(Part 2) Top products from r/diabetes

I hope this isn’t considered to be “product pushing” or against the admin rules but my parents got me these before I transitioned to a pump. It’s small, easy to carry, and FDA approved so you can throw the syringe away in a normal trash bin after it’s clipped!

I still carry one in my purse to clip lancets and pump filler needles. Hoping this will help you save on space!

https://www.amazon.com/Needle-Clipping-Device-Safe-Clip/dp/B001IKKHYA

Again, not trying to push products, just wanna help!

Sure, anything with sugar is fine. I prefer orange or grape juice but glucose tablets are easy to carry around and are useful in an emergency. Just today I ordered some Mega Smarties from Amazon after hearing that they're the same size as glucose tablets but taste better.

One risk of eating something more appealing is that you're likely to get more calories/fat than you really need. Sure, you can treat a low with ice cream but you might just eat more than necessary because it's a treat that you wouldn't have otherwise.

Freedom and flexibility are the two big advantages. Also, you only need to stick yourself to deliver insulin every 2-3 days vs multiple times a day. Also, if you're feeling under the weather or going to go work out, you can dial your basal insulin up or down as needed.

The downside is that it requires a bit more work and vigilance on your part (DKA is a more real possibility since you have no long-acting insulin on board), and of course, you have this thing with you almost 24/7. You can safely disconnect for up to an hour or so to shower, swim, or participate other activities that require little or no clothing. :-)

I would suggest getting a book called Pumping Insulin by John Walsh and Ruth Roberts. It's an excellent primer on the ins and outs of using a pump.

Also, whether you decide to use a pump or not, get a continuous glucose monitor (if your insurance will cover it!) They are the absolute best for keeping abreast of what's going on inside you.

Here you go. We use these silicone protective cases and they work great. Ours came with two different sizes. One size fit our Lantus vials perfectly (which are taller). The other size fit both Humalog and Novolog vials perfectly.


https://www.amazon.com/Insulin-Vial-Protective-Case-VIAL/dp/B0070EN0BU/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=insulin%2Bcase&qid=1563323594&s=gateway&sr=8-10&th=1

I have a neoprene sleeve that I'm using now. I've had it for years, but I never used to use it. It's pretty cool. You can see it in this picture.

Note: I jsut looked for it online, and couldn't find it. But I found this on Amazon!

EDIT: Oh wait! I jsut didn't look hard enough! I found the sleeve like the one I have on Amazon, too! :)

Not to toot my own horn, but I've struggled with this very question many times over my 27 year run as a T1DM. So I wrote a sugar free no carb recipe book! Check it out! But in a pinch, rum and diet coke, scotch neat, or travel around with some packets of splenda in your pocket and a small container of reaLemon or ReaLime. You can request syrups not be added, then sweeten with your own. Had some really good times down in New Orleans that way. :)

If you want to take a gander at my book, here it is: https://www.amazon.com/Better-Cocktails-Through-Chemistry-Drinks/dp/1977066496/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

First of all - don't stress yourself out as that will only make things worse. Stress is not very good for diabetics and non-diabetics. I was diagnosed in October last year as a T2 as my sugar levels were out of the range. I was overweight and decided that I was not going to let life just pass me by. Applied the following principles for the next few months:

• eat at least five meals everyday but less than half the portions you eat - don't go hungry but prevent too much burden on your system in one time
  
• replace carbs with good natural protein to the extent possible - listen to your body carefully and you will know what works
  
• break your meals throughout the day-carry something if you're busy at work but don't wait too long to eat as you will hog the food then
  
• run every day...I mean every day....3 miles would be good. I could not do that at a stretch so I did it over two sessions every day
  
• look carefully at any food that is in a box and buy only what has less than 20 carbs per serving.
  
  The first month I had huge carb cravings but it got okay after that. Took out 35 pounds of my weight and sugar levels went back to normal. Does not cure diabetes but lets you prolong starting medicine for some years. Here's a book I found helpful:
  http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Sugar-101-About-Diabetes/dp/0964711613

On top of those books, I highly recommend Think Like a Pancreas. Good luck to you and your boy - it's a learning curve, that's for sure. But as long as you don't let his diabetes define him, then he should be able to live as normal a life as all the other kids.

So very glad you are safe and being treated! Welcome to the club no ones wants to be in, ha!

