Final answer:
Mrs. Smith should also purchase a blood glucose meter, glucose tablets or gels, sharps disposal containers, and consider an insulin pump or CGM, in addition to her insulin and syringes. Insulin injections help to decrease blood glucose levels after meals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mrs. Smith, who is a newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetic, is advised to purchase several additional items to manage her condition effectively.
Besides insulin and syringes, Mrs. Smith should also consider acquiring a blood glucose meter to frequently monitor her blood sugar levels.
Having access to this device is crucial, as it will help her determine when her blood sugar starts to get too high and requires an insulin injection to bring it back to normal levels.
Furthermore, Mrs. Smith may benefit from purchasing glucose tablets or gels for instances of low blood sugar, sharps disposal containers for used syringes, and possibly an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) if recommended by her healthcare provider.
It's important for Mrs. Smith to understand that insulin injections are designed to decrease blood glucose levels after consuming a meal, as these injections facilitate the transport and storage of glucose into body cells, thus decreasing the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.
Technological advancements have made it possible for patients like Mrs. Smith to purchase human insulin, which is a benefit over animal-derived insulin used in the past due to its compatibility with the human body and reduced risk of allergic reactions.