What are /r/diabetes' favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

A couple of years ago, my wife kept telling me to guess one of my presents. All she would say is that it was something I needed. The day finally came to open the gift, and it's a plush beta cell with a zipper. Inside the beta cell was a plastic insulin molecule. I had to admit, it was something I needed.

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.

Then, quite honestly, your boyfriend is lying.

Dealing with insurance, especially government-run insurance, is a pain in the ass. It takes perseverance and time.

However, the ACA expanded Medicaid eligibility. With no income, he will either be eligible for the State-run medicaid, or purchasing a fully-subsidized plan either from the State-run Exchange or if you live in a state with a petulant child as a governor, the federally-run Exchange.

That said, I think you've got a more serious issue. I am not going to even attempt to diagnose over the internet, but if I had to guess, I'd say your boyfriend is depressed, and I'd say you're both in a co-dependent relationship.

Depression is amazingly common with chronic diseases like T1 diabetes. The first step, though, is to get health care. Go, again, to healthcare.gov and sign up; you have until the end of the month for open enrollment. Do not put it off! Drag him, kicking and screaming. Don't stop at the first "No." Try again. Call people, don't just click submit and hope you hear something. The number is 1-800-318-2596 for the Healthcare.gov customer service people.

For anyone interested in grabbing one it's from the company Blue Q.

I have been t1 for 20+ years and never went to the hospital. I have been far over 300. I don't want to give you bad advice. It is a lot harder to go from 300 to 100 than 200 to 100. I wouldn't go to the hospital unless I was sure I had DKA ( see below ). Keep taking insulin, but give it a while to work? Go in if you start to puke or feel really terrible. If you don't have DKA ( which is very serious ) then they are really just going to give you fluids and more insulin, which you can do yourself. Drink lots of water and slowly add more insulin.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-ketoacidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371551

Probably one of the best, easiest things you can do for your diabetes is to go on a low carb diet. Carbs are what will raise your blood sugar so if you just ate the egg, cheese, and sausage on that and avoided the muffin part, your Blood sugar probably wouldn't have spiked nearly as much.

Eating low carb is a pain in the ass a lot of the time, but if you like meat, cheese, and eggs, its not so bad.

It's good you got your metformin, but you'll want to be seeing a doctor every once in awhile; unfortunately without insurance, that's $$$$. If you're in the US, you might qualify for a subsidy (where they pay for part or all of your insurance), for Obama care insurance, or even Medicaid depending on income and whatnot. You can start here: https://www.healthcare.gov . Keep in mind open enrollment doesn't start until September I think, but depending, you might get it started sooner.

For the lazy

https://us.romwe.com/Black-Zipper-Makeup-Bag-With-Small-Mesh-Bag-p-193782-cat-746.html

amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Cosmetic-Organizer-functional-Handbag/dp/B01ELDCK9A/ref=sr_1_26_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1535679625&sr=8-26&keywords=Black%2BZipper%2BMakeup%2BBag%2BWith%2BSmall%2BMesh%2BBag&th=1

I do this (as much as I can stand it):

https://www.amazon.com/End-Diabetes-Live-Prevent-Reverse/dp/0062219987

The back cover explains the benefits, and from experience I can say they're legit.

If you go ultra-low-carb and exercise even a bit each day you'll end up needing far less insulin (if T1) and will have much better numbers.

That said, this is probably the most strict diet in existence.

As a type 1, you need to adjust your insulin basal/bolus ratios when you try keto. Your body is going through lots of changes, after all! There is also a glucose sparing effect that can happen that makes it so you have to count more for carbs/protein than you would have before.

I had the opposite happen when I first started. For the first couple weeks I had some major lows! But I was careful and kept glucose tabs on hand at all times. It's a tough start for us type 1's because we have to experiment and manually figure out our insulin needs, but it's 100% possible and 200% worth it.

Best thing you can do is get the book Diabetes Solution by Dr. Bernstein. He's a type 1 doc who has been doing low-carb for decades, and this book lays out the very specific process he uses to keep his a1c at 5 and sugar levels near-flat. It's revolutionary. There's also a facebook group I recommend you joining. And I've been doing it for awhile myself, so feel free to message me. :)

I was diagnosed at three! At the start of each school year the class would have a sit down up talk about my diabetes the teacher would educate the kids (some teachers would even test themselves to show the kids)! We would also usually read the book taking diabetes to school (https://www.amazon.ca/Taking-Diabetes-School-Kim-Gosselin/dp/1891383280) or even little kids get diabetes (https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/9780807521595-item.html?s_campaign=goo-Shopping_All_Products_RLSA&ds_rl=1254699&ds_rl=1254699&ds_rl=1254699&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIovy894TH3gIVDbazCh1pVQW7EAQYASABEgIjB_D_BwE) ! This was usually super helpful and also a good way to make it an educational opportunity for everyone!

I remember my first day of school I ate my lunch snack at recess and from then in out my mom put stickers to identify to me what I could eat when !

