Within the first month after diagnosis

Find out who you can call in an emergency. Your endocrinologist or diabetes educator might give you their mobile number if they're very kind and generous. Most major public hospitals will have an endocrinologist on call, so you could call and ask for them to be paged. In a serious emergency, call an ambulance. But whatever it is, make sure you have a number in your wallet or programmed into your mobile phone because you can guarantee it will be 3am on a Sunday when you have an urgent dilemma!

Notify the Road Traffic Authority in your state or territory (VicRoads in Victoria, RTA in NSW etc.) and get your GP or any doctor to fill in a medical form which they will send you. Essentially what they're looking for is that you haven't had a bad hypo (low blood sugar) recently and you get heaps of warning symptoms when one's coming along - so the doctor basically needs to write 'no hypoglycaemia unawareness' in the comments section. You'll have to do this about every 2 years or whenever they send you the form. 

Notify your employer. Although by law you do not have to disclose medical conditions in a job application or interview, you may be required to inform your employer of any prescribed medication that you must take. Insulin makes it pretty clear to your employer that you have diabetes.

Get yourself a medical alert talisman (bracelet/necklace) ID by calling MedicAlert 1800 882 222. If this totally freaks you out, there are a couple of other options. (Though a well known bracelet like Medicalert is the most easily recognisable symbol if you get into trouble). Engrave a piece of jewellery you wear all the time with something like 'Diabetes on Insulin'. Carry a card in your wallet. At the very least, this is the kind of thing that relaxes our stressed-out mums!

Join the Ambulance Service in your state. Everyone should do it but now you're just a teeny bit more likely to need it so save yourself the stress and join up. 

Work out what sort of hypo supplies work best for you. Some useful places to have some sort of sugar available:

• Glove box of car
• In your handbag/backpack, or back pocket if going out
• Desk drawer or locker at work
• School locker or pencil case
• Beside your bed
• At your boyfriend/girlfriend/best mate's house.

Don't worry - You are not going to use all these supplies in the first week, it's just that you can generally guarantee that a 'hypo' (especially your first) will take you by surprise and happen when you least expect it.

NDSS - Join the National Diabetes Services Scheme to obtain your blood glucose and ketone testing strips and needles at the cheapest prices around - it's subsidised by the Federal Government and free to register. Your diabetes educator should have forms to do this or call 1300 136 588. To find your closest NDSS outlet, log onto www.ndss.com.au. You can also mail order by phone 1300 136 588.

Find and befriend your local chemist. Beware that insulin always takes 24 hours to order in. Once they know you, they should let you phone ahead instead of going in with the script and then having to go back the next day.

Health Care Card. You may be eligible to receive a health care card which will entitle you to discounts on insulin and other supplies you are entitled to. Check www.centrelink.gov.au or phone the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50. 

Are you going to be sitting exams this year? If so make contact with the appropriate person at your education institution and inquire about 'Special Conditions' such as being allowed to take in food, for your exam. You should be entitled to these so organise it now as it's the last thing you want to be worrying about in the lead-up to the exams.

Blood Glucose meter. Find one that works for you! (Note: a search on the Internet is likely to also showcase monitors that are only available in the US and Europe). This thing is going to have to go EVERYWHERE with you so choose one that you reckon is easy to use and not too ugly. Hopefully you'll be able to get a freebie from your diabetes educator, but if not, Diabetes Australia shops (or website) are generally cheaper than your local chemist. See 'blood glucose meters' sheet for reviews of current blood glucose monitors.