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I’m traveling and forgot my insulin pens at home. What else can I do to get my sugar down

Discussion in 'Diabetes Discussions' started by Grizz 2, Oct 30, 2018.

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  1. Grizz 2

    Grizz 2 Type 2 · Newbie

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    I’m traveling and forgot my insulin pens at home. What else can I do to get my sugar down
     
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    #1 Grizz 2, Oct 30, 2018 at 2:19 AM
  2. Guzzler

    Guzzler Type 2 · Master

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    Hello. Are you mobile? Are you travelling within the UK? If so, I would ring the NHS advice line on 111 for guidance. Other than insulin I do not know of any other way to get your blood glucose down.

    Edited to ask. What are your numbers showing at the moment?
     
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    #2 Guzzler, Oct 30, 2018 at 2:47 AM
  3. Jaylee

    Jaylee Type 1 · Moderator
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    Hello @Grizz 2 ,

    I noticed from your other post on the site that your meter reads "HI." It's telling you your blood is anything over 33.3 mmol or 600mg/dl.?

    You need to seek proffessional medical advice & replacement for the insulin you left at home in order to lower your BG levels to a safe level.

    Good luck
     
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    #3 Jaylee, Oct 30, 2018 at 4:48 AM
  4. NeilASmith

    NeilASmith Type 1 · Newbie

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    So if you are saying you forgot your pens but have some insulin cartridges then you can go to any pharmacy throughout the world and buy some plastic syringes to use.
     
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    #4 NeilASmith, Oct 30, 2018 at 5:06 AM
  5. Alison54321

    Alison54321 Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    Are you in the UK? I think you can register as a temporary patient with a GP, hopefully get an emergency appointment, and some new pens.

    I remember having to do that a few years ago while on a holiday, in the UK, but I don't know if you still can do it.
     
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    #5 Alison54321, Oct 30, 2018 at 7:05 AM
  6. Deleted Account

    Deleted Account · Guest

    If you are in the UK, you can phone your GP and get them to fax a prescription to a nearby pharmacy.
     
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    #6 Deleted Account, Oct 30, 2018 at 7:53 AM
  7. Juicyj

    Juicyj Type 1 · Expert
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    I suspect the OP is based in the US, and may be looking for 'other' alternatives to reduce his BG levels, if as Jaylee has suggested his levels are 'HI' then he needs to get insulin as a matter of urgency, there is no other way to bring down 'HI' levels, so it's either abort the trip and go home or go to a pharmacy and purchase more insulin asap.

    Good luck @Grizz 2 Let us know how you are and how you are getting on ?
     
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    #7 Juicyj, Oct 30, 2018 at 3:08 PM
  8. Fairygodmother

    Fairygodmother Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    You need to get insulin asap @Grizz 2. With blood glucose of 30 you risk very nasty DKA.
     
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    #8 Fairygodmother, Oct 30, 2018 at 4:49 PM
  9. Daibell

    Daibell LADA · Master

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    I once read that in the USA you can get emergency insulin at a pharmacy but may be wrong.
     
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    #9 Daibell, Oct 30, 2018 at 5:53 PM
  10. germansheppard234

    germansheppard234 Type 1 · Member

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    Hi if you use a chemist like boots yo can go into any branch and explain they contact your chemist to check what you on and will issue a pen ,

    Or go to hospital and they will give you insulin shot to sort you out and issues a prescription
    ,
    I have dont both these things in past
     
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    #10 germansheppard234, Oct 30, 2018 at 5:54 PM
  11. jnk001

    jnk001 Type 1 · Active Member

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    eat no carbs to help keep it down but essential you get insulin asap
     
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    #11 jnk001, Oct 30, 2018 at 6:11 PM
  12. ringi

    ringi Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    I have hard that Walmart in the USA sells a cheap inslin without needing a prescription.
     
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    #12 ringi, Oct 30, 2018 at 7:09 PM
  13. JohnEGreen

    JohnEGreen Other · Master

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    I wonder if the OP's situation has been resolved or not it has been sometime now.
     
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    #13 JohnEGreen, Oct 30, 2018 at 7:31 PM
  14. mefunk

    mefunk Type 1 · Member

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    If those numbers are accurate, I would go straight to the nearest hospital
     
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    #14 mefunk, Oct 30, 2018 at 8:58 PM
  15. Jaylee

    Jaylee Type 1 · Moderator
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    Walmart do limited types of insulin & only licenced in certain states to actually sell what they retail insulin wise... A quick Google pulled that up.!

    If you're after a replacement insulin. Get what your prescribed, so you know what you are dealing with.. ;)

    But make sure they measure the correct units to insulin strength ratio in the cartridge or vial. Not all insulins prescribed are the "standard" U100.. Some can be more concentrated like U200 or U500. Then there is a "Vetsulin." You guessed it for small animals like dogs. 40U. The type of syringe for the job needs consideration...
     
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    #15 Jaylee, Oct 30, 2018 at 11:05 PM
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2018
  16. ringi

    ringi Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    Agree in a ideal world, but many people in the US can't afford medical care.
     
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    #16 ringi, Oct 31, 2018 at 7:55 AM
  17. olusennuga

    olusennuga Prefer not to say · Newbie

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    Hi, I agree there is no alternative way to drive down your blood sugar if you actually depended on insulin alone.

    But this is a matter about your health and life. So I would guess you have cash, or your cards, so grab some money and dash to the nearest pharmacy and purchase some to keep you going.

    You can reduce your holiday expenses to cope if need be. Health is Wealth, they say.

    Finally, please do not eat or drink anything sugary before finally injecting your insulin!
     
    #17 olusennuga, Oct 31, 2018 at 12:10 PM
  18. Jaylee

    Jaylee Type 1 · Moderator
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    I sincerely hope you arn't suggesting this member with dangerously high BG "side step" HCP consultation & "score" an insulin with an unknown working profile or action, other than what was prescribed & directed by the member's GP...?! o_O
     
    #18 Jaylee, Oct 31, 2018 at 4:15 PM
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