If you are a diabetic, the most important thing to remember is that you obtain and keep up a regular supply of diabetic testing equipment, which must be used on a very regular basis to be effective.  You can order these supplies from a local vendor or get them through your physician.  Using glucose monitoring testing strips only one time is the rule as to avoid cross contamination of the testing results. Being hygienic under any circumstances can become costly. But being hygienic can also be a medical necessity. This extra step of using a new strip each time is what may save your life, and add quality to it. Your diabetic medications are essential, and costly. But, that is not the only thing that is essential. The glucose testing monitor, and the testing strips that go along with it are your lifeblood to leading a better and healthier lifestyle.   These small, monitors are great at keeping you and your physician aware of what is going on with your glucose blood levels.  It is important to be able to always know what the levels of sugar are that are circulating freely in your bloodstream. It is those freely moving sugars which don't get drawn up by the cells for use that are the cause of Diabetes.