Diabetics - Questions for you

I found out I was glucose intolerant when I was undergoing fertility treatments. I was put on metformin and am still on it. My OB now has me checking my sugar 4 times per day to make sure everything is under control. I just started this today. Here's where the questions come in:

1. When you're out and need to test, what do you do with the lancets? I have a sharps container at home and just made one for at work. But on the weekends I can be out from morning till after dinner and I don't want to keep a sharps container in my bag.

2. In googling an answer to the above question I discovered many people don't change the lancet every time they test. Do you? If not, how often do you change it?

Thanks!

Re: Diabetics - Questions for you

My DH is diabetic so I can try to answer ( i take his blood for him cause he's a baby).

1. If we're out and he needs to check his blood, he'll keep the lancet and strip on him until we're at a garbage. or you can keep an empty container on you and toss them in there.

2. i always change his lancet. the only time i dont is if i didnt get enough blood the first time and i'm doing it immediately.

Re: Diabetics - Questions for you

I just keep the lancets and strips back in my purchase when I test and I'm not home.

The lancets I just put the plastic tip back on so it's not sharp anymore...and can put it in a baggie in my purse.

I ALWAYS use a new lancet each time I test. ALWAYS.

Re: Diabetics - Questions for you

DH is diabetic ... he uses a new lancet each time and if we're out, he puts the cap back on and keeps it in the test pouch til we get somewhere he can toss it ...

Re: Diabetics - Questions for you

Re: Diabetics - Questions for you

As a former nurse, I'd advise using a new lancet every time; The lancets are considered medical, hazardous waste, around here. I put them in an empty plastic pill container, and they would go to our special waste place. Mary

Message edited 2/4/2011 8:55:19 PM.

Re: Diabetics - Questions for you

Thanks for the responses everyone. I've been using a new lancet everytime so far today, so glad to hear you're supposed to. I thought it was weird when people were saying they didn't change it. I didn't even think to put the cover back on the lancet and keep it in the pouch until I get home. Thanks!!

Re: Diabetics - Questions for you

I would put the tops back on the lancet as well and use an empty test strip tube to put them in before throwing them away.

Re: Diabetics - Questions for you

The case I have for my portable meter (they're all portable, but I have one that's really small that I travel with), has pockets in it. I use the pockets for new lancets, as well as used lancets. Then, when I get home, I can take care of them properly. The same with the test strips.