If you have diabetes, it’s important to be prepared and have the necessary supplies on hand in case of an emergency. Here are some of the top items you should keep at home. By having them on hand, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to manage your diabetes effectively and stay healthy.
You always want to be able to test your blood sugar levels at home. And these are an important part of that. Test strips are surely among the most important supplies for diabetic patients as they ensure you’re always on top of your blood glucose levels. They work with test meters. And they’re what you use to test the amount of glucose in a drop of blood by inserting it into the test meter.
Test strips are disposable after a single use and should be stored in their original packaging until ready to test. Prolonged exposure to light, heat, and moisture can affect the test results. It is important to check test strip expiration dates before use, as test strips that are expired may not provide accurate test results.
It’s likely that you’ll have to give yourself an insulin shot at one point or another if you have diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Without insulin, your body would be unable to control its own sugar levels, and they could get dangerously high.
Insulin comes in several different forms, depending on the type of insulin needed and how long it acts in the body. Short-acting insulin is used as a mealtime insulin and begins to work about five minutes after you take it, peaking about two hours later. Longer-acting shots can control blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours.
Glucagon Emergency Kit
Make sure to also equip yourself with a glucagon emergency kit at home if you have diabetes. A glucagon emergency kit is a device that contains glucagon. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It’s used in cases of severe hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening.
Having a glucagon emergency kit available is especially important if you are prone to hypoglycemic episodes. It can be used by you or someone else in case of an emergency. And it comes with instructions on how to properly use the glucagon and administer it.
You should keep a record of everything going on with your condition. These are the following:
- a logbook to record your glucose readings
- a logbook to track the times you take your insulin shots
- a logbook to keep track of your diet, activity, and exercise
- a logbook for any other important notes or events related to your diabetes.
A logbook can be a very helpful tool in managing your diabetes. It’s a great way to look back and see how your condition has been progressing over a period of time.
An Adjusted Cookbook
Diabetics have lots of foods they need to avoid at all costs. An adjusted cookbook can help make sure they don’t miss out on delicious meals that meet the needs of their dietary restrictions. It will provide diabetics with an extensive list of recipes they can enjoy while still managing their diabetes. The recipes are specifically designed to reduce sugar and fat. They focus on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fiber-rich vegetables.
Blood Pressure Monitor
You always need to know what your blood pressure is, especially if you have diabetes. Monitors are a must-have item for anyone living with diabetes. They are easy to use and available at most drug stores. Blood Pressure Monitors can give you an accurate measure of blood pressure so that you can make informed decisions about your health and lifestyle.
You can also keep track of blood pressure readings over time using a blood pressure monitor, which can give you an overall picture of your blood pressure trends. This information can be helpful to both the patient and their doctor in charting out the best treatments for diabetes and related conditions.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Medical aid should always be welcome and accessible when needed. And this is why emergency phone numbers are an essential item for diabetes patients to have at home. It’s important to have emergency numbers on hand in case of a medical emergency related to diabetes.
Depending on the country, emergency numbers such as 911 or 112 can be used to reach emergency responders such as police, firefighters, and paramedics. There are also emergency numbers specific to diabetes patients, such as the Poison Control Center and Diabetes Emergency Hotline, that provide specialized care and information.
Diabetics need to reshape their life to be more suited for their condition which starts with various test strips. Make sure to also have an insulin shot as well as a glucose kit at your disposal at all times. Keep a logbook about your condition and get a cookbook designed for diabetics. Finally, don’t forget to get a blood pressure monitor and write down all the emergency phone numbers you may need!