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Top comments that mention products on r/diabetes:

u/Baconschnitzel · 1 pointr/diabetes

Not diabetic but married to a T1, so although I don't really know what you're going through, I have a little insight.

You've recognised that you need to address your control issues, and that fact alone is huge. You say you have no motivation, but what motivated you to write this post? Think about that and draw from it.

I noticed you mentioned carb counting. My husband has had great success with reducing his overall carb intake. If you can, take a look at Dr Bernstein's book (or at least his website) - he is T1 himself, and after discovering the affect that practically eliminating carbs had on his own blood sugars, he went back to qualify as an MD in order to get his message out. Really interesting read and very informative :) Also his own example (he is a fit and healthy 76 yr old T1D) is inspirational!

Nowadays my husband and I barely eat any carbs and we love it (fried bacon every morning, mm), and his HbA1c's are coming down and down. Get your parents on board. They want to help you, and if they read and take in the contents of the book, I am sure they will get onside and help you make the changes you need to get this under control.

You don't need to talk about the things you've done in the past; they are over and done with. Tell your family and doctor that you want to do more to control your blood, and commit to testing more often and taking better care of yourself. At the end of the day it's your health that's on the line, and the only person who can make it better is you.

I hope this helps a little, and please do come back in a couple of months and update us on how you get on :)

Good luck!

u/mycatlikespotatoes · 2 pointsr/diabetes

U/4thShift offers a lot of the same sort of advice I'm following. I've recently gone through the transition to eating low carb in order to try and normalise my blood sugars. This is after nearly 10 years with terribly controlled diabetes, despite (almost) every effort - regular blood glucose testing, adopting the insulin pump , educating myself on carb counting including estimating etc. I was following the track that I can eat whatever I want as long as I bolus for it. But it really didn't work. Large amounts of carb cause spikes and I haven't heard of anyone who is able to normalise BGLs on a high carb diet.

BUT- the first piece of good news is that low carb is becoming adopted more as a solution that works among diabetics , both types. So there are lots of people who can share their strategies and there are resources to help. I don't describe myself as a "ketoer" but most of the recipes are diabetes friendly due to being low carb . I am picking a few of my favourite foods and drawing on keto recipes as well as the information in this complete guide to normalising blood glucose levels . It's a lot of information and I bought a little notebook to take important notes that I need to remember , and carry in my handbag and whip it out every now and then to go through to embed them into my psyche... A lot of what is in the book is here in video format

It's hard work but having my own highly supportive SO helps and he is also following the same sort of eating (in general, which I'm very grateful for, it really does help). Incidentally one of my favourite recipes is the fathead pizza. I weigh my dough and make own pizza to eat to ensure carb counting . It fills me more so I don't want to gulp down a whole piZza like I used to and I actually prefer the taste. I also get upset about missing out on certain things but there a loads of dessert recipes (some in the boook above). The pain is that you do have to make all yourself. Can't just pop into the cheesecake shop on the way home.

The second piece of good news is, because your SO is newly diagnosed, he will still have functioning beta cells. I remember my honeymoon period... those first six months were much easier to keep BGLs down because of those cells. If you can maintain their function by avoiding burning them out (as I understand ). I can't tell you how motivating and inspiring it is , after ten yeArs, to find out that I can potentially normalise BGLs as a type 1 diabetic. I'm hoping to achieve a normal A1C and consequently reverse my complications which have started to rest their ugly head. I wish I had the knowledge sooner, perhaps one way to look at the situation.

I miss being able to eat whenever I want, but less so each day I get into it. Meanwhile, when I do eat I am choosing things I always liked to eat (cheeses, bacon, mayo/Avocado chicken, breads but the low carb almond versions , lots of decadent creamy sauces in vegetables, low carb cheesecake etc) .

I wish you all the best. Hope something here and above helps. Your SO is very lucky to have you.

u/pumpandabump · 1 pointr/diabetes

Sometimes I've had sensors only last me 12-14 days, and when I keep getting the dreaded "???" then I have no choice but to change it. I usually do get about 3 weeks out of them though. I use alcohol swabs to clean the area first, which also helps the adhesive to stick. Then I use Opsite Flexifix over the sensor's adhesive (cutting a hole in the middle for the transmitter or using a tag punch like /u/monorail_pilot mentioned). This helps to give it a better seal and keep water out so that the sensor lasts longer. After a few days, the edges of the Flexifix do tend to get linty from my clothes, so I just trim off the linty edges and add a new layer of Flexifix on top. It's very thin so even with 2-3 layers, I hardly feel it. You can get a giant roll on Amazon for about $20 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001SIQCRI/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_gCXrxb0RK49N0). I've had my roll for about 7 months and I think I'm barely halfway through it. And it peels off pretty easily with only an alcohol swab or two. Here's a tutorial on how to make a template: https://youtu.be/o4dUgRZB4h0

You may want to try something basic like the Flexifix first before using stronger stuff that may be harder to get off later. Depending on your activity level, whether you sweat a lot, etc, you may need something stronger though. Good luck! :)

u/smudi · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Of course. I know how confusing everything can be at the start, but with time, some patience, and the desire for some understanding, it should work out all right.

If you are deeply curious about the different types of insulin, their effective use, how to properly use them, and how to properly figure out how to find the right dose... there is a wonderful book that can be used as a resource. 'Using Insulin: Everything You Need for Success with Insulin" is a wonderful book that explains in rather good detail how all that stuff works.

It's certainly no replacement for speaking with a doctor, but who knows, you may even be recommended to pick it up to use as a tool for better understanding. :)

u/silverjenn · 1 pointr/diabetes

Here's the book: Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin--Completely Revised and Updated https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738215147/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_32I6wb343CAPD

I absolutely love my Dexcom. However I have insurance that pays for all durable medical equipment and I definitely wouldn't be able to afford the sensors otherwise. I do get 10-12 days out of one sensor though so it still may be worth you getting a price estimate from them!

I do have a child! Pregnancy with diabetes is far from trivial, but it is doable. You'd be amazed at the amount of motivation that appears out of nowhere once another life is involved! This is a good intro and reference to pregnancy with diabetes: Balancing Pregnancy with Pre-existing Diabetes: Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932603328/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_d7I6wb4NHH7NZ . I also was hugely inspired by Kerry Sparling's blog, SixUntilMe. Look it up, she's amazing (and very real)!

u/paulskinner · 6 pointsr/diabetes

You'll be fine.

It's going to be a bit of a life change but it's totally manageable. The best thing you can do is learn as much about your condition as you can because you're going to be the one managing it day-to-day.

Start by learning to carb count so you can match your insulin dose to what you're eating. There's info on the internet but the book Think Like A Pancreas was a godsend to me when I was diagnosed and I recommend it. https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/cka/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Managing-Diabetes-Insulin-Completely/0738215147

Hypos can be very scary but as long as you have good hypo awareness (i.e. you start to feel like crap when your blood sugar is low!) they're nothing to be afraid of. Find a hypo treatment that works for you and make sure you always have it with you. I find running gel works for me.

Alcohol can mess up your blood sugar levels overnight but you can still drink alcohol. Maybe take it easy until you get the hang of managing your blood sugar.

There's a lot of bad information about diabetes on the internet. This sub is one of the good places to learn :-)

Best of luck!

u/[deleted] · 2 pointsr/diabetes

I got my 670g + cgm about 1 month ago.. so far so good. It's a bit needy, and yes sometimes despite your best efforts, it will wake you up at night (probably averaging 1 night a week). However, I've not hit 300 sugar in almost a month.. and I was 0% under 70 for last 10 days or so, average of 85%~ in range which is pretty good for me. I think it sort of forces you to just pay more attention, and act more.. which admittedly I probably hadn't been doing as much as I should have.

