Cut some of the stress of living with diabetes — take control of your diabetes stuff!

The daily diabetes items on your to-do list can make you feel overwhelmed and frustrated, whether you're newly diagnosed or a longtime self-care expert. From monitoring blood glucose to making medical appointments, reading food labels, and fitting in exercise (feeling stressed out yet?), diabetes takes its toll on your sense of well-being ...

Supplies and Tools

Designate one spot in your home for storing your test strips, medication, logs, and extra supplies.

Contact List

Create a contact list of professionals to call when you have health concerns, and friends and family in case you have an emergency or aren't feeling good. Also include contact info for your pharmacy and medical supplies provider.

Travel Kit

Create a travel kit and carry it with you whenever you're away from home. Include blood glucose monitoring strips, batteries, snacks, water, hard candies, medicine, and information on what to do and whom to call in case of an emergency. Be sure to check and refresh the kit before each journey.

Kitchen Goods

Clear your kitchen of expired and less healthful foods.  Gather your favorite recipes —  with nutrition counts — in a binder or recipe file.

Medical Information

File your insurance and medical records and receipts in color coded folders in a file cabinet. When you want to review medical records for reimbursement, the documents will be handy.

Daily Schedule

Keep one calendar in a handy spot to check that you're not over committing yourself. Note self-care activities on the calendar (30-mintue walk, for example) to increase the chances you'll take care of them.

Pamela F. Kelly, a professional organizer who specializes in helping people with diabetes, is the author of Organizing: The Missing Link in Diabetes Care (available at pamkellyinc.com).