What I Keep Handy to Check My Blood Sugar: How Nikki Customizes Her Glucose Routine

When it comes to managing her Type 2 diabetes, Nikki makes sure she’s always prepared to check her blood sugar levels on the go. That means she carries supplies in what she calls a glucose bag, or “G bag.”

Nikki’s G bag is always stocked with candy mints she can eat if she feels like her blood sugar is dropping or if brain fog is coming on. She says the peppermint flavor helps to calm her if she’s stressed.

Since she knows she’ll have to test her blood glucose levels, she carries alcohol pads to clean her finger, along with her glucometer and test strips. Nikki includes a lancet device to get a blood sample, and some Band-Aids that match her skin tone.

She also packs diabetes medication in case she needs to take anything extra.

To keep things fun, Nikki’s G bag is leopard-print. 

“Managing diabetes is a very serious matter, but it's important to remember you want to make this a fun, enjoyable experience as well,” Nikki advises. “Make it unique to your lifestyle. Cater and curate it to your needs.”

You can read more about Nikki’s experience with Type 2 diabetes here and how she manages her A1C here.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts