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Living with diabetes can be a challenge for anyone, but having the right tools at your disposal can make it easier. Certain supplies can make a big difference in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of complications, and improving your ability to deal with unexpected health issues. Here, we'll discuss five essential diabetic supplies every person with diabetes should keep at home and what makes them so important. This way, you'll be prepared to face any diabetes-related challenge that comes your way.

1. Blood Glucose Meter

When you’re going about your daily routine, being able to take your blood glucose measurements easily is essential to stay informed. For that reason, a blood glucose meter is an essential tool for anyone with diabetes. These small, handheld devices allow you to measure your blood sugar level quickly and accurately so that you can adjust your diet and medication accordingly.

Best of all, you can even take them with you when you leave the house, making it possible to monitor your blood sugar at any point in your schedule. Simply draw a drop of blood from your fingertip with a small needle, and read the result displayed on the digital screen.

2. Test Strips

If you’re testing your blood glucose often, you’ll need a reliable supply of test strips too. These items work with the blood glucose meter to get accurate readings. Make sure to always keep enough test strips on hand and know where to find them should you run low.

3. Lancets

Lancets prick the skin and draw a drop of blood for testing with the glucose meter. They’re the last major component you need to test your blood glucose levels at home. You should keep a sufficient supply of lancets on hand in case you need to test your blood sugar more than once a day.

4. Insulin

Other essential diabetic supplies to keep at home with you include insulin and the necessary injection devices. There are several different types of insulin, and the kind you need may vary depending on your specific symptoms. Because of this, it’s vital to contact your doctor to discuss which products are right for you. In addition, make sure that you have the right application items so that you can administer insulin as needed.

5. Glucose Tablets

While insulin can help you if your blood glucose climbs too high, it can’t bring it up if it happens to fall too low. Glucose tablets quickly raise blood sugar levels should you need a quick pick-me-up and don’t have any food on you. They’re a great emergency alternative that helps keep you comfortable.

Having the right supplies on hand is essential to managing diabetes, and these five items should be at the very top of your shopping list. At Hart Medical Equipment, we’re dedicated to providing patients with everything they need to manage their health and live comfortable lives. We carry a diverse selection of diabetic medical supplies to help maintain your at-home inventory. Be sure to talk with your doctor about which supplies are best for you and how often you should replace them.