Products for diabetic aid are essential for those impacted by the condition. Most people keep a first aid kit in their home, office and car for when accidents happen. The items found in a diabetic’s first aid kit are slightly different than the average Joe’s. Having these essential things around can mean the difference between life and death should a diabetic emergency take place.
The first thing a person should have handy for diabetic aid is a glucose meter that is used to determine blood glucose levels. Extra batteries must also be available because a glucose meter is useless without a source to power it. Extra test strips are another necessity when it comes to diabetic aid just in case a person runs out. A person should keep an eye on the expiration dates of the test strips as well and replace them every so often. Lancets (used to prick the skin) should be included in a diabetic first aid kit so that blood can be drawn if necessary.
Insulin is the hormone that can be injected into diabetics to keep their blood sugar in check. An extra supply should be kept around to provide first aid for diabetic coma. Along with insulin, sterile syringes or insulin pens are essential to help control sudden drastic changes in blood sugar levels. Glucagon kits help provide instantaneous delivery of insulin when a person needs a fast blood sugar adjustment, so glucagon kits should be available for such incidents.
Medical identification is something that is often overlooked when it comes to on-hand diabetic aid. In the case of an accident or diabetic coma, medical identification can be a lifesaver. A short medical history may also be included as well as allergies and a list of current medications. Of course, Band-Aids, gauze, tape and antiseptics should be around at all times because wounds that go unattended on a diabetic present a big danger due to the slow healing they experience. If wounds are not covered and treated, infection can set in and have terrible results.
It is especially important for diabetics to make a checklist with these items on it before travelling. A travelling diabetic without supplies is a recipe for a sticky and possibly deadly situation.
Monetary Diabetic Aid Is Available
Medical treatment can be very expensive, and diabetes is no exception. Diabetic aid in the form of financial assistance can be very helpful for those affected by the illness. It is important for diabetics to have some kind of medical insurance because they may need attention at any given moment. Medicare and Medicaid are government health insurance programs that should be researched by diabetics in need of monetary help.
If a person does not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, private health insurance is the next option. It is important for diabetics to have a clear understanding of their rights and existing laws before looking into health insurance for diabetic aid. Because diabetes is often considered a pre-existing condition, health insurance providers may not cover it. However, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that was passed in 1996 limits the denial of insurance for pre-existing illnesses.
