Spare diabetes kit

I left my diabetes kit bag behind when visiting someone and had to make do for a couple of days with what I happened to have at home.

The battery in my spare test meter was flat and I didn't have the right ones in the house. I only had one injection pen which I had to swap between slow and fast acting insulins as required.The experience made me realize how comfortable I am in my routine and how difficult it becomes when that routine is disrupted.

So I am now making sure I have a spare set of everything I need, that my batteries are ok and are the type I have to hand.I'm simply sharing my experience so that others might benefit.

My meter and insulin goes in the pram bag or when at work in my work bag, but is then sitting next to me all day.............

Fortunately for me I use disposable insulin pens, so always have them in the fridge...............

I also have a spare meter at home that I got free off some website, with it cam 50 strips, so good for emergencies and general blood sugar testing for family too..........

Nightmare! And so easy done too.

I have a spare insulin pen and spare insulin in the fridge and keep a spare meter with strips in my car although I have a feeling the strips might be out of date.....hmmm, will need to check.

I carry everything with me in my bag (apart from my Lantus unless I know I will be out late as take it once a day at 22:00), can be a handy excuse if I want to leave and go home but can be annoying if I'm having a nice time out and have to go home early

Thanks for sharing your experience as it is a nice reminder

Cheers,
Anele.

All, If you check with the maker of your current meter they will be more than happy to provide you with another one for free. Not long ago I left my stuff behind at a meeting. I called the manufacturers helpline listed on their website and they sent me two meters delivered the next working day. Its in their interest to keep you using their meter. The money is made on the test strips. Its the same reason a mobile phone comapny will give you a free phone if you sign a monthly contract. Its all about the potential money they make. The test strips cost much much more than the meter....

I agree with Marke.

Recently as part of a promotion I was sent a very fancy NEW meter (Verio One Touch). The instructions were more complex than the old Optium Exceeds (aways keep a spare) I was using and I simply put in in a drawer. As a followup to the promotion I received a phone call to gauge my thoughts on the new meter. I was honest and told them I was a bit daunted by the instructions and thought I would simply stick with my old meters especially as I had two (both going strong). They sent me simplified instructions, more strips etc and assured me that when I had tried it all I had to do was ring up and they would send me a second free of charge! RRP is $AUD60.