A basic survival guide for new diabetics

Hey all, I have compiled some information that I believe to be helpful for new diabetics. I'm not a healthcare professional, this is purely opinionated. Please feel free to add any helpful/relevant information. This is a wide list containing various different items/tips/tricks. Thanks.

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Insulin Delivery

Don't worry, you don't have to carry around syringes and a vial of insulin forever. There are many manufactures that make things to make your life a bit more convenient. Insulin Pods, Insulin Pumps, and Insulin Pens just to name a few. Many systems hold a 2-3 day supply of insulin onboard that can go with you anywhere and makes it so you don't have to worry about insulin spoiling due to temperature while on the go. They also allow you to "dial in" your insulin needs quickly and unobtrusively. They are constantly connected, no more having to inject under the table. Basically, they're your electronic pancreas.

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CGM/Blood Sugar Testing

CGM stands for Continuous Glucose Monitoring. Finally, a way to check your blood sugar without having to perform a finger stick. There are many different CGM choices on the market (Dexcom, Freestyle Libre, etc). Essentially, this a sensor that is placed on the body (replaced approximately every 2 weeks depending on the system) that allows for a continuous, live blood sugar reading to be sent to a smart device. You're able to set a specific blood sugar target range, receive alerts when outside of the range, view a blood sugar trend that will tell you how your blood sugar is acting (raising, lowering, staying the same), etc. Some devices will also allow you to share blood sugar data with other people, this may be a great option for an individual concerned about a close friend or family member who is struggling with blood sugar control.

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Medical ID

Medical Identification Jewelry is a great way for first responders to easily and quickly identify you as a diabetic. Personally, I recommend Road ID. This isn't your 1980s silver chain link bracelet. Each bracelet is serialized and allows first responders to view an online "profile" you have created with important information. Identifying information, Doctor contacts, Medications, etc are all set into the profile, allowing them to view the important stuff when it matters.

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Prescription Discount

GoodRx, need i say more? This is a downloadable app that will allow you to find prescription medications for discounted prices from different pharmacies in your area via in app coupons. This is for any prescription, not just insulin, and the best part? It's free. In addition, if you're having a hard time with diabetic supplies i would suggest discussing the issue with your endocrinologist/PCP. There maybe other programs that you can enroll in that will help you during economical hardships.

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Cooling Insulin on the Go

But how will i keep my insulin cold while traveling? Remember the reusable ice packs you used to put in your lunch box? They make those for insulin too. These are great to use while traveling or taking your insulin somewhere refrigeration is not available. They are small insulated bags, containing small freeze packs and a sleeve to hold insulin. Another product to help with the cooling of insulin where no ice/refrigeration is available is called a "FRIO insulin cooling case". This product is a sleeve that holds your insulin vials/pens/syringes. It's cooling properties come from the evaporation of water. Simply soak it in water and start cooling. I personally own this product, though i haven't had a chance to try it yet. I'm hoping this is a good alternative during emergency situations such as elongated power outages where i can't get my hands on some ice and my refrigerator is dead.

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Emergency Preparedness

Remember, you are diabetic. You need a little bit more than food and water. When it comes to life sustaining equipment, two is one and one is none. Have some extra supplies in stock.

Delivery system: If using a delivery system such as pods, insulin pump, etc i recommend keeping an emergency supply of syringes in stock in the occurrence that the your device malfunctions, breaks or the supply chain is disrupted. Have a backup method to deliver insulin and don't forget your extra box of alcohol prep pads.

Glucose Monitoring: I recommend keeping an excess stock of test strips as well as at least one backup glucose testing meter. There are relatively cheap glucose meters and test strips that you can purchase and stock that won't break the bank. Remember, CGM systems are an essentially unlimited supply of blood sugar tests. This will allow you to test less using a finger stick method, thereby saving test strips. I would recommend having extra CGM sensors.

Insulin: Plain and simple, you need a few extra vials of insulin. Even in a non-emergency environment, spare insulin will save you a headache. I recommend at the VERY LEAST one extra vial of insulin in your refrigerator at all times, in the occurrence that gravity holds your vial tighter than you do and it shatters on the kitchen floor in the middle of the night. Buy extra, you'll thank yourself later. Also, think of ways of how you will keep your insulin cool during emergency situations and plan for it accordingly.

Contacts: Know what pharmacies in your area operate at a 24/7 capacity. You may have to make that emergency insulin run in the middle of the night. Keep a list of contacts for your PCP/Endocrinologist in case you need to contact them in an emergency.

Remember to keep extra batteries for all your devices.

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Day to Day Life

Lows: Keep supplies around to allow you to treat low blood sugar episodes wherever you are. Put some fast acting glucose tablets in your pocket, your car, your desk at work, where you spend most of your time in your house and where you sleep! Nothing is worse than stumbling around trying to find sugar when your levels are dropping.

Hygiene: Take care of yourself. Your body is not the same as everyone else. An infection that a non-diabetic might blow off may send you into DKA.

Stubborn adhesive: Those of you that do use things such as CGM sensors and insulin delivery systems understand the pain of the adhesive tape starting to peel off half way through the sensor/devices life. Have no fear, SKIN-TAC wipes are here. Use these to help reseal the stubborn adhesive tape. Personally, if i notice adhesive tape starting to peel, i dab the top side of the tape with a skin-tac wipe and allow the adhesive liquid to soak through, keeping the tape down where it should be.

Problems with your diabetes: MEDIC! If you're having trouble with your diabetes, PLEASE don't hesitate to contact your doctor. Let them help you get the problems fixed and help you get your diabetes under control. Listen to the person who went to medical school for 8 years!

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In closing, understand that you have a disease. A disease that takes constant attention to control. You're going to have days that are harder than others. Days that cause you panic, days that stress you out and days that send you on a roller coaster emotionally. I think i can say we all go through this at times. Understand that you're not "weird" for this. You're not "broken". Look to your doctors, your family and the people who love and care about you to help you through hard times. We all need help from time to time. Make sure you allow yourself to be helped. You DO have what it takes, stay in the fight.