Insulin Shots and Your Daily Life
Insulin Shots and Your Daily Life
Her routine is pretty typical for someone with that type. She checks her blood sugar about 8-10 times a day so she can make sure it isn't going too high or too low, and so that she can figure out how much insulin she needs. She wears a pump, but she has to tell it how much insulin to give out, just as someone who uses a syringe or insulin pen has to measure out a dose. She generally takes insulin at least three times a day: before breakfast, before lunch, before dinner, and in between meals if her blood sugar gets too high.
"I don't know anyone who likes injections," Smithson says. But over time, you get more comfortable, and the blood sugar checks and shots won’t seem like such a big deal.
If you have type 1 -- or if you have type 2 but your doctor has prescribed insulin three or four times a day -- you’ll need to carry your medication and supplies with you whenever you’re away. That includes when you’re heading to work, meeting a friend for lunch, or taking an exercise class at the gym, for examples.
Most insulin users need to keep a few items on hand:
Glucose meters come with a carrying case, Kelly says, but they might not be big enough to hold much else. Some women stash the other supplies in a purse or cosmetics case. Men might use a briefcase, gym bag, or even cargo pants with large pockets.
How can I manage injections while I'm at work?
If you’re new to insulin, you may worry about checking your blood sugar and giving yourself shots while you’re on the job.
Life With Insulin Injections
A Day With Insulin continued...
Her routine is pretty typical for someone with that type. She checks her blood sugar about 8-10 times a day so she can make sure it isn't going too high or too low, and so that she can figure out how much insulin she needs. She wears a pump, but she has to tell it how much insulin to give out, just as someone who uses a syringe or insulin pen has to measure out a dose. She generally takes insulin at least three times a day: before breakfast, before lunch, before dinner, and in between meals if her blood sugar gets too high.
"I don't know anyone who likes injections," Smithson says. But over time, you get more comfortable, and the blood sugar checks and shots won’t seem like such a big deal.
Insulin to Go
If you have type 1 -- or if you have type 2 but your doctor has prescribed insulin three or four times a day -- you’ll need to carry your medication and supplies with you whenever you’re away. That includes when you’re heading to work, meeting a friend for lunch, or taking an exercise class at the gym, for examples.
Most insulin users need to keep a few items on hand:
- Insulin vials and syringes, or insulin pens and pen needles
- Blood glucose meter, lancing device, lancets, and test strips
- Calculator, or a smartphone with a calculator app (to figure out how much insulin you need)
- Hard candy, glucose tablets, or glucose gel (in case your blood sugar drops too low)
Glucose meters come with a carrying case, Kelly says, but they might not be big enough to hold much else. Some women stash the other supplies in a purse or cosmetics case. Men might use a briefcase, gym bag, or even cargo pants with large pockets.
Common Concerns
How can I manage injections while I'm at work?
If you’re new to insulin, you may worry about checking your blood sugar and giving yourself shots while you’re on the job.
