Diabetes Management

7 Items You Must Have for Safe Blood Sugar Management

 

Unfortunately, diabetes is a growing issue in the United States. Estimates in 2021 report that 38.4 million people had diabetes in the US. That’s roughly 11.6% of the population!! Another troubling statistic is that the percentage of adults with diabetes increases with age reaching 29.2% aged 65 or older. This means the need to regulate blood sugar increases as we or our loved ones age. To properly manage and balance blood sugar, there can be must-have items we should have on hand to help this endeavor. I can shine a light on 7 important items you need to keep your blood sugar balanced. Visit www.healthproductsforyou.com for all your diabetes treatment plan needs.

The Magnificent Seven

As the saying goes, “the right tool for the right job” and this can be applied to managing your blood glucose levels. If you can identify the proper items needed to balance blood sugar, any surprise or interruption of your daily diabetes treatment plan can be handled without issues. Here are 7 must-have items you need:

1. Diabetes Care Kit: If you are a caregiver to a diabetic or out with a loved one, be prepared for any emergency. You should have with you the diabetic diagnosis (type I or II), any medications they/you need, or anything pertinent about their current condition. This could be crucial during a medical emergency such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Be sure to have:

• Emergency contact list
• List of allergies
• Medical cards
• Names/phone numbers of medical providers

2. Blood Sugar Monitoring Supplies: Living with diabetes means monitoring blood glucose levels regularly. High blood glucose levels can be damaging to your body, as well as low blood sugar levels which can lead to a diabetic stroke. Supplies you need will include:

• Glucose monitor
• Test strips
• Lancets
• Carrying case (for insulin, needles, and monitor)

3. Insulin Administration Supplies: Obviously, someone with diabetes will need to monitor their blood sugar and have insulin administered either by themselves or by a caregiver. When you are out and about don’t forget the supplies you will need for administering insulin. These are:

• Insulin
• Syringes
• Alcohol wipes
• Bandages

Be sure to have a way to safely dispose of or discard any used needle or syringe. Typically, a properly marked plastic container should be used.

4. Diabetic Safe Snacks: Maintaining safe glucose levels means eating properly. Any snacks eaten while out and about should be high in fiber, protein, balanced carbohydrates, and have healthy fats. Stay away from processed foods!! You should carry with you:

• Nuts such as almonds
• Peanut butter with celery
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Tuna salad

In the case of a diabetic emergency where blood sugar plummets, it’s a good idea to have some not so healthy snacks around just in case glucose levels need to be raised. These can include fruit juice, jellybeans, or even chocolate.

5. Water: Many diabetics can experience excessive thirst. In these moments, water is your best option. Stay away from fruit juices or sugary beverages such as soda since they have higher levels of sugar in them. If plain water is not enticing, add fresh fruit or berries for flavor since they have natural sugars (not processed).

6. Skincare Supplies: One characteristic of diabetes is poor circulation and those with diabetes can experience poor blood flow. This can lead to diabetic ulcers, athlete’s foot, or dry skin and these issues can be slow to heal due to their diabetes. Your skincare supply list should include:

• Moisturizing lotion
• Nail clippers
• Clean/dry socks
• Fresh pair of compression stockings

7. Extras/Duplicate Supplies: You should always have extra or multiples of everything you need just in case your time out in public runs longer than expected. Be forward thinking and try to anticipate any possible issue. For instance, carry spare batteries for your glucose monitor to avoid batteries dying, therefore making your glucose monitor inoperable.

Best Products For Safe Blood Sugar Management

When to Seek Medical Attention:

If you should experience symptoms of diabetes you should consult your physician as soon as possible but if you have been diagnosed with either type-1 or type-2 diabetes and your symptoms persist or worsen you should see your doctor ASAP as uncontrolled diabetes can wreak havoc on your body. While high blood glucose levels are the calling card of diabetes, low blood sugar is also dangerous and should be addressed.

References:

• Diabetes Symptoms and Causes
• What is diabetes?
• Air Travel and Diabetes
• National Diabetes Statistics Report

 

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