Before you travel, find out the essential items that every diabetic should have on hand
If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, there are certain medical supplies and rescue items you should always have on hand. These diabetic supplies need to be kept in an easily accessible place at home, made up into a small pack that you can take with you whenever you leave the house. This holds true even if you believe you will be returning home in a short time. Stress and other circumstances can affect blood sugar levels without warning. If this occurs when you are without your emergency diabetes supplies, the results could be dangerous or even life threatening. Use this checklist of what every diabetic should have on hand to create a small pack that you can keep with you at all times.
- Glucose meter
Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential for anyone with diabetes. A glucose meter detects fluctuations in blood sugar, pinpointing the exact blood glucose levels so you can accurately determine how much glucose or insulin to take. Everyone with diabetes should keep a glucose meter on hand to check blood sugar levels at meal times and throughout the day. - Testing supplies
Always make sure you have a good supply of diabetes testing supplies handy. Your diabetes emergency kit should contain a lancing device, a generous supply of lancets, test strips, alcohol wipes/hand cleaner, and tissues or bandages. - Insulin/Diabetes Medications
Insulin dependent diabetics (anyone with Type 1 diabetes and some people with Type 2 diabetes) should always have a supply of insulin on hand. Delays in administering insulin can be extremely dangerous. Inhalable insulin is ideal for emergency packs because it can be stored without considering temperature. If you take injectable insulin, it needs to be kept cool at all times. For short trips, injectable insulin will be safe if stored in a cool dry place, but a cooler will be needed for longer trips or in hot weather. If you use syringes to administer your insulin instead of an insulin pen, make sure you have plenty of syringes in your diabetes emergency kit. - Glucagon/glucose
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause seizures, coma, or even death if left untreated. One of the essential items that every diabetic should have on hand is a supply of fast-acting glucose to treat incidences of hypoglycemia. Make sure you have a generous supply of glucose tablets, liquid glucose, and/or a Glucagon kit with you at all times. - Emergency snack supplies
Emergency snack supplies can combat low blood sugar and keep you from needing to take glucose. Pack small containers of water to stay hydrated, and juice boxes for fast-acting rescue. Mixed nuts and granola, whole grain crackers with peanut butter or tuna, and string cheese are all great emergency snacks for diabetics that will keep your blood glucose levels steady. - Emergency information
Every diabetes emergency kit should contain your emergency contact list, medication information, and diabetic identification.
Check your diabetes emergency kit contents every couple of months to make sure that medications, testing supplies, glucose, and food are safe to use and not expired. Make sure your diabetes emergency kit is always fully stocked and convenient to take in a hurry, so you are never tempted to rush off without the necessary supplies to manage your diabetes.
For diabetes-friendly snack recipes, travelling with diabetes tips, and other helpful advice on managing diabetes, continue browsing through our site, www.BetterHealthKare.com.
