Should I use expired test strips? Get a new meter? Reuse syringes? Test more often? Diabetes management has changed. I offer the following information based on my experience as a diabetes educator.

If you have diabetes, attend a diabetes self-managment education program that is recognized by the American Diabetes Association for meeting diabetes education standards. Most insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, pay for this education. All of your questions will be answered by experts. A list of programs can be found at the American Diabetes Association web site. Sorry, I am not allowed to print link. In GA, where I live, there are over 90 recognized programs. If you are uninsured, still contact a program. They will try to help you, and many states have programs for those without insurance.

Almost every type of insurance pays for strips and supplies, but you may have a co-pay. Many insurers, especially HMO's , have contracts with certain companies that make strips. These are known as their "preferred" brands. If you buy strips not on the "preferred" list, your co-pay will be much higher. Ask your insurer or place where you buy strips about this.

Expired strips: I am not saying you should or should not do this but offer the following ideas: you can check expired strips by using unexpired control solutions,strips wrapped in foil (Ascensia products) or drums ( Accu-chek) might store better, ask selller where strips have been stored, limit expiration date.

All strips: consider why person is selling.

Meters, etc.: Check with insurer before you upgrade; strips may cost you more. Use a meter that shows blood glucose results as serum blood glucose. The old meters show glucose in whole blood results, and values for BG contol are different. Upgrade your lancing device and lancets if testing is painful or difficult to get sample, use the newer, thinner lancets.

E-bay: Prohibit ads that state expired strips are safe, OK, etc. Every seller needs to include expiration dates in their listing. Buying unexpired strips and reselling at unbelievably high prices has become a business for some e-bay selllers. I buy strips for kids in Ecuador but fnd it more difficult now to afford this on e-bay.