Keeping Up With Insulin Therapy
Table of Contents:
- Keeping up with Daily Medications
- Will COVID-19 Impact my Medication Supplies (e.g. Insulin)
- Talk to Your Healthcare Team about Medication Management
- Additional Information and References
Key terms: medications, insulin, supply, prescriptions, refill
1. Keeping up with Daily Medications
It is important to continue to keep up with the normal schedule of insulin to effectively control blood glucose levels. All prescriptions should be current, and a number of refills available.1 Continue to maintain the usual supply of insulin and other medications as recommended by the healthcare team, without stockpiling larger quantities than needed.2
2. Will COVID-19 impact my medication supplies (e.g. Insulin)?
Follow the announcements of the appropriate health organizations and authorities in your jurisdiction to determine any impacts on the manufacturing or distribution of insulin and other medications. In Canada, there is currently no evidence that the supply of insulin has been impacted. Continue to maintain the usual amount of back-up insulin and other medications, and follow the direction of local regulations and announcements in your area.2
3. Talk to Your Healthcare Team about Medication Management
It’s important to keep an open line of communication with the diabetes healthcare team. Remember to call ahead of time whenever possible. During this uncertain time, many medical visits for routine care may be postponed or completed over the phone or via videoconferencing.3
4. Additional Information & References
- JDRF Canada. T1D and Coronavirus: What You Need to Know, 2020. https://www.jdrf.ca/coronavirus/
- Hokken-Koelega A. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) information for children and adolescents living with endocrine conditions, including type 1 diabetes mellitus. https://www.eurospe.org/news/item/14064/COVID-19-information-for-children-and-adolescents-living-with-endocrine-conditions-including-type-1-diabetes-mellitus?dm_i=52TX,6NV6,CCR8E,P7YN,1
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Checklist to Get Ready, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/checklist-household-ready.html
Disclaimer: The information regarding COVID-19 is changing constantly as more data become available. The information provided in this website is not meant to replace diabetes healthcare team or public health agencies recommendations, and is intended for information purposes only. Please check with your healthcare providers for any deviations from your care plans.