HealthInfo Canterbury
Diabetes equipment
Taputapu mate huka
Keeping your diabetes under control can mean using and keeping track of different medications and equipment. If you have problems with any of the equipment, contact your general practice team for advice.
If you need to replace your insulin pens or need help with your equipment, visit your local pharmacy. If it's after hours, go to your local after-hours clinic for help. As long as you already know how to use your insulin pen correctly, you can get a replacement. Manufacturers don't charge for insulin pens so you shouldn't have to pay for a replacement at the pharmacy.
Insulin and glucagon are only available with a prescription. If you need help learning to use glucagon, see Guidelines for giving glucagon. If you're having a hypo and your glucagon isn't working, call 111 for an ambulance.
List of monitoring equipment
- Blood testing meter.
- Blood test or ketone strips. You can also get these with a prescription.
- Finger‑pricking device.
- Lancets for finger‑pricking device.
List of insulin and insulin equipment
- Insulin pen. You can get these through your general practice team.
- Insulin pen needles. You can get these with a prescription.
- Insulin.
- Glucagon.
On the next page: Managing insulin when you are sick
Written by Christchurch Diabetes Centre. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIDIA-21832
