Medical Supply Basics For Diabetes Management
If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you're probably aware that you are facing some significant life changes. Although information about diabetes is widely known, it's not nearly as widely understood. This leaves many newly-diagnosed diabetics unprepared for what they'll need to do as they move forward after diagnosis. Here's a look at some of the medical supplies that you'll need to keep on hand, especially if you are insulin-dependent.
Alcohol Swabs
Alcohol swabs become a vital part of every diabetic's life because they are necessary when you are testing blood sugar, as well as when you're injecting insulin or applying an insulin pump kit. That's why you should stock up on alcohol swabs as soon as possible, and always have a couple of boxes on hand in case of retail supply shortages. These are vital for preventing infection and, since diabetics heal slowly and are more prone to infections, this is an important consideration.
Testing Supplies And Equipment
Your new daily routine is going to include regular blood sugar tests. That means you'll need to have a blood sugar meter as well as the test strips that work with that meter. In fact, most diabetics are advised to keep a backup meter. That way, if something goes wrong with the one that you have, you won't be without the ability to check your blood sugar.
Also, it's in your best interest to buy an extra box or two of test strips beyond what your insurance company provides. Your insurance company will provide a certain number of test strips based on how frequently your doctor advises that you check your blood sugar. However, you'll inevitably need to check it more frequently if you're trying to adjust for an abnormally high or low reading, so you'll want to have extras on hand to allow for that.
Insulin Administration Supplies
Whether you're on routine injections or an insulin pump, you'll need supplies for this as well. If you're on a routine injection, think about buying two boxes of insulin needles at the start, and then pick up a new box as you start that second one. That way, you are never at risk of running out. Keep your needles in a secure place, and dispose of used needles in a SHARPS container.
If you're on an insulin pump, you'll have to buy the administration kits and tubing that work with your pump. You'll have to change the pump site every few days, which means having a lot of those kits on hand. Make sure that you stock up and keep them in a cool, dry place.
Rapid Glucose Injection
Any diabetic on insulin is at risk of a severe low blood sugar reading at some point. It's a risk that's always present, and one that you need to prepare for. Your doctor will likely prescribe you an injection pen that's filled with rapid-acting glucose. Keep that pen in your blood sugar kit at all times so that you have it if you need it, and make sure that your loved ones know how and when to use it. Further, talk with your doctor about prescribing you a couple of extras so that you can keep an extra one on hand at all times.
These are some of the things you'll need to think about when you're investing in medical supplies to manage diabetes. Talk with your doctor for more information.
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