​

Here are some tips for the sensors, just put on a new one this morning:

- these are better than the 2-3 tape ovals: https://www.amazon.com/SIMPATCH-Adhesive-Freestyle-Enlite-Guardian/dp/B076N4RP4L/ one and done

- clean sensor area with alcohol (important to get a good clean base)

- insert sensor, but before you remove the first bottom part of adhesive and really stick it, use these: https://www.amazon.com/Skin-TacTM-Adhesive-Barrier-Wipes-count/dp/B002NSCHY4/ and wipe under that adhesive, then around in a big oval for the simpatch that will go on next

- put on the simpatch.. will stick like a champ: https://imgur.com/a/7aMy2kp

- these are good to wipe down the sensor (and your arm) after removal: https://www.amazon.com/Skin-Tac-H-Adhesive-TacAway-Remover-Wipes/dp/B002672TV8/

​

Hope that helps! PM me any time if you have questions i'll be happy to share my experiences so far with it.

u/pimeys · 4 pointsr/diabetes

xDrip+ has CorrF and CarbF settings, but the problem with these are you should set different factors to different times on a day. For example I have CorrF around 1.6 mmol/l in the morning and 2.4 mmol/l in the evening.

Most of the pumps have hourly factors you can set up. My Animas Vibe works pretty well in this regard, but requires some tweaking to get right.

For Android, even though I love, use and develop xDrip+, the best CorrF and CarbF calculator is in Diabetes:M app. You can set different factors throughout the day and giving the target, carbs and current BG it tells you the amount of insulin you need to take.

You just need to do some tests to get the factors right. In John Walsh's book Pumping Insulin I've found the best instructions how to do the tests at home, what are the starting values for your weight and A1c and how to tweak the factors depending on the result. I seriously recommend reading the book, even if you are not using an insulin pump.

u/FitnessRunner · 1 pointr/diabetes

Thank you for being involved and concerned. You are not nagging. I'm a type 1 (almost 30 years now); was diagnosed in the late 80s. Looking back, my parents were strong, and super on top of my condition. Sometimes I wished they'd just leave me alone! ;-)

But they also were really good at guiding me towards managing it myself, such that, by the time I was an adult, I knew I had to keep my Endo appointments, check my sugar regularly, and just live with it appropriately. Like many other type 1s, I participated in sports (and still do!) and am considered a "model type 1" by my endo. I am so thankful for their support because at the time, I thought it was just about "me".

You are doing all of the right things. Please be sure to take care of yourself too. This will pass, and your son will learn to manage it and will lead a productive and healthy life.

​

Just a few resources I like a lot:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002R0JXJK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

https://www.amazon.com/Pumping-Insulin-Everything-Need-Success/dp/1884804845

u/ultimateown3r · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Hello, I used to be a type 2 and use Metformin. While I was on it I was at 2000 mg a day, and it didn't really seem to work to well for me. It made me relieve my bowels way more often than I'd like to admit, and was really giving me hell. I told my endo that I refused to use it anymore, and he then prescribed me something called Glipizide which worked wonders in comparison.
Now I'm not saying this is what you should do, but I will say that 2000 mg of metformin didn't do much for me, probably because I wasn't producing much insulin anymore and was losing my ability to produce insulin, which they did not catch. However, whatever the glipizide does different, worked a lot better for me, and my sugars would even drop under 100 again. And this is after spiking up to 300+ after even the lowest of carbohydrate meals.
Glipizide was the wonder medicine for me.
However your situation is different as I wasn't put on Lantus until after I went into DKA and they found out I had LADA.
So what I would consider doing if I was in your shoes is the following:
Eat a "Meal (or snack)" with right around 20 carbohydrates. Before you do so, test your sugar levels and write down your number. Now set a timer on your phone for 2 hours, test your sugars again and write down the number that pops up on your meter again, and then check it again 1 hour later. After about 3 hours, it should peak, or have already started moving downwards.
Do this a few times to notice the trends. This should give you an idea of what a measly 20 carbs does to your body, with your current medicines you are on. If 20 carbs causes huge spike with your current medications, then maybe you need to bring that up to your endocrinologist.

Next: When I was on 2000mg of metformin/day I took 1000 in the morning, and 1000 at night before bed. Metformin was not a fun experience for me.

I can't really give you advice on your Lantus as we all have different insulin sensitivity. However, as a type 1.5 now I take 16 units at bedtime, and that seems to be my magic number.

My last A1C was 6.0. I have a strict breakfast and lunch diet and only really vary my dinner diets daily.

Your numbers you show above are close to what mine were when I was type 2. Swapping from metformin to glipizide made me a lot happier, although glipizide did make me go hypoglycemic every now and then, which was okay with me since I could eat more, instead of less, which I had to do on metformin.

Good luck in your future diabetes journey. One last thing youtube a documentary called "Sugar: The Bitter Truth", and watch it and pay attention to what is being told to you as a viewer especially about type 2.
If you enjoy reading I'd recommend Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars, it really is a life changing book with tons of amazing information.

Edit: Forgot to mention I have zero experience with Glimeperide, sorry!

u/derioderio · 2 pointsr/diabetes

I train judo with a Dexcom G6 and Tandem t:slim X2. With a bit of preparation I'm able to keep the CGM and my infusion site from being ripped off. I've talked about how I suit up for judo before here. Since it's an evolutionary process, there are a few changes I've made since when I wrote that. Here is my current process:

I've always placed the Dexcom sensor in the abdomen, usually in the area above the belly button. I try to put it in a spot that won't be in the middle of a fold in my skin when I bend forward. I move it around every time I apply a new sensor of course, but I don't stray too far from that area and I've always had pretty good readings there.

First of all I use skin-tac on both the cgm and pump infusion site before I put them in place. That alone has always been sufficient for normal daily life, but is woefully insufficient when doing judo. When I get dressed for judo I do the following:

  1. Apply skin-tac to the skin around both the cgm and pump infusion site, generally 3-4 inches around the CGM and 1 inch around the pump infusion site.
  2. Get masking tape and tape over just the actual cgm and infusion site. For the infusion site I need to make a loop and have the sticky side facing out, with just a little bit of sticky wrapped under and taped to my skin just on each side of the infusion site.
  3. For the CGM site I do the following: get a sheet of wax paper and cover it with strips of masking tape. Then cut out an oval-shaped section that is slightly larger than the cloth portion of the Dexcom sensor, cut a hole in the middle for the transmitter, and place this over the cloth. Then I make a loop of masking tape and put it on top of the transmitter.
  4. When the skin-tac is dry I use a couple of sections of KT tape (cut to smaller lengths as needed) over the cgm and infusion sites. The skin-tac is so it can strongly adhere to my skin around the sites, holding them in place even when I sweat. The masking tape and wax paper that is between them is so I can remove the KT tape later without also removing the original adhesive for the cgm or infusion site. For the sensor I use one strip cut into halves, for the infusion site I use one strip cut into thirds.
  5. Wear a compression shirt over everything. In jujutsu pretty much everyone wears a compression shirt, so that shouldn't be an issue. I've found that a tight compression shirt keeps everything tight against the skin makes it so that any friction between myself and my gi/my partner/the mat/etc., rubs across the compression shirt instead of directly against the tape and everything holding my CGM and infusion set in place. Also the compression shirt will stick directly to my skin in the area around the KT tape, again reducing friction against the CGM and infusion site.

