Diabetics Socks and Compression Wear

What are diabetes supplies?

Diabetes can be a life threatening disease but the good news is with the plethora of diabetic supplies on the market today diabetes is manageable.

There are a variety of both necessary and after-market diabetic supplies that not only keeps diabetes in check but helps to manage it more conveniently.

Necessary diabetic supplies

• Insulin
• Meditags
• Ketostix (used to measure the amount of kertones in the urine)
• steret wipes
• Glucose test strips
• insulin syringe cases
• Blood glucose monitors
• Glucogel – a fast acting dextrose gel that provides a rapid increase in glucose levels
• Foot and leg creams and lotions.

Additional Insulin Supplies

• Syringes
• Pen Needles
• Insulin Pens
• Insulin Carrying Cases
• Sharps Containers
• Needle-Free Injectors
• Glucose Replacements
• Injection Aids

There are also devices that insulin dependent diabetics may eventually need, one of which is an insulin pump (a device that delivers insulin through a narrow flexible plastic tubing that has a needle at one end). The needle is inserted just under the skin near the abdomen. An insulin pump is small (about the size of a deck of cards) and can be worn on a belt or carried in a pocket  and delivers a steady drip of insulin. The pump can be programmed to release pill size unit doses of insulin (several units are administed at a time) during meals and when glucose levels are too high. It can also be programmed to release insulin in small increments throughout the day. This should be done in concert with frequent blood glucose monitoring, which is essential in determining the correct dosage of insulin.

Monitoring blood glucose levels can also be done by using a less invasive lancing device, which is very small and is used for pricking the finger to obtain capillary blood samples. This can be purchased alone or as part of a blood testing kit. Most diabetic lancing devices have lancets that will retract for safe disposal, which means they can be easily and safely disposal.

Diabetic supplies for traveling

When it comes to traveling or overnight stays a diabetic has to make sure that the routine they follow at home is one they can continue. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Remember to bring long-acting insulin.
• Prior to leaving, double check your diabetic supplies (e.g. insulin, ample blood test sensors, and a hypo treatment, etc).
• If traveling to other countries, make sure that your diabetes kit or case and medication is accessible for customs .
• Keep your insulin in your carry-on luggage. If put in the luggage hold it may freeze making it inactive. If you have any question regarding the proper care of your insulin, check with your doctor or refer to the maker’s information sheet that is provided with every insulin cartridge box. There are diabetic carrying cases that will keep insulin cool.

Medicare and most private insurance will pay for diabetic supplies, whether you use insulin or not. Most suppliers will help determine if you are eligible. Some web sites offer affordable, brand name diabetic supplies directly to the consumer at up to 60% below retail prices – especially for people who are uninsured, underinsured or have to pay out of pocket.