Diabetes bag

Diabetes bag

Living with diabetes can present a variety of challenges. Having your diabetes supplies available at all times makes it easier to maintain your blood sugar levels. A diabetes bag makes it easy to have all your diabetes supplies and supplies in one convenient place. Knowing what bags are available and what to put in them can help you ensure you're always able to manage your diabetes, no matter where you are.

What types of bags are available?

There are several bag options to carry your diabetes supplies. If you want to carry your supplies hands-free, consider one that's in the style of a backpack or fanny pack. These should have a zipper so that none of your supplies fall out when you move. If you carry a handbag, consider one that fits inside to minimize how many bags you have to carry.

You might also consider a difficult case, especially if your insulin comes in a glass bottle. A hard case protects the bottles from breakage if you accidentally drop them. These usually lock into place to keep the contents secure. Some difficult cases are divided into different compartments so you can organize your supplies so you can access everything quickly.

These bags come in different sizes. You should consider the items you need to take with you. For example, if you take multiple medications for diabetes, you'll likely need a larger bag than someone who only needs to carry a vial of insulin and a few syringes. You can lay out your items and take some measurements to get a general idea of ​​the best bag size for all of your diabetes items.

WHAT SHOULD YOU PUT IN YOUR DIABETES CASE OR BAG?

There are several diabetic accessories that you should include in your compact diabetes case. You want to have all the items you need to maintain and check your glucose levels. To prepare your diabetes case, you should make a list of the most important items so you don't forget anything. The following items should be stored in a diabetes storage bag:

• Your diabetes medications, including any insulin bottles, insulin pens, or pills you take

• Alcohol wipes and bandages if you need to test your blood sugar

• Your blood glucose meter with test strips and lancets

• Backup batteries for your blood glucose meter

• A card showing the type of diabetes you have, the medicines you take and your doctor's contact information

• Small sugary snacks for times when your blood sugar gets too low

• Needles and syringes if you use insulin

• A small flashlight so you can see your diabetes kit in the dark

HOW TO PACK A DIABETES BACKPACK

Once you've chosen a diabetes bag that meets your needs and have all the supplies ready, it's time to pack it. You should have enough of your medication to last at least 24 hours. If you are away for a long time, you should carry enough medication with you while you are away, plus two days to give yourself a little extra just in case you return home late. You should have two lancets and test strips for each test. For example, if you test twice a day, you will need four lancets and four test strips per day. This gives you extra in case you need to repeat a blood sugar test.

Ensure some variety in the foods you bring. For example, bring fresh fruit, candy, and glucose tablets in case your blood sugar gets too low. Pack enough alcohol wipes and bandages to cover every blood glucose test you need to take. Make sure your bag has a little extra space. If you remember something you need to add at the last minute, your bag can accommodate it.

KEEP YOUR INSULIN COOL IN YOUR DIABETES TRAVEL

Insulin contains preservatives to keep it fresh and effective. However, if your insulin gets too warm, it may stop working. After insulin remains in an environment with too high a temperature for too long, the protein begins to break down as bacteria grow in the liquid. You should keep your insulin at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit for it to be used safely.

When you're home, keep your insulin bottles in your refrigerator. You shouldn't keep it in your diabetes bag 24/7. When you're on the go, you can use cold packs to maintain a safe temperature for your insulin bottles. There are insulated bags that help keep your insulin cooler for longer. When using insulin pens, also follow the storage and travel instructions provided to ensure safety.

ENSURE YOUR DIABETES TRAVEL BAG MEETS TSA STANDARDS

If you plan to travel by plane, you need to make sure your diabetes travel bag meets all TSA standards so you can take it with you on the plane. Because your diabetes care often includes needles and syringes, sharp lancets, and prescription medications, you need to make sure you comply with all TSA regulations. Otherwise, problems may arise when you try to board. Use the following guidelines to ensure your diabetes case passes TSA inspection:

• Insulin: If you take insulin, be sure to take it with you on the plane. Be careful because if you put it in a bag that you are checking, changes in temperature and pressure in the luggage compartment of an airplane can negatively affect your insulin. TSA allows you to bring insulin on board, even if it exceeds the no liquids rule of more than 3.4 ounces. However, the prescribing information should be clearly visible so that they know that you are legally required to receive it. This is especially important for international travel. You may also bring cold packs to keep your insulin at the right temperature.

• Glucagon: You should carry it in its pharmaceutically labeled container to bring it on an airplane.

• Needles and syringes: You can bring these on the plane, but you will need a prescription from your doctor. It's best to bring the box these diabetes supplies come in as they will have the pharmaceutical label on them.

• Lancets: Your lancets should be with your blood glucose meter when flying. They must have the manufacturer's label and be capped to ensure airport security.

CONCLUSION

Your diabetes bag should be checked frequently to ensure that none of your diabetes supplies have expired. Pay special attention to snacks and diabetes test strips, as these items are most likely to have a shorter expiration date. You also need to replace any items you use immediately so you always have a full supply on hand. Having a well-stocked bag will make it much easier to manage your diabetes when you're on the go or traveling. Share this article on social media and post a link to it on your website.

Inspired by Keith E. Barker