    That preparation has always been sufficient for my cgm and infusion sites staying in place doing judo. Figuring all this out has taken a bit of trial and error, but once I started doing all of this I've never had either come off during practice, and that's full super-sweaty throwing (and being thrown) around and grappling on the ground that we do in judo.

    To take care of the pump, I have to do some additional things to protect it as well.

  6. Wrap it up in a layer of thin foam (1/4" or so). This is to protect it from being broken, before I started doing this I've broken the screen on my pump twice, since I started using the foam it's never been a problem.
  7. Put it inside a sandwich size ziplock bag (to protect it from sweat).
  8. Put all of that inside a SPIbelt elastic running belt that I keep under my pants just under the waistline.

    Doing all that is a little time-consuming, since it can take me 10-15 minutes just to get dressed for judo where everyone else takes about 1 minute, but it's what I have to do to keep my sites and pump secure and undamaged.

    Sometimes after practice when I get home to shower and take all the tape and stuff off, the Dexcom sensor will have partly come off. I just apply some more skin-tac to the area that has detached, wait for it to dry, and then re-attach it. By doing that, I've never had a sensor that didn't last the 10 days, and I can almost always stretch it to 15-20 days with a session restart. Generally I have to change the sensor because it starts malfunctioning, not because it comes off. I've had more success with keeping everything on and not starting to fall off by waiting until all the sweat has dried away and then removing all the tape, as it gives the adhesive on the CGM a chance to get sticky again.

    Since you're on an Omnipod, you might try with the Omnipod the same kind of thing that I do with my CGM. However it is quite a bit bulkier than a CGM sensor+transmitter, so YMMV. If you can consider switching to a standard insulin pump I know from personal experience that it can work.
u/father_of_a_diabetic · 1 pointr/diabetes

We wondered the same thing at first however our experience has been that infusion sites do come out occasionally but not because of rough playing. It is more that my kid scratches them off (hey sometimes things get itchy) while sleeping or they came of in the bath (we take showers now).

The two products that help in this regard are SPIbelts and SkinTac My kid wears the SPIbelt with the pump 24hrs a day. We rotate through about five of them and swap them out with each site change. The SkinTac keeps the site on the skin quite well. It is basically Rosin and alcohol. When you take the site off you can use the complimentary product Tac Away which removes the Rosin.

The only downside to a pump at a young age is that your kids bottom is really the only place you can put the infusion sites. Yes, the back of the arms work too but those with young kids will understand how impractical that would be. We rotate. Two sites per 'cheek' and then switch to the other side. My kid was potty-trained when we started and only wears pull-ups at night so we avoided any unnecessary messiness. I have no idea how parents with younger kids manage with a pump and my hat is off to them. I remember diapers.

Still the urine in the pull-up did aggravate old infusion sites. We turned to Desitin and/or Neosporin and things cleared up.

All in all, it was the best thing we have done so far in managing our child's Type 1 diabetes. I highly recommend trying one out. Good luck to you.

u/VirgoTiger · 2 pointsr/diabetes

My SO and I are thinking about getting pregnant in the not-too-distant future, and one book that was highly highly recommended was Balancing Pregnancy with Pre-existing Diabetes by Cheryl Alkon. I've read a few other books that tried to tackle this topic, but I didn't find any of them very helpful or informative. This book is excellent though, and I highly recommend it. Good luck!

u/takes22tango · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Some people might recommend wearing extra tape over it, but I know that stuff just comes off too. I recommend Skin Tac if you're not overly sensitive to adhesives. I'm sensitive to bandage adhesive, so I only use it on the perimeter of my dexcom pad when the edges curl up.

To get the whole site to stick well you can apply it to the sticky parts of the insertion set (away from the needle though) before you insert it, or just the edges if they start to peel up. It's strong enough that a medical adhesive remover is a good idea to help get it off without taking your skin with it lol.

u/jamorham · 1 pointr/diabetes

How are your parents getting on? I would imagine it is a lot for them to take in and a bit scary. There is quite a learning curve.

I don't know how much education her diabetes team will provide but I bought a couple of books to improve my understanding of how it all works. I very much like Ragnar Hanas - Type 1 Diabetes it is like an encyclopaedia. Carbs & Cals book is also very helpful.

If she has school meals then her school authority should be able to supply details of the carbohydrate content of the school menu.

I don't know whether NHS Scotland varies much from NHS England with regards to test strip prescriptions and blood meters, but I believe you can use any glucose meter. Typically I think they supply an AccuChek Aviva meter but I think that the Abbott Insulinx is much better and Abbott give it away free on their website. - It uses about half the amount of blood of the Aviva and in my tests had no failures compared with a fair few with the Aviva.

Keep glucose or sugar in easy reach. Long life apple juice cartons for by the bed, glucose tablets in school bag, with blood meter, in the car etc. Whenever she gets low blood sugar you don't ever want to have to trek off somewhere or mess around to get something sweet.

u/book_eater · 1 pointr/diabetes

Yep, I'm in a very similar situation. Currently working with my endo and just got the go-ahead to start trying, after getting my a1c where it needs to be after A LOT of work.

I was nervous about starting a family after I was diagnosed, but I found a great endo who has worked with pregnant T1s before and she's been fabulous about educating me and supporting me. OP, I recommend checking out Balancing Pregnancy with Pre-existing Diabetes if you're interested in hearing more about managing T1 with pregnancy.

u/Simula_crumb · 2 pointsr/diabetes

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

u/calcalcalcal · 2 pointsr/diabetes

I love Dexcom. You'll get way better control without even trying... at least to the mid 8s short term. You'll be subconsciously learning how each individual food/insulin reacts with your body.

You can leave the sensor on after 1st session, just restart it (7 days). They typically last 14-20 days to me, before the numbers are EVERYWHERE.

If you do the adhesive will be the first to come off. Get some opsite flexifix ^^disclaimer: ^^I ^^did ^^not ^^receive ^^any ^^compensation ^^for ^^this.

If you get the Opsite, consider this hole punch ^^See ^^disclaimer ^^above.

The CGM can be put on your upper arm, legs, etc.

The CGM gives you a general idea of how your sugar is going, but not exact numbers. It tends to lag behind BS a little bit (5-10min?) due to the way it works. Don't calibrate right after you eat/dose.

When you take a shower (especially hot ones) your blood sugar will spike. Yes, it's normal. It's temporary. It's not a sensor issue. I have witnessed it on a Freestyle Libre and Good old finger pokes as well.

Don't leave your receiver in your pocket when you go swimming. I made this $200 mistake... (Dexcom is graceful enough to give you a "first time oops" discount of $200 instead of full price) Similarly, be ready to explain to kids what a pager is.

u/willwar63 · -2 pointsr/diabetes

Keto diet, switch your fuel source to fat. It will take time but you will also need less insulin. Less carbs, less insulin.

Read Dr. Bernstein's book, I highly recommend it. He is T1, in his mid 80's and very fit. This guy is in great shape, lifts weights etc.

Info http://www.diabetes-book.com/

For sale on Amazon, buy it used to save a few dollars. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving/dp/0316182699

Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuJ11OJynsvHMsN48LG18Ag/videos

u/Sideburnt · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Don't lose heart, there are good techniques to utilise to exercise safely and slowly build up the endurance you're used to.

Don't forget two things, you've lost muscle mass pre-diagnosis. Muscle build up slowly. T1 is also in essence an energy metabolism disorder so you also need to be a bit more focused on eating the right types of food for exercise (and generally for wellbeing).

