Managing Diabetes Made Easier January 10, 2006 - The management of diabetes is progressively evolving. The latest medical and technological advances—including ones involving the Internet—have begun providing the 18.2 million Americans affected by this disease with the kind of freedom few dreamed of not all that long ago.Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert glucose into energy. Since over time the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes—the nation’s fifth leading cause of death by disease—can lead to complications of the eyes, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys and other organs, anything that would ease the typical daily regimen of insulin injections and the like would be most welcome by patients.According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, that "simplification" is exactly what’s happening. The Federal Drug Administration, for example, is in the process of approving both insulin patches and inhalants as alternative delivery methods to insulin injections. Breakthroughs in blood glucose monitoring which would allow continuous testing throughout the day are currently in development.And then there’s the Internet. Unlike in the past, the latest advances, treatment and disease management recommendations are now available on the Web sites of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and countless others. Beyond that, people with diabetes are being helped in managing their disease through the online ordering of necessary diabetic supplies, pharmaceuticals and equipment—a welcome convenience for all people with diabetes.One such Web site run by Better Living Now, a full-service, national provider of all types of health care products and services based in Hauppauge, New York, takes customer service a step further. In addition to the company’s toll-free number (877-238-5486) and user friendly online ordering of blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets, insulin pumps and accessories, needles, syringes and diabetes medications at www.betterlivingnow.com, the company has started a Chronic Care Compliance Program to help people with diabetes stay healthy. Under this program, specially trained customer service representatives initiate reminder calls to let patients know that it is time to reorder blood glucose testing supplies and prescription medication when their supplies are running low.Better Living Now also manages all insurance claims and paperwork so patients don’t have to. In addition, they will contact physicians for prescription renewal and fill necessary medical orders with up to 90-day supplies. Members also receive special discounts when ordering online and can contact the company’s pharmacy with questions about their medication.With improved treatments, services and assistance available across the board, experts agree that managing diabetes is becoming a lot easier.Managing Diabetes Made EasierA Web site offering all the medical supplies and medication you need to manage diabetes can help make life simpler — and longer —for many Americans.Healthy Ideas- Helping diabetics get the medical supplies and medication they need to manage their disease is an online supply company called Better Living Now, a managed care provider of healthcare products and services, specializing in the needs of patients with chronic conditions. You can learn more online at www.betterlivingnow.com.