A Small Problem

As part of my last order, I bought a glucometer kit.

https://www.chinookmed.com/501190/microdot-glucometer-kit.html

I tested the unit today and learned that I have a problem. The test strips and testing solutions expire 90 days after you open them. Chinook Medical does not sell refills. What is more surprising is that, contrary to their claim, Amazon does not have everything from A to Z.

I visited suppliers who I do trust only to learn I need to have a company name or organization to order anything.

Does anyone know of a trusted source where an individual can buy Microdot Xtra test strips and testing solutions?

Jeanette Isabelle

The doctor who prescribed/recommended the kit should be able to tell you where to get supplies for it I would think. Do your best to manage your (your moms?) diabetes well - that disease could become a significant problem in a disaster situation, especially if you are insulin dependent.

I have low blood sugar and a doctor made no such recommendation.

Jeanette Isabelle

Just to clarify, do you or someone in your family have diabetes? Asking because diabetes = very high bloodsugar.
Low bloodsugar is easily treated by eating, as far as I understand. I´m not medical trained at all.
My dad has diabetes so I am somewhat familiar with it.

No one in my family has diabetes.

After suspecting that something is wrong, my doctor requested a glucose tolerance test. The results revealed that I have reactive hypoglycemia. The doctor who ordered the lab test said there isn't any drug for it. I have to be careful about what I eat.

A different doctor recommended Glucerna.

I carry a box of cracker sandwiches and two bottles of Glucerna in my EDC bag.

https://www.lance.com/toastchee/

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Abbott Laboratories, the maker of Glucerna, or Lance other than I used to work in a distribution center.

Jeanette Isabelle

It sounds like you don't need a glucometer then. I'd try to return it if you still can. No need to have testing/monitoring equipment for a disease that you don't have. A glucometer would be useless to you, and a waste of money.

I do. One of the symptoms of low blood sugar is anxiety. Sometimes my anxiety is blood sugar related, other times it's not. Usually, I can tell; for the times that I can't, I need a glucometer to know which way to treat the symptom.

Jeanette Isabelle

Wouldn't it be simpler, if you feel anxious and haven't eaten recently, to just eat some of those crackers? Then if you feel better, you treated your blood sugar problem. If you don't feel better... perhaps then go on to address your anxiety?

It can take a while to feel better when my blood sugar drops. While I'm in the process of treating the low blood sugar, I may feel worse, which may lead me to believe it is not my blood sugar. Therefore I would take my anxiety medication.

What if it is my blood sugar and I did not give the right treatment enough time? The glucometer can tell me what I need to know in a few seconds.

Jeanette Isabelle