I don't know if you're a generally active person. Hiking, running all of that. But there is an excellent resource on Facebook. A Group called Mountains for Active Diabetics. They are all predominantly a mixture of leisure hikers, runners and ultra endurance athletes all with T1 with a wealth of willing advice. Try them out for some pointers.

Also, this book might be on your level too. It helped me a lot, I just didn't align with the Carb to activity ratios I needed to almost double the requirements. http://www.amazon.com/Diabetic-Athletes-Handbook-Sheri-Colberg/dp/0736074937

I should also mention that you don't necessarily need to stick to the Insulins you're given in the long term. I for example struggle during the day and during exercise with ANY insulin in my system whatsoever. So I switched to a 12h Basal (background) insulin. That means I can take a basal at night but not have any insulin in my system during the day apart from what I take to bolus my food, it's really helped and I don't drop quite so quickly when I exercise.

Good luck :). Feel free to drop more questions. You will have them.

u/fendertele · 1 pointr/diabetes

I'm a little older and haven't played sports competitively since I got my CGM but i have been using these https://www.amazon.com/TORBOT-GROUP-Skin-Tac-H-Adhesive-Barrier/dp/B000QF81M8 before inserting my cgm and I can consistently get 3 weeks out of mine. Although you may not get that it may help.

Also I know there are some third party sticky things that go over the dexcom as well that have designs. I can't think of the name but those could help as well.

I know all of this is a mute point when you get laid out on the ice or your pad hits it and just rips it out but I think some of these might help.

u/workaway24 · 1 pointr/diabetes

>Is it difficult to insert at first?

Depends on where you insert it, but no. I have found that if you go slow it hurts. Get the adhesive in the right place, pinch some skin around it AND GO! Dont be apprehensive.

>How long do you keep a sensor on?

I go 2 weeks per sensor without any difficulties. Could probably go a few more days. Buy yourself some adhesive and use it about a week into a sensor.

>How long does the transmitter last?

The battery will die right around 3 months.

>Any complaints with using the G5 + iPhone app?

I exclusively use the iPhone app and love it. My actual dexcom receiver is plugged in on my night stand as a backup alarm in case I go low while sleeping.

>I'm very lean, will inserting the sensor be especially difficult because of this?

I insert my sensor in the back of my arm all the time. It may be tender/sore for a day or so but that eventually goes away and all is well.

>In general, how accurate can I expect the CGM to be?

Close enough! You will almost NEVER see it right on. Mine is off anywhere from 5-30 points at any given time but thats okay.

Other than insulin (duh) the Dexcom has been the best thing thats happened for my diabetes care. If you use it correctly it will change your control and you will see better A1C results. Use it for trends. Has your glucose been going up for the last 2 hours? Test and bolus. Has it been going down for the last 2 hours? Test and eat. Its not meant to replace finger pricking, just to help you monitor trends and correct based off of that info. I've talked to people who think the point of one is so they dont have to manually test themselves anymore. If you go into it thinking that, you are going to use it correctly. Use it to monitor yourself and supplement for manual testing. Im 34 and use the Dexcom Share app as well. I think its mainly used for parents that have a child who is diabetic. I gave my wife access to my readings. She installed the app on her phone and can check it just like I can. I also set her phone up with a low alert so if I go below 50 mg/dl she gets an alert. That way if we arent together she can call to make sure Im okay or alert someone who is near me that I might be in trouble.

u/vastmagick · 3 pointsr/diabetes

> I have read a little about this so far and it seems that DKA would only occur if she was on a keto diet AND was not receiving sufficient insulin.

This is exactly my concern with full on keto diet. I want to give you kudos for doing your research. There are absolutely benefits, and draw backs and it is ultimately up to you if the benefits outweigh the concerns.

I only know of one source that talks about extending the honeymoon period, Dr. Bernstein. His methods are similar in your thinking and I think you would be interested in what he has to say. As for proof of his methodology, being an 80+ year old diabetic is pretty convincing. But I recommend you make your own decision.

u/the_linguinist · 1 pointr/diabetes

An in-use cartridge or vial is fine out of the fridge at normal room temperature basically until you finish using it. You'll want to make sure it doesn't freeze in winter and doesn't overheat in summer but generally if it's in a temperature-controlled area with you (in the cabin of the car, not in the trunk) or in your bag while you walk around, it should be fine in all but the most extreme weather. Just keep a thought for things like not leaving your bag in the car on hot/cold days or sitting in the sun while you lounge poolside for hours or something. ;)

If insulin goes bad from temperature generally what happens is it just stops being as effective - it doesn't become harmful for you to take in itself but you will start to have a more frustrating time trying to manage your blood sugar. It's a good idea to always have at least one in-date cartridge / vial that you know has always been at a controlled temperature, so that you can switch to it if you ever suspect your current one has gone off, just to check if "fresh" insulin makes a difference.

Sharps disposal away from home: if you're going to be using pens then you'll have pen needles which are relatively small and self contained. I usually just shoved any used pen needles into my diabetes bag til I got home and could dump them in my regular sharps container. (You can even get diabetes bags that have "trash" compartments in them for things like this! e.g. https://sugarmedical.com/diabetes-supply-cases/supply-cases-featuring-trashcan or https://www.diabete-ezy.com/diabetes-cases) Sometimes I would bend the needle that goes down into the pen itself for extra insurance, since it's technically exposed once the needle is used, but that's not really necessary if you're in a hurry. You can also get needle clippers! They look like a miniature handheld stapler kinda thing (https://www.amazon.ca/Safe-Clip-Insulin-Syringe-Needle-Clipper/dp/B002ZUE5KE). But for pen needles it's not really necessary because of the needle cap and the limited possibilities for re-use (compared to a syringe). For syringes those clippers are really handy though!

I mainly wear pants/top combos so it was easy enough to lift my shirt and inject into my stomach wherever I was. I'll be honest, sometimes if I'm wearing a thin layer that would be hard to remove (like a tucked in cami or something) I'd just inject through it. NOT hygienic and officially NOT recommended but in the real world it gets the job done sometimes! I've also injected many a time through holes in my shirt/pants if there was one ;) But if you want to be a bit more legit about it you can actually inject into the fatty part of the back of your arm (a bit awkward to get the hang of at first but it can be done! The newer 4mm needles can be used without "pinching up" so you can technically inject one-handed). Or you could go somewhere private to inject. There is a lot of talk out there about not injecting in the bathroom, but that is mostly talk about not being asked or required to go into the bathroom to take insulin. If that's what works for you because of your outfit or your comfort levels injecting in front of people, then do it!

u/InsaneAmountOfSanity · 2 pointsr/diabetes

I go 2 weeks with each one. Sure they say only go a week but they seem to work for 2 weeks pretty well. I know some people in this sub go quite a bit longer than that. After about 7-8 days the adhesive starts to come up a little bit. I cut a piece of this with a hole in the middle for the transmitter to fit through and stick it right over the current adhesive. Works like a charm!

u/BeepBleepBoop · 3 pointsr/diabetes

You absolutely want some medical tape to keep it on. I get about 12-14 days out of each sensor easily if I put Op-site flexifix found here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015TI2ZA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493006572&sr=8-2&keywords=opsite+flexifix

To cut it I use the full width(20 squares) by 14 squares length. Then cut in the middle an 8x5 hole and then round the outer edges. Put it on over the white tape that comes on the sensor. This stuff works wonders and it lasts the full two weeks. I've also seen people putting it on first and the sensor afterwards through a little hole they cut in it but I haven't tried that yet since my way works fine for me.


