Hello, I am Ty Mason of thediabetescouncil.com, researcher, writer and I have type 2 diabetes.
Today I want to talk about diabetes supplies you should have with you at all times.
After you watch the video today, I invite you check out the description box for my new
ebook.
This is one of the most comprehensive diabetes meal planning book you can find.
It contains diabetes friendly meals/recipes, recipes for different goals such as 800-1800
calories per day meal plan, diabetes meal planning tips and tricks.
There are also tons of diabetes friendly recipes for everyone!
As one with diabetes, there are certain things you should carry with you that others don’t.
It is important that you keep supplies with you just in case.
This video will go over a list of supplies you must have and also a few things that you
might want to have as well.
Must Haves:
1.
Some type of carrying apparatus.
This sounds a bit common sensical but you need a way to carry your stuff.
My bag is an old Cincinnati Reds cooler lunch box.
It has the ability to keep things cold if I need it too, has plenty of pockets and it
looks pretty cool.
Whatever you want to carry is fine.
Hey, fanny packs are coming back into style!!
2.
Diabetes medicines…This includes anything you take for diabetes.
Oral medications and insulin if you take it.
One should never be without at least a day’s supply of meds if at all possible.
You just never know what might happen while you are away.
An accident, inclimate weather, anything that could delay you from getting to your meds
can be an emergency.
You cannot always count on the fact that you can get to your meds when you need them.
If you are traveling for work or vacation, always have the amount of meds you will need
while you know you are going to be gone plus at least 1 day.
Traveling can be very uncertain.
3.
Glucometer and supplies.
You should ALWAYS have your glucometer, lancets and test strips with you.
Even if it is just going to back and forth to work.
I actually keep a spare set of items in my car just in case I forget them.
Knowing your blood sugar is very important, especially before you eat, but also at regular
intervals throughout the day.
Keeping these supplies with you is cruicial in managing your disease.
4.
Emergency snacks.
I always have a pack of peanut butter and crackers or some type of snack in my bag just
in case my blood sugar drops and I need to get it back up.
This can be something small, nonperishable and easy to carry for those times when your
blood sugar is in that 75 range and you just need to get that sugar up a bit.
5.
It may sound a little crazy but I think a must have these days is a cell phone.
Most people have one, but for those that don’t it really could mean the difference between
life and death in an emergency.
Not only can it be used to make a quick phone call or text if you are experiencing problems
with your diabetes, but it really can be used for a great tool to identify yourself as one
with diabetes and have all pertinent information on the phone regarding meds, allergies, etc.
I know it isn’t real trendy, but the screen saver on my phone says “I Have Diabetes.
Information in DropBox” I have a folder that comes up first on my phone in Dropbox
that has everything an emergency responder would need to know about my medical conditions
and contact information.
Should Haves: 1.
Diabetes Identification.
This could easily be a “Must Have” but I think you could get by without this, although
I highly recommend you have diabetes identification.
There are many ways these days to alert people you have diabetes.
Probably the most common is an ID bracelet.
These can be simple such as a band that has “I Have Diabetes” engraved on them.
They can be necklaces.
These items can also be as elaborate to have your name your meds, you medical history on
a readable strip.
The problem with these is that they are not yet universally readable by every ambulance
or hospital.
Even something as simple as carrying a card in your wallet or purse that identifies you
as a person with diabetes and what you take for diabetes would be extremely helpful in
case of an emergency in which you cannot communicate.
This is especially important if you go into shock because of hypoglycemia.
2.
Although I suggested keeping a snack with you to raise your blood sugar a little.
Something else you might want to consider in addition to or instead of that snack is
glucose tablets.
These are an effective way to bring up your blood sugar and they are pretty weather resistant
(extreme heat or extreme cold) where other snacks may melt or fall apart in extremes.
Wouldn’t Hurt To Haves: 1.
Glucagon Emergency Kit.
This kit is used as an injection in case a hypoglycemic patient is passed out and cannot
eat glucose tablets.
It is only available through a prescription.
If you have a history of hypoglycemia, it would be a good idea to talk to your health
care provider about having one of these kits on hand.
2.
While I wouldn’t call this a necessity, but if you travel longer distances to and
from work or school, having some non perishable foods and bottled water in your car would
be a good idea (and of course a way to open them if they are cans).
Preparation is the key to many things in life and just in case there is a reason you might
be stranded because of weather or something, having a few days supply certainly wouldn’t
be foolish.
Well, there you have it.
I am sure there are many other things that could be added to this list.
And I am sure there are some who would categorize them differently.
Regardless, please keep yourself prepared when it comes to your diabetes.
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