Read, read, read lots of good books on T1 diabetes treatment. Become the leader of your diabetes team: your doc, pharmacist, diabetes educator, optometrist, etc. I can't recommend these books highly enough:

http://www.amazon.ca/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Managing/dp/1569244367

http://www.amazon.ca/Using-Insulin-Everything-Need-Success/dp/1884804853/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342040379&sr=1-1

I had this REALLY bad issue with dexcom. Literally same thing it was really red/itchy and then it would scab and take forever to heal. I had to give my stomach a break for a bit and started looking at other sites for my sensor (back of arms for dex, love handles and thigh for infusion sets). These are kind of expensive but I put this between my skin and the sensor and haven't had one problem since. http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Tough-Pads-4-Count-2-8/dp/B000VE8E0I/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_text_y

Try those out and see if they help, they saved my dexcom relationship!

3 strawberries, scoop of protein powder, half tablespoon cocoa powder, 2 ice cubes, and fill to the 16oz mark with 2% or whole milk. If you're concerned about carbs, you can do skim milk, or do 8oz milk and 8oz water.

Makes for a good shake. You can throw in some greek yogurt as well if you like.

I've been tempted to try adding peanut butter, but I'm afraid it might gum up the blender.

Try ON Gold standard Whey. It's got 1g sugar and only 3g of carb, it's a good choice for a T1 or T2, since you shouldn't really have to bolus much for it (depending on other ingredients in the shake), and for someone like me it will have little impact on my BG.

Mate, I've had this for 12 years and spent most mornings in that time reading research papers and discussing it with others.

Here is my blog: Type 2 Diabetes - A Personal Journey

Here is my book: What on Earth Can I Eat?: Food, Type 2 Diabetes and YOU

I will continue to learn until I die, but I'd like you to define "when you have done all the learning you can do and put all the effort into it you can". How much more learning do you reckon I need to put into it to satisfy you?

How much have you put into the study of type 2? Not type 1, but type 2?

Type 2 is incurable, regardless of the claims of quack doctors attempting to sell Vegan books or promote TV shows.

This might help. Written by a T1D so he could enjoy cocktails with friends it has recipes for making sugar-free equivalents for cocktail recipes. https://www.amazon.com/Better-Cocktails-Through-Chemistry-Drinks/dp/1977066496

This book is really good for discussion on what life was like before insulin: http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Insulin-Twenty-fifth-Anniversary/dp/0226058999

I recommend it!

Got mine from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VPE1QG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. It's not a diabetes case per say but I use it to carry supplies. Works great and all my stuff fits.

Are the bumps itchy? If so I would not try to exfoliate it as could irritate it more especially if there is skin breakage. I usually use oils (Jojoba, avocado, evening primrose) to help my skin get back to normal in addition to hydrocortisone cream and spraying Flonase in the area. The only time I add exfoliation (AHA) is after the skin has healed over (not scabbed) so that it can help aid skin turnover.

Lately my skin has also been breaking due do getting an allergic reaction from Opsite; I started getting reactions from the Dexcom adhesive and used Opsite to hold it down but can't do that anymore. So now I spray Flonase on my skin (let it dry), lay a Johnson & Johnson Tough Pad, and place my Dexcom sensor on top of that, and secure that in place with KT tape (instead of Opsite). This seems to be working better and I am not getting a bad reaction as I was before. I can't even use my stomach either so now I use the back of my arms. Also tried thighs but that was really bad and am healing my skin there now...

I would rotate sites more frequently too as others have said and when removing make sure you're getting all the adhesive off. Unisolve works really well for this to get the bits you may have missed.

I was just diagnosed a couple of weeks ago, and I've found What on Earth Can I Eat? very helpful. The author subscribes to this subreddit, and he's been very helpful in answering my questions.

Edit: Forgot a of words.

I use mega smarties, which are almost exactly the same size as glucose tabs. All the little containers I had for the tabs now carry Smarties.

Here's the amazon link:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OZS0WQ/

Thanks, will check it out! Currently reading Pumping Insulin and Think Like a Pancreas.

You can learn much much more in this detailed, but somewhat dry book:

https://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Insulin-Twenty-fifth-Anniversary/dp/0226058999

I thought it was interesting how little research was being done at the time due to previous premature claims of a cure. Very few scientists wanted to work on learning more about diabetes because the level of disdain for all the prior failed cures was carrying over into new research.

I was also somewhat disgusted by the credit-grabbing that went on after it was clear they really had something. Thankfully, the various egos involved didn't prevent progress on getting insulin ready for humans.

Finally-- a fun fact from this book: a "unit" of insulin today is directly related to the amount of insulin needed to make a fasting rabbit pass out. That was the method used in the early days to figure out how concentrated each batch of insulin was. Dosages would vary depending on how the rabbit tests worked out.

