Diabetes meters and supplies in Salt Lake City

Q: There used to be a store on 33rd south in Salt Lake City Utah, where you could get diabetic products. It has now moved. I need to get my free style lite test strips somewhere other than through my insurance. My insurance wants me to get a different meter that is not the qualtiy that I currently have and there are probaly better meter now than what I have. If you could give me some information on the above, I would appreciate it.

A: I think the store you are looking for is either the Diabetes Specialty Center at 3793 South State, 801-483-1100 or JQ Medical at 2370 Ft. Union Boulevard, 801-942-8582.

First check with your insurance company to see what type of meters they will cover, often there are several meters. The next step would be to look at the meters to see if you like them and would feel comfortable using one of them. You can look on line for pictures of the covered meters but I think the best option would be to go to either of the diabetes supply stores to see the meters in person. The staff at either store should be able to give you advice about obtaining the supplies that will work for you. Be sure and look because the meters have changed over the past few years and you might find another one you really like!

Take care, ginny

Who to turn to for diabetes information

Q: Hi Ginny,

I am looking for a diabetes educator and also wondering if I should choose a doctor that's more specialized in diabetic care than my family doctor. I live in Springville and have heard about a doctor in American Fork - not remembering his name at this moment....

I have recently lost 8 pounds and I'm interested in eating according to the LDS word of wisdom. I have just looked at a Doctor Richard Bernstein book and thought I'd rather die than follow his eating plan - He said he hadn't eaten any fruit for over 25 years!

I could be pretty close to needing insulin. I don't have insurance and had to stop using Byetta because it was too expensive. I did see the ad with the info about getting an A1c test at the health department, but it looks like old info from last November. Is that being offered this month..of June.

I'm also wondering if there's anyone - like you - who could explain to me the differences in ways to deal with my diabetes. I see a lot of different choices and wonder if there's anyone who can help me find my best choices.

Sorry about all the questions. I'd be very glad to hear from you and look forward to your advice.

Thanks so much, Carol

A: I think the person you thought about seeing in American Fork is Dr. Von Welch. Please call his office and make an appointment and fill out financial assistance paperwork.

Dr. Welch will be able to direct your care to the educators in the hospital, Jill and Elise, and to the Diabetes Center in Provo if you need to go there. Dr. Welch's clinic should be able to help you with medication assistance as well as a A1c test.

There are many different dietary plans you can follow, but being consistent in your carbohydrate intake is very important. Most dietary plans for people who have diabetes have patients lower their intake of refined, processed carbohydrates and use whole grain high fiber carbohydrates for their charbohydrate choices.

Dr. Welch and the educators in the hospital will be able to help you find a dietary plan that you will feel comfortable using.

Good luck to you, ginny

Diabetes Diet and Insurance Issues

Q: Ginny,

My name is Jennifer, and I'm pretty sure I have Type II Diabetes. My HgA1C was last checked two years ago, and it was 5.9. My doctor told me I'd be diagnosed at 6.0, so I haven't had it rechecked because I don't have insurance and if I'm diagnosed, I'll never have insurance. My husband's employer doesn't offer group insurance.

Anyway, I am about 40-50 lbs. overweight, and I have the basic knowledge of what I should be eating, but I don't want to. I have no desire for healthy food whatsoever. I not only have no desire for it, it sometimes makes me feel sick. I know it's backwards, and I really need to get a handle on my cravings, but they've been out of hand for about eight years and I've never been able to beat them.

I cannot do moderation. I try and I end up eating 1 lb. of chocolate or more. Chocolate is the main problem. I know I'm not healthy and I know that I need to be conscious of my eating not only for weight control, but to control my diabetes.

Can you recommend a dietician who has had experience with addictions and might not charge too much for consultations? I need to do something. Thanks.

Jennifer

A: You are right that you need to do something. Can you go to a clinic and get a blood test? There are low cost or free clinics that may be able to test you.

Check with the

• University of Utah Med Center at 801-581-2121;
• Maliheh clinic at 415 East 3900 South at 801-266-3700; or
• Sorenson Clinic at 855 California Avenue at 801-977-0502.

If your physician is in a clinic and you want to continue to see him/her, please apply for financial assistance. You need some information about what is happening to your body so you will know where to begin.

Sometimes when blood sugar levels are high, people become very hungry and describe the same symptoms you have described in your letter. The best place to start, I think, is to see if you have diabetes and what your blood sugar readings are. Anyone who can help you with a diagnosis will be able to direct you to a dietician.

Find out if you have diabetes first, o.k.? Remember, knowledge is power!!!

Good luck to you, Ginny