Also, you don't want to calibrate too often. It'll throw it off if you do it more than 3 times a day, apparently. I'm not sure how true that is.

In the first 12-24 hours you'll have some funny looking trends. They're generally right but usually a bit more "skippy" or "jumpy" because it just takes some time to get it calibrated and going. It's still pretty accurate even at the beginning for me, though.

Finally, call customer support for any questions or problems. They are actually very helpful and will replace sensors if one goes bad or something.

Good luck with it! My dexcom got me down to the 6s for the first time in 9 years!

u/sarahspins · 3 pointsr/diabetes

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.

u/stevecanuck · 4 pointsr/diabetes

I agree with the comments on going on a low carb, hi fat diet such as keto to manage T2 diabetes. I've been on it 3 years and have had blood glucose levels that are non-diabetic norms since te first couple of weeks.

Lots of good info on the r/keto faq on how to do keto. Lots of good recipes over at www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/recipes

In case your Dad gets some pushback against keto being "pseudoscience", here are some peer reviewed research papers that support keto:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0899900714003323

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1325029/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2633336/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3826507/

http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/25/4/238

:edit to add some good books for starters, all science and evidence based.

Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QZ9PC4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

The Real Meal Revolution: The Radical, Sustainable Approach to Healthy Eating -
https://www.amazon.com/Real-Meal-Revolution-Sustainable-Approach-ebook/dp/B00RTY0O7O/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1519585318&sr=1-2&keywords=noakes

The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Science-Low-Carbohydrate-Living-ebook/dp/B005CVV2AE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1519585452&sr=1-1&keywords=jeff++volek

Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It - https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Fat-About-ebook/dp/B003WUYOQ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1519585485&sr=1-1&keywords=taubes

u/Unsoluble · 4 pointsr/diabetes
  • Figure out whether you can acquire a Dexcom sooner than later. (For a 3-year-old, don't bother considering the Libre or the Guardian — what's really going to make a difference for you is the remote monitoring, which only Dexcom fully supports.)
  • Also start looking into the Omnipod — this is going to be your ideal pump, mostly due to the remote dosing.
  • Think Like a Pancreas is a great management overview book.
  • Get a small kitchen scale if you don't already have one.
  • Use a notes app of some sort to keep track of common carb counts for things, like the stuff you're going to put in lunches. AnyList on iOS is great for this.
  • Keep reading and listening, but try not to overwhelm yourself; it'll all be fine. :)
u/break_me_down · 7 pointsr/diabetes

Here's how I'm able to keep mine on for about 2 weeks at a time (you read that right!):

  1. Size up an area that will be about 2 inches longer on all sides than the adhesive of the sensor
  2. Clean the site thoroughly with soap and water, allow to FULLY dry
  3. Apply rubbing alcohol to the site, allow to FULLY dry
  4. Apply Skin-Tac to the site, allow to FULLY dry - there will be a sticky residue left behind by this.
  5. Put in the sensor site in the middle of the area.
  6. Take a sheet of Tegaderm and fold it in half. Use scissors to cut a hole in the middle of the sheet that is the size of the transmitter and all the plastic that sticks up. You want the Tegaderm to cover the adhesive of the site and continue onto your skin, where you should have skin-tac applied. This is why you apply skin-tac to an area 2 inches longer than the site itself.
  7. Apply the Tegaderm and press down. Give it about a minute before doing any major movement to allow the tegaderm a chance to really attach to the skin.

    Doing this has allowed me, as mentioned to keep a single site in for 2+ weeks, even through showers and daily exercise. I hope it made sense. :)
u/nallvf · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Check out this book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving/dp/0316182699/ it has a lot of stuff about type 1s as well which you can ignore, but the advice for type 2s relating to medication and low carb eating is solid.

A friend of mine is a type 2 and has been controlling it almost exclusively with a keto diet. The most important thing is to keep your sugars in range, so diet exercise and medication as needed for achieving that. Sounds like you’re off to a good start with those numbers.

u/50andcankick · 1 pointr/diabetes

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

u/Glenathon · 1 pointr/diabetes

Good question....this is something I battled with early on since acquiring the 'pod.

First off, I use Skin-Tac wipes (after the alcohol wipes) on the site every time. I found that worked VERY well with keeping the tape on...however I still had issues with the 'pod ripping off the tape due to the vigorous movement in tennis.

When the 'pod is on my arm, I use a dress sock with the bottom part cut off (from below the ankle, down). This leaves me with a tube of stretchy material. I slide that around the 'pod on my arm and it works perfectly!

When it's on my waist, I invested in a custom belly wrap from Bands4Life. Kind of expensive, but works great.

u/ElMalOjo · 1 pointr/diabetes

Sorry I'm late to the dance, but get yourself some SkinTac. I swear by this stuff since I wear the OmniPod, as well. By the time I need to swap out pods and sensors, it's like ripping off a fresh Bandaid - it sticks really well.

Amazon has a box for $12, but if you have insurance, go through your provider. I pay about $4 a box.

u/GluDanielle · 3 pointsr/diabetes

Wow! Congrats, that's so exciting! The biggest thing I've heard is to get a CGM. Also keep in mind that insulin requirements change A LOT throughout the trimesters, so it can get hard to be on top of it.


You should check out myglu.org (https://myglu.org/searches/pregnancy)- we have a ton of info on pregnancy, and I myself am actually launching a big research project on pregnancy and type 1 diabetes in the next few months.

I also recommend the book "Balancing pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes" http://www.amazon.com/Balancing-Pregnancy-Pre-existing-Diabetes-Healthy/dp/1932603328

u/mrmikelawson · 1 pointr/diabetes

As others have stated, when I started pumping, it took care of this. I could alter the rate of my background insulin to compensate for my morning numbers. But if a pump isn't possible right now or if you have a reason for not wanting to pump, I would suggest you do a basal test to make sure you're taking enough of your basal insulin (lantus or levemir probably) to keep you level minus the variables. Gary Scheiner's book THINK LIKE A PANCREAS does a good job of talk about this too...http://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Insulin-Completely/dp/0738215147

u/above-ground-man · 2 pointsr/diabetes

It's the insulin. What are you on? Lantus or something? Are you on MDI? You can get your capacity for distance rides back, but you'd be much better off doing this with a pump. You simply cut your basal before the ride by as much as 60%. The longer the ride goes on, the more you have to cut the basal. It's an acquired skill. You have to work at it and test it, but if you start off the day with the same dose of insulin you did the day before when you didn't exercise, your basal is going to be too much when you exercise. Exercise forces your cells to eat glycogen stores. Once your blood sugar gets low, you might as well call it a day. You just have to get your circulating insulin levels low enough before and during the ride so this doesn't happen. Your endurance is still there, you just have to learn how to hold onto it once you've started the ride, and a little before the ride. It's harder to do this on injected insulin. Pumps are much more effective and flexible for sports like running and riding long distances. They just make it much easier to do. Read this book.
It tells you how to do it with or without a pump in great detail.

u/WithRealLemons · 4 pointsr/diabetes

The T:Slim has a temp sensor in it so if the insulin in the pump ever gets too hot or cold it will beep at you; I live in florida and even going to theme parks all day in the 100+ heat (summertime) and have never set it off.

The last 27 years I've always kept the bottle I'm working off of out at room temperature and my back stock in the butter drawer of the fridge. I've never had a problem with insulin ever going bad except the one time I left a bottle in the hot car for an entire work day; that bottle went bad.

