Blood glucose monitors and supplies question

[Marthe48]

Does anyone have an opinion about using expired test strips?

I'm not diabetic and don't test every day, just every few days to see if my food plan is keeping my sugar down. A couple years ago, I got a kit from Diathrive and had signed up for automatic shipments of supplies. When I had an idea of how fast I'd use the supplies, I stopped the automatic shipments, but I had 3 unopened boxes put away.

I tidied my open box of supplies today and noticed an expiration date on the strips. They had expired in Nov 2021. I read on Diathrive and a clinic site that you shouldn't use the expired strips, because they can be inaccurate. Kind of feel that Diathrive would endorse using unexpired test strips, because they sell supplies, and medical professionals prefer you don't use expired meds. I wanted to ask people who use glucose meters if they use expired test strips, or should I just toss the things that are out of date? I am interested in accuracy, but wanted a little more information before I toss them.

Thanks for opinions.

[Grasswire2]

1. I never thought to check a date.

Just looked at a box that was issued to me at Kroger in November, and the outdate is for November 2022.

Googling for an answer shows mixed opinions. Some say it's not important, others say the results may not be accurate.

[Marthe48]

3. Glad I posted

When I saw the date, I thought really? I learned more about my supplies today :/ The strips have enzymes that degrade over time and the finger sticks can lose their sterility.

I got the kit itself about 2 years ago, right after I went on a very low carb diet to get my sugar down. My last checkup was in Oct, so at least the numbers I showed her were accurate Not too sure now about Dec.

[CurtEastPoint]

2. You might want to read this. All the opinions I saw are NO, do not use them

because the enzymes in them break down and you get inaccurate results.

But this article sounded unbiased and reasonable (but still a no to expired ones)

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/blog/2015/05/can-people-with-diabetes-use-expired-blood-glucose-test-strips/

[Marthe48]

4. That link explains better

Mine are about 5 weeks expired. Luckily, I don't need insulin. I can see where it would be very important for diabetics to have readings as accurate as possible.

Thanks for helping

[CurtEastPoint]

5. sure and you reminded me that I am SO BAD about testing mine and I do have 'the sugars'

[Marthe48]

6. My food plan helped me a lot

so I don't dread testing. I only test fasting, too, so I'm pretty sure to get a good result. I don't feel the same about stepping on the scale

[IbogaProject]

7. Use those but try to sort by expiration in future

Use those but try to sort by expiration in future. The expiration is required on most everything. I can confidently report that they don't really degrade much before the individual container is opened. It is like the sell by date on some foods, but they can be eaten for a little while after.

These might be bad after months or years but not in a half a year from the official expiration. Another factor is how hot your storage area is, and how much temperature swings there are over the year where they are stored.

Also look to amazon and ebay as you might be able to buy the cheaper than copays.I use genultimate that works with the onetouch meter. Another tip is walmart has their own relion brand, which are very affordable.

Finally if you have insurance, try the Freestyle libre or Dexcom G6, even just for one or two cycles to see how your body responds to food and activity.

I've had Type 1 Diabetes for 39 years now and I've been using the freestyle. I've mostly been 6.9 aic, range 6.7-7.1 for years. I hope it improves now with more information.

[Marthe48]

10. Thank you

I sorted out 3 unopened bottles of test strips, and 2 bottles of control fluid. I doubt I'd get through them in months.

The Diathrive starter kit was about $25, and I think the refill kits were under $20. I pay for it out of pocket, because while my dr. was concerned about my blood sugar, she didn't actually prescribe a tester.

I dropped from about 150 to 100 or less from 2019-2020 and have kept it down all of 2021. I don't think my A1C was ever over 6. But, good to be as healthy as can be.

Sounds like you are really good at managing your health. My daughter is a renal dietitian and she'd be happy with your numbers

[TreasonousBastard]

8. If you are not diabetic, your body can adjust its blood sugar so...

it should be around normal most of the time. Obviously, eating birthday cake dripping with maple syrup will have an immediate effect, and your pancreas will not be happy, but they will adjust.

So, unless under Drs order to test, it is largely a waste of time and money.

FWIW. test strips already have well known errors uh, with 20% being a commonly used factor.

[Marthe48]

11. I was overweight and it was affecting me

I cut carbs to under 100 a day, to get my sugar down, Changing my eating habits, I lost 50 lbs and keeping it off. I like my food plan, and stick to it. I kicked everything, but this Christmas, had a few treats.

Is that 20% higher or lower? Os is it 20% of the test strips give errors? Just curious. Thanks for your help.

[TreasonousBastard]

13. The 100 a day carb limit has been around forever and is...

often recommended for borderline or or prediabetes cases.

The 20% goes either way. A bottle of strips can be assumed to be 20% high or low. It's the long run that often counts. This is the kind of thing you talk to your doctor about.

And a treat here and there is always a good thing. Overdoing it is the problem.

[IbogaProject]

9. some meters reject expired strips

some meters reject expired strips, many don't. Again you're not on insulin so just use them up and. next round just check once a day, twice occasionally.

[Marthe48]

12. Mine hasn't rejected the strips

I should read the instruction book again

[Marthe48]

14. Just a follow-up

I did a control test on my monitor yesterday and used a new, unexpired strip today. Every time but once that I tested in Dec. 21, I was in the 80s. Today, it was 102. That would be about 20% error, but I'll see how I average with the fresh strips.

Thanks for all of the advice, tips and links. I don't think I'll use the expired strips. I have 3 containers of unexpired, which should last me till they expire

[LetMyPeopleVote]

15. I see my diabetes doctor tormorrow

He wanted to put me on dexcom until he read the glucometer and decided that I was doing enough tests each day. I have not had this issue

[Marthe48]

16. Hope you get a good report

I'm glad I asked my question here. I got a good rounded information about doing what I knew I should do but hoped I didn't have to.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

17. I have seen my blood work

My A1C is 5.8 which is the lowest that I have had

[Marthe48]

18. Great!

You are doing a good job