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New pens

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S

ScrewRM

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hello all,

I have been issued 2X reusable pens today, with refills incilin 2 X different types.

Newly diagnosed, would they spend all this money on me if I haven’t got it?

Silly question but what’s the best way to carry stuff around trying to get in a routine but feel like I’m going to forget something especially with my dose increasing while we get the right dose..

Thanks all
 
Have you got a basal (slow acting insulin like Lantus) and a bolus (fast acting like Novorapid) insulin? If so then the only one you’ll need to carry round is the fast acting along with your meter and test strips. We use a washbag with both in when we’re out and about. It can help to have a little notebook too - we got one given to us where we can record readings and insulin and it helps to see trends but the meter will do that too and your nurse will be able to guide you about doses. You’ll also need some hypo treatment with you all the time. It’s a lot to take in to begin with but you will get the hang of it.
 
I have levimir slow realising twice daily, and novarapid onece daily. BG 4 X readings daily atm.

Luckily there both in cases so I guess I’ll jist carry both me, due to my work shift patterns

Thanks
 
If you carry both pens with you all the time you might find it easier to buy a specific case for your kit so you’re not doubling up on needles, and cases. You’ll also need a small sharps bin or other safe way to store shares until you can empty them into your sharps bin at home. You have a legal duty to dispose of them safely. Diabetes uk sells various cases. I’d see now you get on for now though as your insulins may change. We find a washbag with everything in including some tissues and hypo treatment (glucose tabs) and a small sharps bag means everything stays together and we don’t lose things in the bottom of a bag. As you move out of your honeymoon phase you’ll likely have to have insulin at every meal so this will become your new normal.
 
I carried an old test strip pot to put any sharps that I had whilst out and about.

I never carried my Background insulin pen with me as I had been told to do it ‘at bedtime’. I then met someone who carried his out with him as he was told to take it at the same time each morning and night. That makes sense as it’s action tails off a bit, and regular times help to keep things consistent. I fit both pens and a few needles in a hard case that came with one of the pens I had. I took out the liner and that gave space for both. Otherwise there are plenty of other options and bags in which you can keep everything together.
 
I have a bum bag that I carry everything around in and I get so used to wearing it that it feels weird when I don't have it... like driving without a seatbelt. I hadn't given a thought to a sharp safe as I don't change my needles and lancets very often (naughty girl!) but I do carry a couple of spare needles and I use empty test strip pots to carry a few dried apricots and jelly beans as well as stashing jelly beans around the house in them too. The pots would make ideal temporary receptacles for used needles.
I am now looking to get a range of bum bags to complement different outfits/occasions as my everyday one is getting pretty scruffy from working at the stables, in the garden etc.
 
I use a clear pencil case. Quite a few men on here either use their pockets or perhaps a man/bum bag.
 
I use my AccuCheck Mobile case, big enough to carry meter, pens, needles and strips. Diary goes in the front of my rucksack used needles and strips go into an empty strip unit.
 
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