So I kind of feel like those trio cases are extraneous unless maybe you live at the equator/in a volcano. :)

The best two things I've ever done for my T1 was getting a CGM, (You've got one), and reading this book. I feel like they should give it out when you're diagnosed and I WISH they told me this stuff instead of recommending the standard ADA diet/no concentrated sweets bullcrap. Would have prevented a lot of the complications I have now.

u/Linuturk · 2 pointsr/diabetes

I actually just finished reading the first half of this book[1] (the second half are recipes.) This book was written by a Type 1 diabetic who originally was an engineer. His wife, a doctor, purchased one of the first blood glucose monitors only available to doctors at the time. He used it to develop the diet laid out in that book (and a much more comprehensive book about diabetes management all together.[2]) He eventually went and got a medical degree so his findings could be given some weight.

His plan is effectively 30g of carbs a day, split 6-12-12 (breakfast, lunch, dinner). He goes into all the "stealth" sugars in food and how to avoid them, along with some specific products he mentions that he's found useful personally. The over arching idea is the Law of Small Numbers, meaning the fewer carbs you eat, the less it affects your body. More importantly, the less insulin's variable effectiveness impacts your blood sugar levels.

I personally am seeing positive weight and glucose level changes in my life because I follow a low carb diet as outlined in his book.

[1]http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SEHPTC

[2]http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving-ebook/dp/B004QZ9PC4

u/MrTurveydrop · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. Untreated diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar. The two are opposite conditions.

It sounds like you have a lot going on ... so I'm loath to give too much advice to you. Perhaps your case is unique.I'm happy to answer any questions you have though. I was diagnosed one year ago, and you're right, it's overwhelming. For months I dedicated almost every waking hour to learning about the disease. Allow me to recommend this free e-book. It's not brilliant or anything, but it's an easy read and may be helpful for you. After that, I moved onto this one.

What I will say is that your doctor's treatment regimen is bizarre, and you should investigate other options. Kaiser is a very modern healthcare provider, I see no reason to expect that they have made an institutional decision to recommend an antiquated style of diabetes management. Have you seen an endocrinologist? If not, please do so.

u/Kindlesticks · 1 pointr/diabetes

I agree with you on that one, but going back to the post's title, or at least its implied meaning, I do have a recommendation that i've found really useful.

It's a book (and app if you want it), called "Carbs and Cals" - Which gives portion sizes and weights of quite a few foods, drinks and meals.

I got it from amazon here - Not sure if there's one in Imperial measurements but worth a try.

u/zapfastnet · 1 pointr/diabetes

I strongly recommend Dr. Berstein' Book. and/or website.

copypasta from his website:

Whether you are newly diagnosed or a lifetime veteran of Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, Dr. Bernstein, a renowned and even revolutionary figure in diabetes treatment and diabetic himself, will show you how you could stop the roller-coaster swings in your blood sugars, steady your glucose levels, reduce your insulin intake and enjoy the same level of good health that nondiabetics have.


This simple, straightforward program is based in good nutrition, healthy exercise, and (where necessary) small doses of medication. Dr. Bernstein will show you what he has learned during his 64 years of living with Type 1 diabetes and how, through intense research and experimentation he developed his unique but simple plan which has helped countless diabetics. "It's astonishing no one thought of it before," he says. "Many in the field of diabetes care still do not accept it!" But those who follow the program stick with it for one reason: it works!

u/dumezil · 1 pointr/diabetes

here's what it looks like

I called Tandem today and asked the nice lady I spoke with if they would send me a new one but she said they don't sell the clips separately and that they wouldn't send me a one for free. She did say several times that she was documenting this and would send the report to the QA team. Lastly she said that she could send me an Amazon link to replacement clip that cost about $6 that other t:case users have said works well. I've ordered that but it'll take a week to get here...

u/BellTower76 · 2 pointsr/diabetes

The Diabetic Athlete's Handbook by Sheri Colberg has some useful information about how your blood sugars behave when exercising. I found it pretty helpful when learning how I could adjust my insulin for running.

https://www.amazon.com/Diabetic-Athletes-Handbook-Sheri-Colberg/dp/0736074937/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474553521&sr=8-1&keywords=diabetic+athletes+handbook

u/draero · 2 pointsr/diabetes

How is you A1C? This used to be me when I ate a higher carb diet and couldnt keep my bloodsugars in check. Then when I tried and stayed on a ketotic diet (low carb, high fat, moderate protein) I started feeling so much better! More energy, focus and more clear headed.
Some books I would recommend reading through is:

u/rharmelink · 1 pointr/diabetes

r/brokenbetas mentioned the safe disposal web site. A lot of useful information there. But I learned there was something known as a needle clipper:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZUE5KE

I currently use a needle-nosed pliers to break off the needle and put it into a Sharps container. But I bought one of the needle clippers to give it a try. One issue I've had with the pliers is that sometimes the plastic is very brittle and my needle goes shooting around the kitchen. The needle clipper should be safer than that, and it claims:

"Meets government regulations on proper method of in-home insulin syringe disposal."

u/nicko2n · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Two good books that I found very useful:

u/MisterMcDuck · 2 pointsr/diabetes

I just recently received mine as well and have been soaking up information about it as much as possible.

I recently bought these 2 products to help with managing the sites:
[Skin-Tac Adhesive Barrier Wipes](
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NSCHY4/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_3p_M3T1_ST1_dp_1)

and Uni-Solve Adhesive Remover Wipes - 50/bx

One helps further cement the sensor to your skin, and the other helps dissolve the adhesive at the end of the week.



u/throwmeaway7512 · 1 pointr/diabetes

Thanks. I'm looking it up now - is this what you get?

https://www.amazon.com/Skin-TacTM-Adhesive-Barrier-Wipes-count/dp/B002NSCHY4

It looks like it's just wipes though. How do wipes help with the adhesiveness? 0-0

u/MonkeyTheMonk · 12 pointsr/diabetes

You can't force her to change her diet. Trying to force it will probably only make her push back. She has to want to change herself. That said, keto is typically considered the best way to eat around here. Check out /r/keto, and maybe read Dr. Bernstein's book. It is focused more towards T1 than T2, but the eating advice is still on point.

We have a /r/ketorecipes reddit too, but in my opinion it focuses too much on trying to make keto-versions of non-keto food. Focus on food which is good on its own. My own lunch today was baked salmon and steamed broccoli with self-mixed vinaigrette.

u/MStock_t1 · 1 pointr/diabetes

I found the Tandem case and clip to be too bulky. I ordered this clip from Amazon that securely adhered to the back of my pump. It’s worked great for the last 6 months.

https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-HipClip-Attachable-Smartphones/dp/B007CBSBM4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=clip+for+phone&qid=1554343563&s=gateway&sr=8-3

u/rsholman · 1 pointr/diabetes

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

u/citizengerm · 1 pointr/diabetes

The pod is amazing.

You should try this.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015TI2ZA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NgUWBbJZGFYXX

Holds better than the other stuff. At least I think it does for my 3 year old.

u/mistral7 · 3 pointsr/diabetes

I get my GlucoCard Vital test strips, Meter and Lancing device va Amazon and save significantrly even over insurance.

u/Xenocidegs · 1 pointr/diabetes

I stronly recommend Smith Opsite tape Amazon Link

It lasts forever and helps my sensors work for 2weeks + easily. Also after your sensor expires for the first time just hit start sensor and keep going. The sensor is usually more accurate the second week in my experience.

u/anxdiety · 2 pointsr/diabetes

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.

u/_JamesBlonde_ · 1 pointr/diabetes

If you're really active or are going swimming, be sure to use a product called Skin-Tac. It's a skin glue, and your endo should have some samples for you. Secures the pod like a damn fortress.

http://www.amazon.com/Skin-Tac-H-Adhesive-Barrier-Wipes-50/dp/B000QF81M8

u/mlw72z · 1 pointr/diabetes

Wow. I think he really needs an A1c test done. Perhaps showing him how poorly he's doing will have some effect. You can even buy an instant home A1c meter and force him to take it.

