The Essentials: What’s in My Bag for Living With Type 2 Diabetes?

When you have type 2 diabetes, there are a few items you consistently should have on hand. That's why I wanted to share what's in my bag to prepare yourself with some things you may not already be using.

Essential diabetes-friendly items in my bag

Below is a list of a few items I never leave home without. Do you keep these items in your purse, bag, or car?

Soft tabs

I keep chocolate marshmallow flavor soft tabs in my bag to help me control my blood sugar levels when I'm not home or on the go. I'm a sucker for anything chocolate, so these soft tabs are a dream come true. They're easy to pack with me and come in handy to manage my blood sugar when I can't eat a full meal. Plus, they taste amazing!

A tumbler or water bottle

I use an insulated modern tumbler, which keeps my water cold throughout the day. I prefer cold water to stay hydrated, so having an insulated tumbler encourages me to drink water. Many water bottles and tumblers come in so many fun colors and different lids to meet your preferences.

A G-Kit (glucometer kit)

Obviously, this item is a must-have in my bag. I always have my glucometer with me to test my blood sugar levels whenever I need to. This helps me track how my body responds to different foods and daily activities. I use a compact case that's designed specifically for diabetes supplies. The case that I keep my glucometer stored in is from the company Myabetic and has a compartment for emergency contact information.

Snacks

A granola bar, nuts, or gum are snacks that are helpful for me when my blood sugar starts to drop. I know snacks might sound repetitive since I already pack soft tabs, but carrying a snack can actually be really helpful.

If I feel lightheaded or sluggish, pausing to eat a snack is always my first line of defense against a blood sugar drop. Plus, it's just nice to have something to munch on if I'm ever feeling peckish. So if you're looking for a little something extra to add to your bag, consider keeping a snack on hand. You never know when you might need it!

Hand sanitizer and lotion

These are 2 more items that come in handy more often than you might think. Hand sanitizer is great for disinfecting your hands before you test your blood sugar levels. Clean hands are essential because you want to make sure your hands are free of any dirt or bacteria that could affect the results.

And the lotion is critical for keeping your skin hydrated and smooth. Dry skin can be a common side effect of type 2 diabetes. I like to keep a small travel-sized bottle in my bag so that I can re-apply throughout the day.

Living my best type 2 diabetes life

These are just a few things I always make sure to have with me when living with type 2 diabetes. By having these items on hand, I can manage my diabetes better and control my blood sugar levels — no matter where I am or what I'm doing.