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I'm trying to come up with a list of tips and tricks for t1 diabetics. Came up with 7. Any ideas?

J

jjcoleman

Member
Messages
11
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
  • Change your set every 2-3 days to avoid lumpy skin
  • Do a basal test every once in a while
  • Make a diabetes supplies packing list
  • Make small holes in pants and thread your pump tube through to remain unnoticeable.
  • Prefill reservoirs with insulin before going on a trip - makes things a bit easier
  • You can use most strip bottle caps to unscrew the pump battery cover
  • Get into the habit of bolusing 10-15 minutes before eating to help avoid blood sugar spikes
 
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Have a bag of strips, batteries, sets and tubes and empty cartridges ready incase of emergencies.

Carry spares either in your car or at work etc..

I don't do your last one if bolusing early as my settings and eating are so fine tuned it's unecessary.

Some manufacturers do not recommend you prefill reservoirs either. Plus fact the Insight pump has prefilled glass cartridges.

Don't understand your comment ref low and bolusing before you eat... If I am lowish.. Under 5 I actually pre set my pump to delay (lag) my insulin to 15 mins after I start to eat.
 
Sets and reservoirs are only for pump people though so msy be confusing to anybody that is a new MDI person
 
donnellysdogs said:
Have a bag of strips, batteries, sets and tubes and empty cartridges ready incase of emergencies.

Carry spares either in your car or at work etc..

I don't do your last one if bolusing early as my settings and eating are so fine tuned it's unecessary.

Some manufacturers do not recommend you prefill reservoirs either. Plus fact the Insight pump has prefilled glass cartridges.

Don't understand your comment ref low and bolusing before you eat... If I am lowish.. Under 5 I actually pre set my pump to delay (lag) my insulin to 15 mins after I start to eat.
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Do manufacturers discourage it or just don't recommend it?

I bolus before I start eating when I'm low since the sugar hits way before the insulin take effect
 
jjcoleman said:
You can use most strip bottle caps to unscrew the pump battery cover
Click to expand...
You can't use contour next containers on the Vibe as do not fit, One touch ultra doesn't work either.
 
jjcoleman said:
I bolus before I start eating when I'm low since the sugar hits way before the insulin take effect
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It's not actually advisable to do this on MDI or as a pumper... You could be heading for a double dip! ;)
 
jjcoleman said:
Do manufacturers discourage it or just don't recommend it?

I bolus before I start eating when I'm low since the sugar hits way before the insulin take effect
Click to expand...

They don't recommend it as the insulin and plastic I believe can react.....

So when you are say 5 you are actually delaying the time to that which you would normally bolus for your food??

I would steer clear of advising anybody on what to do regarding timings of bolusing as every person is individual....
 
donnellysdogs said:
They don't recommend it as the insulin and plastic I believe can react.....

So when you are say 5 you are actually delaying the time to that which you would normally bolus for your food??

I would steer clear of advising anybody on what to do regarding timings of bolusing as every person is individual....
Click to expand...

That is true dd, as my regime only works for me, but I am not a pumper. It's old cliché again, because we are all so different :rolleyes: :)
 
jjcoleman said:
Good point. So how'd you recommend doing it? Wait until after eating?
Click to expand...

The rule of thumb when hypo is don't "eat the world." Treat accordingly or it will send you the other way..
If you were to bolus for what you intend to eat in a hypo frenzy? Not only is judgement impared. But what you see on the meter reading (say 2.8mmol?) could actually be as low as 1.5 at that point in time due to anything up to 20 minutes lag on the blood sample taken for the 2.8 result..? How the hell can you do the maths to bolus for that under the circumstances...! ;)
 
jjcoleman said:
Good point. So how'd you recommend doing it? Wait until after eating?
Click to expand...

This is about what you have started as a thread on recommendations... We can't recommend what people do on low levels. We can only say what works for us as individuals, and I don't think this was the intention of your thread.

Just be aware though that really we can only recommend safe options... Ie having a bag loaded for emergencys or holidays...

Advise nearest and dearest what you like as hypo stoppers.

Tell them to ignore any comments that you may say when hypo on some occasions.
 
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G
donnellysdogs said:
This is about what you have started as a thread on recommendations... We can't recommend what people do on low levels. We can only say what works for us as individuals, and I son't think this was the intention of your thread.

Just be aware though that really we can only recommend safe options... Ie having a bag loaded for emergencys or holidays...

Advise nearest and dearest what you like as hypo stoppers.

Tell them to ignore any comments that you may may when hypo on some occasions.
Click to expand...
Good point. I revised the thread - thanks
 
jjcoleman said:
G

Good point. I revised the thread - thanks
Click to expand...

Don't forget to change the title of your thread... You only have 7 ideas now! :D


jjcoleman said:
  • Change your set every 2-3 days to avoid lumpy skin
  • Do a basal test every once in a while
  • Make a diabetes supplies packing list
  • Make small holes in pants and thread your pump tube through to remain unnoticeable.
  • Prefill reservoirs with insulin before going on a trip - makes things a bit easier
  • You can use most strip bottle caps to unscrew the pump battery cover
  • Get into the habit of bolusing 10-15 minutes before eating to help avoid blood sugar spikes
Click to expand...
 
@jjcoleman .

Sorry if I came across as "on your case".. I can appreciate Yer keen with the D. & believe this was your first post?
I consider myself a "Jedi master" when i comes to hypos & staying functional with the "workload" of the daily non D routine. Blagging it so the non D world don't notice...

It wasn't my intention to be heavy handed on your first hello. Unless it's someone trying to sell a "snake oil miracle cure"? Then it's "open season" in my book. ;)

So, I bid ye a warm welcome...! :banghead::p
 
I'd update your basal test point. I think basal testing should be undertaken whenever your control seems to disappear. It's surprising how frequently this needs to be adjusted, MDI or pump!

You also missed " Expect the unexpected" and "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.... is Diabetes"
 
tim2000s said:
I'd update your basal test point. I think basal testing should be undertaken whenever your control seems to disappear. It's surprising how frequently this needs to be adjusted, MDI or pump!

You also missed " Expect the unexpected" and "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.... is Diabetes"
Click to expand...

This thread is rapidly becoming like D life in general...you think you got it right with the adjustments.. Then you get an "unforeseen curve ball." ;)
 
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Jaylee said:
@jjcoleman .

Sorry if I came across as "on your case".. I can appreciate Yer keen with the D. & believe this was your first post?
I consider myself a "Jedi master" when i comes to hypos & staying functional with the "workload" of the daily non D routine. Blagging it so the non D world don't notice...

It wasn't my intention to be heavy handed on your first hello. Unless it's someone trying to sell a "snake oil miracle cure"? Then it's "open season" in my book. ;)

So, I bid ye a warm welcome...! :banghead::p
Click to expand...
Haha no problem. It's good to learn from the pros. And thanks for the welcome :)
 
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