The Diabetes Kit and Caboodle

So, I have been meaning to share pics of what Logan's supplies look like, and what they are for. Several of you have asked, and also, I wonder how our set up will change as things go along, as technology advances, and as we (hopefully) can get Logan on an insulin pump later on.
Here is the "kit" as we call it. The Log book is showing, this is where we record all of his blood sugars 5 times per day, record also all grams of carbs for each meal, and how much insulin we gave at each time of day.

Here is what is contained in the bag:

And here it is, all spread out:

After a lot of trial and error, these are just the bare minimum "must haves" everywhere we go. First, the cute monster bag I found at Borders, with Barbara, a few weeks after diagnosis.. it holds syringes, the short acting insulin, a safe clip needle clipper (biohazard!) a magnifying sleeve so my eyes can see the tiny markings on the tiny syringes, and alcohol wipes for the top of the insulin bottle.

The next thing is the glucometer, which tests and records his blood sugar levels. This has test strips, which are inserted into the pod device, the "checker" (thing that pokes you), and some calibration solution. After you insert a strip, you have to get a drop of blood to soak up the end of the strip within one minute, or you have to start over! Not fun. I have a few tricks I use, so we never have to do it twice. One: I only insert the strip halfway (not activating it yet) and THEN get my drop of blood. Once I have a drop, I fully insert it. Two: if I need more blood, I can press on his arm with the poking device cap, and it will well up a little more. You can see the extra needles in the mesh side bag, for replacing in the poker. The round container holds 50 strips. The glucose tablets are on hand in case we have a very low number.

Next, we have the carb book- we take this everywhere! It has name brands of a zillion different foods, restaurants, and basic foods, so we can TRY to accurately count his carbs. Knowing exactly how many carbs he is eating is critical, since we have different "carb to insulin" ratios for each meal of the day. For example, right now he is following a 1unit to 15 grams of carbs for Breakfast, 1 unit (of insulin) to 22 grams of carbs at lunch, and 1 unit to 35 grams of carbs for dinner. There is a mini caluclator there, too, in case I forget how to add, or want to check my math. The frosting gel is what most people with diabetes carry for an emergency, if they are losing consciousness, you can squirt in between the cheek and gum, and rub it in.

The paper with the colored squares is a color chart, with disposable test strips for his urine. When your body doesn't have enough blood sugar (or too much) you will burn fat, and your body slowly becomes dangerously acidic. These strips test for ketones in his urine. If we get two blood checks in a row over 250, we have to check for ketones. If he gets sick, we check for ketones, and follow a very regimented protocol for bringing him back to balance, otherwise-it's a hospital stay for a few days. We've checked for ketones twice so far, both times, he's been negative for them, thank goodness!

The id issue: Logan has to wear a bracelet or necklace when he is not with me, or even when he is in case of car accident, etc. I have tried all kinds, he hates them all. here is my latest idea, a necklace.

And finally, here is the lady, the bane of my existence, who greets me every time I open a new box of syringes. Her smiling face makes me want to kill small animals. (fine, not really.) But she grates on me. Just smile it up, chica! BD insulin syringes are the BEST, right? Grrrrrrrrr..

So now you know a little more aobut our stuff, our "gear, tackle and trim" as Walt Whitman would say.

Today's HSP prize was silly string, and we have had a HOOT with it, I forgot how much fun in can be! The boys are enraptured with Lego Batman right now, which is why I have been able to post more pictures.. but I have to go break thier concentration now, and try and get out of the house!

Peace to all!