Not All Diabetes Management Tools Require a Prescription

There’s no question people with diabetes need a toolbox of resources to manage their condition: blood glucose meters and strips, medication, prescriptions for their medication, hypoglycemia supplies…and the list goes on.

But too often we can focus too much on tools we can hold in our hands and not lean on some of the most impactful resources we might have.

Read below to discover what Team Novo Nordisk Ambassadors and Team Type 1 elite athletes consider to be their most valuable diabetes management tools that do not come from a pharmacy.

Becky Furuta, type 1 diabetes

Cyclist | Colorado

My best tool is my ability to embrace change. I had to get over my perfectionism.

I realized early into my diagnosis that my emotional state was closely aligned with the numbers on my meter. If I wasn’t in range, I was entirely self-critical.I had to learn to see blood glucose measurements as information instead of viewing them as a value judgement. I challenged my “all or nothing” thinking about diabetes, where I was either “doing it right” or “failing.” When I learned that I could bend to the challenges of diabetes and respond to them in the same way I respond to changing conditions in a race, I was able to stop trying to control every situation and every variable and I was able to really live my life.

Andreas Petz, type 1 diabetes

Triathlete | Denmark

My best tool is my strong will to be a good role model for my daughters by living an active and healthy lifestyle despite having diabetes.

They deserve a healthy dad who can be there for them! Once I realized that, I was motivated and empowered!

Ed Tepper, type 2 diabetes

Cyclist | Virginia

My most powerful tool is knowledge!

Knowing that, for me, type 2 is hereditary and that I didn’t cause it helped alleviate the negative emotions that surrounded my diagnosis.

Also, studying type 2 diabetes research, so I feel knowledgeable about my condition gives me power. My knowledge allows me to work alongside my doctor on my treatment plan, not just take direction from her.

Chrysa Malosh, type 1 diabetes

Cyclist | Tennessee

My most important tool, whether it’s when I’m racing or simply teaching, is to be as prepared as I can for everything. I always carry extra supplies and low treatments so I don’t get caught by surprise.

Planning and preparedness goes a long way towards minimizing the impact of diabetes on my everyday life.

Salvador Martinez, type 1 diabetes

Runner | Mexico

Early in my diagnosis, I would hold my worries and fear inside. They were a heavy weight that dampened my mood and quality of life.

So my most important tool is my support group and open communication with those who care for me. That helps keep me on the right emotional and mental path.

I never hesitate to lean on my family and friends!

Brian Foster, type 1 diabetes

Triathlete | Pennsylvania

The ability to recognize what I can and cannot control is my favorite tool.

I can control my ability to count the carbohydrates in the food I eat, deliver medication, and check blood glucose when needed. Although these things should determine what my blood glucose is, there are some things out of my control that can affect that number, and I have to be accepting of that.