uncertain of the severity of your symptoms, always speak to a health care professional about your concerns. Receiving a diagnosis will help you manage your diabetes and possibly prevent you from developing further health problems in the future.

These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of diabetes to watch out for:

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  • Increased thirst and dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Constant hunger
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Substantial weight loss without trying
  • Wounds that heal more slowly
  • Irritability, mood changes, or confusion
  • Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet

How to Manage Your Diabetes with ARTARx

ARTARx has the supplies needed to help manage your diabetes, and our knowledgeable pharmacy staff are readily available to answer all your questions with their expertise. Below are some of the most common devices for patients with diabetes explaining how they work, their benefits, limitations, and average cost.

Blood glucose meters

How it works

  • Lancet pricks your finger to obtain a drop of blood for a test strip
  • Blood glucose meter provides a single reading based on the test strip
  • Blood sugar levels are tested at set times, or when desired by the patient
  • Frequency of testing depends on each patient’s unique circumstances

Benefits

  • Provides a measure of current blood glucose without information delay
  • Works adequately for many patients

Limitations

  • Needle pokes can be unpleasant or painful
  • Only provides a snapshot of blood sugar levels
  • Cannot predict or prevent low or high blood sugar

Cost

Approximately $0.70-$1.00 per test strip

Flash glucose monitors

How it works

  • Lancet pricks your finger to obtain a drop of blood for a test strip
  • Sensor inserted under skin tracks sugar levels found in the fluid surrounding cells
  • Scan the sensor with a handheld device to get a current glucose reading, 8-hour history, and trend arrow showing if glucose is rising, falling, or changing slowly
  • Change sensor every 14 days

Benefits

  • Easily allows patients to associate how they feel with a blood sugar reading
  • Does not require calibration with glucose meter and test strips
  • Reduced time experiencing hypoglycemia
  • Shows patterns of sugar values which can help users improve their treatment

Limitations

  • Adhesive issues and site irritation may occur
  • Can be cost prohibitive

Cost

Approximately $2500 annually

Continuous glucose monitors

How it works

  • Sensor inserted under skin tracks sugar levels found in the fluid surrounding cells
  • Information automatically relayed in real time to a device (such as a smartphone)
  • Can identify early on if sugar level is trending high or low
  • Includes alarm notifications that can alert a user when they are outside their pre-set blood sugar range
  • Can provide a sugar level trend over 5-7 days
  • Change sensor every 7-10 days

Benefits

  • Easily allows patients to associate how they feel with a blood sugar reading
  • Prevent life-threatening emergencies such as comas or seizures through alarms that provide early warning of low or high blood sugar levels, allowing time for corrective action
  • More time in target blood sugar range, better blood sugar control, fewer complications

Limitations

  • Adhesive issues and site irritation may occur
  • Can be cost prohibitive
  • Requires calibration with glucose meter and test strips

Cost

Approximately $3000-$6000 annually

It can seem intimidating to get tested for diabetes, or to learn how to incorporate diabetes treatment into your current lifestyle. Although there is a lot of new information to take in, millions of people are currently living with diabetes around the world – you’re not alone. Reach out to your physician or contact our pharmacy team at ARTARx today to help you along your journey. We are always here to support you!

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