Does he even see an endocrinologist? Has he had a thorough vision exam?

u/Weird_With_A_Beard · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Skin Tac works great for my FreeStyle sensor. I have to use alcohol to remove it after 14 days. I live in Florida and sweat a lot!

u/logdogday · 1 pointr/diabetes

Lots of type 1s keep their a1c in the 4's and 5's. After keeping mine around 6.5-7.0 I started developing minor complications and now I'm in the 5's and inching downwards. Here's a guide.. hope it helps! http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving/dp/0316182699/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450747291&sr=8-1&keywords=dr+bernstein

u/puckingpinot · 1 pointr/diabetes

Definitely, if you have any questions with it let me know! They have swabs and a dabber/applier versions on Amazon depending on your preference!

u/SurlyFRS · 2 pointsr/diabetes

That can happen, especially if you are doing sprints or weight lifting. This book goes into the physiology of exercise for diabetics pretty well: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0736074937/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

u/pancreas_mama · 1 pointr/diabetes

Sorry about your hubby's dx. I agree with pp...don't throw out food in fridge. I use a food scale with a built in database of food. I weigh out most of the food my t1 kid eats. You can pick up a good scale online or at your a retail store ie target/bed bath beyond. I also will write on packaging what the carb factor is so if my kid wants more or less of a serving size I weigh out times the # of grams (weight) by the carb factor and find out the total carb count. Here is a link on carb factors I have a ton of books on t1...but my favs are Type 1 Diabetes: A Guide for Children, Adolescents, Young Adults--and Their Caregiver and Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin

One more thing....YES being a grump when bs #s are coming back into range is common. Learning what the other symptoms are is important too.

If your insurance will cover...using a CGM has helped me see BS trends.

knowledge and being prepared is power when it comes to managing t1.

u/ExiledNihilist · 1 pointr/diabetes

Like most things in life, sometimes T1 is out of your control. Do not stress about things you cannot immediately influence. Yes, you should take this seriously, but don't destroy yourself mentally if things don't go the way you want them to.

​

If you still struggle with maintaining good blood sugars, read this. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving/dp/0316182699

u/coderascal · 3 pointsr/diabetes

Without a doubt, skintac. I use this and it's perfect.

u/Jammer27 · 1 pointr/diabetes

Tac-Away always works great for me.

u/anahan · 2 pointsr/diabetes

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving/dp/0316182699

This book is usually recommended for T1s, but has a ton of excellent advice for T2s. Your failure of willpower might be more a failure of biology, and something you can control by changing your diet, lifestyle, and maybe reviewing your medication with your doctor.

Good luck. You can turn this around - many do.

u/nomoresugarbooger · 1 pointr/diabetes

You can also get the test strips that test for ketones and sugar in the urine. My son was initially diagnosed as Type 1 because there was so much sugar in his urine, it was off the chart. He didn't have any ketones (thankfully).

Also, finger poke tests with the kits that you buy are less painful, typically, than the ones at the doctor. My son's doc uses what I like to call the "harpoon" to prick his finger unless we bring in our lancet. The one my son uses is really not very painful, it is this one: https://www.amazon.com/Fastclix-Accu-Chek-Lancing-Device-Kit/dp/B0085KSN56. So, buy a meter that is cheap and takes really cheap strips, then if you are diabetic, buy yourself a nice lancet :)

u/uid_0 · 3 pointsr/diabetes

Skin-Tac will take care of that for you.

u/ganesht · 1 pointr/diabetes

you can opsite as a 4"x3' roll: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SIQCRI, which is what i do and just cut out the center with this stamp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017JIPZZU (fits perfectly for the g5)

I bought my last roll in mid 2015 and im only about a quarter way done.

u/mosfette · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Diabetes definitely blows. Keep an eye on your foot. You're probably an early enough diabetic that it won't be a serious problem, but those sorts of things can take forever to heal on us if you don't take care of them from the start.

As for knowing so much, I feel like maybe I should actually do a post on this at some point. When I was first dx'd, I actually was discharged from the hospital without anyone teaching me to use insulin. I think there was a miscommunication between the day nurses and the night ones, and someone thought that I had already been diabetic for a while. They kept me a total of 5 or 6 hours while they got my bg back in range and then sent me home to call my endo.

I actually already had an appointment set up for one the next day (I was worried that all my weight loss might be some sort of thyroid issue). I went in cried like a complete wuss while he showed me how to give myself my first shot (I was scared as shit about needles). He sent me on my way with a meter, some samples of insulin, and little instruction on how to use either. 10 u of levemir at night, 2 u humalog before lunch and 4 u humalog before dinner.

My first 3 months, I followed those instructions and my bgs were all over the place. I'd call his office and be instructed to take 2 u of levemir in the morning as well. Pretty useless shit. My A1c barely dropped at all those first 3 months.

That's when I decided to stop following the instructions of anyone who didn't have to live with this on a daily basis. I got my first diabetes related book, Think Like a Pancreas, which I used to figure out my I:C ratio and correction factors. I started testing around 10 times a day to figure out what my previously dictated 4-times-a-day routine was missing. I also started tweaking my own basal amounts, splitting my levemir in two and shifting units around to develop the rates I wanted for different times of day (which was only possible because Levemir, unlike Lantus, is not 24 hours of steady absorption.)

I brought my A1c down from around 13 to under 8 in the next 3 months, and I got hooked on figuring out why I still had variations that my earlier math couldn't explain. I stopped buying books for patients, and started consuming books and journals meant for nurses and physicians. My bookshelf now includes:

u/oberstofsunshine · 5 pointsr/diabetes

It might be easier for him to find a cell phone clip or something in the future when it's hard to find one specific thing.

Something like this works well clipping to clothing but not a wheelchair

u/NTSF-SD-SUV · 3 pointsr/diabetes

If you use this punch tool with the tape, it cuts out a hole nearly the exact size of the sensor. I use it with a roll of opsite, it's awesome. Ek Tools Tag Punch Classic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017JIPZZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_XvRmxbHMQMP8V

u/Smile4Amazon · 1 pointr/diabetes

AmazonSmile Link

Use this AmazonSmile link to donate a part of your purchase to charity.

u/Brodelaire · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Absolutely. "Think Like a Pancreas" was essential reading for me when I was first diagnosed. http://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Insulin-Completely/dp/0738215147

u/sugarwifey · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Yes, buy this puppy and stick it on the back of the pump case (not the actual pump or you'll never be able to put it in a case):

Nite Ize HipClip - Attachable Pocket Clip For Smartphones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CBSBM4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kViTCbNKATA1Q

u/stefan8888 · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Agree, I do LCHF/Bernstein/keto diet, HbA1c dropped from about 8 to 5.8. try it.

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving/dp/0316182699

​

u/last_useful_man · 2 pointsr/diabetes

It was already clear. People of my ilk think that the ADA is a corrupt institution, corrupted both diabetics with little self-control ('poor diabetics, gonna die early - might as well let them eat some sugar. Plus if we set it too strict they'd get discouraged'), and, by getting money for their endorsements of many food-products, few of which would be acceptable to lo-carbers.

