By Merville C. Marshall, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E.

Caregivers should look for ways to ensure that the medical regimen of someone with diabetes is followed carefully.  For those taking medications, 7-day pill boxes are useful, especially if your loved one is on several different medications. 

Diabetes Day-to-Day

For those needing insulin injections, there are different types of insulin delivery such as insulin-filled pens, which may be easier to administer than syringes. An insulin pen is a pen-like device that has replaceable cartridges to hold the insulin. The insulin is injected with a fine needle. Consider other choices that might work best for your situation.  For example, the insulin pump, worn on a waistband or belt, delivers a continuous low dose of insulin throughout the day.  With this method, you must monitor the pump to be sure insulin is delivered. You and your healthcare professional (or your loved one’s healthcare professional) can determine the best method.

Timing of insulin injections and meals should be consistent.  For patients who are able to self-inject insulin, the caregiver can help by pre-filling insulin syringes and storing them in the refrigerator. Be sure to only fill up to one week’s supply. Be very careful not to contaminate the insulin when filling the syringes if you have not been trained. It is best to have a nurse or health care professional show you how to do it or do it themselves.

Although insulin can remain sterile for up to a month, studies have shown that the sterility of syringes can become compromised after one week. This is one of the reasons why the general thought is that you should not pre-fill the syringes longer than a week. Also, be advised that many patients have complained that injecting cold insulin can be more painful than warm insulin. Be careful not to freeze the insulin, as this can also compromise its integrity. The Website for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is an excellent resource if you have further questions about pre-filled insulin syringes.

The insulin-filled syringes can be labeled as morning dose or evening dose, or by day of the week. This may make it easier for a diabetic person to administer the doses themselves.

Timing Insulin Injections and Meals

It can be difficult to keep track of the timing between insulin injections and mealtimes. Ask your doctor to create a regimen that works for both you and your loved one. When the timing fits both your and your loved one’s schedule, it makes it more convenient, which in turn makes it more likely that your loved one will comply with the proper medication regimen.

Aside from insulin schedules, it is important to monitor mealtime schedules. One way a caregiver can help manage mealtimes is to prepare meals and snacks in advance. Some caregivers find it easier to cook meals on one day (such as Sunday), or write down the meals for the whole week in advance. Keeping a regular time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner can help your loved one monitor their blood sugar levels.

It is important that your loved one has consistent eating habits, and that meals are readily available and accessible in the event you are not home.   

Left undetected or untreated, diabetes has some of the most severe complications of any condition, such as heart and kidney problems.  As a caregiver, be sure to monitor your loved one’s blood pressure, pay attention to any symptoms listed above, and help your loved one manage stress. 

Type 2 diabetes, while serious, is also one of the most preventable and treatable diseases.