>I am a person with diabetes and so are you or you know someone with it that you love.

But that literally is the definition of diabetic

>I don't refer to myself by my job title either.

But you just did. You didn't say "I am a person who is an emergency worker." You said you are an emergency worker.

This is just unnecessary language policing.

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

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

I'm no insurance expert, but you should talk to one right away.

Try this: https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us/

Look at the local links. There has got to be someone to talk to about this.

Under current law you can't be rejected and the law has not been changed so sign up now and I think you'll be fine.

I've used a few and just keep going back to mysugr. It stores to their server so you can also have your data on their site or iOS app. They have the nicest reports I've seen too. Here is a sample report. The purple is activity data and if you use the iOS version the dotted line is your Dexcom reading.

If you're not going to be working a traditional job w/insurance, then you should do some research on https://www.healthcare.gov/

That should give you an idea of what costs you'd have purchasing insurance from the federal or state exchange that's applicable to where you live.

Some insurance covers almost all diabetic expenses, other insurance has a high deductible. Basically you get what you pay for, and it pays to shop around if you aren't locked into the insurance your employer is paying for.

Lantus' patent expires here in another year and other companies are developing biosimilar alternatives that could significantly reduce that cost. Basically drugs are expensive because it costs a lot of money to develop them. Some of the drugs we enjoy now may never have existed if it wasn't for the potential profit. It's definitely a tradeoff and things might be balanced more towards the big pharma which is something you can definitely complain to your congressman about.

You don't need to be diabetic to suffer from hypoglycemia. I'm not a doctor, but there is something called reactive hypoglycemia which happens after you eat.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/reactive-hypoglycemia/faq-20057778

I still think it's pretty strange your doctor didn't just test your sugars during your initial appointment but it's good that you're all sorted out now! Sounds like you've got a pretty positive attitude towards it which is great.

I recommend this book a lot to new diabetics because it is a great primer on self-management: Think Like a Pancreas. It can help you get started on things like carb counting, testing and dosing.

Work on getting yourself a CGM if it is financially possible, they are great for seeing how foods impact you, as well as giving you peace of mind about overnight lows/highs/etc.

https://www.amazon.com/Insulin-Cooling-Reusable-Evaporative-Medication/dp/B00022628K/ref=sr_1_2?crid=33CN4ZLCYES7F&dchild=1&keywords=frio+insulin+cooling+case&qid=1626007683&sprefix=frio+i%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-2

get this. it cools with water and can be refilled at any sink.

insulin doesn't go bad immediately if it's not stored cold. i never store any of my "currently being used" insulin in the fridge and it works great.

You can use virtualbox and a copy of windows acquired from your local software acquisition place. You can mute the guy and just watch the steps.. If you need help, send me a PM and we can work that out.

I trust my meter much more than I trust GI tables.

I doubt different water temperatures would make any difference. It is wheat, after all.

PS

>one cup of couscous

A cup of dry couscous is over 100gm carbs.

This is what I use Amazon. It's a portable harddrive case. I only had to replace it because my cat shit on it.

I have them priced at $30 right now on Amazon or on my website.
Amazon link is here for some more pics and details: https://www.amazon.com/MyType-Diabetic-Glucose-Monitoring-Supply/dp/B076JJB2QZ/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1511796102&sr=8-7&keywords=mytype&th=1

If anyone takes offense to me posting a link, just let me know via PM and I'll take it down.

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

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

Relax. You can get through this. Just make a few adjustments :)

>For a few weeks now I take lantus at night and wake up with night lows or low in the morning. I keep lessening the dose (from 25 to about 15) and it still happens.

This is very common, and the solution isn't to lower the dose, it's to split it: take 12 in the morning and 12 at night. I use an app on my phone called Medisafe to remind me to take it at 11am and 11pm. I'm sure there's a similar thing for iPhone. Splitting the dose eliminated the pre-dawn lows and late afternoon highs for me.

>This has started scaring me that there's a good chance that I won't wake up one of these times.

I think that's unlikely. If you're waking up now, it means your hypo-awareness is fine. Only some people lose the ability to feel a hypo.

> Today I was stuck around 200-300 all day and had only eaten a salad for lunch, a banana for breakfast. I took about 30 units of Humalog over 5 hours and nothing happened.

Yeah, I've had days like that! But in your case that could easily be caused by insufficient lantus. I think splitting the dose 12/12 will help a lot. Also, try a different bottle of Humalog just in case something has gone wrong with this one.

Good luck! You can do it!

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451

>Random blood sugar test. A blood sample will be taken at a random time. Regardless of when you last ate, a random blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) — 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) — or higher suggests diabetes.

Having your blood sugar spike higher and higher could suggest something like prediabetes or building insulin resistance, assuming everything else is the same. Intake, output, exercise, etc.

