(Part 3) Top products from r/diabetes

A pretty good option is 3M VetWrap. Although not exactly comfortable enough to wear all the time, I love it for activities with a higher chance of the sensor getting snagged. Or times with lots of sweat that tends to take away the stickiness of the sensor. Another thing that's worked well (and better for everyday use) is Mastisol. It's super sticky, so you'd also need Detachol to remove it when it's time for a sensor change. I'm sure it's probably similar stuff to what others have suggested here, that's just what I've found to work for me. Good luck!!

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!

Using Insulin by John Walsh has a great section on carb counting and a good carb factor list.

Pumping Insulin also by Walsh.

Think Like a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner will help you wrap your head around how insulin works and what you need to do as your own external pancreas.

Scheiner also wrote: The Ultimate Guide to Accurate Carb Counting.

And, he has very affordable online "classes" in T1 management. The link includes a free video on how to dose for pizza :-)

In the meantime, this is a fantastic list of carb factors and an explanation on how to use them.

Get thee a food scale. Nothing fancy required.

edited: formatting

1 - 8.6 while not great, is really not that bad. Small improvements can probably make a HUGE difference for you. Read Think like a Pancreas and then maybe Pumping Insulin. Sugar Surfing is also another good one but that method requires CGM usage.

2 - getting a CGM and seeing the impact that things have on your BG, from food, to activity, to even things like stress, can help you have better strategies to manage things.

3 - good diabetes management is primarily about taking action when necessary, and far less about being compliant and doing what your doctor told you to do. You need to learn to be the one in charge and take control and direct your own management.

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

I use a lot of IV3000 things with cut outs around the sensor itself and that usually lasts longer than the sensor itself does (probably because I've been using expired ones), at least 14 days though. That's really only because I have a bunch of those laying around because I get them with my pump supplies for some reason. S&N also sells the stuff as tape, Opsite Flexifix, but I had better success with the IV3000 things.

When I do it, I use 3 IV3000s and cut 1 in half vertically, 1 in half horizontally, and just cut a hole in the third. You can use an old sensor as a guide or just get better at it over time. I made this really poor diagram to show. While I use an alcohol swab to clean my skin before I insert the sensor, I use an IV Prep wipe to kind of soak the sensor's adhesive after it's on, then let that dry and then stick on the cut pieces.

I know a lot of people also use kinesio tape or derivatives thereof, or even buy precut patches for that purpose, Simpatch is one 'brand' of patch, and a lot of other ones you can find on Amazon.

Overall, I've noticed that it's most important to get the edges to stay down, if you've got that, the sensor will usually keep working even if it's been jostled a little bit. YDMV.

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.

1. Tegaderm. Purchase a tag punch (http://www.amazon.com/EK-tools-Punch-Large-Package/dp/B00C90WN2C) that cuts a perfect hole in the tegaderm. I easily get 14-20 days out of a sensor with the tegaderm and it can be replaced without replacing the sensor if you are careful.
   
2. Only calibrate when you are flat. Like really flat. If your a bit squirrely it's actually better to skip the calibration or wait until you level out.
   

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!

I recommend the Isopure brand of protein powder because it has zero carbs. https://www.amazon.com/Isopure-Protein-Powder-Vanilla-Packaging/dp/B000E95HP0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1481608389&sr=8-1&keywords=isopure+zero+carb+protein

I also like that its not very thick, you can get 50g of protein from ~1.5 cups of water and its very thin and I've enjoyed most of the flavors I've tried.

I put on the sides of my stomach (think love handle area) and put Mastisol (like SkinTac) on first, then the sensor and then layer over it with Tegaderm (I bought a roll of 11 yards) it keeps it secure for two weeks and I work out and sweat every day

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.

The one books that a lot of people feel is a must read is "Using Insulin" or "Pumping Insulin" by John Walsh. It covers in detail how to test basal rates, carb factors, insulin sensitivity and a bunch of other things. I have a copy of Pumping Insulin and I wish I had it sooner, it's excellent as a reference on the shelf.

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.

I do the hole cut-out method right from the start. IMO, once it starts peeling it gets dirty and accuracy/longevity may suffer. I use the EB tools classic tag punch that makes a perfect Dexcom-sized hole in a piece of tape.

I'm also trying under-taping with OFF this time... i.e. put down layer 1 of tape, insert sensor through it, and then punch a hole in the top layer of tape and put it on top. I use the This 2-layer approach is based on advice from u/livingvertical - maybe he can comment more on how successful it's been.

Loved this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Elizabeth-Discovery-Insulin-Medical/dp/0312611749/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495482361&sr=8-1&keywords=elizabeth+hughes+insulin

You're not experiencing burnout, you're just new to pumping. Have you done any basal rate testing and established your insulin to carb ratio? If you haven't done so already, grab yourself a copy of "Pumping Insulin" by John Walsh. It will give you the knowledge you need to be successful.

Yes, it was tried before discovery of insulin. Here's a long thread with many links to other sources about how it worked and it's poor effectiveness. Basically, vast majority of people died. I'll stick with insulin.

Also, if you want to read a really good account of this, the book Breakthrough: Elizabeth Hughes, the Discovery of Insulin, and the Making of Medical Miracle is fantastic.

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!

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!

I've been reading One Second After and the main character's daughter is a type 1 and I am wondering how long she will last.

I imagine insulin will have a good shelf life if you keep it as cool as possible. It might be good enough to bury the vials as deep as you can if you don't have any other method of refrigeration. There is also a method using clay pots called a Zeer fridge. A better way is to have a small dorm fridge powered with a generator or maybe solar panels, but no idea how long fuel will last.

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)

I avoid them. Too many carbs.

I use Isopure Zero/Low Carb Protein Powder if I want to supplement my proteins. Either in unsweetened coconut milk as a drink, or as a flour in baked goods.

For meal replacements, look at something like Keto Chow.

I used to do this on a semi-regular basis until I bought one of those timesulin caps for my Lantus pen. I haven't had a missed basal injection since then.

timesulin

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

I found these are the cheapest: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XT694NL/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works with this meter: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AI8O4M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Second-After-John-Matherson-Novel-ebook/dp/B002LATV16

Won't help for this time, but for the future if you use a pen, get one of these guys.

In fairness, I am having a hard time telling the difference between new phone names and new diabetes equipment.

OneTouch Fierce

OneTouch

OnePlus 7 Pro

OneTouch Ultra 2

I use this skin-tac, and these for even more holding power. You may want to get the skin-tac wipes though, I think they'd work better depending on your situation.

1. With the t-slim you can skip filling the cannula right after you fill the tubing, just hit done instead of fill cannula. Then you've changed the cartridge, but not the site. This won't affect the site change reminder if you have that set.
   
   
   
2. As for reusing cartridges, I do occasionally, usually when I need to refill but don't have another cartridge with me. I go for the normal process of changing the cartridge, but when it says to remove the used cartridge I pull the excess insulin out of the cartridge instead of inserting a new one, and then continue as normal. More than likely not recommended, but can be done in a pinch.
   
   I've seen others say you can just add insulin to the cartridge, and the tslim will just stay at whatever level it was until you drop back down to that level again. ex. you're at 50u, add 50u, Tslim says 50u until you use up the 50u you added, and then continues down afterwards.
   
   Also, I've found that when the Tslim says the cartirdge is empty, there's still around 10-20 units left in it. I usually pull that out with a syringe even when I'm changing cartridges .

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!