Along with the diagnosis that no one ever wants for their child(that of Type 1) you also came home with supplies. You also have instructions about what to track, when to call the endocrinologist, when the next doctor appointment is and how to dose the insulin. It’s a lot!
Here’s the cliff notes: Keep unopened insulin in the fridge. Group all the other diabetic supplies together & super easy to access. Put together a “snack bin” of low fixes so that you don’t have to search or think when you need them. Pack a “leave the house bag” that contains insulin, a way to check blood glucose, alcohol wipes, low snacks and Baqsimi.
Insulin that hasn’t been opened goes in the fridge (the little butter area on the door of the fridge is easy to access). Insulin that is open is good for 28-30 days (or whatever the endocrinologist told you) and should be pitched after this time frame. If you need to carry the insulin with you where it is hotter than a normal room temperature you will want a Frio. An amazing little invention, a Frio will keep the insulin safely cool. We use this one: Frio Duo in blue.
You have a lancet (finger stick) and the test strips for checking blood sugar in your glucose meter. You have the little booklet to list the results of the blood tests. You have the equation you need to know how much insulin to give & a chart to help you rotate injection sites. Uggh!
The alcohol wipes and extra syringes or pen needle tops need a spot. Likely you will get a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) and an insulin pump. Once you have those you will also need something to remove residue from the adhesive as well as ways to hold them on.
Pick a specific spot for the supplies to go – this makes rushing out the door or finding things during the night super easy. At first you likely only need a drawer or basket to keep all of the unrefrigerated items together. A diabetes bag is super helpful. We use this one: https://eugodiabetestravelcase.com/products/travel-case-sport-black
Low snacks are easy if you have them in a divided bin or 2 bins. The first bin is the “fast fix”, so skittles fun size bags or rolls of sweet tarts. The second bin is the extended fix – peanut butter crackers or Nature Valley bars. Ideally (especially while this is new) you have a good supply of both types of fixes in a specific spot in the house and some in the diabetes bag you carry along as well as a fast fix in Mom’s purse, Dad’s pocket, you get the idea.
Make everything beyond easy. Group things together. Make notes of things to ask the doctor. Accept any and all help that is offered in terms of others willing to learn how to help care for your child. Also, be patient with your child and yourself. No one would pick this. It’s ok to say it, think it, feel it. I get it! Hugs!