Anything from 70-90 before meals is pretty normal for non-diabetics. You might get some shakes and stuff but that's kind of life. You need to eat. It would be pretty odd for diabetes to cause low blood sugars so that's not really an indication of it.

Of course, there could be other stuff wrong that could cause low blood sugar values. Since you have health concerns, you probably want to talk to a doctor.

You are aware financial hardship is one of the reasons you can get a waiver for the mandate under the ACA, right?

Stop being hyperbolic and do 5 minutes of research.

https://www.healthcare.gov/health-coverage-exemptions/exemptions-from-the-fee/

There can be a few things going on. Without knowing your insulin regimen, I'll just refer you to https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/expert-answers/dawn-effect/faq-20057937 Which covers most of the potential reasons.

Begin here to understand the complexity of the subject: How Do We Define Cure of Diabetes?

I realise WebMD is not a peer-reviewed journal; later I hope to get the time to find some cites for you from those. In the meantime from Type 2 Diabetes: Can You Cure It?

>Is there a cure for diabetes?

>There is no known cure for type 2 diabetes. But it can be controlled. And in some cases, it goes into remission.

Here is a good book that has a lot of info for you: Think Like a Pancreas

It has info on how to manage it, how to dose insulin and count carbs, and how to manage his blood sugar.

You need a whole bunch of training and medical advice, generally beyond the scope of this sub. See if you can talk to a doctor, or if there is a diabetes educator or someone you can speak to in your country. This isn't a situation where you just need a few answers. He needs to learn to count carbs, to set up basal and bolus injections and how much to inject, to read and understand blood sugar readings, there's a lot.

There are tons of resources available online to help people learn how to manage diabetes and athletic endeavors. It takes planning and preparation.

If you are interested, there is a good book by Sheri Colberg, who has a PhD and is diabetic herself. It's actually got lots of good information even if you don't consider yourself to be an athlete: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1492572845/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_YWJJDAHXXSK548339D0B

There's actually a project trying to develop home brew insulin. Pretty interesting concept, and I hope it eventually gets somewhere.

http://hackaday.com/2015/07/30/the-biohacking-movement-and-open-source-insulin/

The Libre link app allows you to log the carbs you eat, and insulin taken, etc, it just doesn't do the automatic calculations. The physical meter also won't do automatic calculations for the flash readings, only blood ones. Never quite understood why but I'm going to assume lawyers and the marginal reduction in accuracy in flash readings are to blame.

Personally I just do the maths in my head.

If you'd prefer something that does the maths automatically I previously tried using the Diabetes:M Logbook/Management app which supports reading the Libre and has a calculator built in. I didn't like it enough to pay the £5 a month to get rid of ads, but it might be worth a look.

Wouldn't be surprised if some of the other logbook apps with calculators also can read the Libre, but I haven't tried any and a quick play store search only showed Glimp that doesn't seem to have a calculator (though can be linked with other services, so might be possible to rig one up)

Summary of one cited article. I'll keep posting as I find (at work, so could take a while).

Interesting to note that the summary points to a sort of rear brain damage which causes a temporary/short lived episode of diabetes insipidus. If the rest of the studies are anything like this, then this guy doesn't know how to do science. You might as well say that pregnancy is one of the main causes of type 2 diabetes without describing the HUGE caveat that once the child is born the diabetes is gone.

The Journal of Urology citation is incorrect or doesn't exist. Since he doesn't provide an article title I can't really pinpoint what the error is.

Journal of Stroke and Side Effects doesn't exist. Searched Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases but clearly wasn't the journal cited.

Journal of the Spine also doesn't exist. The Spine Journal was not the same (or the citation provided didn't correlate). It would be helpful if he provided titles with his citations, those are the most useful part of citations in case journal names change, or they reformat their archives.

He will need to learn to treat himself like a type 1 most likely. This includes carb counting, adjusting rapid-acting insulin doses for meals, monitoring his blood sugar, etc. This book is a great primer on Diabetes and how it is managed if you are interested.

This book is a good primer on T1 diabetes: Think Like a Pancreas. It has a lot of what you need to know for management and will get you started into knowing what else you need to learn.

It's really good at explaining how to count carbs, which is a new concept for many, and how to dose for them.

I'd suggest staying away from cookbooks until you have a better idea of what to look for, most diabetic-friendly cookbooks are nonsense.

Something like this might be a good option for helping to keep his insulin safer longer. Only needs water every 1-2 days to activate it.

Frio Cooling Wallet - Individual-Blue-Keep Insulin Cool up to 45 hrs Without Ever Needing refriger'n! Accept NO Imitation!-Low Shipping Rates- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002262BM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6T111SNZ960P2Y8TQWMY

Probably overkill, but he charged me $45 delivered and it has held up and aged beautifully.

Then again, this one was $5 and worked just fine too :)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DYVAK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_KPNBGxwH7fURR

Diabetes and exercise can vary widely by person. I highly recommend this book, even if you don't consider yourself an athlete. Our bodies are so complex!

