1. Show your “medical identity”
Medical identity jewelry (MyPom, ID-VIE) on which it is possible to engrave your name, pathology, contact details of a loved one to be notified, their treatment and any contraindications make it possible to always have on hand himself information on his state of health. The most connected can opt for an application to create a wallpaper on their smartphone with all this information (Emergencies, SOS Emergencies).
2. Have a plan B in case you forget
Leaving in a hurry in the morning and forgetting all your gear can be an awkward and dangerous situation. The solution ? Have another reader some insulin penscool and a supply of small equipment (needles, strips) at their place of work. In the event of frequent forgetting of the logbook, smartphone applications allow you to record blood sugar levels and insulin doses directly in an e-logbook (MySugr, MaGlycémie).
3. Protect your feet
A walk by the sea, a yoga session, an afternoon at the swimming pool: these activities are generally practiced barefoot… Except for a diabetic! Wearing closed shoes and socks in all circumstances helps to avoid injuries and infections which can cause complications, especially in the case of uncontrolled diabetes.
4. Manage medical waste
Sharps (pen needles, syringes, lancets or pump catheters) should not be thrown away in any trash can. It must be placed in yellow boxes dedicated to the recycling of DASRI (Waste from Healthcare Activities with Infectious Risks). They are delivered free of charge in pharmacies upon presentation of a prescription. Once filled, they are deposited in one of the 12,000 collection points in France, within 3 months. Cotton, compresses, strips, needle caps and disposable pens can go directly into household trash.
5. Keep your insulin cool
When the temperature rises, so does the insulin! However, above 30°C, its effectiveness is reduced. It’s out of the question not to take advantage of the sun! A pouch with an insulated compartment allows you to take your insulin pens everywhere without risking giving them a heat stroke by keeping them cool for 12 hours (diabetes-boutique.fr). In case long journey in a car without air conditioning, a small electric cooler to plug into the cigarette lighter is also ideal to preserve them from the heat.
6. Be vigilant when driving
A diabetic is a potential danger if he experiences hypoglycemia while driving. A reserve of sugar in the vehicle, a blood sugar level above 1g/l and sugar level checks every 2 hours are the conditions that must be met before driving.
7. Take stress breaks
Stress related to diabetes and its possible complications can cause a blood sugar imbalance. It is important to regularly put aside the disease by practicing a relaxing activity (yoga, meditation, tai chi). Identifying the sources of stress (hypoglycaemia, respecting a diet) and discussing them with your diabetologist to better anticipate them is also useful.
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