Tuesday, March 19, 2013

DON'T FORGET THE INSULIN!!



All of us have our own special ways to keep our diabetes supplies organized and accessible at all times...some of our ways are much better than others. I would hope that all of your organization tools are better than mine.

MY WAY: a gallon ziploc bag containing multiple humalog and lantus pens, handfuls of needles and alcohol swabs, a glucose monitor, extra testing strips, a glucagon pen, glucose tablets, and a tube of frosting.

It's quite a site watching me pull it out at sleepovers, restaurants, and in airports. I would love to know what goes through people's minds while they watch me pull out a ziploc bag full of frosting and needles. However, it is what works best for me.

The bad part is when I forget the bag....I forget everything. SO- I am definitely taking notes if anyone has suggestions on how I can better keep track of my supplies. I also am known to overpack (see picture above). So once I finally get my suitcase zipped, it is extremely depressing to see that I have packed everything I don't need and not the one thing I do need, my diabetes supplies.

When it comes to traveling, diabetes supplies are ALWAYS at the top of my travel list (right next to blankie and cell phone charger, obviously). Even though I always try to remember, I have been put in multiple situations where I did leave my bag and was left to venture on an insulin-less vacation...sounds great right?? But an insulin-less vacation is anything from fun as I am sure you have all experienced.

Here are my tips for you:

  1. I know I feel too old to be reminded things, but there is NO shame in having a designated person to remind you while you are packing your things to pack your supplies
  2. Write it at the TOP of your packing list. 
  3. Pack supplies in your main suitcase as well as in your carry on. That way if you forget to throw the supplies in your carry on bag, at least you will have something to fall back on when you open your main suitcase. 
  4. Switch your prescription over to a drugstore. I like to keep my prescriptions at a grocery store, however, having access to your medications at places such as CVS or Walgreens will come in handy when you are some place that your grocery store is not located. 

By the way, I have always wondered how needles are allowed through security? I am sure it is very common for the TSA to see needles in security, but I have never been stopped or questioned. Are they trained to look for certain needles? I have always been curious and would love to know. 

I'll being flying out to Pennsylvania next Thursday to see my grandparents for Easter. So maybe I will cross my fingers that the TSA stops me...just so I can ask them a few questions myself!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter and Spring Break. and please, please DON'T FORGET YOUR INSULIN. 


safe travels, 

The DiaBlogger 

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