Diabetes Supplies
If you or your loved one have diabetes, having the right supplies will help you manage the condition and stay in good health. Here is a breakdown of essential supplies that can keep you prepared to safely manage diabetes.
Medication/prescriptions
- Insulin. When you have diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin to control blood glucose levels or it doesn’t use insulin properly. Insulin can be given using an insulin pen, with an insulin syringe or by an insulin pump. Follow your diabetes care provider's recommendations for what type of insulin to use and how often you will need it.
- Medications. There are a number of oral and noninsulin injectable medications available that can help lower blood glucose. Your physician will help you determine which type of medicine is best for you.
- Glucose tablets/gel. These fast-acting glucose/carbohydrate sources are shelf stable and used to treat hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
- Glucagon. In the event of loss of consciousness due to hypoglycemia, a care partner can administer this injectable, hormone-based medication to prompt the liver to release glucose.
Supplies
- Glucose monitoring kit. Checking your blood glucose levels regularly will help you stay within your target range. An at-home glucose monitoring kit contains a monitor, test strips and lancets for you to take your own blood glucose readings. A blood glucose monitor provides you with immediate results and is necessary as a backup even if you have a continuous glucose monitor.
- Continuous glucose monitor (CGM). These devices, which are typically wearable for 7-14 days, measure interstitial glucose through the skin and deliver information wirelessly to a reader, pump or connected smart device. They allow for continuous monitoring of glucose levels and may feature alarms to alert readers of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
- Ketone test strips. Checking for urine ketones in situations like hyperglycemia and illness can help detect diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition where your body doesn't have enough insulin to convert into energy. Your healthcare provider will provide instructions on when to test and how to respond to your results. It is important to keep up-to-date strips available.
- Emergency alert bracelet. Wearing a medical alert bracelet could save your life. In the event you cannot speak for yourself, a bracelet will show emergency staff that you have diabetes so you can receive proper care.
- Emergency source of food. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose gets too low, in which case you'll need something to quickly bring it back to normal. If you are at risk for hypoglycemia, always keep a source of carbohydrates with you. This could be food, hard candy, juice or glucose tabs.
- Foot care products. Less than optimal glucose levels can cause nerve damage in the feet, which makes you vulnerable to cuts and sores. It also reduces the amount of blood flow to the feet, which prolongs healing for cuts and sores. Having the necessary supplies to care for your feet is important. Keep a pumice stone, nail file and clippers to keep your feet maintained. You may also need special diabetes shoes or diabetes inserts for your shoes. Diabetes socks usually have extra padding, and they’re designed to help keep your feet dry and foster good blood circulation.
- Dental Care Products. Regular dental care, including twice daily brushing, flossing and regular dental exams can help prevent periodontal disease associated with diabetes.
For more information about programs and services available at UK Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, call 859-323-BBDC (2232). Select option 1 for the adult clinic; option 2 for the pediatric clinic or option 3 for diabetes education services.