FAQ

General Questions

Where can I find the products of your company?
You can find the products of our company in collaborating pharmacies all over Greece. If you require additional information about the collaborating pharmacies of your area, please contact our company by email at info@karabinismedical.gr or by calling our Customer Service at 210- 6645751.
Can I order products directly from your company?
The direct ordering of products from our company is not feasible. You can find the products of our company in collaborating pharmacies all over Greece. If you require additional information about the collaborating pharmacies of your area, please contact our company by email at info@karabinismedical.gr or by calling our Customer Service at 210- 6645751.
I need additional information about your products. Who should I contact?

You may contact Customer Service by calling 210-6645751 or send an email at info@karabinismedical.gr stating the information you require.

Hypertension Management

What is hypertension and which are the factors or causes behind it?

Blood pressure is the pressure that the blood puts on the walls of the arteries, as it travels along the body. Arteries are the vessels through which the blood moves from the heart to all parts of the body (arms, legs, brain, kidneys, liver, and all the other organs and tissues). Hypertension or “high arterial blood pressure” means that the pressure the blood puts on the walls of the arteries as it travels along the arterial system, is higher than normal. Genetic background (hypertension in the parents) and environmental factors, such as increased body weight and increased salt consumption, predispose to its evolution.

Which are the symptoms caused by hypertension?

Usually, hypertension does not cause any symptoms and its diagnosis is solely based on the measurement of the blood pressure. To this end, if there are medical reasons or if an individual wants to monitor his/her pressure, it is necessary to use reliable blood pressure meters -such as the meters produced by Microlife and the Alfacheck of KARABINIS MEDICAL- for the daily measurement of blood pressure values.

Why is it important to monitor my blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a very common problem that affects a large percentage of people in the world and could increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as infraction and cardiac arrest. To this end, it is necessary to measure daily the values of blood pressure, by using reliable meters, such as the meters of Microlife and of the Alfacheck series of KARABINIS MEDICAL

How can I realize that my blood pressure is rising or that I am presenting hypertension?

It is not easy for someone to realize that he/she is affected by high blood pressure, since it does not cause any symptoms. When there are medical reasons, or when an individual wishes to check his/her pressure as a precaution, the only method for diagnosing high blood pressure, and possibly hypertension, is the daily measurement of the blood pressure, using reliable meters. The levels of pressure values constantly change during the day; to this end, in order to specify the level of the pressure, numerous measurements are required at different times of the day (morning and afternoon) under resting conditions. Measurements under unsuitable conditions, e.g. irritation, pain, panic, etc. could be misleading, and thus they do not represent the “actual pressure”. In most cases, it is necessary to repeat the measurement after a short period, while preserving resting conditions. However, if high pressure is accompanied by another serious problem, then it must be immediately dealt with and monitored by a physician. Only after regularly checking blood pressure one may verify whether or not he/she has hypertension.

What is systolic and diastolic pressure?
Each time the heart contracts, the blood gathered inside is pushed to the large arteries. The pressure exerted by blood upon the walls of the arteries during this phase is called systolic. Between the contractions of the heart, its walls loosen up to receive new blood. Then, the pressure exerted upon the walls of the arteries is called diastolic.
How could I select the proper pressure meter?

The selection of the pressure meter must be based on criteria of reliability and technology. The pressure meters produced by Microlife and the Alfacheck meters of KARABINIS MEDICAL, are developed in collaboration with leading physicians in the field of hypertension and are clinically checked, based on international protocols. As a result, they can be used for measuring at home, producing accurate and reliable results. The monitoring of the blood pressure by individuals with a medical history must be accompanied by their physician’s opinion.

What should I be aware of for the proper measurement of blood pressure at home using an electronic arm meter?

You must be careful about the following:

  • At least thirty minutes prior measuring, avoid drinking coffee, having lunch, and smoking.
  • Prior measuring, remain seated for approx. 5 minutes.
  • Support your back at the chair’s back, while easing your arm on a stable surface (e.g. table). Your feet must touch the ground (do not cross them).
  • Properly place the cuff directly on the arm (not above the sleeve), approx. at heart level and 2-3 cm above the elbow. If your sleeve is too tight, you must remove it.
  • Press the ON button of the pressure meter. Breathe normally but do not talk and do not move your arm until the end of the measurements.
Does the cuff size I use matter?
In order to ensure the proper measurement of the blood pressure, the cuff must be of suitable size and shape. Microlife and the Alfacheck series of KARABINIS MEDICAL have cuffs matching all patient sizes.

Diabetes Management

What is diabetes and which are its categories?

Diabetes is a disorder of the sugar metabolism, that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar) or/and cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Without the effect of insulin, glucose is accumulated in the body, leading to high glucose levels in the blood, which in turn causes health problems related to diabetes.

