Diabetes Blog – Happy-Medium.net

It’s no secret that all of us diabetes-folk accumulate a lot of… stuff.

I wonder… are we the hoarders of the patient world?

I mean, we have tons of things that we rely on each day. Think about it:
 
 
For blood glucose management:
– Meters
– Test Strips
– Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
– If you’re wearing a Dexcom™, a CGM receiver
– How about a backup meter?
– Backup test strips? You know, the ones you really hoard because your insurance company doesn’t think you need backup?
– Throw a couple of extra meters in there (at least), because you know you never get rid of the old ones the second you get a new one

For insulin delivery:
– Insulin (of course)
– Syringes
– Or Pen needles
– Or a pump
– Or all of the above
– Infusion sets for your pump
– Reservoirs for your pump

Wow, look at that list! And we’re just getting started.

For treating lows:
– Glucose tabs
– Juice
– Honey (one of my favorites)
– Nutella (not one of my favorites, but to each their own)
– That year old candy from a restaurant that’s always in the bottom of your pocket (or pocketbook)

Some additional extras:
– A Glucagon Kit
– Alcohol Wipes
– All of the stuff you carry your D-stuff in (I’m not talking about the plastic grocery bag crap I carry my stuff in… I mean the cool accessories, like you get here or here.
– Documentation—A medical bracelet or necklace, a card in your wallet, information for schools, doctors, TSA screening agents, etc.
 
 
That’s a lot of things to keep track of, just so we can live our lives with diabetes. That’s it—I live a full, happy life with diabetes (and a lot of diabetes-stuff) along for the ride.

Is there anything I’ve left out? Let me know.