Spring has sprung! Finally, warmer weather and longer days. For many of us, spring is a time to do some cleaning and re-organizing around the house as we shift into a new season. What better time to organize your T1D supplies, appointments and goals! Here are some tips to keep yourself organized, healthy and safe!
Insulin
Check the expiry dates on the insulin you keep in your fridge. Typically, unopened insulin has a pretty long shelf-life (about 2 years) as long as you keep it in the fridge with a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. Unrefrigerated and opened insulin lasts 28 days at room temperature. Exceptions are: Tresiba for 56 days, Levemir for 42 days and Awiqli for 3 months. Make sure you get rid of any pens you’ve had open for longer.
Test Strips
Again, check out the expiry on your blood glucose and ketone strips. Expired strips may not give you an accurate reading. Strips should also be stored in the original container away from heat, light and moisture.
Glucagon
Are we noticing a common theme? Check the expiry dates! Baqsimi (nasal glucagon) has a much longer expiry date than regular injectable glucagon. Baqsimi is safe to use for 2 years from the manufacture date. It is recommended to store it in the shrink wrap to avoid moisture exposure. Both nasal and injectable forms of glucagon can be stored at room temperature.
Lancets and Needles
Checking lancets and needles expiry dates are often overlooked. The expiration dates on sharps exist due to the sterilization which can only be guaranteed for a certain amount of time. The good news is generally these expiry dates are quite long. Most can guarantee sterilization for 4 years.
Insulin pump
Inspect your insulin pump and report any cracks, sticky buttons, screen issues etc. to the pump company. They will inform you if the insulin pump needs to be replaced or if it’s okay to continue using it based on a few diagnostic tests they will run with you. If you need to contact your pump company, here is the contact information:
- Tandem: 1-833-509-3598
- Medtronic: 1-800-284-4416
- Omnipod: 1-855-763-4636
- Ypsomed: 1-833-695-5959
It’s a good idea to add this phone number to your contact list in your phone in case of any urgent technical issues.
Insulin Pens
Reusable insulin pens can be cost-effective, convenient, and some can deliver smaller increments of insulin. These can be quite handy to use regularly or as back up! You can ask your diabetes team or your pharmacy to order one for you. Every brand of insulin will have its own reusable pen.
Glucose meters and sensors
Sensors have expiry dates too! Using an expired sensor may give you inaccurate readings. Even if you use a sensor, it’s also important to have a glucose meter for back-up. If your symptoms don’t match your sensor reading, or if you think the readings aren’t accurate, checking with your glucose meter can give you more information to make treatment decisions. We recommend changing your glucose meter every 3 years and it’s usually free at the pharmacy with a prescription of strips. Your diabetes team will also have samples of glucose meters for you to choose from.
Eye, foot, dentist and doctor’s appointments
These appointments are all important to help with prevention of diabetes complications. Check your calendar to see if you have your eye, foot exams, and dental cleanings. The frequency of these appointments will be recommended by your health care provider. They are typically annually. Appointments with your endocrinologist are generally every 3-6 months with bloodwork completed beforehand. Do you have your blood requisition ready for your next appointment?…
Goal setting
Who says we only can set goals on January 1st ? Think of the next few months ahead… what would you like to accomplish for your health? Setting goals for your health can include increasing movement, adding more fibre, increasing water intake, and it can also be about feeling better emotionally. Practicing regular mindfulness, seeing a registered therapist, gratitude journaling are great goals to keep your emotional health in check. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health!
We hope our spring cleaning list helps you stay happy, organized and safe! See you next time!