I mean it's just common sense. If you're a T2, insulin itself contributes to your insulin resistance (your cells get weary of too much of it), so why provoke it or have to inject more of it?. And, how are you going to match your injected insulin to your consumption, exactly? There's going to be slop + mismatch; too high and too low. If you want to be strict re your health, just don't do the carbs. Probably the leading advocate of this approach is Dr Bernstein. But there are others <- good read, by the way.

u/chiefjoefixit · 31 pointsr/diabetes

This is from "Think Like A Pancreas":

"Without dietary carbohydrate to provide glucose for meeting the body's energy needs, the liver begins to convert some dietary protein to glucose."
"Roughly 50 percent of protein can be converted to glucose if there is no other source of sugar in the meal"
He suggests that for a no carb meal, bolus for half of the protein as if it were carbs. He also says that for a low carb meal, the math gets trickier, but that there is still an effect, if carbs are below a certain level.

u/nuckingfuts73 · 2 pointsr/diabetes

Skin-Tac I easily get an extra week or two out of sensors

u/Chicken_beard · 1 pointr/diabetes

These two products are the most commonly recommended for adhesive issues:
Flexifit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015TI2ZA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Skin Tac: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LZUWP6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edit: I bought both when I went on the Ominpod and Dexcom but have yet to need each so I can't vouch for their effectiveness personally.

u/thanassisBantios · 2 pointsr/diabetes

I can tell you what I personally did to start taking control of my type 1 (that started 4 years ago).

  1. I started a very low carb, ketogenic diet

  2. I bought and studied Dr. Bernstein Diabetes Solution (https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving/dp/0316182699) which, apart from the low carb diet, gives specific guidelines about how to control your diabetes

  3. I put all those in practice, starting with titrating my basal. I did basal testing (fasting experiments) as Bernstein suggests, or as described here (https://www.diabetesdaily.com/forum/articles-by-members/16675-basal-testing-mdi/)

  4. I then continued on with the meals, deciding on standard, very low carb meals which I know what to bolus for (again as Bernstein suggests). I eat the same meals every day so bolusing is no guess anymore.

  5. I purchased a freestyle libre, which greatly helped me in improving control.

    Hope something of all this helps.
u/kimchi_killer · 6 pointsr/diabetes

SkinTac.
I NEED IT during the sumer months. There's probably other skin adhesives but SkinTac is what I use. I use the bottle, which lasts an eternity - http://www.amazon.com/Skin-tac-adh-oz-Skin-Tac-H/dp/B001LZUWP6/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_z


But there are also wipes - http://www.amazon.com/Skin-Tac-H-Adhesive-Barrier-Wipes-50/dp/B000QF81M8

u/Spell_Chick · 1 pointr/diabetes

I just carry my insulin vials and syringes in a zipper pouch (like for pencils or tampons), and my testing supplies in their own case. I reuse the syringes, so fewer to dispose of. But I’ll probably get one of these snippers at some point: https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Clip-Insulin-Syringe-Needle-Clipper/dp/B002ZUE5KE

I have my stuff in my purse. Menfolk might need other options.

u/txharleyrider · 6 pointsr/diabetes

Nite Ize HipClip - Attachable Pocket Clip For Smartphones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CBSBM4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hCrPCb9J6P6A3

Just ordered this and planning to stick it right on the case. Lots of reviews from pumpers.

u/ThoR294 · 2 pointsr/diabetes

I use omnipod/dexcom cgm paired with SkinTac

u/one_lostcause · 3 pointsr/diabetes

Or for $30 you can get one of these and make your own. Ek Tools Tag Punch Classic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017JIPZZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_e9pnybRNBC2MF

u/todaysrandomuser · 1 pointr/diabetes

The challenge you'll have is figuring out correct basal patterns for different types of days (work, sick, etc). I highly recommend you get this book: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Insulin-Completely/dp/0738215147. This new edition has a chapter on basal patterns and how to adjust them.

u/vescor23 · 1 pointr/diabetes

> I have not home tested myself since the first time because my finger still hurts. I am guessing this is not normal if people are testing themselves multiple times per day.

I tried a couple of lancing systems and so far the one I like the best is the Accu-Chek Fastclix Lancing Device Kit. Whichever one you use, be sure you experiment with the setting so that it delivers the minimal amount of a prick to be able to draw blood with some massaging. Every now and then I'll hit a finger in the wrong way and it will end up sore for a day or so, but usually I can barely feel where I drew blood 15 minutes after having done so.

u/xtr3m · 2 pointsr/diabetes

First of all, read Dr Bernstein's Diabetes Solution. It's a must-read for every diabetic, really. That should help with high blood sugars.

As for the pain it sounds pretty bad. What meds are you taking?

u/allthegoo · 22 pointsr/diabetes

You might find dr. Bernstein's low/no carb diabetic treatment to be worth looking into. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004QZ9PC4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491489904&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=dr+bernstein+diabetes+solution

Note, the diabetic nutritionist world generally dislike him. He is a type 1 diabetic physician and engineer. He is also one of the oldest living type 1s.

u/PissPosh · 7 pointsr/diabetes

Yeah, those plastic things from the company are lousy.
I've been using this for a few years: http://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-NBC-03-11-Belt-Clip/dp/B007CBSBM4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_misc_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=169AJSP5XEGBGE0MJ2WQ It's way less bulky and I never have to worry about it breaking.

u/pasta4u · 1 pointr/diabetes

I use

Skin-Tac™ Adhesive Barrier Wipes... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NSCHY4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And

SIMPATCH Adhesive Patch for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078H3CWZ9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Typically I dont need the sim patch or if I do it's the last few days

u/Th3Batman86 · 3 pointsr/diabetes

My wife was diagnosed at 25. It was a drastic change. No one at the hospital or the first couple doctors was useful. We would not have had a hope had someone not recommended (and lent us) "Think Like a Pancreas" by Gary Scheiner. It's $10 on Amazon. [link] (https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Insulin-Completely/dp/0738215147/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=77859218195798&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=think+like+a+pancreas&qid=1558460097&s=gateway&sr=8-1)

Just another note, don't let anyone tell you bullshit like you can only have sugar free or you'll never eat bread again. (both of these things the nurse in the emergency room told us). It sucks, it's a big change, it will make you cry at times, but you will make it. Get a pump and CGM as soon as you can.

u/I_eat_satans_ass · 2 pointsr/diabetes

http://smile.amazon.com/Skin-TacTM-Adhesive-Barrier-Wipes-count/dp/B002NSCHY4/

I get mine through the durable medical goods supplier I use since its charged as a deductible and I can use my HRA to pay for it.

u/bethbo10 · 1 pointr/diabetes

I lower my basal rate by 30-50% up to an hour before starting a bike ride, and drink gatorade instead of straight water. I often start a little high or eat a small snack before I go. This book might give you dieas. As someone else said- trial and error to figure out what will work for you as everyone is different. Also, I find when I exercise regularly, I have to reduce my basal rates overall by 20% as I am much more insulin sensitive than when I am more sedentary.
https://www.amazon.com/Diabetic-Athletes-Handbook-Sheri-Colberg/dp/0736074937

u/thefutureofamerica · 2 pointsr/diabetes

I use this. I've had it on since early May and it shows absolutely no signs of coming loose. My pump now has a few scratches on the back of it from being sans case... but I literally could not care any less about that.

u/Riggs109 · 2 pointsr/diabetes

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 .