I was wondering what people out there use to carry around the diabetes supplies and also what you make sure you ALWAYS have with you. This may be more for the non-purse carrying ladies and the gentlemen. I'm not used to actually carrying anything with me (aside from things that fit in pockets so I never have to remember to pick it up when I leave). Currently I have my meter (One Touch Ultra 2) and the case that it came with. I clip my insulin pen to the side or in the pocket and then put a few extra things inside it with the meter. It's not bad, but I'd like a better solution in compact form if such a thing exists. Also, being new to the T1 thing, do you always make sure you have an emergency glucogon shot with you or just something sugary/glucose tabs in case things get hypo? Still waiting on my first hypo episode... lowest I've gone so far is 67. Input from all is welcome!
I don't carry a glucagon kit around. No one around me would know how to use it. If/when the GlucaPen comes out, then I'll start carrying one around like I do my EpiPen.
I do always make sure I have fast-acting carbohydrates on me. Always. If I don't have my purse nearby for some reason, I put some in my pockets. I've had numerous times where I've gone from being fine to being very low (like low 30s) within a matter of seconds—or at least it seemed a matter of seconds—and was literally afraid I might pass out before I could get to my purse and glucose tablets.
My answer is almost identical to Jen's. I also don't carry a glucagon kit, but always carry glucose tabs. I am afraid to leave home without them. I kind of panic if I am away home and realize I may not have enough glucose tabs if I go really low. I also try to remember to remove the plastic wrapper from a new tube so I can get to them easily if I do go low.
Thanks for the responses! I'm cramming most of that stuff into my meter case at the moment. I was kinda figuring carrying a glucagon kit may not be helpful for the reason mentioned; most people won't know what to do with it. Any ideas on something better to carry it all in as well? I feel like I've got a little mini-purse with me all the time. Now that works just fine for some, but it's not really my thing. =]
I think what you've got is about a compact a it's gonna get - have you tried a small fanny pack?
I don't carry glucagon, but you must always have some form of sugar with you - and don't forget to replenish it when you use some. I hate glucose tabs, so carry jelly beans in an old prescription bottle - holds about two treatments.
I also do not use pens - they are too bulky and cumbersome for me. I just use insulin in vials and the smaller 1/3 cc syringes.
I carry with me in my purse for my daughter is a meter, fast acting carbs like glucose tablets or skittles, and usually a 4oz juice box but one of the choices would do for your pockets..... if you get low enough you should be able to tell and act on it, so no need for a glucagon I only take a glucagon with me if goin out of town... cause im always with my 9 yr old... and she can recognize a low so we treat it with 15 carbs.... I buy the skittles in fun size cause they are approx 13 carbs for 1 bag.... and they are a fast acting carb!!! Good Luck to you!!!
I'm on a pump so it's a little different, but I just went out to do some errands around our very small town and all I took is my meter/remote and the glucose tablets that are always in my purse. Nope, no glucagon kit; never had one. I live alone so there is nobody around to use it. If I lost consciousness in public I assume someone would call a paramedic who would deal with it. As a pumper if I was going out for longer I'd need to carry more supplies. My sympathy to the non-purse carrying segment of our population. What about backpacks? They are gender neutral and very common. Another possibility if you go everywhere by car is to leave supplies in the car.
I do leave some things in my car, but I'm not sure if it's okay to leave my insulin in my car since it can easy get over 100 degrees in there on a warm sunny day here. Would probably be okay for a short trip to the store or something, but not for long term storage. Backpack might be okay, though I am hoping to find something a bit more compact. Fanny packs were also mentioned above, but I've never been a fan of those even when they were "in-style". I'm probably being way too picky here! I did see an advert on this site for something that looked like a larger wallet/day planner to hold supplies so considering that (Myabetic is the site). I like the skittles idea. I am a fan of the skittles, especially sour!
No, I agree that leaving insulin in the car, especially in summer is a bad idea. But for short term carrying, consider getting a Frio to carry your pens. They're great!