Sheri R. Colberg The Athlete’s Guide to Diabetes https://www.amazon.com/dp/1492572845/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_VSTNKTNN9CWVJ55JXPHM

My biggest piece of advice is to ensure you have no insulin on board before you exercise - this means only basal insulin, no recent boluses. That helps me keep pretty steady!

Practical Management of Type 1 diabetes by Hirsch and Edelman. This is the second edition. I have the first edition, which is a buck on Amazon. Best book I have read on the subject. https://smile.amazon.com/Practical-Management-Type-Diabetes-2E/dp/1932610944/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472160352&sr=8-1&keywords=Type+1+diabetes+Hirsch+Edelman

I got you: Frio bags. I backpacked around the Middle East and Southeast Asia for months, and my insulin stayed cool the whole time. (I did not.) I never travel without them.

You can buy them on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Insulin-Cooling-Reusable-Evaporative-Medication/dp/B0002262DA

And here's how they work:

http://www.frioinsulincoolingcase.com/how-the-frio-insulin-cooling-case-works.html

For android I use Insulator: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bendywalker.insulator

It's the best balance between ease of use, nice looking interface, and usefulness.

There are more simple ones, and more detailed ones, but this suits me on MDI.

Indeed, it's ridiculous, especially when that research is paid with taxpayers' money. <em>HERE</em> is the full pdf, thanks to reddit and geekwantssex. Enjoy.

Now about the research itself and the usual whiny sceptics: Mice are not the best example when you compare them in areas in which they DO differ from humans as lipid oxidation and purine nucleotide metabolism, simply because they are granivore and not so carni- and omnivore. However in this case they are talking about advanced stage immunosuppresive therapies which target proliferation of beta cells damaging NKT (Natural Killer T cells). Now if such inhibition is possible without leading to overall immunosuppression then it's worth it. But if not, I guess more ppl will choose to live with TD1 instead dying from the first flu that gets them.

It would help if you put more details like where you are geographically and when your insurance ran out. If you just lost insurance, you might be able to get a subsidized plan or Medicaid depending on your situation. Maybe try starting here to see if you qualify: https://www.healthcare.gov/

Here's some terminology help from https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/your-total-costs/:

• Deductible: How much you have to spend for covered health services before your insurance company pays anything (except free preventive services)
• Copayments and coinsurance: Payments you make each time you get a medical service after reaching your deductible
• Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you have to spend for covered services in a year. After you reach this amount, the insurance company pays 100% for covered services.

I'll add the following:

• Premiums: How much comes out of your paycheck each month regardless of anything else to pay for the insurance plan
• Flexible Spending Account: A way to convert deductible/copayments/coinsurance from post-tax dollars to pre-tax dollars
• Healthcare Savings Account: A different way way to convert deductible/copayments/coinsurance from post-tax dollars to pre-tax dollars (only available on high deductible plans.)

This all gets REALLY complicated. Unnecessarily so, in my opinion.

I'm sure someone here would be glad to help out if you're willing to publicly provide details on premiums, deductibles, out of pocket maximums, copayments, and coinsurance amounts.

I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia at 18 without being diabetic. Have you seen a doctor to see what might be causing your issues?

Here's a good reference to what hypoglycemia is: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685

Here's another: https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/diabetes/non-diabetic-hypoglycemia

It's the caffeine that raises BG (*in some people, in others it has no effect or lowers BG), not the coffee itself. So diet soft drinks and teas will also raise BG even though they have no carbs.

Edit: corrected myself Source for correction: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/expert-answers/blood-sugar/faq-20057941

Im not 100% on the specifics, but I know the current silver plan I'm on involves this: https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/cost-sharing-reduction/

Maybe it's because I'm under 80k a year and have kids? I dunno. Interestingly enough I learned that if I make under 25k, my insurance actually costs significantly more. (I made a typo the first time I filled it out.). I think it's kind of shit that those people make too much for Medicaid but not enough to get discounts on their insurance?!

If you go here you can apply for health insurance. It's still open enrollment until Feb 15 (I think). You might qualify for a subsidy which will pay part (or all) of your insurance. Honestly, the plan I got from the ACA was the best insurance I've ever had, only 60 a month. That all depends on what state you live in. (I'm in FL).

If you're using a pump and/or CGM I'd make sure to look to make sure whatever plan you pick has 100% (or close to it) 'Durable Medical Equipment' coverage.

The other option would be what I call 'ghetto self care'. Walmart sells Novalin R and NPH for 25 dollars a bottle, no script needed. They also sell syringes no script. They also have 'generic' testers with cheap strips at Walmart and Target. (and CVS too). It's not the best thing using the older insulins instead of Lantus and Humalog, but I survived a few years doing that when I didn't have insurance. (Although now you can get fined for not having insurance)...

