If you have type 2 diabetes, having an emergency kit on hand is crucial. It ensures you’re prepared for unexpected situations, whether you’re out and about or at home.
- Your kit doesn’t need to be bulky—just a few essentials can provide peace of mind and vital support during emergencies:
- Medications: Keep all necessary medications handy.
- Snacks: Pack a few snacks to help manage your blood glucose levels if they drop.
- Identification: Carry some form of identification that indicates you have diabetes.
Consult your doctor for personalized advice on what to include in your emergency kit. While your doctor can provide specific guidance, here’s what to include.
Glucose Test Strips – A Must-Have for Your Emergency Kit
- Daily Checks: Most people with type 2 diabetes need to check their glucose levels once or twice a day. Your doctor may recommend a different frequency based on your symptoms.
- Single Use Only: Each strip can only be used once, so plan accordingly based on how long you’ll be away from home.
- Storage Tips: Keep each strip sealed until use and check the expiration date on the package. Expired strips can give inaccurate readings.
Being prepared with enough glucose test strips can make all the difference in managing your diabetes effectively.
Blood Glucose Meters and Sensors
When you have type 2 diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar is crucial. Low blood sugar can cause dizziness and confusion. High levels can lead to permanent damage to your eyes, nerves, kidneys, and blood vessels.
To keep track of your blood sugar, your doctor will likely recommend carrying a blood glucose meter with you. There are two types:
Traditional Blood Glucose Meter
- How it works: Prick your finger and apply a drop of blood to a test strip.
- Advice: Always have one in your emergency kit.
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
- How it works: Reads your levels from a tiny sensor inserted under your skin, usually in your stomach or arm.
- Connection: Often connects to an app on your phone.
- Advice: Change the sensor every one to two weeks and keep an extra one in your emergency kit.
Whether you use a traditional meter or a CGM, being prepared is essential. Having an extra meter or sensor ensures you’re covered, whether you’re on a long vacation or stranded somewhere unexpectedly.
Quick-Digesting Sugar Stash for Hypoglycemia
If your blood glucose monitor shows a reading between 55-69 mg/dL, you’re experiencing hypoglycemia and need to act fast. You’ll need to boost your blood sugar levels quickly. Even without a meter, you might notice symptoms like a racing heartbeat, shaking, sweating, confusion, or dizziness if you’ve had type 2 diabetes for a while.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends consuming 15 grams of sugar immediately to raise your blood sugar levels. You can do this with candy, honey, or juice. Aim to get your levels up to 80-130 mg/dL before meals and under 180 mg/dL two hours after starting a meal.
Pro Tip
Carrying a stash of quick-digesting sugars isn’t just convenient—it’s vital. Here are some options:
- Candy: Make sure each piece adds up to at least 15 grams of sugar.
- Glucose Tablets: These typically contain 4-5 grams of sugar each.
- Glucose Gels: These often come in tubes containing about 15 grams of sugar.
Insulin Pens
Managing type 2 diabetes involves ensuring your cells respond well to insulin, which moves glucose from your bloodstream into your cells. Often, your pancreas works extra hard to compensate, raising blood sugar levels.
An insulin pen can make a big difference. Remember, you can store your insulin pen at room temperature (59–86°F) for up to 28 days. Make sure to use it within this period for optimal effectiveness.
Compact Pill Organizer
Managing multiple medications for diabetes can be challenging. To keep track of everything, strategic storage is key. We suggests using a pill box to organize your medications by day and time. This way, you’ll always have the right doses ready, even for a few extra days. For longer trips or extended coverage, pack accordingly. You can easily find pill boxes online, at pharmacies, or through your doctor.
Precise Identification
When your blood sugar drops, you might lose consciousness or struggle to think and communicate clearly. To stay safe, we suggests carrying a laminated card that lists:
- Your name and birthday
- Medical diagnoses
- Current medications and dosages
- Allergies
- An emergency contact’s name and phone number
This advice is helpful for anyone with a health condition, not just diabetes. Keep this card in an easy-to-find spot (like your wallet or at the top of your kit) so anyone assisting you can swiftly get you to urgent care, a hospital, or back home with minimal confusion.
Which Emergency Kit is Better to Buy?
Vaultz Locking Medicine Case
We love the Vaultz Locking Medicine Case! With its suitcase handle and combination lock, it keeps your supplies secure from kids. Plus, it’s compact enough to carry around without added bulk—similar in size and weight to a wallet or purse.
Pro Tip: A lockable case ensures your supplies are secure, but if you’re worried about losing access in an emergency, you might prefer an option without a lock.
Gelozid Insulin Cooler Travel Case
Need something smaller for your tote? The Gelozid Insulin Cooler Travel Case is perfect. It holds two insulin pens and has a top compartment for candies and gels. An included ice pack keeps your insulin cool, although it’s safe at room temperature for up to 28 days.
Alternative Choices
YOUSHARES Insulin Cooler Travel Case: Similar design with insulation, comes in fun patterns.
LUXJA Diabetic Supplies Travel Case: Available in three colors, holds three pens. Includes two extra pouches for test strips and glucose tablets (note, no built-in ice pack compartment).
What is The Best Supplement to Lower Blood Sugar Levels?
Many people are looking for effective ways to keep their blood sugar in check, and supplements can be a helpful addition to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is the best?
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the most effective supplements for lowering blood sugar levels:
- Magnesium – an essential mineral that supports numerous bodily functions, including blood sugar regulation. Low magnesium levels have been linked to insulin resistance, so ensuring adequate intake of this mineral may help lower blood sugar levels.
- Bitter Melon Extract – Bitter melon extract has been shown to have antidiabetic properties, making it a popular supplement for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels. It may help improve glucose metabolism and increase
- Cinnamon Extract – Cinnamon extract has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Studies suggest that it can help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract.
- Gluco Freedom – your all-natural solution for stable blood sugar and enhanced well-being. Made from 19 potent plant-based ingredients, this supplement tackles the root causes of blood sugar spikes and metabolic imbalances.
- Sugar Defender – a powerful dietary supplement made from a unique blend of plant ingredients and natural minerals. It helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, boosts your energy, and sharpens your mind. Although this supplement and GlucoFreedom share some similarities, Sugar Defender more effective in regulating blood sugar and is considered a more reliable health solution.
- GlucoTrust – isn’t just about controlling blood sugar levels. It’s a comprehensive solution designed to enhance your overall well-being. Carefully crafted, it not only optimizes glucose levels but also boosts vitality, energy, and balance.
Living with a condition that affects the clarity of your thoughts can be difficult. We hope our team has provided you with the information you need to live confidently and without fear. Keep these tools handy and you can continue to enjoy life without worrying about fainting or long-term health problems.