Leaving Home

Leaving Home

Moving away from home can be an exciting step and may mean taking on more responsibility for managing your diabetes independently. Whether you are moving for university, work or to live on your own, a little planning can help make the transition easier. Here are some tips to help you feel prepared and confident managing your type 2 diabetes in your new home.

Plan Ahead

Plan ahead and make sure you have enough supplies for the move. Check that you have enough medication and any glucose checking supplies you use to last until you are settled in your new home and registered with your new GP, or diabetes team if you are changing teams.

Changing GP

Register with a local GP. Make sure your new GP knows about your diabetes and keep your diabetes team’s contact details somewhere easy to find.

Prescriptions

Know how to order your prescriptions. Find out how to request repeat prescriptions and which pharmacy you will use before you move.

Diabetes Information

Keep important diabetes information with you. This could include your medication list, emergency contacts and what someone should do if you become unwell.

Food

Think about food and shopping. Planning a few meals, keeping some easy options at home and knowing where you can buy food locally can make things easier.

Glucose Levels

Keep an eye on your glucose levels. Changes in routine, food, activity, sleep, alcohol or stress can all affect your glucose levels.

Alcohol

Take care with alcohol. Alcohol can affect glucose levels and may interact with some diabetes medications. If you use insulin, remember that hypos can happen several hours after drinking.

Stay Connected

Stay connected with your diabetes team. Moving away from home does not mean you have to manage everything by yourself.

Medication

Make sure you understand when and how to take your medication, and ask your diabetes team about any sick-day rules that apply to your medication.

If you are planning to move away from home you can speak to your diabetes team for some support and advice about managing diabetes independently.