I take 0.3mg of melatonin every night, I have flux installed on my computer, I wear dark orange sunglasses an hour before bed (if no one will be seeing me), I plan on installing twilight on my phone once I switch to an android...or flux if it ever comes out for the iphone, I turn off my lights like an hour before bed and while I still use my laptop it's brightness is really low, the flux is on, and I've got my glasses on, so the light from it is negligible.

I'll also occasionally take theanine (100mg) and magnesium (150mg as magnesium malate) before bed, which both help. But I also take magnesium in the morning and will only take it at night if I didn't take it in the afternoon too.

It's actually surprisingly difficult to overdose on insulin. His most likely outcome if he overdoses is that he'll go into a coma, survive, and sustain long-term brain damage and degrade his quality of life tremendously.

I strongly recommend calling a suicide hotline for your local area and asking them what resources are available to your brother. Let him know that he's loved, and be pro-active in checking up on him. A therapist is only helpful if he wants to see one, and there are lots of reasons why he might not want to - it's costly, it's a long process, and it requires you to be very open and honest and expose your deepest feelings which is hugely intimidating and makes you very vulnerable. It's something he needs to feel ready for.

Tell him that it's okay to feel bad about his situation. It's normal, most people would. Remind him of the things he can do, such as looking for a job, or talking to people online who aren't therapists but who offer support for people who struggle. Sometimes all it takes is being around people who've been there.

Edit: Besides suicide hotlines, there are lots of (online) chats such as 7Cup that are also there for non-crisis situations. The support network is quite large, so if you have some time you can Google mental health support sites like this. Offer them to your brother on his own terms. Tell him they're options, and you know of people who were helped by these, and that he loses nothing from giving it a shot if he wants to.

Let him feel in control over this, if you get pushy he's going to reject it. He's probably already feeling like dying is the only thing he can control, so giving him more things to hold on to is good!

Totally agree with the posts for dark chololate. Their are a nice assortment multi-pak of dark chocolate the candies are single portion (give the out side bag as well it has the carb info).

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hershey-s-Chocolate-Special-Dark-Miniatures-11-oz/10449913

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ghirardelli-Squares-Premium-Dark-Chocolate-Assortment-16.71-oz/45589897

Another interesting project I recently read about is the Sernova Cell Pouch, which is a matchbook size implantable sac of islets; they've received approval to begin human testing in Canada. I wonder if the two would go together? Otherwise, I think the cell pouch requires islets from a donor.

I may be mistaken, but I believe that the placement of the pouch, circumvents the need for immune-suppresing agents.

Such an annoying situation! I have bought this garter and love it https://www.etsy.com/listing/150403334/design-solution-for-carrying-insulin But before I found it I used Elastoplast to strap it to my thigh, it worked brilliantly! Good luck and let us know what works :-)

I've noticed my blood being thicker as well. This is what I found when I googled it and I feel like it makes total sense. I mean it's the whole reason diabetics have complications.

When your blood sugar gets this high, your blood becomes thick and syrupy. The excess sugar passes from your blood into your urine, which triggers a filtering process that draws tremendous amounts of fluid from your body.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-coma/basics/causes/con-20025691

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/men-diabetes-patient-using-insulin-injection-721665991

It's a dude.

I think there will be, it'll just take a long time for it to become available to the public, or recommended by doctors. I know my endo is an old school idiot (he's certainly not actually an idiot) and I get most of my shit checked out with my GP who is about 30 years younger and much more up to date on her research.

Alpha Lipoic Acid, Carnitine, CoQ 10, Taurine, Vitamin D, Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Grapeseed Extract. All having powerful antioxidant properties in their own right, and all clinically proven to help with Hyperglycemia, Glucose Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism, Diabetic Nepropathy, and Diabetic Neuropathy. There's also a lot of medical literature suggesting severe deficiency of Vitamin D, and moderate deficiency of Taurine and Carnitine in diabetics.

Now did my 60 year old endo know about any of the medical literature in the past 15 years suggesting all of this stuff is helpful for diabetics? No.

Was he willing to listen? No.

When I showed my GP hundreds of medical journal articles over the course of a few weeks, did she almost immediately tell me to start taking them, or prescribe them to me (in Canada Carnitine is only available by prescription because Sigma Tau managed to somehow patent a naturally occuring amino acid in the body; everybody's liver in Canada is infringing on a patent... who would have though?)? Absolutely she was, because she's not a billion years old and isn't set in her ways, and likes to keep up on scientific advancements.

Sources: search "type 1 diabetes" and "<whatever supplement I said, especially Vitamin D, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Carnitine>" at http://scholar.google.com

I get these Skin Tac wipes and wipe them on just like an alcohol swab. I play soccer, run in the heat, sweat like mad, etc and never had one fall off

I've used this one when traveling and it's worked well. The ice pack stays cold for about 6 hours if it's not too hot out. I'm not sure how prescriptions work in Canada but I would assume you would need one. Check which pharmacies are nearby the hotel and call and ask. They'll be able to give you the right info, just let them know that you'll be in quarantine and they'll be able to tell you about your options.

