Tag: T1D

Diabetes Everyday Bag

Posted on By Diabetes Amigo
Diabetes Everyday Bag
Day-to-Day T1D

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Living with Type 1 diabetes means staying prepared for anything, from routine errands to unexpected adventures, and packing the right supplies in your Diabetes Everyday Bag ensures you have the all the supplies that you need to keep blood sugars in range.

Diabetes Bag

The Medicol Dia-Pak Deluxe bag has been with us since the first week of diagnosis and has worked well for 5 years now. I needed a bag that could hold everything, switch easily between caregivers and have a cool-pack for travel. This bag holds all the Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) supplies and fits nicely in a diaper bag, purse, backpack or can be carried by itself (top handle or with the removable strap on a single arm or as a cross-body bag).

The bag comes in various sizes:

Keeping it Clean

Our daily diabetes bag gets dirty! The Dia-Pak bag floats around our house, travels everywhere with us, goes to school, attends play-dates, and then sits in my child’s room at night. I wash this bag on average once a month, in a regular laundry cycle, inside a mesh bag (to protect it) and then air dry. It has held up beautifully over the past 5 years.

Supplies

Cleaning out your bag also means restocking all the necessary diabetes supplies. Including replacing expired medication, food, batteries, and low supplies. Listed below are the contents that we keep in our D-bag daily.

  • Glucose Meter
    • We have the OmniPod PDM with the integrated glucose meter but we keep a spare meter in the kit just in case of malfunction (or if lost).
  • Glucose test strips
  • Lancer
  • Lancets
  • Syringes
    • Used for manual injections in case of pump failure and if the Glucagon syringe breaks.
  • Fast acting sugar
  • Baqsimi Nasal Spray
  • Glucagon Emergency Kit
    • I maintain a prescriptions for both the nasal spray and Glucagon medications because the Glucagon can be used in case of unconsciousness due to severe low blood sugar and during sick days (mini-glucagon shots to raise blood sugar).
  • Beef Jerky
    • Small pouches of beef jerky to use as protein snack after treating a low or as a low carb snack.
  • Insulin
  • Alcohol pads
    • Used for preparing skin for Dexcom CGM and OmniPod changes and if we need clean fingers when washing hands is not an option.
  • OmniPod Pod
    • Extra pod in case of pump failure.
  • OmniPod OverPatch
    • Lexcam – 20 waterproof patches that are pre-cut for Omnipod. Hypoallergenic and clear in color.
  • Safety Pin
    • Used to stop a screaming pod by puncturing the speaker.
  • Dexcom OverPatch
    • Free pack of 10 clear overpatches from Dexcom. Request when ordering supplies or order from the Patient Support Form. Enter “order overpatches” in the issue field.
  • SkinTac Wipe
  • Batteries
  • Money
    • We keep a dollar in quarters and $2 in one dollar bills in case we need to buy a snack to treat low blood sugar when traveling or at school.
  • Contact Information
    • Clear insert that fits a business card or hand written contact information in case the kit is lost (not shown).

Extra Supplies Used on Long Trips

  • Dexcom – a spare Dexcom sensor and transmitter. For everyday trips/running errands, we are so close to home that I don’t find it necessary to have Dexcom backup supplies.
  • Portable Charger – a wireless battery powered phone charger helps when traveling in case our Dexcom phone’s battery goes low.
  • Frio Cooling Wallet – if activities include being out in the hot sun for long periods of time, the insulin vial is kept cool with a cooling wallet.
  • Straws – a travel toothbrush holder with straws. During naps or nighttime, treating a low with juice works best for my kiddo. Some juice bottles do not include straws. Also, the toothbrush holder is great for storing honey sticks.
  • Phone Dry Bag – if activities include water, a phone dry bag is helpful for cells phones, PDM or Dexcom receiver.

iPhone Clean Up

Posted on By Diabetes Amigo
iPhone Clean Up
Day-to-Day T1D

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see the affiliate disclosure for more details.

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.