There are mainly 2 types of diabetes;

  • Type 1 diabetes is due to an autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes usually appears in people who have one or more genes that make them susceptible to the disease, with or without a family history of type 1 diabetes.
  • Type 2 diabetes is much more common and has several predisposing factors, such as genetic causes (family history, increased risk in certain ethnic groups) and environmental conditions (unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of physical activity).
What exactly does not work properly in our body and can lead to diabetes?
The human body requires, as its main source of fuel or energy, a special sugar called glucose. The body produces glucose from food containing carbohydrates, such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes, milk, yoghurt, and fruits. Glucose is carried to the entire body through blood – its level should not be either too high or too low. When glucose exceeds a certain level, part of it must exit the blood and enter the tissues of the body, in order to provide the energy required by cells and ensure the proper function of the body. Part of glucose is stored also in the liver, in order to be used later if needed. When the glucose level falls too much, part of the glucose stored in the liver is released in the blood stream in order to restore it. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a gland located exactly beneath the stomach. Insulin is like a key opening the “gates” of the cells in the body, allowing glucose to pass through the blood to the cells, where it can be used as energy. This procedure is called glucose metabolism. In diabetes, the pancreas either cannot produce insulin, or the insulin produced cannot operate properly. Without the assistance of insulin, the passages of glucose are closed. Glucose is accumulated in the body, leading to high glucose levels in the blood, which in turn cause health problems related to diabetes.
Which are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is due to an autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes usually appears in people who have one or more genes that make them susceptible to the disease, with or without a family history of type 1 diabetes.Type 2 diabetes is much more common and has several predisposing factors such as genetic causes (family history, increased risk in certain ethnic groups) and environmental conditions (unhealthy diet, obesity, lack of physical activity).
Which are the symptoms of diabetes?
Typical symptoms include excessive excretion of urine (polyuria), extreme thirst (polydipsia), dry mouth, constant hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, drowsiness and fatigue. These symptoms may occur suddenly (type 1 diabetes) or gradually (type 2 diabetes). In some cases, type 2 diabetes is asymptomatic and a delayed diagnosis is made only when complications develop.
What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a gland located exactly beneath the stomach. Insulin is like a key opening the “gates” of the cells in the body, allowing glucose to pass through the blood to the cells, where it can be used as energy. This procedure is called glucose metabolism. In diabetes, the pancreas either cannot produce insulin, or the insulin produced cannot operate properly. Without the assistance of insulin, the passages of glucose are closed. Glucose is accumulated in the body, leading to high glucose levels in the blood, which in turn cause health problems related to diabetes.

Is there a pre-diabetes stage?
There is a pre-diabates stage, and in order to verify whether there this predisposal for diabetes, you must undertake a glucose curve test. A person is considered of having pre-diabetes if the glucose levels in his/her blood are higher than normal, but not high enough to diagnose him/her with diabetes.
I found out that I have diabetes. What should I do?

Firstly, you should visit your physician, in order to prescribe suitable tests that must be conducted, with the purpose of acquiring your complete medical history. Then, the physician shall specify based on the exams the type of the diabetes, in order to administer the proper treatment and nutrition.

Of equal importance is the “self-measurement” and the proper daily management of diabetes by you, in order to regulate your diabetes and avert any complications. Proper self-measurement requires the daily measurement of glucose in your blood and it can be easily and reliably performed using the glucose meters of BIONIME and the meters of the Alfacheck series of KARABINIS MEDICAL.

Could I use the same test strips in a different meter?

In general, each glucose meter has its own test strips that you must use. In order to be absolutely sure about the test strips of your meter, you must revert to the instruction manual included in its packaging.

Food Supplements

What are food supplements?

The term “food supplements” refers to products containing the condensed form of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, fibre elements, etc.) or extracts of plants or other natural products that can supplement our daily nutrition or contribute to the improvement of our body’s natural functions.

Why do we need food supplements?

Under normal conditions, a diet containing all food groups, could cover the nutrition requirements for the general population. However, we are now aware that the standard “western” diet (which has been followed in the past decades in Greece), usually provides smaller quantities of the required vitamins and minerals. In addition, situations such as disease, intense exercise and increased activity, create the need for food supplements. The necessity behind taking the supplements depends on numerous factors, such as age and gender, dietary habits, physical activity, possible pathological situations, family history of diseases, etc.

How could I select the proper food supplement?

The use of food supplements is safe, provided their instructions for use are properly followed. In addition, their contraindications should not coincide with the possible medical history of the user. In the event of a specific health problem, during pregnancy or breast-feeding, for special population groups, such as children or the elderly, or if you are receiving treatment, your physician should be informed.

All food supplements by ESI & of Science Of Nature, have been notified to the National Organization for Medicines and include all necessary indications and directions for use on their packaging.

Are food supplements safe?

The use of food supplements is safe provided their instructions for use are properly followed. In addition, their contraindications should not coincide with the possible medical history of the user. In the event of a specific health problem, during pregnancy or breast-feeding, for special population groups, such as children or the elderly, or if you are receiving treatment, your physician should be informed.