We use this uni-solve brand and it seems to work great:

Uni-Solve Adhesive Remover 8 Ounce Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E5BKVE?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Check out “mega smarties” on amazon and buy them in bulk. Same diameter as glucose tabs so they’ll fit in your old plastic glucose holders, but a fraction of the price.

Smarties Candy Rolls, Mega,2.25 Ounce(24 Count) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OZS0WQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cPIYAbZE81S0W

They aren't discontinued. Look up "Inject-Ease" online, and you can find some very easily. I found some on Amazon.com here. I was diagnosed at age 3, and was terrified of the needles. I'd lock myself in the bathroom and hide under the bed. This thing helped me a lot! Hope it helps this little girl!

Regarding removal, try this: https://www.amazon.com/Nephew-Uni-Solve-Adhesive-Remover/dp/B000E5BKVE

Put a few drops all around the fabric part, then let it sit for a minute or two. It should peel off much easier.

Getting used to sticking myself with needles was really hard. I used an [Inject Ease] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000PKYX8K/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?pc_redir=1413869590) for years after I was diagnosed (20 years ago). I then switched to a pen briefly before going back to old school needles with no Inject Ease. The first few times took me forever. Now the thought of using the Inject Ease makes me cringe!

Long story short: Take your time and you'll get used to it!

Pretty straight forward. Test like a mofo. I'd say test after every run and perhaps before going down. At least on the first few outings to know how you'll respond and have a baseline for the future.

Extra glucose(I use rockets(aka american smarties) is an excellent idea. I always bring a back up set of supplies whenever I go out anywhere. Spare infusion set, spare batteries, spare insulin and spare cartridge set. Just in case.

During your pump start ask the same questions of your nurse. They'll be able to give you the right amounts on your basal. Pumps themselves are rather sturdy. If you're overly worried perhaps something like a Thigh-Thing or a Spi-belt would work for you.

For a medic alert thing I'm not sure. I don't have anything like that but everyone that I know knows I'm diabetic. So as long as I'm around others I'd fine. If I was heading into the backcountry though I'd ensure to have my cell with gps with me. Just in case of an emergency. There's some real cheap androids out there now that can do just that.

Drinking is drinking. With beer I find I spike up and then drop about a point from where I started due to the alcohol. This does vary person to person so like everything else test and test and test. As long as you don't crash low due to the alcohol it's fine. Beware that delayed booze spike.

Other general advice is just to test test and test some more. Diabetes is highly personal so the only way to know for sure is to test to high fuck.

And this one is great for backup supplies and travelling. I keep this loaded with a backup Dex sensor, a couple pods, lancet, pen needles, alcohol wipes etc.

When we decide to go away for a few days, I can just grab it and the backup insulin pens and bottles out of the fridge and I know I have everything I need in case of emergency.

Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin http://amzn.com/1569244367

So I came here because my fiancé has broken quite a few bottles of Lantus. I looked around for a solution and found this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0070EN0BU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KpnzCbQXVE28N

I dropped her protected bottle of Lantus on the tile from table height to demonstrate how effective and he about killed me.

I recommend this to anyone Type 1s I meet.

we use these

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PLYV5I/?coliid=I1W3BRN6TD13MT&colid=3SIQQXMQZ7HGO&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

they come in different sizes (hubby has libre freestyle which is a little smaller)

If you have a CGM (Dexcom specifically), Tegaderm is amazing at prolonging the lifetime of a sensor. I used to get it via my mom who was a nurse. She just retired and I'm bummed about having to buy it. It seems reasonable on amazon though. I get these ones: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Tegaderm-Transparent-Dressing-Picture/dp/B001QFC1FA

I use two per sensor. I cut each one in half, so you have 4 pieces, and put one on each side of my dexcom sensor, completely covering up the white sensor tape. I can reliably get 2.5-3 weeks per sensor this way.

EDIT: apparently Tegaderm is inferior to other products!

For used needles, I use two things when I'm out and about: a BD needle clipper and a sharps shaft. First I clip the needle from the pen needle; then I use the plastic piece that the pen needle comes packaged in to unscrew it from my pen; then I drop it into the sharps shaft. Once I get home, I put it in my usual sharps container (I've also included a link for that below in case you're looking for a good sharps container for home, too.)

