Managing medications can be an overwhelming task, especially when you’re managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It’s too easy to get stuck, especially as there are so many different types of diabetes care supplies and medications, including insulin, test strips, CGM sensors, and many more. Losing track of even one item could lead to serious problems down the line.
Diabetes care is very personal to me. My school-age daughter has type 1 diabetes, which is controlled with a hybrid closed loop mechanism, connecting her DexCom G6, a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), to her Tandem t:slim X2 Control IQ insulin pump. And my grandmother has type 2 diabetes and depends on insulin.
Managing my daughter’s supplies has taught me the importance of staying on top of things. I developed this diabetes care supplies tracking sheet to help myself and others to keep track of supplies.
Why Preparation Matters
I know what it’s like to get caught in a bind, running low on insulin or down to your last CGM. Winging it is what we did for a while until that blew up in our face one too many times.
Due to poor planning on our end, we had to run to a 24-hour CVS at midnight on one occasion to pick up a DexCom, because the insurance wouldn’t approve until on or after the next day. Our kiddo has been in the middle of a soccer game, dropping low, only to realize that we couldn’t verify her blood glucose because the battery was dead on the glucometer. To play it safe, we just pulled her out of the game to everyone’s disdain.
On another occasion, I was out of glucose tabs as my daughter dropped low. Luckily, we were in a coffee shop, so I grabbed a cupcake and had her lick the frosting as everyone stared. Not the best look.
And how many times have you packed an extra insulin vial while on vacation, only to forget it inside the hotel’s refrigerator? Knowing your options and how well you’re stocked up is super important.
Preparation is key to staying safe!
Benefits of a Tracking Sheet
Helps Others Stay Informed
You may be managing your diabetes care all on your own. If you’re the caregiver responsible for someone else’s day-to-day diabetes, this diabetes care supplies tracking sheet is also great for keeping your information up-to-date should you ever need to pass this information along to another caregiver or provider.
Helps You Get the Brands You Want
Some of you may use special adhesives that you prefer or have your go-to supplier for certain products. We order Smarties and certain gummies online in bulk for better deals and go to Etsy stores to buy belts and pouches to hold her devices, and elsewhere for patches.
Rather than rummaging through notes and online receipts, having all your information in one spot will prevent delays, save you the time and frustration of filling your order, and improve your chances of getting your preferred brand and price.
Reduces the Risk of Running Out
Keeping all your information in one place makes it easy to avoid mistakes and order early, before you run out of anything. Doing so helps to prevent serious problems and reduces your stress.
How to Use This Diabetes Care Supplies Tracking Sheet
Use the sheet to document the name of your medication or item, the dosage, the number of refills remaining, prescription numbers, prescribing doctor’s contact information, and model numbers (for devices like CGMs, pumps).
You can also jot down the name of the diabetes supply company information, manufacturer’s numbers for technical support or replacements, and other crucial information.
Feel free to rename the column headers or add new columns to something you prefer. You can reorganize the spreadsheet to reflect the sections most important from left to right.
The cells are set to wrap text and expand, but you can change that setting if you prefer.
Staying on top of your inventory is the best way to make sure you never run low or find yourself in a difficult situation.
You can download the tracking sheet for $2.50. Every penny goes back into Kapok’s operations.
You can also access our free guide and resources for helping family caregivers manage type 1 or type 2 diabetes here.
Need Help with the Spreadsheet? No problem!
Once you’ve purchased, feel free to send us any feedback on the tracking sheet to [email protected], including additions you’d like to see or any tips for improving its use for you. If you would like some additional modifications or accidentally mess up the formatting, no worries! I’m happy to fix these for you or tweak the sheet for you. We just ask that you’re careful in emailing any sensitive personal health information over email.
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