When a patient is diagnosed with diabetes, it’s time to get a good handle on their blood sugar levels. When starting to think about the changes that must be made, it takes a little time to research the equipment and supplies that will help control the disease.
They play a different role in controlling diabetes and preventing complications.
Insulin, insulin syringes, and insulin pens
Your doctor may recommend insulin to prevent high blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas to help use or store the sugar taken from food.
In people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas has stopped producing insulin; in people with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still makes insulin, the body just can’t use it properly.
Your doctor may recommend the following types of insulin:
- Quick-acting insulin;
- Short-acting insulin;
- Medium-acting insulin;
- Long-acting insulin.
There are differences between insulins based on onset of action, when they reach maximum strength, and duration.
Insulin is available in several strengths, but the most common is U-100 (100 units per milliliter of fluid). Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, you will need to inject insulin 1-4 times a day.
A syringe can be used to draw a dose of insulin from the bottle for injection. It can also be administered using an insulin pen, which may be pre-filled or have an insertable cartridge. In addition, there is an insulin that can be administered by inhalation.
Insulin pump
Physicians recommend using an insulin pump rather than a syringe. An insulin pump can provide short-acting or fast-acting insulin on a continuous basis. However, blood glucose levels still need to be tested, and patients may find that an insulin pump is better for controlling blood glucose levels.
Insulin pumps are extremely small and can be worn on a belt, sock, or underwear. The insulin pump is attached to a very thin catheter and is placed under the skin through a needle.
The catheter delivers insulin from the pump at regular intervals, and the dose is pre-set and varies from day to night. At mealtime, a button on the pump is pressed to pump in a large dose of insulin to break down the carbohydrates in the meal. This all mimics the way the body naturally uses insulin.
Glucose meters, blood collection needles, and diabetic test strips
A blood glucose meter, also known as a glucose meter, is a portable electronic device that measures blood sugar at any time to see if it fluctuates significantly.
First, a small blood sample is taken using a blood collection needle (an instrument that quickly punctures the skin). A drop of blood is placed on the edge of the disposable diabetes test strip. Then, insert the test strip into the instrument and wait for the blood glucose level to be displayed. The results are recorded to help the doctor see if the treatment plan is working.
Your doctor will tell you how often you need to use the blood glucose meter. If you need to check if you are hypoglycemic, do so when you feel shaky, nervous, dizzy, confused, hungry, sweaty, or weak.
Ketone body test strips
When the body lacks enough insulin to use sugar, it breaks down fat for energy, which can lead to the production of a substance called ketone bodies. High levels of ketones in the urine are a sign that diabetes is out of control.
Your doctor may order a ketone test when you have symptoms of high ketones, which include:
- Glucose levels of 300 mg/dl or higher;
- Persistent nausea or fatigue;
- Frequent thirst or dry mouth;
- Delirium of consciousness;
- Difficulty breathing.
To test for ketones at home, pour urine into a clean cup and subsequently place a test strip in it. Shake off the excess urine and wait for the test strip to change color – the test strip instructions will tell you how long it takes. Compare the color on the test strip with the color chart of the kit. If the test shows a low ketone level, test again in a few hours. If the ketone level is moderate or high, seek immediate medical attention.
Glucose tablets and glucagon
When you first start practicing blood glucose control, it may not be uncommon for your blood glucose to be too low. If hypoglycemia occurs, you need to get your blood sugar up as soon as possible to avoid dangerous complications, such as convulsive episodes. You need to carry glucose tablets with you. Glucose tablets are a type of quick-acting sugar pill that can be taken to raise blood glucose when symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood glucose (usually below 70 mg/dl) occur.
If blood glucose levels are so low that you lose consciousness, you need help from someone to give a shot of glucagon. This hormone causes the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream.
Diabetes medical alert bracelet
A medical alert bracelet or necklace for diabetes can help a health care provider or doctor provide treatment if you are in an emergency and cannot express your condition.
Many people with diabetes have warning bracelets, especially those who use insulin.
Medical alert bracelets can contain information such as:
- Type of insulin used;
- Allergy status;
- Emergency contact name and phone number.