Top 10 things a diabetic thinks about.

A diabetic has to think about many different things at all times. Even if these things are not in the fore front of the mind they are always being thought about. These are not listed in any particular order. The top ten things a diabetic has to think about are -

1. Schedule:
A regular schedule is important to keep blood sugar levels under control. Also if you have a good routine down you can avoid double dosing. It is easy to go on auto pilot and forget whether or not you took your insulin.

2. Insulin Proximity:
Where am I going to be today? Do I have my insulin with me?

3. The Weather:
Extreme cold temperature destroys insulin. Extreme hot temperature destroys insulin. Leaving your insulin in the car is a bad idea when the sun is out. It won’t take long before the insulin gets so hot that it becomes unusable. A cooler or some kind of ice pack may be needed to keep your insulin at optimum temperature.

4. Food:
Do I need to eat? How much insulin do I need versus the amount of food I eat? If I eat this, how is it going to affect my levels?

5. Exercise:
Go for a walk. You can do many things for exercise. It does not matter. Walking, however, is something that you can do every day and is relatively free of stress. It will also do more for you than you think it would. Do I have quick sugar in case I overdo the exercise?

6. Doctor Appointments:
I need my prescriptions to live. I need to see my doctor at least twice a year in order to get those prescriptions.

7. Insurance:
Diabetic supplies are very expensive. I need to figure out what is the best way to get my medications.

8. How Do I Feel Right Now?
Blood sugar too low? Blood sugar too high? Just right? Sometimes the way you feel isn’t exactly in tune with what your exact blood sugar reading but it is usually a good barometer. Check your sugar at different times to see if your feelings match up with your readings.

9. Injection Sites:
Where do I want to inject my insulin on my body? There are for different locations. Triceps, thighs, stomach, and butt are the locations to inject insulin. This a matter of preference and comfort. You need to avoid injecting in the exact same place every time.

10. Blood Readings:
What did I do to make it go low? What did I do to make it go high?

Every minute of everyday most of the items on this list are being thought about by a diabetic.