The Daily Challenge and Lifestyle of a type 2 Diabetic

Yes I am a type 2 diabetic. Better than type 1 because I don't need insulin. Medication can control my blood sugar. Along with proper diet and exercise.
I have to be careful with what I eat and make sure I take my medications regularly.
Beside the medications and the occasional blood lab or check-up, there is one thing I have to do regularly. If not daily at least 2-3 times a week but if the results are low I can check it once a week. But if my supply of strips are low I check it 1-2 times a month. Strips are expensive.
What I am talking about is using a glucose meter to check my blood sugar. I have noticed that my results should not go below 100 or else I will get hypoglycemic or low blood sugar which is bad too and not over 185. That is according to my doctor . So far I have been ranging highest 179 lowest 128-130.
There are different types that use different strips. My daughter sent me one with a few strips. My brother is planning to send me his extra glucose meter because he sent me the wrong strips for my meter.

This is one of my most important kit. When close it looks like an ordinary wallet or pouch. But when you open everything is there. Lancet, the lancet holder, the meter, the strips, and a logbook to keep my records. Just be sure you don't drop it hard.

Prepare your area, I usually do it on my computer table because it is accessible and big enough.
I have a tissue then alcohol, cotton balls, You can see how the strips and lancet looks like. I only use the alcohol and cotton balls after I prick and get the specimen. I was advised just to wash my hands well and dry before pricking because the alcohol can sometimes affect the results.

Place the lancet in the holder and cover it, pull back the plunger and you are ready to go.

Place the plunger on the finger the click to release. I used to be nervous and sometime tense up. But now it is a normal activity for me.

When you have enough blood you place the strip in the meter then the other end to the blood drop so it can read it.

This was my results last month. I was not able to post it then. Just this morning I checked and got a better result. Forgot to take a picture then but the meter has a memory and keeps it. So from 176 it is now 147.

After taking the results, remove the strip and the lancet. There are buttons to use so you won't need to touch them. Place the lancet on the cover so the needle will be embedded in the plastic cover. I then wrap both the strip and lancet in the tissue I used to cover the table with the cotton ball.

See how the lancet is deep inside so there will be no accidents of pricking anyone else.

I write my result in the log book and return to my pouch,

Closed kit and the wrapped tissue ready to be thrown in the garbage.

I alternate my finger when pricking. Mostly on the left hand because I use my right hand to prick and I am right-handed. But sometime I let the right hand fingers taste the needle.

Being a diabetic I always make sure I have some candy in my bag or cracker especially if going on a long trip. Also some water. It is hard to get hypoglycemic.
You need to be aware and know and feel what your body is saying. Do not ignore the signs of excessive thirst, tremors, ants in your urine and dizziness. These are just the simple signs which should make you go to your doctor for a check-up, don't wait till it gets worse. Untreated and uncontrolled diabetes has been one of the top causes of death now in the Philippines.