Rock type muscle tape or fixic round libre patches. They are just round rock type tape Fixic Freestyle Adhesive Patch 25 PCS – Good for Libre – Enlite – Guardian – NO Glue in The Center of The Patch – Pre-Cut Back Paper – Tan Color – Long Fixation for Your Sensor! by NeoSales Corp Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QB7V6MF/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YWV8DM2ZAD48NWWSQNBK

And adhesive remover. Uni Solve - 402300 Adhesive Remover Wipes, 50 Each by Johnson Distributors Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M3IKRFU/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NZKX8HZFQDZ48N0AGSC2

You may want to give Skin-Tac a try, although in the summer I need this & the stickers to keep them on. It may not be completely the same as I use Dexcom but I have had pretty good success with the wipes except for in the hottest two months of the year.

It really does get easier to manage. Your diabetes will likely be different from your dad's. I strongly encourage you read "Think Like a Pancreas" by Gary Scheiner. And if you're interested in exercise, "The Athlete's Guide to Diabetes" by Sheri Colberg. Truly game changers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738246689/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_791VHXYSM8VFW9SNMJBT

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1492572845/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_GHGKME40ZB0ZP5BMSJ14

What about getting a tile? https://www.amazon.com/Tile-Starter-Pack-2-pack-Mate/dp/B08BNQ9GS1/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&amp;keywords=tile+finder&amp;qid=1619706052&amp;sr=8-3

these are 14 net carbs for the bag it has erythethol and almond for the bulk of it.

They are like Chips Ahoy, crubling/dry but they are pretty good.

Don't know how they are for Diabetics, I've just had them when I was doing Keto.

Another option I've seen suggested on here is to get a "sleeve" for an existing watch band that serves the same function. It's a similar option if you already have a watch band you're keen on.

https://www.amazon.com/Engraving-Stainless-Steel-Rubber-Medical/dp/B07449HX1T/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1DBCUZFPO0C9&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=med+alert+watch+sleeve&amp;qid=1610669724&amp;sprefix=med+alert+watch%2Caps%2C200&amp;sr=8-4

I use something similar, an electronics organizer case. I got some Velcro tape to add my meter on top, and then use the pencil holders for my pens and test strips, plus I have those extra packets for lancets, needles, and some snacks if I go hypo. https://www.amazon.com/ProCase-Organizer-Electronics-Accessories-Earphone/dp/B01EN4PMZG/ref=mp_s_a_1_26?dchild=1&amp;keywords=electronics+organizer&amp;qid=1605878417&amp;sprefix=electronics+or&amp;sr=8-26

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). 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 8 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 Good luck! :)

Gold Bond Ultimate Hydrating Lotion, Diabetics Dry Skin Relief 18 oz (Pack of 2) its about $31 on amazon Best stuff ever. https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Bond-Ultimate-Hydrating-Diabetics/dp/B01IAILDKY/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1475047362&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=gold%2Bbond%2Blotion%2Bdiabetics&amp;th=1

If you do decide you need some extra tape, there are a million kinds out there — from thin, almost invisible stuff, to crazy loud decorative patches. Some people go under the sensor (is what we do), some people go over top / around.

We got a roll of Opsite (like this one on Amazon) like six months ago, and we're maybe halfway through it.

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

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

Could be a faulty sensor. I'd contact Abbot. I actually put a Tegaderm Patch (Amazon) over my sensor

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.

There a bunch of diabetic socks on Amazon.

Didn't see any silly ones though. ;)

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_pg_6?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Adiabetics+socks&amp;page=6&amp;keywords=diabetics+socks&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1543605517

I usually get these

https://www.amazon.com/Diabetic-Socks-Unisex-10-13-63-2040-12PAIRS/dp/B00SQJWQ3G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1543605471&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=diabetics+socks

They make protective vial sleeves. This is what I rounded up on Amazon, but there are other types out there. I think buying some would give you some peace of mind for the future.

Insulin Vial Protective Case by VIAL SAFE - Fits all 10mL Brands (2-PACK) - Never Risk Breaking Your Insulin Vial (1 Short, 1 Tall) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0070EN0BU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8oGsCbTWM661Y

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

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.

My go to:

True Lime -- They have True Lemon as well. Place one of each in a LARGE container of water along with your preferred artificial sweetener and life is good - no calories/no carbs. Thirst quenching, satisfying and economical.

Be better off with something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H86KQB7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Nl3cFb7K1KV77

I have a different one with ice packs and another I use is the frio

https://www.frioinsulincoolingcase.com/

I second this!!! I got this meter on amazon, and buy these strips every month.

No you use the receiver to do the restarts. The receiver is your friend; what you do is get one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LJMCI94/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1

Then before your session is over issue a stop and a restart on that receiver. Then put it in the back pocket of that bag for 2 1/2 hours. Be sure to do it quickly as to not let the receiver have time to communicate the stop signal to your blue tooth transmitter. Place receiver in the back pocket and seal the flap once you see the blue circle start. Mean while continue to use the phone to see your trend. After 2 1/2 hours pull receiver out and let it communicate with the session on the transmitter. It will force a new expiration date 10 days out from today to the transmitter; which will push the same new extended date to your iphone app. Do this as long as you want; if the sensor is reliable. When the data gets wonky replace your sensor.

