More and more Americans are waking up to the reality that
there is no cure for diabetes. The best they can do when
dealing with this sweet killer is to limit the damage by
taking their medicines regularly, and leading a more
disciplined life.
The latest figures released by the American Diabetes
Association show that 17 million Americans are suffering
from diabetes. These patients need proper advice and an
authentic medical outlet for obtaining their diabetes
supplies. Already scores of vendors have set up shops, both
offline and online, to provide diabetes supplies. The
insurance companies too have got into the act and have
drawn up a list of items for which policy holders can make
The diabetes patients, depending upon their condition and
the kind of medication prescribed, need to keep a proper
stock of the following supplies:
Insulin, Insulin Pumps and Syringes: Insulin is generally
prescribed when a diabetes patient has exhausted all the
traditional channels of medication. Also, there is no
returning back once the patient is put onto insulin.
Fortunately, the patient need not visit a dispensary or a
hospital to get his daily or weekly quota of insulin. The
patient can take the insulin directly either by injecting
it through a syringe or by using the insulin pump.
Among the devices available to a patient are: insulin
delivery syringes, insulin pens, jet injectors, external
insulin pumps, implantable insulin pumps and insulin
inhalers. The patient can decide which device suits him
more - both from the point of view of physical convenience
and costs.
The patient must also know the places from where insulin
can be bought, because some kinds of insulin have to be
bought either from a pharmacy or a drug company.
Blood Glucose Meter, lancets and testing strips: Every
diabetes patient must buy a blood glucose meter. He must
also stock a full supply of lancets and testing strips to
enable him to test the sugar levels regularly. There are
several testing meters available today, the leading brands
being OneTouch, Accu-Chek and FreeStyle. The testing is an
important part of controlling diabetes because it helps the
patient regulate the sugar levels. The patient should
therefore never compromise on this key diabetes control kit,
and should always carry it with him.
Emergency Supplies: Diabetes patients must always carry
on their person a small amount of glucose that can be taken
whenever there is an attack of hypoglycemia. They should
also keep sweet juice, honey or candy at easily reachable
places at office or home for such emergencies.
It is also advisable for patients to carry medical identity
papers to enable passers by to extend help in emergencies.
The patients who are prone to severe hypoglycemic
conditions must stock injectable glucagon that can be
injected if the patient faints.
Diabetic snack bars: A recent development has been the
manufacture of diabetic snacks. Such food bars are not
meant to check attacks of hypoglycemia but to prevent it.
They can be used as part of regular meal to stock up sugar
supply.
Skin cream: Another useful diabetes resource is skin cream
that comes in useful during travel, and saves the
patient unnecessary pain.
Several diabetes supply stores have come up in the US given
the increase in the number of patients. These stores are a
good source to obtain regular supplies. The patients can
also take the help of American Diabetes Association to
locate diabetes supply stores in their area.
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