Helpful Tips to Getting Organized and Improving Diabetes Self-Management

Diabetes can not only be demanding, but it can also be a disruptive health condition. Those who have been recently diagnosed and previously felt pretty organized in their lives can easily find themselves situationally disorganized. Diabetes educators can assist patients to get more organized and develop a feeling of being more in control of their lives by providing certain tools, tips, as well as strategies for integrating diabetes self-care in their daily lives. However, you cannot fully rely on diabetes educators for your diabetes self-management needs because oftentimes these educators have to deal with a large number of patients and they may lack ample time to take you through all the steps. Consequently, it pays to learn a few things on your own.

Here are some useful tips on getting organized and improving your diabetes self-management.

Getting Started

A diabetes diagnosis often comes with an incredible amount of supplies that the patient must manage and organize. This is a good place to begin. A wise first step is to create a master diabetes supply checklist. You can do this with the help of your diabetes educator or physician. Ensure that you include everything that is required for maintaining a healthy and organized life both at home and away from your home. It is always advisable to keep the list in a notebook or save it on your smartphone or personal computer – whatever you feel is more convenient and works well for you. The main point here is to have it written so you don’t have to worry about misplacing or forgetting the important information contained in it.

Where Can I Purchase Diabetes Supplies?

You can buy blood glucose test strips, lancets, meters, as well as other necessary diabetes supplies from online pharmacies or the local pharmacy. However, it is important to look for bargains to find the lowest prices and reduce your costs. For instance, you may consider buying generic drugs as they are always cheaper compared to name-brand products.

The price of a glucose meter can differ depending on the brand and features you choose. Nonetheless, you should be able to get one without breaking the bank. On the other hand, diabetes test strips can be quite pricey and you must have them in order to avoid any problems. While checking once or twice per day can help to minimize the cost of test strips, it is advisable to first discuss with your physician or educator about the appropriate number of times you should use test strips.

How About Storing the Supplies?

If you have been prescribed to take insulin, your educator or physician will provide you with full instructions on how to use and store it effectively. It is recommended that you keep all the supplies, including the syringes, glucose monitor, lancets, insulin, alcohol swabs, as well as any other necessary supplies together in a bedroom or kitchen drawer. This helps to ensure the supplies are always in one place and available for use when needed.

As you shop for diabetes supplies, it is important to remember that diabetes does not have a cure. You will therefore need these supplies on a daily basis, whether you are at home or away from home. Consequently, you need to make diabetes management a key part of your day-to-day lifestyle to ensure you are healthy and avoid further life-threatening complications.