Living with Type 1 diabetes can be challenging at times. Although this condition is apart of my life, it doesn’t have to control it. Over the years, I have developed a few hacks that make living with Type 1 a little easier. The following hacks will help change how you live with diabetes.
1. Download a few useful apps on your smartphone.
The app store on your smartphone has a great selection of apps that can help you track blood glucose levels, log your daily meals, and connect with others in the diabetes community. There are even apps that can notify you of prescription pick-up times or order refills on your behalf. Even better, many of these apps have no price tag attached to them.
2. Keep your insulin cold with an ice pack.
Insulin needs to stay away from any heat or light. If you aren’t storing your insulin in the fridge, it needs to stay between 56°F and 80°F. To keep it cold, try using a cold gel pack in a protective pouch. Using this method can help keep your insulin, pens, and pumps stay within an acceptable range with having to be nearby a refrigerator.
3. Travel-size products will be your best friend.
One of the more annoying effects of diabetes is dry skin. To help relieve any itch, keep a travel-size bottle of hand cream close by like in your car, backpack, or pocket. Likewise, keep on hand a small bottle of hand sanitizer. When you are checking your blood glucose it is essential to have clean hands. However, while you are out and about you might not have access to soap and water, especially if you are outdoors.
4. Carry your medical information on you at all times.
On a credit card-sized paper, write out your diabetes and medical information and laminate it. Store the card in your wallet or bag. If you find yourself traveling to a foregin-speaking country, have it translated to another language.
Another good idea is to keep your emergency contact and information your phone accessible. Apple devices often allow you to access emergency information in the health app. Some Android phones have an emergency contact feature in the phone’s setting.
5. Sign up for a medication refill program
A lot of pharmacies offer a free prescription refill program. As someone with diabetes, this is something you will want to take advantage of so you won’t have to worry about running out of medications. Whenever your prescriptions are ready for pick up you can either receive a call or a text message.