Hey Folks!

I know it’s been all but forever since the last time you’ve seen a post here but that’s a tale for another time. Today I’m fortunate to have Justin Bennett from healthyfit.info, your one-stop shop for the best exercise routines, motivational tidbits, and more from across the world wide web. He’s got some tips on using tech to help manage diabetes. Read below for his suggestions then head over to his web page to get fitness news you can use.

Here’s Justin:

With insulin and prescription prices on the rise, many diabetics may be looking for more affordable solutions to manage their symptoms. Although tech may not be high on that list, adding health and fitness gadgets to your daily routine can actually make controlling your diabetes and improving your well-being so much easier. Wondering how tech can help those with diabetes and how tech can fit into your budget? Then these tips may be of interest to you.

1. With Dicks Coupons, Tech Can Be Low Cost

If your fears about cost are keeping you from investing in tech that can make managing your diabetes easier, you should know that some of the most helpful tech can also be some of the most affordable for your budget. When you shop for health and fitness gear at stores like Dicks Sporting Goods, not only can you take advantage of in-store discounts that can save you money, but you can also use online coupons that can save you even more. Some of these promotions offer cashback bonuses on your purchases, so you can invest in even more tech for your health and wellness. Fitness trackers can come in handy for monitoring stats, like your heart rate and daily steps, so you can better manage diabetes symptoms.

2. Tech Could Potentially Save a Life

Basic fitness trackers from are great gadgets for monitoring basic vitals, and can provide the motivation diabetics need to stay active. If you want even more for your money, though, you should consider investing in a smartwatch that has additional safety features. For instance, Apple’s latest smartwatches, like the Series 4, come loaded with features like a heart rate monitor, electrocardiogram and fall detection features that can be especially useful for older adults with diabetes. SOS and Medical ID can also be helpful for diabetics, and could even save your life in the event that you are unable to dial 911 during a medical emergency. Many Garmin smartwatches also have similar health and safety features, like an emergency contact list and an incident detection setting, if you are not an Apple fan.

3. Tech Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

There are definitely gadgets on the market that have been created with diabetics in mind. Things like glucose tablet holders and glucose monitors can be easy to use and effective for helping those with diabetes manage their condition. Really, though, the most powerful way that tech can help you manage your diabetes is by encouraging healthier lifestyle choices. For example, if you are affected by Type 2 diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your need for insulin, and the latest weight loss apps can make attaining your diet and fitness goals so much easier. Best of all these apps are simple to use and allow you to track things like food choices and activity levels, plus most of them offer low-cost or free memberships.

4. Tech May Be Covered By Medicare or Insurance

If you’re still anxious about fitting health and fitness gadgets into your budget, know that there may be one more option for getting those devices paid for without impacting your personal finances. Under many Medicare and insurance plans, certain fitness trackers may be provided at no additional charge to those covered. These basic fitness trackers are only available to employees or seniors who are included in these select insurance plans, but there may be additional options to help pay for smartwatches as well. Aetna is now offering free Apple watches to customers, so long as those folks commit to specific health and wellness goals. So if you are covered by these plans, you could score free tech to manage your diabetes.

We already use technology to make so many other areas of life more convenient. So why not find ways to use tech that makes managing your diabetes less stressful? Investing in health and fitness tech can be fairly affordable, when you use the tips above. Plus, you may even be able to reduce your need for costly medications, which can improve your budget and your overall quality of life.

Since I’m always one to add my own two cents, I thought I would share my recent experience managing diabetes. My partner’s father has struggled with the condition for years. We spent the holidays navigating everything from appointments with a dietitian for nutrition education, podiatrist appointments for treatments for his diabetic neuropathy, to struggles sourcing his Freestyle Libre, the blood glucose monitor that eliminates the use of fingersticks. On top of everything else, he’s also visually impaired due to the disease which increases complications of all kinds. Long story short, diabetes can control just about every aspect of your life. Without early intervention the condition can escalate, compounding one’s physical health and increase demand on caregiver support.

As many of you know, I was a long time caregiver to both my parents so I can’t help but advocate for the health and well-being of caregivers. However, as the demands of the “industry” increase, the most prudent way to support that demographic is by prioritizing your own personal health and remain vigilant in managing your own self-care. Outsourcing your health to others and assuming that third party is going to “fix” you is a medical misunderstanding. You have to be your own advocate. It’s up to YOU to do the work. Time and time again, I have seen the healthcare system crumble around the needs of those in desperate situations. The heartache of disappointment is almost as painful as illness itself. If there is anything I have learned from years of caregiving, it’s that the support we seek when illness befalls us, might not be there.

I hate to sound so grim but I’ve seen the shortcomings of the healthcare system up close. Even with great insurance there is risk in assuming you’ll receive “great” care. My advice to you is to hope for the best. Truly hope for the best and take advantage of what healthcare really provides. Take advantage tech and gadgets that can help put you in control. But also prepare for the worst. Do that by being proactive with your own health and being realistic about they type of care you can expect to have. Not only will this potentially alter your personal health for the better, but it might even help elevate the growing caregiving crisis we are experiencing as a nation.