It is important for diabetics to keep their diabetic supplies handy and updated.  A diabetic should check their insulin level at least once a day, and without adequate diabetic supplies this is not possible.  Although most diabetics check their insulin levels before each meal, it really depends on what their physician feels is necessary.  For type 2 diabetics, it may not be necessary to check levels as often as those with type 1 diabetes. Many things vary depending on which type a person has, including the kind of medication they may be given. 

    

      Type 1 diabetics are usually given insulin as their form of medication. Their diabetic supplies may consist of an insulin pump, which supplies their insulin at certain times throughout the day, insulin pens - which are used to administer their insulin shots, or syringes which have been used for years- these are simply needles which are used to administer the insulin underneath the diabetic's skin. The pens and the pumps have been considered as a more safe and effective way of providing medication. Diabetic supplies also consist of glucose monitors and strips which measure their sugar levels. Keeping up to date diabetic supplies is important because if the strips are outdated, they may not measure levels correctly. They should also be sure their insulin is kept in a cool dry place.    

 

       Type 2 diabetics rarely take insulin. For those who do, their diabetic supplies will consist of one of the methods used by type 1 diabetics to administer insulin, and perhaps pills. Most type 2 diabetics however, are given pills to start. It depends on the physician- as always they are the ones to determine just what their patients need. Being a type 2 should not be taken for granted, it is just as important to follow the diabetic guidelines when diagnosed with this type of diabetes, just the same as one would with type 1.   

       Whether a person has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, they will probably need a form of insurance to pay for diabetic supplies.  It is important that they have what is needed to monitor their sugar levels, and without some form of insurance it can be expensive.  However, once it has been determined what kind of diabetic supplies will be used for a patient, monitoring glucose levels and taking their prescribed medication will help them to live normal, healthy lives.  Once they have become familiar with the process,  using and maintaining their diabetic supplies will become second nature.