Diabetes Foundation Backup Supplies Checklist

The Diabetes Foundation (DF), New Jersey’s premier not-for-profit organization that empowers individuals living with diabetes, continues to support those across the state living with diabetes, especially in guarding against COVID-19 infection from the Delta variant and possible subsequent mutations.

The Foundation is releasing a revised Diabetes Backup Supplies Checklist, an updated version of the important healthcare tool it originally released in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which provides self-management tools for individuals living with diabetes during this concerning time. This guide includes a checklist of necessary supplies, which individuals with diabetes should keep in abundance and access easily in case of emergency, as they are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than the general population.

In times of emergency, especially a worldwide pandemic, the Diabetes Foundation suggests those living with diabetes always keep an extra supply of each of the following products on hand (that are applicable to their particular type of diabetes and needs): oral diabetes medication, insulin, pen needles/syringes, a Glucagon emergency kit, glucose testing equipment (meters, strips lancets), continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors, insulin pump accessories (infusion sets, reservoirs, cartridges), Ketostix, alcohol pads and glucose tablets. The back of the checklist sheet includes a healthcare provider list, so patients can easily keep track of their medical information. The complete checklist can be downloaded in English here and in Spanish here.

“In general, people with diabetes are more likely to have more severe symptoms and complications when infected with any virus,” said Dr. Steven N. Ghanny, a member of the Diabetes Foundation Board of Trustees and a pediatric endocrinologist with the Molly Center for Children with Diabetes and Endocrine Disorders at Hackensack University Medical Center. “With the recent surge in the COVID-19 Delta variant, it is very important that individuals keep their diabetes well-managed in order to limit the impact of any serious complications should they contract the virus.”

Christopher Bryant, an active Diabetes Foundation participant, can attest to how important being prepared and educated is when managing diabetes. Bryant has recently been going live on the Diabetes Foundation Facebook page, giving the Foundation’s Facebook followers and page visitors a look at everyday life with diabetes, as well as sharing his own tips and hints for living a healthy lifestyle.

Important topics that Bryant is bringing to Foundation audiences is the importance of effective healthcare teams, healthy eating, healthy coping with everyday stress and that brought on by the pandemic, the need for physical activity, careful monitoring, and medication. His live videos can be accessed here.

“I am very grateful to the Diabetes Foundation for allowing me a venue where I can share my story and hopefully inspire others to take control of their health and their diabetes,” said Bryant. “The Diabetes Foundation offers a wealth of tools, services and support, including the Diabetes Backup Supplies Checklist and Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) sessions, which have allowed me to better manage my diabetes, especially in these trying times.”

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the ease at which the virus can make significant, if not life-threatening, impact on the lives of those living with diabetes. This has made diabetes self-care even more important as we look towards the eventual end of the pandemic. Although New Jersey cases are currently low in comparison to other states, now is the time to remain vigilant as COVID-19 variants change and emerge.

Diabetes management can be stressful for those who are living with it on a day-to-day basis, but with diligent attention and a personalized approach, it does not have to be that complicated. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Diabetes Foundation’s main goal has always been removing the barriers to care for the almost one million New Jersey residents living with diabetes and the additional three million people in the state with prediabetes or at risk of developing the condition.

About Diabetes Foundation

The Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) foundation started in 1990 with the goal of empowering individuals struggling with prediabetes, Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes. The Foundation is committed to providing access to critical resources and medication necessary for people living with diabetes to remain healthy. The Foundation provides a number of programs serving children, parents, adults, caregivers and their families regardless of income or healthcare coverage. The generous support from patrons and sponsors allows the Diabetes Foundation to continue to offer services to the community for free. You can learn more about the foundation at www.diabetesfoundationinc.org or by calling (201) 444-0337.