This is copy and pasted from an exchange I had yesterday. I tried this method and successfully restarted my sensor with a new 10 day expiration. I didn’t have the pouch he refers to, as soon as I hit stop sensor I threw the receiver in a bedroom and shut the door/ran away. Went back 2.5 hours later and started new sensor with the code I had(9577) and it fired back up. Life saver as I’m out of sensors too for the next 4 days. i also made sure to turn Bluetooth off on my phone so there wasn’t a link there, just to be safe, even though this gentleman stated using the phone is fine.

If you have Android Oreo or newer, you can use the AutoNotification app to get rid of the persistent notification. Just set up a filter for the Dexcom app with a title of "Dexcom CGM is running".

Here's a link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joaomgcd.autonotification

I read somewhere on the web that there's an app (that works with the nfc transmitter of freestyle) to make it work like an actual CGM system, I'm considering asking for this if my endo denies me the insulin pump or the cgm. I believe you just need to have a smartwatch that has nfc enabled and put it over the transmitter, then the app will make sure you get readings every 5 minutes!

Glimp (android and ios app to make Freestyle work like a cgm system).

I was also 9 when I was diagnosed, crazy to think that it was nearly 20 years ago. I would have killed for the Diabetes technology we have now back then. Imagine what your son will have when he is 29! I have been using the MiaoMiao since August 9th, it is a game changer. I charged the battery when I first got it and it is still at 60% after constant use. The Spike app for iOS (xdrip for Android) that you use with it is very configurable. You can set alarms that override the silent switch, push readings to your watch, and see all sorts of information within the app. The MiaoMiao sits next to the Libre so it is not too bulky. It is waterproof and comes with 60 adhesive stickers to stick it to your arm (I use wig adhesive now, it holds better https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HKCUWG2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TVPIBb7BTN16M) I usually also cover mine with a few Tagaderm patches to keep it all in place. I highly recommend this device. The last thing I will say is to checkout Nerdabetic on YouTube. He has a video comparing the two devices (spoiler alert: he prefers MiaoMiao and uses it every day). https://youtu.be/a8gNOJGsFiM

Edit: I should also add that it allows you to use a sensor for around 14 and a half days in the US.

mySugr log book So far app had been great, even gives estimated a1c. Currently using the free version but still had amazing functionality. Hope to get the pro soon.

Official abbott app (available in Sweden for now).

Unofficial app that can scan the libre

IIRC glimp gets the raw reading from the sensor not the predictive algorithm's prediction. On the plus side it can read the sensor after 14 days.

I've tried a couple, but the one I've liked the most and am currently using is Diabetes:M. It also has good reviews from other users. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mydiabetes)

It's great for posting food, insulin, pump settings, etc. It also allows you to look up food in a database from the app and create meals. The data analysis and ability to export all freaking kinds of graphs is amazing. I also like that it tells me how my sugars have been trending lately so I know what I need to focus on short term as opposed to "lowering my A1c". It also has hints for how to use pretty much every one of its features. I think it also has the option to link a couple of devices (none of which I have) but would be even greater if you did.

Actually the Android version of the app was just released: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dexcom.follow

So you can pick your new phone based on actually phone stuff, not CGM because it works the same on both platforms. I guess with android you could also use the Nightscout stuff too, so that's a plus. (Nightscout is more less just an alternative to the Dexcom app. Sort of.)

If you're already invested into the Android ecosystem, I wouldn't switch. ESP considering Android M is coming, and it looks awesome. (DISCLAIMER: I am an avid iPhone user, am probably biased and I currently use a 6 Plus.)

MySugr is my mobile log book,I paid $19(I believe its lower now) for the pro version and its definitely worth it!

I also use Plant Nanny,to help remind me to drink enough water.

The Dexcom has several components. The G5 uses a transmitter that lasts 3 months, a sensor that lasts anywhere from 1-3 weeks, and a receiver (which can be any compatible smartphone or a Dexcom-provided receiver). The system is prescription only and to get the supplies needed for it, you need to have an endo who can submit a prescription to Dexcom. Some people do pay out of pocket for the entire system, and I have no idea what that would cost, but you can call Dexcom and inquire. You may find that using it periodically is sufficient for you to achieve better control (to look for patterns that would enable you to tweak basal rates, etc). If you’re seeing an endo, ask him/her whether they have a loaner CGM. I’ve done that in the past.

As others have suggested, it may be cheaper and easier for you to simply get a meter (One Drop has a program that gives you unlimited test strips for a flat monthly fee) and test a lot. You will need to meticulously log the results and then try to use them to identify patterns/trends.

