This world is full of people who’ve experienced challenges and overcome them. That’s why folks celebrate Women in History Month or give out awards and trophies. Being diabetic is another huge challenge that affects millions of people. It requires daily attention, whether it’s checking blood sugar levels, managing hypos or monitoring food intake. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 8 useful items that will make the life of people with diabetes easier.
Diabetic Footwear
People with diabetes should check their feet every day for signs of blisters, cuts, or sores. If you see anything that looks like it could become a problem, call your doctor or nurse right away. Diabetic shoes are designed to lower the risk of skin damage and prevent foot ulcers. This type of shoe is usually made with a deep heel counter, an extra-depth toe box, and a rocker bottom.
Additionally, there are socks designed for diabetics are made to reduce the risk of foot ulcers. They usually have a higher percentage of Lycra and a lower percentage of nylon. This helps to keep the socks from being too tight and causing problems with circulation. If you look online for diabetic ankle socks you can find brands that are cool in the heat and warm in the cold, with cushioned soles for extra comfort. Some brands wick moisture, prevent blistering, minimize odor and are machine washable.
Insulin Pump
Insulin pumps are small devices that delivers insulin to the patient’s body. It can be programmed to deliver different amounts at different times of the day, depending on the user’s needs. The monitor is about the size of a beeper and can be worn on a belt or in a pocket. The pump attaches to the body with a thin plastic tube (catheter) that goes just under the skin. Insulin pumps are sometimes called continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) devices.
In assisting individuals confronting diabetes insulin pumps serve as valuable tools that afford greater adaptability when tackling this ailment. Moreover these apparatuses hold promise in terms of improving regulation of blood sugar levels and mitigating potential long term complications. If you’re worried about controlling your blood sugar levels, we recommend consulting a medical professional to see if using an insulin pump is suitable for you.
A Medical Alert Bracelet
This is a piece of jewelry that has a special symbol or message on it that indicates the wearer has a medical condition. For people with diabetes, this can be helpful in case of an emergency. If the person wearing the bracelet goes into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), for example – and is unresponsive – paramedics will know to give them insulin right away.
Some companies that provide diabetic bracelets keep a database of the patient’s medical contact numbers and treatment details. This can be a literal lifesaver if the diabetic person is unable to communicate while they’re unwell. There can also be small cards that can be placed inside the person’s wallet or purse.
A CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor)
This is a new technology that is gaining popularity, especially among people with type 1 diabetes. A CGM is a small sensor worn under your clothes that constantly monitors your blood sugar levels and sends the information to a device or smartphone app.
This can be really helpful in preventing hypoglycemia because you can see your blood sugar trends and take action before your levels get too low. When people attach these devices to their bodies it means they no longer need to prick their fingers when testing their blood sugar levels.
Smartphone Apps
There are many smartphone apps that can help diabetics. Some have carb and calorie counters that allow users to track their daily intake. These apps sometimes have links to huge food databases, making it easy to find nutritional information for almost anything. One excellent app is “My Diabetes Home” which helps users track their blood sugar levels, insulin doses, and other important data points. The app lets users set goals and reminders for better diabetes management. Some other example apps include:
- mySugr App
- Diabetes Pilot
- Glucose Buddy
A Diabetic Cookbook
This can be extremely helpful to someone with diabetes. This is because it can provide them with recipes designed for people with this condition. This means that they will take into account things like portion sizes and carbohydrate counts.
The book will not only contain recipes that are suitable for individuals with diabetes. But it will also help simplify and minimize the stress associated with mealtime. If someone offers to prepare a meal for you. You can provide them with the book ahead of time. These resources are accessible both in physical copy and as digital eBooks on the internet.
A Cool Bag
A cool bag is an insulated bag that’s used to keep food and drinks cold. They’re made of different materials such as nylon, polyester, or PVC.
A diabetes cool bag helps to keep insulin and other injectable medications cool when you’re traveling in hot weather. This bag is crafted from durable materials, It has a zipper and can be carried by hand or worn over the shoulder.
A Digital Scales
if you’re constantly having to check your blood sugar levels, it’s important to be as accurate as possible when measuring food. That’s where a digital scale comes in – you can measure your food precisely (and more accurately than when using normal scales), so you know exactly how much insulin to take.
It is crucial for individuals with diabetes to have access to digital bathroom scales as these devices enable them to measure their weight consistently. By doing so they can effectively monitor their weight and ensure that they are progressing towards their goals.
Hopefully, one or two of these items would be helpful for you or someone you know who has diabetes. Sadly, this is a medical condition that never gives its sufferers a day off. All in all, some of the items discussed in this article can make life easier, and simplify the way that diabetes is manageable.