A Quick Guide to Essential Diabetes Supplies

More than 34 million Americans suffer from diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A further 88 million have pre-diabetes. If you’re in either number, being prepared is vital.

Carrying your diabetes supplies is vital to ensuring that you don’t suffer a dangerous episode while you’re out and about. Keeping your diabetic supplies in a kit keeps them close at hand.

If you are diabetic, it’s a good idea to wear a medical alert bracelet that announces your condition. This tells paramedics and other medical personnel that they should check your blood sugar and treat you for diabetes.

A Quick Guide to Essential Diabetes Supplies

Keep reading to find out what you should keep in your diabetic supply bag.

• Insulin and Syringes for Insulin

You’re going to need to keep your insulin with you. That means having syringes for insulin in your supply bag. There are a few types of insulin and your doctor will help you figure out which kind to keep on hand.

Make sure you have a couple of syringes with you at all times. That way you’re prepared to inject yourself as the need arises. Going without your insulin can be dangerous so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

There are many kinds of syringes so finding the right needle kit may take a bit of trial and error. Check out the options at ukmedi.co.uk for quality syringes and needles.

• Insulin Pump

For some people who are diabetic, an insulin pump is prescribed. This device provides continuous doses of insulin to help control your blood sugar.

The pump is usually small enough to be worn on your waistband, but keeping it in a supply kit allows you to consolidate your diabetic testing supplies into one easy place that you can take with you wherever you go.

• Glucose Monitoring Supplies

An important part of managing your diabetes is keeping a close eye on your glucose levels. This allows you to detect when they are too high or too low so you can take appropriate steps to get your levels back to normal.

There are several ways to monitor your glucose. Keeping the supplies for your chosen method in your supply kit is important.

That might be testing strips, lancets, or liquid kits. You may also use an automatic monitor to keep track of your levels. You might also want to keep a notebook to record your glucose readings.

• Glucagon and Glucose Tablets

If your blood sugar levels drop too low, you’re at risk of serious complications. That includes seizures, loss of consciousness, and death. Keeping glucagon and glucose tablets in your kit can save your life.

These are fast-acting methods to counteract low blood sugar quickly. The glucose tablets can be taken orally and the glucagon can be administered if you lose consciousness.

• Build Your Diabetes Supplies Kit Today

Now that you know what belongs in your diabetes supplies arsenal, you can put together a bag to take with you. It’s important to restock the bag as you use the supplies so you’re never caught without.

Before you go, check out our technology updates and how they can fit into your healthy life.