Getting Ready with Diabetes


Getting up, dressed, and ready for the day may be challenging whether you are an early riser or not. Add diabetes control to the mix, and the early hours may become even more difficult. 

These 3 methods can help you feel better about the day ahead while also keeping up with your diabetic regimen.


1. Make a diabetes care checklist. 

Missing anything critical to your diabetes management might really throw you off. A to-do list can assist you guarantee that you've completed all of the necessary steps to assure your success. Diabetes experts recommend the following items for your list:

  • Check your blood sugar levels.
  • Check the status of your continuous glucose monitor.
  • Take your insulin and any medications as prescribed.
  • Finish your morning hygiene regimen with showering/Baths and checking for your oral health.
  • Grab or consume your breakfast.
  • Pack all of your diabetic supplies.


2. Sort out your medications and supplies.

Although you don't have diabetes, medications and supplies can easily go misplaced amid the expired and unused toiletries in your house. However, if you have diabetes, having your prescriptions and supplies neatly organized may make or break how quickly you get out the door and how you feel the remainder of the day: According to one poll, half of those who lost or misplaced something got irritated. That's no way to begin the day!

Take inventory as the first step in arranging your supplies. Remove outdated, neglected goods that you no longer require. Then arrange items according to how frequently you use them.

Purchase transparent plastic containers or boxes and a permanent marker to name what's inside. Use one container for spare supplies, such as test strips or pen needles, and another for daily requirements, like as insulin. Keep drugs in their original packaging, or write the prescription number and expiration date on the storage container.

Place your diabetic medications and supplies on a dresser, nightstand, or kitchen counter where you will see them every day. Purchase a weekly pill organizer to keep track of your daily meds.

Place your meter on your bedside to remind you to test your blood sugar in the morning. Then place the meter near where you keep your toothbrush so you remember to use it before night. Consult your doctor about acquiring a second meter; if you can score two, you may leave one at home and carry the other!

3. Prepare breakfast the night before.

When your alarm goes off in the morning, the last thing you want to worry about is what you're going to prepare for breakfast. If you don't prepare or prep beforehand, you're more likely to select an unhealthy alternative on the fly, such as a prepackaged, sugar-loaded granola bar or a greasy egg-and-cheese sandwich.

Make a portable breakfast for the next day while you're cutting vegetables for supper or waiting for your dish to complete baking in the oven. For a fast, low-carb option, try small omelets, or prepare a green veggie egg tortilla on the weekend and cut individual servings for each weekday morning.

Overnight oats are another option: simply combine 1/2 cup raw oats with 1/2 to 3/4 cup skim milk in a reusable container, then top with a handful of healthful nuts and berries.

Don't even think of missing breakfast! According to research, patients with type 2 diabetes who miss breakfast had a larger glycemic reaction after eating lunch and supper than those who have breakfast.