Education

I went to my first diabetes class @ the nyc flagship duane reade. The only
thing they tried to sell was the omron blood pressure cuff. Obviously it is
over $69 . Why the nurse thought we need to check bp every day is beyond
me. From my experience of caring for both of my parents, I can tell you
that vital signs such as bp change all the time. My doctor didn’t tell me
to go out have myself check every day anyway. I already have too many other
expenses. What surprised me was the free sharps container(my city has
strict laws about disposal of blood and sharps.) and coupon for a free
upgrade for the contour, glucometer. AND because I complained about the
crummy duane reade sharps they told me to bring them in next week and they
will see if they can get me better ones. Those needles don’t always respond
and shoot into my skin, or I don’t get a big enough blood drop.

They gave away a free kit to the nine year old. They changed her other
glucometer and gave her one that she said didn’t hurt her so much. She also

gives herself insulin, not her parents. She is so adorable and has the
cutest smile. She seems happy enough yet I am scared about the future.
Everything I have read on the ‘net tells me it progresses(the disease) and I
am not getting any younger.

Is it true that every diabetic ends up on insulin?

2 Responses to “Education”

  1. Patricia Petty Says:

    Penny,

    Now you are seeing why a business is offering diabetes education classes.
    Unless you are having very high BP readings there is absolutely NO reason
    you should check it every day. But think about it. Free class, but
    everyone purchases a $69 cuff……

    Also, it sounds like the problem is not with the lancets but the device you
    put your lancets in. The spring is probably too weak. Is it adjustable?
    If it is, try a different setting. Most of them adjust by twisting the end.

    I wouldn’t say that EVERY diabetic ends up on insulin. It depends on how
    tight of control you maintain. Even if you do end up on insulin, it’s not
    the worst thing in the world. It’s just another tool to help keep your
    level where it should be. What you should be aiming for is tight control,

    with no damage to your eyes, nerves, heart or circulation. If we can get
    through our life with that goal attained, then we’ve had done well.

    Demetria-Beth

    _____

    I went to my first diabetes class @ the nyc flagship duane reade. The only
    thing they tried to sell was the omron blood pressure cuff. Obviously it is
    over $69 . Why the nurse thought we need to check bp every day is beyond
    me. From my experience of caring for both of my parents, I can tell you
    that vital signs such as bp change all the time. My doctor didn’t tell me
    to go out have myself check every day anyway. I already have too many other
    expenses. What surprised me was the free sharps container(my city has
    strict laws about disposal of blood and sharps.) and coupon for a free
    upgrade for the contour, glucometer. AND because I complained about the
    crummy duane reade sharps they told me to bring them in next week and they
    will see if they can get me better ones. Those needles don’t always respond
    and shoot into my skin, or I don’t get a big enough blood drop.

    They gave away a free kit to the nine year old. They changed her other
    glucometer and gave her one that she said didn’t hurt her so much. She also
    gives herself insulin, not her parents. She is so adorable and has the
    cutest smile. She seems happy enough yet I am scared about the future.
    Everything I have read on the ‘net tells me it progresses(the disease) and I
    am not getting any younger.

    Is it true that every diabetic ends up on insulin?

    Penny Klein, MLS

    pennyklein@earthlin <mailto:pennyklein%40earthlink.net> k.net

    [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

  2. Ila Workman Says:

    No.

    My Great-Aunt is 89 yrs old, almost 90, and she’s only on Metformin.
    She’s had Type 2 for 20-30 years. I don’t know if she won’t
    eventually end up on insulin, but how old is "eventually"?

    Sarah in TX

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