29 Nov 22 Supplies to Have on Hand
22 Supplies to Have on Hand
Are you traveling over the holidays? Even if you aren’t planning a road trip or hopping on a plane, you’re likely still zipping around and being pulled in multiple directions during this happy, hectic time of year. We find it easier to help Ellie manage her type one diabetes (T1D) if she has everything she needs in her diabetes bag or “kit.” There are so many stylish, practical diabetes bags on the market, but—as with most things—it’s what’s inside that counts most.
In the latest installment of our ongoing series, 22 in ’22, we’re ticking off 22 items we try to always have with us for less stress and more success.
Testing Supplies
1
glucose meter
2
lancing device
3
test strips
4
charge cord for meter
5
alcohol swabs
Pump Supplies
6
insulin vial
7
vial safe protector (a rubber cover to keep your glass insulin bottle from shattering)
8
infusion set
9
reservoir or cartridge
10
battery or charge cord for pump
11
medical paper tape for securing a loose site (We use 3M Nexcare.)
12
coin for opening compartment to change battery if you use a battery operated pump like the Medtronic 670G to open the pump’s battery compartment.)
Emergency Supplies
13
medical/emergency I.D.
Treating Low BG
14
glucagon injectable or mist (Baqsimi)
15
fast acting carbs (We like glucose tabs or Skittles or other candies in small snack size packets like you receive trick-or-treating at Halloween or exchanging classroom valentines)
16
small tube of frosting (never goes bad and can be rubbed into the inner cheek if, heaven forbid, you need to treat a low but have trouble swallowing)
Treating ketones
17
keto sticks for ketone testing
18
insulin pen and needles if you are traveling and need to switch to multiple daily injections if your pump fails or if you need to treat moderate or large ketones
Miscellaneous Supplies
19
hand sanitizer
20
extra mask (COVID protection if you are with someone who has symptoms or feel like you need it while in a large indoor crowd)
Additional Supplies for Extended Travel
21
Extra transmitter for your continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
22
Extra sensor(s) for your CGM
Ellie’s diabetes kit sounds like Mary Poppins’ bottomless carpet bag; miraculously, everything fits. We are prepared for the ordinary and for the emergency that is anything but routine. Are we forgetting anything? What are your “go to” items when you’re, well, on the go?
Wishing you safe travels over the holidays (and beyond).