Supply & Medication

 

Pre-diabetic:  You have not been formally diagnosed, but may become diabetic at some point.  Your lifestyle choices and familial disposition are factors that may diagnose you later.

Type 1:  Your body doesn't make insulin and you need insulin for life.

Type 2:  Your body still makes insulin, but your cells don't use it properly.

Gestational:  You have this when you are pregnant and have to watch blood sugars carefully.

Typical Supplies:

  1.  Insulin (various types)
  2.  Medication (depending on type)
  3.  Disposal needles
  4.  Blood Sugar Monitor/Strips
  5.  Insulin Pump (Medtronic, Mini Med Flex, Omnipod, T-Slim, Twiist, Tandem Mobi, Beta Bionics)
  6.  CGM's (Medtronic Simplera Sync, Libra, Dexcom, Eversense 365)
  7.  Cell Phone for CGM apps.
  8.  Insulin pump supplies (infusion sets, needles, insulin, alcohol wipes, batteries, charger, infusion set device, belt clip)
  9.  Sugar Tablets
  10.  Carrying case 
  11.  Ice packs (to keep insulin cold)

Diabetes and the supplies are expensive   If you have insurance, typically it will pay for a majority of things you need.  There will always be out of pocket costs.

Set up a pharmacy account (Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Walmart) or a mail order account for your medications.

Check with your doctor and pharmacy about about any discounts if you have financial hardship.

Keeping BS the range (80-130) will help you feel better and will lessen complications.

You should have a glucose monitor so you can test as needed. 

If you have a CGM you can see your numbers regularly.  If you are unsure of how to use one, contact your doctor. 

You can use a glucose journal to track your numbers to see patterns and where you need to make changes based on diet, activity and daily living.

Food has a huge impact on glucose, so if you are not watching what you injest your sugars may drop or spike too high.  

Below are types of insulin.  Consult your doctor (endocrinologist) to help you determine the best type for you.

Rapid Acting:  Begins in 15 minutes and lasts from 1 - 5 hours

Short acting:  Begins in 30 minutes and lasts 3-8 hours.

Intermediate Acting:  Begins within 1-2 hours; takes 2-4 hours for full effect

Premixed Insulin:  Humulin, Novalog,  There are a combination of short acting and intermediate acting insulins in vial or pen form which can be easier to use. 

Glargine Insulin - Long acting insulin lasts about a day.

Inhaled Insulin - 10 15 minutes for effect.  Do your research about this type and speak with your doctor before starting any type of insulin.

Ways to Take Insulin:

  1. Syringes
  2. Pens
  3. Insulin Pump
  4. Inhaler

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