Day-to-Day T1D – Page 2 – Diabetes Amigo

Type 1 Valentine’s Day

January 20, 2020February 24, 2021 Diabetes Amigo

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I like to create traditions around the holidays that I feel can easily be modified as my children grow. For Valentine’s Day, I created a tradition of giving a small basket/box that is filled with holiday themed items. I save the box and reuse it every year (which is part of the tradition). I place the box in their bedroom before I go to bed and they wake up on the holiday seeing the Valentine’s box.

This year, I have an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old that will receive Valentine’s Day boxes. At these ages my kids find equality important, so the boxes are filled with identical items that work for both age ranges. I do personalize each box with one item that is different. As the kids get older, I can see these boxes becoming 100% personalized containing items that match the sports they play or their hobbies. Right now, the holiday themed items from the “dollar bins” make them happy.

Gift Ideas with a T1D Theme

If you looking to fill a box or give a gift, here is a list of T1D themed items:

Spare a Rose – Life for a Child’s program that for a cost of a rose sends insulin around the world to those in need. Give a donation in your loved one’s name and present them with the downloadable Valentine’s Day card.
Beta Cells – plush cell contains a zippered pouch with Insulin hormone modeled from a real Insulin molecule!
I Heart Guts – pancreas plush, pancreas stickers and key chains.
American Girl Doll – set of doll sized diabetes accessories.
Heroic Kid – CGM (Dexcom and Libre), insulin pump, and Omnipod accessories for kid’s toys.
Glucomart– diabetes accessories for Barbie and dolls/stuffed toys size 18-24”
Over Patches – holiday themed over patches for pumps and CGMs.
Awareness Teddy Bear – cute bear with blue ribbon t-shirt
Buzzy Ladybug or Buzzy Distraction Pack – hand-held device that naturally minimizes pain from injections and finger pokes.

iPhone Clean Up

January 3, 2020February 24, 2021 Diabetes Amigo

Day-to-Day T1D

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Dexcom users that use an iPhone as a receiver can benefit from an iPhone clean-up.

Storage / Background / Bluetooth / Medical ID / Controls / Wallpaper

Storage Space

Dexcom requires open storage space to run and work properly. Check your storage space and delete any unnecessary applications if necessary.

Background App Refresh

The Background App Refresh setting on an iPhone allows the Dexcom app to refresh when on Wi-Fi or cellular in the background even when you are not using the app. Make sure this setting is turned on at Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

Bluetooth

Old transmitters that remain as paired devices can effect your phone’s battery efficiency. Unpair old transmitters in the Bluetooth settings.

Medical ID

Help first responders access medical information from a locked iPhone screen by setting up your Medical ID. This feature on your iPhone details allergies, medical conditions and emergency contact information.

Parental Controls

Review the parental control settings to make sure your child’s phone is being used as intended.

Wallpaper

Set the wallpaper on a locked iPhone screen to denote the phone is being used as medical device. View a sample wallpaper posted on Pinterest. Download the Pinterest file to your phone and use the phone’s picture markup tools to add other pertinent details like your child’s name, parent’s phone number or an “if found” phone number.

View other Diabetes Organization/Clean Up tips in the New Year Organization post.

Using, Storing and Protecting Insulin

September 8, 2019August 9, 2022 Diabetes Amigo

Day-to-Day T1D

You were most likely provided with instructions for properly storing your unopened insulin in the refrigerator but little instructions once the insulin vial is opened. Insulin vials require extra care from the time they are removed from the box/refrigerator and used. Consider the following ways to keep your insulin safe. #ad

Best Practices / Temp Control / Protectors / Storage

Best Practices

Refrigerated Vial of Insulin – an unused vial of insulin kept in the refrigerator is good until the expiration date. A used vial of insulin kept in the refrigerator is good for 28 days.
Un-refrigerated Vial of Insulin – assuming a used/open vial of insulin is kept at reasonable temperature variations (no direct sun/heat or freezing temperatures) it is effective for 28 days.
Receiving Insulin – make sure when you purchase/receive your insulin it was continuously refrigerated and cold to the touch.
- Local Pharmacy – confirm the insulin was continuously refrigerated and not placed on the shelf for pick-up. Also check the expiration date.
- Mail Order / 90-day Prescriptions – insulin should arrive packed with ice packs that are still frozen and the insulin boxes do not feel warm.

Temperature Control

Wireless Refrigerator Thermometer – make sure your refrigerator maintains temperature control by installing an alarm with audible and visual alarms. When temperatures exceed your pre-set minimum and maximum alarm settings you are notified with beeps.
Frio Case – fabric case that includes an internal wallet that when dipped in water remains cool for 48 hours. Great for daily use to protect open insulin vial or pump from extreme temperatures or to add padding around a vial. Various colors and sizes available.
- 1 vial mini wallet
- 2 vials wallet
- Large wallet
- Extra large wallet – great for pumps
Insulin Ice Pack Coolers – protect open or unopened insulin from extreme temperatures, while traveling or on long car rides. Cases also have removable/reusable ice packs and space for storing other diabetic supplies.
- ROHKLER Insulin Cooler – hard case
- ChillMED Micro Cooler – hard case
- Goldwheat Portable Insulin Cooler Bag – soft case
CaseMD – compact vacuum-insulated container that protects and maintains temperature control for vials and pens.

Daily Use Protectors

Securitee Blanket – sleeve that projects and provides a secure grip for one insulin vial. The vial is not removed from the sleeve to fill a syringe. Available in two sizes and various colors.
- Short Sleeve fits Humulin, Humalog, Novolin, Novolog and Fiasp
- Tall Sleeve fits Lantus, Apidra and Levimer
Vial Safe – silicone reusable lightweight cover that allows for a secure grip and helps prevent breakage and shattering. Includes 2 different size protectors that fit various brands of short and long acting insulin.

Storage

HangTite Pen Holder – pen holder that is designed to mount inside the refrigerator to organize five insulin pens.
Vial Vase – keeps vials upright and secure in your refrigerator, on your counter-top, or anywhere you store your insulin.
Organizer Supply Box – divided plastic box for holding vials in the refrigerator.
3D Printer – consider printing your own insulin storage device with free downloadable templates. Some public libraries have free 3D printers or you can find a vendor to print it for you.
- STLFinder