If you have recently been diagnosed with type 1 or type or 2 diabetes, trying to manage your condition can be quite overwhelming. However, once you get accustomed to your lifestyle changes, managing diabetes can become much easier than it may first seem. Learning to manage your blood sugar levels can help you alleviate the symptoms you have been experiencing if any.

When it comes to managing diabetes, there is no such thing as being over-prepared. Ensuring easy access to the health items you need relieves you lot of stress and uncertainty that often chaperons with the diagnosis of diabetes. To help you get off to a good start, let’s walk you down on how to manage glucose levels and what all you need for it in your health journey when struggling with diabetes.

Devices for Measuring Blood Glucose Levels

You can measure your blood sugar levels in the following ways:

Glucometer

A blood glucose meter is a portable machine used to measure the glucose levels in your blood. People who have diabetes often use a glucometer to help them manage their condition. It is a traditional finger stick device.

Wash your hands thoroughly and insert a test strip into the glucometer. Then, wipe the fingertip with an alcohol swab and use a lancing device to prick your finger to get a drop of blood. Then, touch the test strip gently to the blood, and the glucometer will provide a blood glucose reading. The device comes with record apps or books to track your readings. Keeping track over time helps you get the idea of how effective your care plan is going and whether it needs any changes.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device

CGM is a portable electronic device that inserts a sensor into your belly or arm to track your blood glucose levels continuously. They are ideal for people who need to check their blood glucose levels several times a day. It is used by people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes who are on insulin.

How to Manage Glucose Levels?

It is helpful to monitor your blood glucose levels to avoid any complications accurately. You must learn how closely you monitor your levels from your doctor or health providers, including pharmacists. It depends on the type of diabetes and whether it is manageable to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Keep a record of your daily results along with other details such as the diet you take, sleep patterns, and physical activity. You must also note the medications you are taking and mention any change in your daily routine. Be attentive to how your body reacts to all the factors and make adjustments as necessary.

Besides, know the signs when your blood sugar dips. The signs of low blood sugar levels may include feeling:

  • sweaty
  • hungry
  • confused
  • lightheaded
  • sleepy
  • shaky
  • nervous

Insulin Level Management

If you have type 1 diabetes, you might need to take insulin as your pancreas no longer produces insulin. However, if you have type 2 diabetes, you may manage your medical condition with regular exercise and diet and some medications prescribed by your doctor or health provider. In some severe cases, you may also have to take insulin.

Your doctor will guide you to select the method of insulin therapy which is most suitable for you. The health care providers, including pharmacists, can teach you how to administer insulin. They can give your tips, advice, and instruction when you are ready to get started. Besides, they will also guide you as to how often you will need to take insulin.

You may use an insulin pen or syringe. Be careful regarding their safe needle disposal into the marked sharps containers.

Insulin Pen

There are two types of insulin pens available. One is the disposable pens with prefilled cartridges. You have to throw away the entire pen once you are finished with the cartridge. The other is the reusable insulin pen containing the insulin cartridge, which can be replaced once empty.

Insulin Syringe

You can use syringes to inject insulin which is the least expensive option. In some areas, you can purchase syringes and needles without even a prescription from the doctor.

Insulin Jet Injector

They are the needleless option that uses pressure to spray insulin through your skin. The device contains a disposable insulin vial adapter, a disposable nozzle, and an injector.

Insulin Pump

It is a device that attaches to our clothes and is connected to a catheter placed under your skin with a needle called an infusion site. Insulin pump offers you insulin doses at regular intervals. This allows you to have better over your blood glucose levels. You need to get an insulin dose every time you eat. Always have spare batteries and insulin pens or syringes if, in any case, your insulin pump malfunctions. Ensure you have an additional infusion set all the time.

Food Supply

When you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels can fluctuate from high extremes to low extremes. Therefore, in order to make sure that you can maintain blood glucose levels, you must keep a food stash containing simple carbohydrates or glucose in every possible place, including your workstation, care, besides the bed table, your wallet, and other places. It can be dangerous and fatal if your blood sugar level gets extremely low. So, you must keep the following items always handy:

  • glucose tablets or gels
  • regular soda
  • orange or apple juice
  • dried fruit
  • nuts and seeds
  • whole-grain crackers
  • trail mix

Where Can You Buy What You Need?

You can buy all the supplies from your local pharmacies by ordering them online via Medomand. We have promotional programs that offer prescription discounts. You can shop for blood glucose measuring devices, insulin pens, syringes, medications, and all other items required as a part of the diabetes kit from Medomand.

The Bottom Line

It is important to change your lifestyle after learning that you have diabetes for better health. Gear yourself with the knowledge and supplies required to navigate the difficult terrain of managing diabetes. Reach out to doctors, pharmacists, or other healthcare providers if you have doubts or need advice.