New Year Organization

Posted on By Diabetes Amigo
New Year Organization
Holiday

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The start of a new year is filled with opportunities for a fresh start that can include diabetes management. Here are a few effective ideas that you can implement now that will help you through out the year. #ad

Insurance / FSA / D-Bag / Pump / Supplies / School /
Data / iPhone / Stay Informed

Insurance Review

  • Formulary
    • Review your insurance formulary to make sure there are no changes in your prescription coverage. Many insurance companies change their preferred/tier 1 insulin between Humalog/Novolog/Admelog based on new contract pricing for the year.
  • Renewals
    • Renew your prescriptions if necessary. Some insurance companies require new prescriptions every year, even if there are refills on file. This includes renewals of “Letters of Medical Necessity” as well.
  • Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
    • Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) (i.e., Dexcom, Guardian Connect and Libre) and pump supplies are typically considered DME and cannot be purchase at a local pharmacy. Depending on your insurance, DMEs are covered through a medical supplier or through 90-day prescription benefits. Some insurance plans allow you to fill DME prescriptions through either a medical supplier or through the 90-day pharmacy. It is worth the effort to determine your cheapest price for DME supplies.
  • Refill Dates
    • Auto Refill
      • Determine if your local pharmacy or 90-day prescription supplier offers auto refills. Adding this feature to your refills is a huge time saver through out the year.
    • Calendar
      • Consider starting a family calendar and note refills dates through out the year to keep needed supplies stocked.

FSA Dollars

Diabetes Bag

  • Clean
    • Completely empty the bag and wash it! Place the diabetes bag in a laundry mesh bag before placing in the washing machine and then set outside to air dry.
  • Restock all supplies
    • Make sure your bag has all the necessary diabetes supplies.
    • Check expiration dates on medication, food, batteries, and low supplies.
  • Replace your lancet

Pump

  • Pump Settings
    • Take pictures of your pump settings/basal rates for reference in case of a pump failure. This is also helpful if basal changes are made and you need to change back to previous basal rates.
    • Check that the time and date settings are correct.

Supply Closet

School

  • 504 Plans
    • Review your 504 Plan to make sure any recent changes are included in your plan. Also consider updating the 504 Plan to resolve any ongoing issues. 504 Plan updates are worth the effort to have a good year.
  • School Orders
    • Make sure your school order on file with the Endo matches the 504 plan or request changes include any new updates.
  • Medical Forms for Sports
    • Avoid the August rush for sport forms by getting them done early in the year. Sport forms are typically good for one year and can be completed in advance of spring/summer sports.

iPhone Clean Up

  • Dexcom users that use an iPhone as a receiver can benefit from an iPhone clean-up
    • Storage Space – Dexcom requires open storage space to run and work properly. Check your storage space and delete any unnecessary applications if necessary.
    • Old Transmitters – unpair old transmitters in the Bluetooth settings. Old transmitters that remain as paired devices can effect your phone’s battery efficiency.
    • Medical ID – set up your Medical ID to help first responders access medical information from a locked iPhone screen.
    • Parental Controls – review parental controls to make sure your child’s phone is being used as intended.

Data Review

  • CGM Data
    • Take time to log on to CGM reports like Clarity, Guardian Connect or LibreLink to review the data for basal rates and Insulin to Carb ratios (I:C).
    • Make a list of questions to ask the Endocrinologist about your data during your next appointment.
    • Review Time-in-Range and and set a goal to increase this number. Even if the increase is just 2% more because the A1C value is not the only number you should care about every three months.

Stay Informed

Using, Storing and Protecting Insulin

Posted on By Diabetes Amigo
Using, Storing and Protecting Insulin
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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD)

Posted on By Diabetes Amigo
Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD)
Other Stuff

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see the affiliate disclosure for more details.

Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs) are service animals that are trained to alert diabetics of low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar in a timely manner to avoid dangerous situations. The dogs have a heightened sense of smell that gives them the ability to add another layer of protection in your diabetes management.

Research / Providers / DIY / Fundraising Ideas / Grants

Research

If you are thinking about adding a DAD to your family, there are few more things to consider than just the cost (typically $10k to $20k USD). I recommend reading articles that explore other considerations like ongoing costs and training, questions to ask trainers, types of alerts, etc:

Providers

There are no national standards for training DADs. Therefore, picking a provider of your DAD requires lots of research including performing reference checks. Listed are various DAD providers (the list is not an endorsement of any one provider):

Do It Yourself (DIY) Books, Videos and Facebook Groups

Fundraising Ideas

  • Online fundraising like GoFundMe or FirstGiving
  • T-shirt fundraiser
  • Garage sale
  • Chili dog supers
  • Golf tournament
  • Get your local news or local paper to do a story on your fundraising efforts
  • Grow flowers and sell them
  • Lemonade stand
  • Yardwork/Mow lawns
  • Zumba fundraiser
  • Ask neighbors to save recyclable items and redeem for cash
  • Pet sitting
  • “Pay What You May” bake sale

Grants

  • T1D Mod Squad offers a grant
  • Emma’s Journey grant
  • The Pet Fund lists various grants and finanical assistance options
  • If living in Iowa – Council Bluffs Cosmopolitan Club offers a grant

Toys for Type 1 Diabetic (T1D) Kids

Posted on By Diabetes Amigo
Toys for Type 1 Diabetic (T1D) Kids
Kid Stuff

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see the affiliate disclosure for more details.

