How To: Organize My Supplies

Part of Dr.Katharine Morrison’s “How To” series as posted in this forum post (requires registration).


 

Insulin dependants need to have their insulins, needles, needle clipping device, cin bin or other storage container, insulin pens and syringes, glucagon kit, glucose gel, glucose drinks, ketostix and a frio pack if you are in a hot environment.

You will need a blood sugar meter, lancets, finger pricking device, test strips and a notebook for recording reading for recording blood sugars. This can also contain your meal profiles, correction doses, carbohydrate sensitivities at various times of the day, carbohydrate weighting scales and whatever else you may find of use to you.

A medic alert or similar bracelet is very helpful if you are found in a confused or unconcious state. Medic alert will provide world wide phone information which you have previously given them regarding your condition and medications.

Oils that you use for your feet such as almond oil or coconut oil can be kept in your bathroom or bedroom.  Vegetable and animal oil derivatives are better absorbed than mineral oils to keep the skin of your precious feet less likely to dry out and crack.

You will need to develop your own routine about what you will carry in person, store at work, the car and at home, and how you will check on expiry dates and reordering.
Keep your supplies at the various locations in one spot or drawer. Insulin not in current use needs to be stored in the fridge. It will deteriorate if it freezes or is heated such as can happen in a car.  Have your own cupboard with your low sugar treats, special foods, diet drinks and lucozade or gatorade.

If you are going into hospital or are travelling abroad it can be helpful to prepare some laminated cards before you go.

The important ones for a planned hospital admission in your own country need to cover food choices and self monitoring. For going abroad hypoglycaemia and vomiting and diabetes information sheets in a language that will be likely to be understood are well worth carrying with you.

You can use internet language tools such as Google Translate to translate any text into many different languages.

Do consider typing a personalised sheet of information on your contact details, contact details of your doctor, diabetologist, family, friends, medical history, medications, insulin routine, allergies and needs if hospitalised for the country you are visiting or passing through.