A diabetes kit contains an emergency pack of supplies for diabetics. Glucose monitors and blood testing strips are essential to all diabetes kit types, although in some cases the patient may choose to check glucose levels with urine testing strips. There are several types of diabetes kits, each based upon the age of the patient as well as the individual needs of the patient. For instance, some diabetes kits are geared toward meeting the needs of diabetic children. Other diabetes kits are designed to be kept at home, while still others are designed for travel.
Diabetes is the name given to a group of similar diseases characterized by the body's inability to produce or use insulin properly. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Blood sugar regulation is of extreme importance, as without proper regulation the patient could become extremely ill or even die. For this reason, carrying necessary medical items, or diabetes kits, is very important.
Diabetes kits designed for home use are definite must-haves for the diabetic patient. There are several recommended items that should be kept in these kits. The first item is a spare bottle of short-acting insulin. If this type of insulin is not used, it is a good idea to keep an extra bottle of regular insulin in the refrigerator. Glucagon, which can be administered by a caregiver in the event the patient becomes too ill to cooperate, is another recommended item for home diabetes kits. The patient may want to keep other items in this kit as well, such as anti-nausea or anti- diarrhea medications, depending on the patient's specific health issues.
It is also important to have diabetes kits available when traveling. Packing an extra battery for the glucose meter and insulin pump, if used, is important. Extra lancets as well as a lancing device are nice to have in the travel kit as well. In addition to these items, a full day's worth of the other items kept in the home kit should be packed in the travel kit. A written copy of the patient's medical history should be kept in this kit in case of medical emergency.
All of the above items are important to have in diabetes kits designed for children. In addition to the typical items, keeping juice and healthy snacks in the kit are a good idea. Glucose tablets are also an important addition. Many families also include some sort of booklet or instructional manual in the kit to help teachers or other caregivers know how to properly care for the diabetic child.