Diabetic Supplies: Don’t Leave Home Without Them

Just because you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes does not mean you have to live like a hermit.  With today’s rapidly advancing technology and research breakthroughs, you can still live a full exciting life despite suffering from diabetes.  You just have to make sure you bring the necessary diabetic supplies.

Traveling As A Diabetic

If you like to travel, take vactions, go on cruises, or take long road trips, you can still enjoy these fun activities as long as you do some initial planning and preparation.  You need to take into consideration what diabetic supplies you will need in case of an emergency.  By taking the proper precautions, you can enjoy a fun safe vacation with your family and friends.  But before you go off to have your fun in the sun, make sure to inform your doctor about your trip.  He can provide a list of the diabetic supplies that you will need to bring.  Most likely, the list will include the following items:

Doses of Insulin - these are essential diabetic supplies.  Anytime you travel, don’t ever forget to to bring these because they many be the only items that can save your life when your blood sugar skyrockets.  Ask your physician for any changes required in the dose and request an extra prescription just in case you run out of doses.

Diabetic Food - Always try to carry as many snacks and juices as possible and bring lots of water.  These important diabetic supplies will help raise your blood sugar level during any hypoglycemic episodes (when your blood glucose level is too low).

Medical Alert Bracelet - This is a key diabetic supply because it will let everyone know what to do if an emergency situation arises including what to do and who to call.

Insulin Pump - If you are going to be flying and are an insulin dependent diabetic, insulin pumps are the most essential diabetic supplies that you can have.  However, before you head to the airport, make sure you are prepared to deal with the inspectors as it may set off the alarm on the metal detectors.  If they ask you to take it off, just politely remind them that the needle is inserted under your skin. 

Once you clear the metal detector, here are a few diabetic supplies that you can take as carry-ons on the plane: 

Urine Ketone Test Strips
Glucagon emergency kit
Disposal containers for to store test strips and used syringes
Insulin dispensing products including vials, pens, jet injectors, infusers and insulin preloaded syringes
A vial of insulin
Cotton swabs
Syringes
Glucometer
Testing Strips
Lancets

Try to remember when you are traveling to always double check what you have packed, especially your diabetic supplies.  This will make your trip a fun worry-free experience for everyone.