7 Things I Carry With Me for On-the-Go Diabetes Care

For Nikki Nurse, who is living with Type 2 diabetes, it helps to carry around a diabetes bag, or “D bag,” filled with supplies to keep up with personal care.

“Over the years of me having diabetes, I've learned that these are just things that I need when I am going outside,” she says.

Since diabetes can cause dehydration, Nikki carries a cosmetic kit with her. That way, she can check to see if she has dry mouth. She also packs dentist-approved gum.

To prevent low blood sugar, Nikki carries glucose tablets in her favorite chocolate marshmallow flavor. She’ll also include a granola bar, just in case she’s stuck in traffic and needs a quick snack.

To manage the stress that comes with managing her blood sugar, Nikki packs lavender-scented, antibacterial ointment and lotion. The scent helps her to feel calm and centered while she manages her dry skin.

And finally, Nikki packs perfume in her bag for freshening up. 

“Managing your diabetes is incredibly important, but what else is also important is managing your self-care,” she says.

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