This enzyme produces gluconic acid when combined with a blood sample. A small area at the tip of the strip is coated with an enzyme known as glucose oxidase. Glucose test strips are primarily made of thin, flexible plastic. Blood sugar levels rise and fall throughout the day, but diabetics must carefully monitor such changes. These readings provide valuable information that determine whether insulin or food or liquid intake is needed to boost levels, and whether adapting activities during certain times of the day is required. They may not look so special, but these strips enable glucometer devices to ‘read’ glucose levels in the blood. What makes those diabetic test strips so special?ĭiabetic test strips are an important part of blood sugar (glucose) monitoring.

Before considering expired test strips, know the facts. What are the risks of using expired test strips?Īccuracy is key when testing your blood sugar.How long after the expiration date can you safely use them?.How have they been stored? Have they been stuffed in the glove box of a hot car all summer? Exposed to dampness or high humidity levels?.Is it safe to use expired test strips? Before you do, ask yourself a few questions about their potential effectiveness. Cost outlay for many diabetics may reach thousands of dollars a year for just their testing strips, even for those with health insurance coverage. Self-testing with diabetic test strips is the best way to monitor yourself, but testing strips are expensive and range in costs from $0.50 per strip to over $1.00 per strip, sometimes more depending on manufacturer and number of strips in a box. Your doctor makes recommendations based on the type of diabetes and how well your diabetes is controlled. Whether you have Type I or Type II diabetes, regular blood sugar testing is essential to avoiding higher or lower than normal glucose levels.ĭepending on the type of diabetes you have, you may need to check your blood glucose levels anywhere from two to ten times a day. People with diabetes must maintain blood glucose levels within acceptable ranges to avoid health issues.

Kroger accu-chek test strips