How to Create a Sick Day Diabetic Box

Whether you are type 1 or type 2 diabetic you need to have a sick day care box on hand for those times when you are not up to par. Creating a sick day box is easy as long as you remember to check the expiration dates of supplies and medicines in that box on a regular basis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• glucose meter, lancets and stips
• ketone strips
• band-aids
• cotton balls
• medical information (yours)
• over the counter products as listed
• thermometer
• telephone book
• record book
• pen

How to Create a Sick Day Diabetic Box.

1. Your sick day box should include blood glucose and ketone strips. (check expiration dates regularly)
2. An extra glucose meter and lancets should be included in the box if you have one. That way if the box needs to be taken anywhere, you won't be without a meter or lancets when needed. That also goes for a record book and pen for test results.
3. Include a chart from your doctor ot diabetes educator showing dosage adjustments for insulin or oral diabetic medication according to blood sugar and ketone values.
4. Important telephone numbers, including family members, physician, diabetes educator, ambulance, taxi (along with money for the taxi) and emergency room should be included in your sick day box.
5. Over-the-Counter medications for sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, fever, headache, upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting, should be included but should be recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
6. Be sure to include a thermometer, cotton balls and band-aids along with any and all diabetic brochures and information.
7. Always keep on hand high sugar and low sugar, caffeine free liquids and foods so that they will be readily available if a sick day comes on without notice.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remember to tell a family member or friend when you are sick so that they can check on you every four to six hours.
• Tell them you have a sick day box and ask that they make sure you check your blood sugars and ketones.
• Remember to check your sick day box regularly and make sure all expiration dates are updated to fresh products.
• Always check with your physician when you are feeling ill. Keep both your physician and health care professionals updated on your illness and follow their instructions completely.