All food supplements by ESI & of Science Of Nature, have been notified to the National Organization for Medicines and include all necessary indications and directions for use on their packaging .

Do food supplements make you put on weight?

Food supplements do not have any calories, hence they cannot make you put on weight. Certain preparations that could include sweetening substances (e.g. honey), also do not cause weight increase in healthy individuals.

Could I consume more than one type of food supplement at the same period?
On several occasions, the increased daily needs of the human body require taking different food supplements, depending on the symptoms we wish to treat and the level of balance of our daily diet. In each case, you will have to revert to the instructions for use and the indications noted on the packaging of the food supplements, while also consulting your pharmacist or physician.
I have an intense and active life and need additional action and strength. Which nutrition supplement should I take?

You could select a food supplement from the Ginseng Plus Rapid Energy series by ESI, the Royal Jelly by ESI with royal jelly, Vitamin C 1000mg or Multivitamin Fortius by Science Of Nature, which includes 12 vitamins, 6 minerals and fiber elements. These food supplements could increase your energy and provide the strength required by our body due to the increased daily activity.

What is melatonin? Who are the target group for Melatonin Pura food supplement by ESI?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the epiphysis found at the base of the brain. Its secretion is mainly done during the night. The production of this hormone peaks during the initial development stage of humans, slows after the age of 20 and starts reducing from the age of 45, until it is completely disappeares at old age. In the cases where there is a sleep disorder and the person is elderly, it is suggested to take food supplements laced with melatonin in order to treat insomnia, always in accordance with the instructions of a pharmacist or the physician with regard to persons suffering from a disease or receiving treatment.

Are there any food supplements that could be taken by individuals with diabetes?

Multivitamin Fortius by Science Of Nature does not contain sugar, gluten, and iodine, and it is suitable for persons with diabetes. In addition, Vitamin C 1000mg by Science Of Nature is suitable for persons with diabetes, since it does not contain any sugar or gluten. It must be noted that persons receiving pharmaceutical treatment or facing health problems should consult their physician.

I am pregnant and suffer from constipation. Could I use 10 Herbs?
You will have to consult your physician for taking any food supplements during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Why is there an expiration date on the food supplements?

Because, just like in every product, there is a limit for the safe use in food supplements.

What could happen in case of vitamin deficiency?

In case of vitamin deficiency, various conditions could be caused, such as scurvy (lack of vitamin C) or neurological conditions (such as beri beri from the lack of vitamin B).

If you are facing vitamin deficiency, you could use Vitamin C 1000mg or Multivitamin Fortius by Science Of Nature.

Is necessary for someone on low calorie diet,to take food supplements?

If the diet followed by the person in order to lose weight, issued by a nutritionist or a physician, includes the proper rates of food from all groups, then it is possible for the consumption of food supplements to be unnecessary. However, if the quantity of food is very small, then the administration of vitamins is necessary, always in agreement with the instructions of the specialised physician or nutritionist.

Body Temperature Management

What is the importance and value of measuring our temperature?

The temperature of our body is very important for our health. High body temperature is a reaction of the body to specific stimuli accompanying a disease. The body responds to these stimuli by increasing temperature, in order to support its defence mechanism against the disease. However, variations in temperature could also be from other causes, apart from those related to diseases. Accurate temperature metering is of extremely high medical importance. It allows the diagnosis of diseases at an early stage, while monitoring their progress and the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical treatment.

When do we consider a person having a fever?

An adult has a fever when his/her temperature exceeds 37.2 – 37.5 °C, depending on the time of the day.

A child is having a fever when his/her temperature is at or exceeds the following levels:

  • 38 °C when measuring from the rectum
  • 37.5 ℃ when measuring from the mouth
  • 37.3 °C when measuring from the armpit
What exactly is the function of the antimicrobial thermometer of your company?

Innovative antimicrobial thermometer Alfacheck Antimicrobial ΑΤ400 by Karabinis Medical, is the first thermometer in the world using an alloy of antimicrobial Cu+. It works just like standard digital thermometers regarding the measurement of fever, but has a very important and very useful difference: it contains antimicrobial copper, which reduces microbes and minimises the transmission of diseases among humans.

Why should I prefer a Microlife thermometer?
Microlife thermometers are quality products using the latest technology and have been checked based on international standards. The maximum accuracy and reliability of metering is achieved through the use of microcomputer technology. The thermometers perform an auto-check upon each activation, in order to ensure the necessary accuracy of measurement.
How dangerous can fever be for our health?

Fever is a symptom of defence of our body, warning us that there is a problem and that it is on alert, in order to deal with the problem and protect us. The most important factor that must be investigated, is the cause of the fever. Fever recedes when we treat its cause, i.e. the disease causing it. Fever can become dangerous for our body when it exceeds 41°C. Depending on the cause of the fever and the medical history of the patient, the danger limits vary.