Also, if you are in the U.S., don’t forget that it is currently open enrollment for the ACA. Might be a good time to look at getting insurance if feasible.

Here is the template I have been using forever, originally designed by the nurses at the Diabetes Center of California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC). Keeping it on Google Docs allows for easy sharing with people like parents, doctors, etc (so long as they have a google account).

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AvR07tQ2v5h2dFhleHhMMlhCd002Zk9nTEpGU2ZXcXc

It's my favorite to use, can be printed easily as a PDF. edit: You can go to File > Make a Copy to make your own private document to start using.

I use a google doc spreadsheet to monitor it myself. Free is nice.

This ReliOn All-In-One meter replaced the previous Side-Kick meter at the local Walmart. Still around $20 . . but also includes a lancing device, extra lances, and a vial sleeve.

Accuracy comparison is pretty much futile as EVERY meter is "pay your money and take your chances".

Pilfering advisory . . verify the box tape seals have not been cut.

Will you be employed when you land in NJ? If so, talk with your company's HR to figure out what they offer for health insurance and if there's any delay before the coverage starts. If you don't have a job immediately or your employer doesn't have a company policy, then you'll need to go to https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us/ and talk to someone to help you get a plan through the state exchange.

and another

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5601692_Relationship_of_hemoglobin_A1c_to_mortality_in_nonsmoking_insurance_applicants

> Increased mortality is apparent at hemoglobin A1c values of 6% and above, is linear, and on a percentage basis decreases with age. Hemoglobin A1c values less than 5% also are associated with increased mortality.

Living in Norway, got a pump with CGM, fully covered by the state (except for a maximum deductible of about €250 yearly for insulin, strips and so on). I think pretty much all T1 diabetics will get a pump if they apply for it, getting a CGM as an adult requires a application where they look at your a1c, history of hypos and stuff like that.

If you're interested in financing one for yourself I've seen some chinese insulin pumps on Alibaba, they actually look pretty much like my Minimed and the technology behind insulin pumps isn't that complicated so they should probably work fine

In addition to scoping out good insurance at companies you'll possibly work for, don't forget to apply and use an FSA account!

Would you care to cite the exact section of the ACA that provides this power? Here's the actual law for you..

Edited to correct link.

>My A1c Test is in August, and I’m prescribed metformin 500 mg twice daily. My A1c was 12% in early May.

That is a starter dose for metformin. If you haven't had side effects it is surprising the doctor has not increased it. Also, in the absence of side effects the timing of your doses matters little.

>My hands get cold, many times a day.

That may be a totally separate condition to discuss with your doctor. If they are also going white or blue see your doc soon; this is a possibility: Raynaud's disease. Based on the minimal prescribed advice implied by your post I would be seeking a different doctor for your diabetes.

>I also feel like eating ice cream and drinking milkshakes all the time (I don’t do that). I’m keeping my carbs in every meal to less than 50. I only take two meals a day, sometimes I only take one meal a day when I’m super stressed.

You do not mention the dietary advice you received or home blood glucose testing. Do you have a meter? Please read this (click on it): Getting Started

>I was taken multivitamins, now I’m not taking them anymore.

Unless you have a vitamin deficiency you don't need them.

>I took flaxseeds and chia seeds. Kind of tired of it. I’m not sure what I’m gaining from it.

Useful for fibre but they won't manage your diabetes.

My weight still hasn't stopped fluctuating and is at the lower side of the scale. I need a good 5kg+ before I can get to where I was before I got DKA. I think it takes abit of time.

Try this http://www.myfitnesspal.com/

You can enter your stats and it will tell you how many calories you need to eat to gain weight. It also breaks down the calories into proteins, carbs and fat.

Do you have a big breakfast? If you can get around 1,000 calories in the morning then 800 at lunch and 800 dinner then you are good to go. This is just an estimated example and the number of calories depends per person. The Myfitnesspal app can help you with that.

I think you need to eat much more then just 60g of carbs. You can also put on muscle which is heavier then fat.

Also give /r/gainit a try!

I went to the lab test to complete the original requisition form I got Monday. I went to Life Labs in Canada they let you log in and see some of your results online. I have partial results and it currently shows that my A1C is now 11.4. I called my doctor and he advised that he has not heard back from the lab yet. When I advised him that my A1C is now 11.4, up 0.9 from less than a month ago, he agreed to getting my antibodies tested and an interim script until I see my endocrinologist mid January. My appointment with my family doctor is Friday.

As for how I feel, I feel like ass, but no where near as bad as when I was initially diagnosed.

test result

Here it is: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/297583725_Islet_hypersensitivity_to_glucose_is_associated_with_disrupted_oscillations_and_increased_impact_of_proinflammatory_cytokines_in_islets_from_diabetes-prone_male_mice

Is there anything specifically you'd like to know more about? Diabetes is a pretty complicated disease. If you'd like to know more about the cellular-level science, Khan Academy has some good videos.