​

Needle clipper: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VE6KB8/

Sharps shaft: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006AZZQG2

Home sharps container: https://www.amazon.com/BD-4332398307-Home-Sharps-Container/dp/B000SOP4UY/

I use tegaderm. I just cut a hole out in the tegaderm, place it over my site, then plug my pump in my site. It works well and does not irritate my skin too much.

> skin tac

This. Apply before putting the sticker on, and afterwards just rub that stuff all over the sticker. Won't come off for a week, showers/exercise and all. No need for extra stickers on top of the sensor.


To remove without the pain, I use this on the sensor's sticker before peeling off: https://www.amazon.com/MedPlus-Services-Uni-Solve-Adhesive-Remover/dp/B000E5BKVE/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1481876192&sr=8-3&keywords=uni+solve

I use Thigh Thing
https://www.amazon.com/d/Diabetes-Care-Products/Unique-Accessories-Thigh-Thing-White/B0002T2S7C/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1550807615&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=insulin+pump+thigh+pouch

for my Dexcom, I shave wherever I am placing it and don't need any adhesive for first 10-14 days. If sensor is still working, I use this OVER the sensor (cut a small square hole)

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Tegaderm-Transparent-Film-Dressing/dp/B001PLYV5I

Not sure how much stuff you guys need to carry, but I just got this, and like it. Fits meter, strips, lancer, insulin pens, needles, and a space for used sharps until they can be disposed of.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VPE1QG/

In case you haven't already ordered it, there's a new edition of the book here

Not sure how much has changed between editions.

I got diagnosed a few months ago. Type 1, so a bit different, but same idea. Blood sugar changes have messed with my eyes. I think it's normalizing, but I def have had some trouble seeing things I used to not have trouble with. I think that's probably normal, just a side-effect of coming back down from prolonged high blood sugar.

Also: you were right to stop drinking Gatorade. You're type 2, which means that you should try to cut out sugars and carbs completely where possible. Stopping the gatorade habit is a good place to start. You're resistant to the hormone that helps you deal with sugar, so it's not a good idea to drink something that will raise your blood sugar quickly. If you need a fix, yeah- just use diet soda or some similar alternative.

Also^also pick up a cheap blood reader. I have one of these as my backup now, it works fine. Test strips are expensive, but unless you have to go on insulin you probably will not need to test very often.

https://www.amazon.com/GE100-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/dp/B00CI4KF56

anddd....


https://www.amazon.com/GE100-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips/dp/B00OGXRQWW/ref=pd_sim_121_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HHFGS0YA5MKY6ABPNF0J



and tell your insurance to suck it

If you're going overseas, call up your pump and CGM manufacturer to see if they have a travel loaner program. Tandem sent me an extra pump for me as a backup when I went overseas and I wasn't charged for it since I sent it back within a week of my return date.

Have the travel letter with you. (https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/sites/default/files/library/support/Airport%20Information%20Card.pdf)

See what you would need to do to get insulin, syringes, and a BG tester at your destination, just in case all of the supplies you bring with you disappears. At worst, you could live for a few days on MDI and a Walgreen's BG tester.

P.S. Here's a just-add-water insulin cooling solution that I used on a 3-week backpacking trip: https://smile.amazon.com/Insulin-Cooling-Reusable-Evaporative-Medication/dp/B0002262DA/

Get yourself one of these and call it a day. I use pens and the very short bd needle caps, I tend to just crush the needle, then cap them with both caps and call it a day. When I was using syringes I would crush them, cap them, then just pull out the plunger and throw both parts away. I might be an awful person for doing these things, anyone may feel free to school me on all the lives I'm putting in danger.

Seriously though, where do you plan on going? And what do you plan on doing?

Regardless, grab a Frio pack. It'll work in 95% of the world. It doesn't need power and cools by evaporation of water (like how you'd feel cold when u step out of shower). Soak it and it's good for 5+ days. I use it for camping. Just keep it in the side pocket of your backpack or everything else inside will be wet. Always keep insulin, even spare, with you - thieves like targeting tourists.

Bring a card that says so in both English and local language. Know how to say you're diabetic/you need insulin in local language if possible. Know the local emergency number also. For cell phones 1-1-2 will redirect to the local number but it doesn't hurt to know the actual one.

Look into travel insurance.

If you're going far (think, Japan or US) - your first day is gonna be crappy from both jet lag and your unpredictable sugar during flight.

Here's what I use. 5 pounds for that amount of $ is a goddamn steal. I do 2 scoops (6 carbs) and some chocolate syrup (another 6 carbs) after I workout and it never leads to any bad spikes or anything. Recommended!