Nearly 40 million Americans suffer from diabetes. Unfortunately, this condition comes with a large number of complications. Some of the most notable include issues with vision, hearing, and mental health.
Proper diabetes care involves using the right diabetes supplies. This will go a long way in terms of successful diabetes management. Let’s explore this topic further in detail.
Understand Your Needs
Not every diabetic person will have the same needs. It’s crucial to understand your areas of concern so you can make the best decision.
For instance, you might have issues related to foot care or dental care. You can then narrow down your potential options to find the right products. Otherwise, you’ll run into two major issues:
- It will take you longer to make a purchase
- You may purchase the wrong supplies
Speaking with your doctor can go a long way when it comes to making the right choice.
Source Appropriately
Where you purchase your supplies is something you can never neglect.
Unfortunately, there are many shady providers out there that aim to scam customers. You might find that the product you receive is of a much lower quality than you expected. There is even a chance you don’t receive the product at all.
When searching for a provider, take a look at their past reputation to see what others have had to say. They should have overwhelmingly positive feedback, especially on the items you’re interested in.
You can also reach out to them and assess how their customer support team communicates with you. If they don’t seem interested in helping you find the right products, it’s best to look elsewhere. This will help you avoid many problems you may have otherwise had to deal with.
Use Them Correctly
Using diabetes supplies incorrectly could be dangerous. Doing so could also prevent you from getting the results you need. Common forms of misuse include using an item for an unintended purpose, using it more frequently than recommended, etc.
The good news is that diabetes supplies come with comprehensive directions to help ensure that you don’t make mistakes. As long as you educate yourself on proper use, you’ll be sure to avoid issues.
Stay Consistent
You won’t get much out of your diabetes supplies if you don’t stay consistent. Use them as directed and do your best not to skip a day. Some people make the mistake of assuming they no longer need to use certain products since they don’t have symptoms anymore.
In reality, it was the continued use of the product that alleviated the symptoms. If you feel as though something is off, contact your medical professional for their opinion. There are some scenarios where complications can arise even if an individual uses diabetes supplies appropriately.
Common Types of Diabetes Supplies
To help make your decision, it’s important to understand the most common types of diabetes supplies. This can help you cut through the clutter and find the best product for you.
Listed below are some of the most notable.
Insulin Pumps
Insulin pumps are used in some situations instead of shots. These can administer short-acting insulin or rapid-acting insulin at a continuous rate.
However, it’s important to remember that you need to test your blood sugar levels. Insulin pumps are small and highly portable.
Since pumps require using a needle yourself, it’s essential to get instructions beforehand so you can do it correctly. Those with a fear of needles may need someone to assist them.
Insulin Syringes/Pens
These are fast, convenient ways to keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high.
Depending on your diabetic condition, you might need to take a certain type of insulin. These include rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting. The differences between them include how long they take to start working and when they reach their maximum strength.
Blood Sugar Monitors
Blood sugar monitors are one of the most important diabetes supplies to consider. Without them, it would be impossible for someone to accurately assess their blood sugar levels. This can put them at risk of severe health complications that may require medical care.
Blood sugar monitors can also document your blood sugar levels over a period of days, weeks, or months. You can then look at this data to determine abnormalities. This can also make it much easier for your doctor to diagnose diabetes-related issues.
One of the premier options to consider is the Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor.
Medical Alert Bracelets
In the event that an emergency arises, a medical alert bracelet can help doctors and paramedics treat you. This comes into play when a person with diabetes is unable to speak for themselves.
Your bracelet can provide information about an emergency contact, the types of allergies you have, and the insulin that you take. Keep this in mind, as it’s one of the most important diabetes supplies to consider.
It’s also recommended that you keep at least a week’s worth of diabetes supplies in case of a natural disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane. This can include insulin, batteries, sources of glucose, etc.
Get Started Today
Without the right diabetes supplies, you simply won’t be able to get the results you need. This could severely diminish your quality of life and even lead to further health issues later on.
Our blog has many other lifestyle articles that can help you make smarter decisions. Be sure to check them out today to see what you can learn!