Helping kids cope and understand a diabetes diagnosis can be helped with educational toys, games, and accessories. Creating a special toy that demonstrates blood glucose readings or injections is nice way for kids to not feel alone in their diagnosis.

Stuffed Toys / Accessories for Toys / Coloring Books / Games

Stuffed Toys and Dolls

  • Squishmallows Amideus The Orange Dinosaur – soft squishy orange stuffed animal with cloth Dexcom, pump and Omnipod. Only at Walmart.
  • Rufus the Bear – most kids receive their Rufus the Bear at time of diagnosis during their hospital stay. Rufus is just one of the amazing items in the in the JDRF Bag of Hope.
  • Jerry the Bear – kids gain hands-on practice with counting carbs, monitoring Jerry’s blood sugar, and dosing Jerry with insulin. Kids care for Jerry using the virtual diabetes tools and the digital pantry via an app!
  • Coco the Monkey – character from the Lilly Coco books in plush.
  • Pumpernickel the Monkey – Pumpernickel helps smooth the transition to insulin pump therapy for kids.
  • Ruby The Bear With Diabetes – Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International “Beating Diabetes with Hugs and Love XOXO” bear. This bear is discontinued but is sometimes sold used on Amazon or Ebay.
  • MediKin – a unisex doll with teaching tools to show kids about their pancreas.
  • Lenny the Lion – offered by Medtronic to help with insulin pump infusion set placement practice and needle injections. Lenny also has a pad on his paw to practice using lancets.
  • Pancreas Plush –
  • GIANTmicrobes – plush pancreas or beta cell that includes an educational card with fascinating facts!
  • I Heart Guts – pancreas plush, pancreas stickers and key chains.
  • Percy the Snail – plush stuffed animal with an embroidered insulin pump. The snail is the mascot for the Beyond Type 1 pen pal program.
  • My BFF Stuff-a-Bear – these stuffed animals can be used in a variety of ways to store T1D supplies. The stuffed animals have a Velcro back that allows for storage. Use as an everyday storage case or for sleepovers with family or friends. The bear arrives unstuffed with the cotton to stuff it.
  • Bright Ears – dolls wearing insulin pumps and CGMs. Check out their other inclusive dolls that include sight loss, hearing aids and much more.

Diabetes Accessories for Toys

  • Our Generation Sweet Treatment Diabetic Accessory Set – set of doll sized diabetes accessories sold at Target. Accessories could be used for 18″ dolls, other stuffed toys or Elf on the Shelf.
  • American Girl Doll – set of doll sized diabetes accessories sold by American Girl. Accessories could be used for 18″ dolls or other stuffed toys.
  • Heroic Kid – CGM (Dexcom and Libre), insulin pump, and Omnipod accessories for kid’s toys.
  • Glucomart – has Barbie, Elf on the Shelf, and dolls/stuffed toys size 18-24” diabetes accessories.
  • Deck My Diabetes – OmniPod and T-slim pump accessories for dolls and stuffed animals.

Coloring Books

Games

  • Omnipod Bay – Nintendo® Online account game with Animal Crossing. It is an action-packed island for people with diabetes, for their families, friends — for everyone. Connect. Explore. Uncover hidden surprises.
  • Milchmania – a memory game that presents 22 kinds of food: some increase the blood sugar and some don’t. The idea behind this memory game is to teach the diabetic child, his friends, his parents, his family and everyone else around him/her in a playful way which food contain carbohydrates and which don’t. The game comes in KE and CHO carbohydrate calculations.
  • My Food Plate Bingo – helps kids understand how to create healthy meals.
  • Grandma Sandy – offers free downloads of coloring books, games, puzzles, etc. about T1D.
  • Lenny the Lion – online games and downloads from Lenny the Lion (Metronic) that teach carb counting and other topics on diabetic care.