The purpose of this list is to help you determine what you will need while living independently.
Think about which of these supplies you may need "an extra" supply of, so when you run out unexpectedly or your
last vial of insulin breaks at 10 p.m. (before you've drawn up that last syringe), you're prepared.
- Insulin
- Syringes
- Testing supplies: meter, strips, poker, lancets
- Ketone test strips (preferably foil-wrapped, bottled strips spoil 6 months after opening and won't change
color if positive-this can be dangerous)
- Glucose tablets (in several places such as your backpack, purse, jackets, sports center locker, car, and dorm room)
- Emergency contact: the list should include the Barbara Davis Center and or your local health care provider
as well as a parent.
- Emergency Card and Phone list for your dorm room (example provided)
- "Low blood sugar food stash": juice, regular soda, crackers or other munchies. Store this food in a safe
place and let your roommates/friends know that this food is not for general consumption.
- Other Health Supplies: thermometer, Tylenol/Ibuprofen, band-aids, first aid cream/Neosporin, cough syrup/drops
(sugar-free if possible), phenegran
- Refrigerator: for keeping insulin fresh and your "low blood sugar food stash"
Other things to consider: Does your pharmacy or HMO ship supplies? If you are going out of state, what prescriptions
will you need? If you need something after hours, where do you turn? - campus health center, 24 hour clinic, emergency room?
Who do you need to educate about your diabetes so that you feel safe if you get sick or have a very low blood sugar?
Since more people are now using insulin pumps, these patients should consider the following:
- Supplies to always carry with you: extra batteries, an infusion set and reservoir, an extra dressing, glucometer
and strips, ketone strips, a syringe, and glucose tablets.
- Plan ahead when it comes to your pump supplies - you can't get pump supplies at pharmacies and some batteries need
to be purchased through the manufacturers.
- If you are going away from a place where you can easily service your pump, (camping, boating, hiking) consider carrying
insulin and syringes with you in case something should happen to your pump or your pump malfunctions.
NOTE: Print and save this for reference. This information is intended to assist you, not to be a substitute for
your medical care.
