Kit care

HOW DO I KEEP TRACK OF EXPIRATION DATES?

Check the expiration date on supplies at least once per year, recommends dietitian Evan Sisson. Make a ‘cheat sheet’ that lists all the expiration dates and pick a check-in date that’s easy to remember (such as New Year’s Day). Stock medications and test strips in order from oldest to newest, suggests dietitian Toby Smithson.

IS THIS ENOUGH?

This kit is designed to supplement a traditional first-aid kit, and can help keep you prepared for small emergencies. You may want to build out a more robust emergency kit for larger events, especially if you live in an area that’s prone to natural disasters. This kit might include extra food and water, spare clothing, personal hygiene items and back-up battery power for mobile phones. We like the Diabetes Australia Emergency Plan of the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). Visit ndss.com. au/diabetes-and-emergencies

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

The best thing you can do is to stay on top of your routine diabetes care. Keep prescriptions up-to-date and be prompt about refilling them. Keep your day-to-day diabetes kit well stocked with monitoring supplies. And keep your medications well organised.