12 Items Your Parent With Diabetes Should Always Carry

Diabetes medications

For a short local outing, your parent should bring the pills he needs to cover the time period he'll be away -- and a few extras, just in case. For a longer trip, such as a weekend away, the general rule of thumb is that your parent should bring twice as much as he needs, as it's better to be safe than sorry.

Insulin

The same goes for insulin, which should be carried in an insulated bag with refrigerated gel packs to keep it cool. And don't forget delivery devices such as syringes, pens, or pump supplies.

Glucagon emergency kit

If your parent uses insulin, he'll need to keep a glucagon emergency kit with his supplies. This kit is necessary if he experiences a severe episode of low blood sugar and passes out or has a seizure. The kit includes a syringe and glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, that's injected into muscle. The injection raises blood glucose so that a person typically regains consciousness within 15 to 20 minutes. The kit, including detailed instructions, is available by prescription and should, ideally, be administered by a trained individual. Your parent should periodically check the expiration date and remind those close to him how to use it.

Glucose meter and supplies

Your parent's meter, testing strips, lancing device and lancets, alcohol swabs, and logbook should go with him wherever he goes so he can check his blood sugar as needed. Don't forget extra batteries for the meter.

Emergency snack

A stash of glucose gel or tablets should always be on hand, or he can carry a piece of fruit or a box of juice, in case his blood glucose drops too low while he's out and about.

Nonperishable food

It's a good idea to pack a substantial snack if your parent is going to be gone for a few hours or more, in case he can't find a place to eat or buy food when he needs it. If your parent is heading out on a road trip or train ride, for instance, it's wise to bring extra food in an air-tight container to stave off hunger or low blood sugar between meals. Protein-carbohydrate combinations are ideal; examples include peanut butter crackers, a protein bar, or bread and cheese.

Water bottle

Seniors with type 2 diabetes often become dehydrated without realizing it, which can make high blood sugar symptoms worse. So make sure your parent always travels with a bottle of water.

Identification documents

Your parent shouldn't leave the house without identifying documents, including his driver's license and health insurance card. Often it's also worthwhile to carry a letter from your parent's doctor explaining that he has diabetes, which medicines he takes (including insulin), and what supplies he needs (such as syringes and needles). These details are particularly important if your parent is traveling by plane.

Your parent should also carry a medical identification card that indicates he has diabetes, or he should wear a medical ID necklace or bracelet with this information.

Phone list

Make sure your parent carries a card that lists contact information for close family and friends in case of emergencies. It should include your parent's main healthcare providers and the emergency number for his health insurance carrier. It's a good idea to print out this list and laminate it to protect against wear and tear.

Cell phone

In case of an incident, a cell phone can be invaluable for contacting an emergency service or for asking medical advice of a family member or professional.

First-aid kit

If your parent is out on longer or active excursions, it's a good idea to carry a small, compact first-aid kit, complete with essentials such as bandages, gauze, topical antibiotic, and pain reliever.

Carry bag

Your parent is going to need a convenient way to tote all these supplies. On short jaunts he may just need a fanny pack to take essential items, such as glucose tablets. For longer hauls, look for a carrying case that can comfortably hold medical supplies in an organized fashion. Check out the aDorn medical messenger bag or handbag, designed by a person with diabetes specifically for others with the condition. These totes include special compartments for supplies and a small detachable bag for when your parent just needs to carry the bare essentials. For carry bags specifically designed to transport insulin and related supplies, try the Insulin Case Shop.