Diabetic Support Services
Glucose monitor training, insulin pen instruction, diabetes education, and a complete selection of supplies from the major brands.
Everyday Diabetic Support
From device training to supply management, our pharmacists help you take control of your diabetes day to day.
Glucose Monitor Training
Our pharmacists provide hands-on training for blood glucose monitors. Learn proper testing technique, how to read results, and when to contact your doctor.
Insulin Pen Training
Learn how to use insulin pens safely and effectively. We cover injection technique, site rotation, storage, and dose adjustment.
Diabetes Education
Our pharmacists can answer questions about monitors, medications, insulin therapy, and day-to-day diabetes management.
Prefilled Insulin Syringes
We can prepare prefilled insulin syringes on request for patients who have difficulty drawing up their own doses.
Complete Supply Selection
Test strips, lancets, alcohol swabs, sharps containers, insulin pens, pen needles, syringes, ketone strips, glucagon kits, and glucose tablets.
Free Delivery
Free delivery of diabetic supplies and medications so you can focus on managing your health, not running errands.
The Targets That Matter
Target ranges for most adults with diabetes, per Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines. Your care team may set different numbers based on your age and health.
Long-term blood sugar average, most adults with diabetes. Frail older adults may have higher targets (up to 8.5%).
Fasting and pre-meal blood glucose target range.
Post-prandial target range. Tighter (5.0–8.0) if A1C goal is not being met.
Source: Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines, Chapter 8 (Targets for Glycemic Control).
Testing Supplies & Glucose Monitors
Managing diabetes takes reliable supplies. Taché Pharmacy stocks what you need for blood glucose testing and insulin administration — test strips and lancets, insulin pens, pen needles and syringes, ketone strips, glucagon kits, and glucose tablets.
Blood glucose meters measure how much glucose is in your blood at a given moment. For most adults living with diabetes, Diabetes Canada suggests target blood glucose of 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L before meals and 5.0 to 10.0 mmol/L two hours after meals. Your own targets may differ — your doctor or diabetes team sets them based on your situation.
We carry the major brands of meters and strips. Our pharmacists can help you pick one that fits your routine and your insurance coverage.
Three Ways to Monitor Your Blood Sugar
The technology has changed a lot. You have more choices than the classic fingerstick — and more are on the way. Here's the landscape, simply.
Fingerstick Meters
The classic. Widely used, broadly covered.
How it works
A small drop of blood from a fingertip (or alternate site like the palm or forearm), read by a handheld meter in about 5 seconds.
Good fit for
Type 2 diabetes on oral medications or basic insulin, anyone on a budget, and a reliable backup for sensor-based users.
Common examples
Accu-Chek Guide, OneTouch Verio, Contour Next, FreeStyle precision meters
Flash & Continuous Glucose Monitors
A sensor on the back of your arm. No pricking for regular readings.
How it works
A small sensor sits on the upper arm (or abdomen) for 10 to 15 days and reads glucose continuously in the fluid just under the skin. Scan with your phone or reader, or let the sensor push readings to your phone automatically with high/low alerts.
Good fit for
Anyone on insulin, frequent testers, people who dread finger-pricks, overnight hypoglycemia worriers, and anyone who wants to see glucose trends (not just numbers).
Common examples
FreeStyle Libre 2, FreeStyle Libre 3, Dexcom G6, Dexcom G7
Automated Insulin Delivery (Pump + CGM)
An insulin pump that talks to a CGM and adjusts itself.
How it works
An insulin pump worn on the body pairs with a continuous glucose monitor and auto-adjusts insulin delivery in real time — raising, lowering, or pausing based on where your glucose is heading. Also called a hybrid closed-loop or artificial pancreas system.
Good fit for
Type 1 diabetes, pregnancy, hypoglycemia unawareness, and anyone whose numbers are hard to keep in range with injections alone.
Common examples
Tandem t:slim X2 with Control-IQ, Medtronic MiniMed 780G, Omnipod DASH
On the horizon
Two technologies worth watching: implantable CGM sensors (placed under the skin in a quick office procedure and lasting up to 6 months) and dual-hormone pumps (pumps that deliver both insulin and glucagon to prevent lows as well as highs). Both are approved in the United States but aren't available in Canada yet. We'll let you know when they are.
Not sure which tier fits you? Come in and we'll walk through the options with you — what you'd use it for, what your insurance covers, and what the day-to-day looks like.
Day-to-Day Management Basics
Practical, evidence-based guidance for the situations that come up between appointments. Questions? Come in or call us.
Low Blood Sugar — Rule of 15
If your glucose drops below 4.0 mmol/L: take 15 grams of fast-acting carbs (4 glucose tablets, 175 mL juice, 15 mL honey), wait 15 minutes, and retest. Repeat if still low. Source: Diabetes Canada.
Sick Day Rules
Illness can swing your blood sugar. Keep testing, stay hydrated, and don't stop insulin on your own. Some oral medications (SADMANS — sulfonylureas, ACEIs, diuretics, metformin, ARBs, NSAIDs, SGLT2 inhibitors) are often paused during dehydration — ask your pharmacist.
Insulin Storage
Unopened insulin lives in the fridge (2–8°C). In-use pens and vials usually last 28 days at room temperature — check the product monograph for the exact number. Never freeze insulin or leave it in a hot car.
When to Seek Help
Call your doctor or go to the ER for: persistent high glucose with vomiting or fruity-smelling breath (DKA risk, type 1), severe low blood sugar that a snack can't fix, or signs of serious dehydration. Trust your gut.
Guidance summarized from Diabetes Canada patient resources and Clinical Practice Guidelines. Always follow the advice of your own care team.
Supplies, refills, and reminders in one place
- Request refills for diabetes supplies
- Set reminders for regular medications
- Follow pickup or delivery updates
- Send supply questions to the pharmacy
Accredited Diabetes Information
Canadian sources for patients and caregivers, published by national health bodies and clinician-led organizations.
Diabetes Canada — Managing My Diabetes
Day-to-day guidance on blood sugar, medication, nutrition, and complications.
Clinical Practice Guidelines
The evidence-based guidelines Canadian clinicians follow. Deep but authoritative.
Manitoba Pharmacare
Provincial drug benefit program. Covers insulin, oral diabetes meds, and many supplies. We can help you apply.
Public Health Agency of Canada
Diabetes overview, risk factors, and prevention resources.
Need help managing your diabetes?
Our pharmacists are here to help with training, supplies, and ongoing support.