I’m going to be 100% completely honest with the upcoming statement. I’ve read many stories, posts and tweets that talk about making sure you always have your blood glucose meter or testing supplies with you . There have been those that panic when they don’t have their meter to test with. So here’s my approach.
I can honestly say that I NEVER take my blood sugar meter with me unless I know it’s going to be a day long trip. Even if I’m going out to dinner, I’ll test before I leave and run with it. Going to the mall, test before I leave and head on out. Going to the park, test before and go to the flipping park. I tend to know when my sugar is low through the typical warning signs, which is different than those who sometimes can’t tell.
Does this make me lazy? Does this approach lead to poor diabetes management? Am I setting a bad example by admitting this to you? You know what? I think I’m not alone.
Honestly, I used to be the same way. Ironically, the thing that made me change was getting a CGMS. Before, I would feel comfortable going untested for a few hours, but once I started getting readings every 5 minutes, I felt the need to corroborate/confirm any reading that didn’t look right, and always have a meter with me in case it asked for a callibration. I finger stick easily twice as much (some days much more) now that I have a CGM than I did before I got it (even though one of my main reasons for wanting one initially was to do LESS finger sticking).