A good carpenter takes care of his or her tools, knowing what a difference it’ll make on the job site.
Likewise, people with diabetes should take care of their diabetes supplies ““ the “tools” they need to manage the disease and maintain their ongoing health.
Here are five tips from the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston for maintaining your diabetes supplies:
- Be nice to your glucose meter
The gadgets are very sensitive to temperature, so don’t expose them to extreme heat or cold. That means not leaving the meter in your car when the temperature is going to reach one or the other end of the weather spectrum.
- Protect your test strips
They’re too expensive to put at risk for damage, so don’t expose them to extreme heat or cold, and keep the lid closed on the canister at all times to keep out moisture and debris. - Keep your insulin cool ““ but not frozen
Keep your insulin refrigerated when possible, such as overnight. It’s all right to carry your insulin pen or vial in your pocket for a while, just keep it out of direct sunlight and protect it as much as possible from extreme heat, which will destroy it. Likewise, freezing insulin will also render it ineffective. - Protect your pump
It will insulate the insulin up to a point, but if you’re going to be out in the heat, consider putting the pump in a small protective case and adding a cold (but not frozen) gel packs to keep the medication cool. Covering the pump with a towel or other cloth will also help protect it. - Get organized
Storing all your supplies like test strips, syringes and alcohol swipes in one spot will make managing your diabetes easier and more predictable. Drawer organizers, found at arts and crafts or office supply stores, can keep everything neatly in its place.
