Going on a work trip can be both exciting and challenging, especially for individuals managing diabetes. On a recent trip, I found myself facing an unexpected twist when my Dexcom glucose monitor seemed to go haywire. This incident taught me valuable lessons about the importance of being prepared and vigilant when it comes to packing essential diabetes supplies.
I was driving to a work-related social event, feeling perfectly fine, when my Dexcom suddenly took a nosedive. In what seemed like mere moments, my glucose reading plummeted from 6mmol/l (108dg/l) to a nerve-wracking 2mmol/l (36dg/l) and dropping fast. Instinctively, I pulled over to assess the situation.
As panic threatened to set in, I remembered that I carry a backup glucometer in the boot of my car. After a quick retrieval, I tested my blood glucose levels, only to discover that I was actually at a reassuring 8mmol/l (144dg/l) . It’s important to remember that no test system is infallible; I calibrate my finger prick glucometers regularly against each other. I see far too many people blindly accepting older technology because it’s what they have always known, but there is no guarantee which is correct. I find a combination of 3 way checking my levels (2 pricks and a CGM, plus checking on my non-diabetic partner from time to time) coupled with a good awareness of how my body responds. I am somewhat prone to hypo-unawareness, but can tell the difference between and 8 and 2 by assessing my physical symptoms. So a sigh of relief washed over me – at least my glucose levels were stable, even if my Dexcom was acting up.
It’s important to remember that no test system is infallible; I calibrate my finger prick glucometers regularly against each other.
Amidst the relief, a new challenge emerged: a dwindling supply of test strips. In my haste to pack for the trip, I had inadvertently forgotten to check how many were in my back up kit – there was only 5 test strips, leaving the rest at home. Panic once again attempted to take hold, but I was determined to find a solution.
Having gone for dinner with colleagues and needing therefore to test often, I had only one test strip left by bedtime! I decided to set my alarm for every 2 hours, hoping to catch any potential lows. Admittedly, this strategy seemed a bit questionable – after all, I don’t usually feel lows until I’m below 2. Nevertheless, I persevered through a restless night, waking up periodically to gauge my glucose levels by feel alone and sip on some juice just to be safe. My partner, now 50 miles away had a similarly restless night, waking to check in with me periodically over message.
At 3 am, my dedication to monitoring paid off. A test revealed a reading of 5.4, prompting me to consume a full juice box to stabilise my levels. While it was a night marked by disturbed sleep, it was a small price to pay for successfully navigating through the situation.
As the sun rose on a new day, I reflected on the ordeal and the lessons it taught me. The experience underscored the vital importance of not just packing a bag for a trip, but also ensuring that the bag contains the right quantity of essential supplies. The reality of being caught in a tight spot with inadequate resources was a sobering reminder of the need for thorough preparation. I now plan to carry enough test strips to test every 2 hours for the duration of my trip (so a day’s trip would require me to pack 12 strips, 3 days would be 36 strips etc).
This adventure drove home the significance of meticulous planning and reinforced the importance of carrying an ample supply of essential items. As I look back, I’m grateful for the lessons learned and am now better equipped to face future travels with the confidence that comes from being prepared – not just for the journey, but for the potential bumps along the way.