Just an idea for carrying insulin in the car - those Frio packs work incredibly well. I don't use them all the time, but when I'm traveling, and my luggage may be in the car in the hot sun for hours, I use a Frio pack. It's kept my insulin safe in 90 degree weather when it's been in the car for up to 8 hours. The good thing about them is that you just need water to reactivate the pack.
Ruth
I use a ReliON pouch I got from walmart. I keep my meter, meter computer cable, insulin pens (lantus and humalog), swabs, pen needles, strips, lancet, lancet device, sharpie, doctor's note for traveling with insulin and needles for airport security if they get snooty. All of this is placed into this little pouch. When I travel I have a somewhat larger pack that I put a lot of extra supplies in. Also I just found this site http://myabetic.com/Shop when I was looking for something else it may have even been a banner on the side of TuDiabetes. Anyway, I attached a photo just for kicks.
3028-dailypouch.jpg (76.9 KB)
Fanny pack/meter & doubled up strips in can/frio with couple filled syringes/glucose tabs in left pocket/telephone right pocket and my ID bracelet with number & name of person to call.
I also have glucose tabs in car, on treadmill, at sofa/TV, at telephone, at bedside, in bathroom. I dress that way in a.m. so can go do things on the spur of the moment.
I carry all my diabetic supplies and other meds in an old military ammo bag. I don't like to keep this stuff in my purse because it's much easier to have all my health related stuff in its own area for easier access. If you don't want to be weighed down with extra baggage, I think invest in lots of cargo pants would be a good option for you. :) Oh, and I always carry starbursts for lows. They taste way better than glucose tabs and it's the only time I get to eat candy.
Isn't that kinda like a cruel joke to us diabetics? You must ALWAYS have some form of fast acting carb/sugar on you (e.g. candy) but you can't eat it except for an emergency! Reminds me of the car trip where the kids are annoying each other and the parents tell the kid "don't touch your sister!" and then he sits there with his finger inches away saying "I'm not touching you!".
haha... that is awesome.
It is sort of a cruel joke. And it always seems that when you are told you can't have something, you want it even more. I'm lucky I don't have too much of a sweet tooth or it would be awful. I just get those once in a blue moon cravings, but I still hate when I see friends eating a candy bar and it really makes me want one.
I always carry my meter (Freestyle Flash) and glucose tablets. I also keep a bottle of glucose tabs in my car but in the summer time they get really hard ... but they still work. Would rather have them work and taste bad, than to not have anything at all.
I wear a pump so I don't carry any other supplies - although I know I "should" always have a spare infusion set on me ... :/ I actually thought about posting this question a couple of days ago. I carry all of my supplies (so if I have to grab 'n go) at home in my daughter's Libby Lu pink draw string bag. Kinda funny but it works. That's where I keep all of my "at home" supplies - injectors, CGM transmittor charter, extra batteries, etc. It's easy to pack for trips that way, too. I know all I need is in there, except for extra insulin which I keep in the fridge.
I am with you. I carry my supplies in a messenger bag(man purse). All my meds, meter, syringes, ice pack, extra strips plus snacks and gluc tabs. I can travel lighter cargo pants/shorts meter vial syringes.
On a side note with your life tied to your meds you should look into having an emergency/bug out bag. Had a coworker whose son ended up in DKA after the tornadoes went through the other week.
I currently use this, it's been great and has lasted me 10 years so far.. It's a medi cool classic and can be bought in the states.
I also really like the desang kit bags, designed by a diabetic for diabetics, the quality is fantastic and they do one for every situation..
Cargo pants or jackets with pockets. Diabetics need pockets and lots of them. I carry a roll of lifesavers in my pants pocket always and call it medicine. I slide my meter in my cargo pocket (or coat pocket) when I am headed out the door. I have a case for my insulin that works pretty well in my cargo pocket or coat pocket as well when on the go (concerned about temperature though). The longer you are leaving your house the more junk you need to take with you, unfortunately.