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Thriving at Work with Diabetes: Tips for Every Type of Job
Work looks different for everyone. Some of us clock into a 9-to-5 office job, others hustle through gig work or night shifts, and plenty of us juggle multiple jobs to make life happen. No matter how you earn a living, one thing is the same: diabetes doesn’t take the day off. Balancing diabetes at work isn’t just about managing numbers. It’s about feeling prepared, supported, and confident in any workplace setting. Here are practical tips to help you thrive on the job while living fearlessly with diabetes. 1. Build Your “Workday Diabetes Kit” No matter your work environment (desk, warehouse, rideshare car, or retail floor), it helps to keep a small stash of essentials close by. Think of it as your on-the-job safety net. Low snacks: We all have our preferred low snack. Whether you typically reach for gummies or a Go-Go-Squeeze, be sure to also have some form of easy protein snack to keep you smooth sailing after that low Back-up supplies: Extra pump sites, insulin pens, or CGM sensors if you’ll be away from home for long stretches Skin Grip patches: So your devices stay stuck during a long shift, a sweaty warehouse job, outdoor gig work, or a run-in with the office doorframe Water + electrolytes: Whether or not you’re on your feet, hydration is key Pro Tip: Build two kits—one for everyday carry (like a backpack, car, or locker) and one that stays permanently at your workplace. 2. Advocate for What You Need Whether you’re in a corporate office, behind a bar, or freelancing on your own schedule, it’s okay to speak up about your diabetes needs. Advocacy looks different depending on your job: Traditional workplaces: In the U.S., you may be eligible for ADA accommodations or a formal plan with HR. These can include flexible breaks, the ability to snack in meetings, or access to a fridge for insulin. Shift or gig work: You may not have HR, but you can still communicate with supervisors or teammates. This is especially true if you rely on your phone for your diabetes tech. While some shift work discourages phone use, communicating with your supervisor will set you up for success Self-employed or freelance: Advocacy might look like building breaks into your schedule and setting boundaries with clients. You are your own HR department—so treat your needs as non-negotiable. Pro Tip: You are empowered to disclose your diabetes if and when you want to. Some people share from day one, while others wait until after they’ve been hired or until it feels relevant. Both choices are valid - it’s about what works for you. 3. Stick with Confidence Through Long Shifts Few things are more frustrating than your CGM peeling off halfway through a double shift or your pump site failing during a gig. Sweat, movement, and long hours can test adhesives, but that’s where Skin Grip patches come in. Our patches are: Sweatproof and waterproof (for kitchen shifts, delivery driving, or working outdoors) Flexible for movement (whether you’re lifting, typing, or on stage performing) Designed to last 10+ days (so you can work without worrying about peeling or lifting) Pro Tip: For extra stikiness, use our Adhesive Barrier Wipes to up the ante on your grip without irritating your skin 4. Balance Work + Well-Being It’s easy to put work first and diabetes second, but the truth is you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking small steps to care for yourself during the workday can make a big difference: Drink water regularly - especially if your job is active. Set reminders to check your CGM or pump if your role keeps you busy. Take short breaks when needed, even if it’s just a quick step outside to reset. Listen to your body - if something feels off, give yourself permission to pause. Pro Tip: If your job keeps you moving nonstop, try pairing breaks with existing work rhythms (like after completing a task or route). This way, your health check becomes part of your flow, not an afterthought. Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This Diabetes is part of your life, and it comes with you to work. You don’t have to minimize it, apologize for it, or let it hold you back. With a little preparation, the right tools, and the confidence to advocate for yourself, you can thrive in any job while living with diabetes. Want to learn more about your rights as a person with diabetes in the workplace? Check out this list of common accommodations from the American Diabetes Association.
Hitting the Gym with Diabetes: How to Show Up Prepared and Fearless
The gym is a place to challenge yourself, build confidence, and move your body in a way that feels good. But if you're living with diabetes, heading into a workout space (especially one that’s public) can come with a few extra steps. Between managing devices, carrying low snacks, and planning for the unexpected, it takes more than just lacing up your sneakers. Here’s how to navigate the gym with diabetes like the bold, capable, fearless person you are. 1. Prep Before You Step In Your gym bag might look a little different than someone else’s, and that’s ok! Preparation is part of the power move. Before heading to your workout, make sure you’ve got the essentials packed and ready: Low snacks like glucose tabs, fruit snacks, or a small juice box (bonus if they’re easy to tear open mid-rep) Backup supplies for your pump or CGM, especially if you’re working out far from home Skin Grip patches to keep your devices secure through sweat, stretching, and burpees A labeled pouch or small case so everything’s easy to find in a rush You might also want to talk to your provider about enabling exercise mode on your insulin pump or adjusting settings before high-intensity workouts. 2. Speak Up (When You Want To) There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should share about your diabetes at the gym, but here’s the truth: you’re allowed to advocate for yourself. If you’re joining a new fitness class, consider letting the instructor know you might need to pause or snack mid-session. If you work with a personal trainer, a quick convo about your diabetes can help them better support you. Self-advocacy sets yourself up for success. A few ways to start the conversation: “Hey, just a heads up. I wear a medical device for diabetes, so if you see me checking something or snacking, that’s why.” “If I ever sit down or take a break, I’m just handling my blood sugar. It’s nothing to worry about.” “I’ve got what I need on me, but I’ll let you know if I need help.” 3. Sweat Happens: Make Sure Your Devices Stay Put A tough workout should challenge your muscles, not your diabetes devices. Whether you're lifting weights, running intervals, or flowing through hot yoga, you need your CGM or pump site to stay stuck through it all. That’s where Skin Grip comes in. Our adhesive patches are: Sweatproof and waterproof Built to last through long workouts Designed to flex with your body, not peel off it Use Skin Grip patches before workouts to reinforce your CGM or pump, especially if you’ve got a fresh site or are prone to sweating a lot. The more secure your tech, the more you can focus on movement, not maintenance. 4. Pack Snacks That Move With You If you’ve ever scrambled to find a vending machine or felt your blood sugar dip mid-rep, you know the importance of having snacks that travel well. Top picks for gym bags: Glucose gels or fast-acting chews (they don’t melt, and they work fast) Fruit leather or dried mango strips A pouch of applesauce or a squeezable yogurt if you have a cooler bag Mini sports drink or juice box Keep a few options tucked in your gym bag, your car, or even your shoe cubby. You never know when you (or another T1D in the wild!) might need them. 5. Create a Gym Routine That Works for You There’s no right way to “do” the gym, especially when you live with diabetes. Some days will be high-energy and intense. Others might require a slower pace or a little more attention to your body’s signals. That’s all valid. A few gentle reminders: You don’t need to explain your diabetes to anyone unless you want to. Taking a break, checking your CGM, or stepping outside is not a sign of weakness. You belong in the gym just as much as anyone else. Building confidence takes time, but each day you show up is proof of your strength. Not just physically, but in the way you advocate for yourself, plan ahead, and prioritize your health. Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Move Fearlessly Going to the gym with diabetes doesn’t mean working around your condition. It means working with it. With the right prep, mindset, and support, you can walk into any fitness space with confidence. Skin Grip is here to help you stick with it – literally. Our patches are designed for active bodies and bold lives, so you can focus on your goals without worrying about your tech peeling off mid-sweat. So go lift, run, stretch, flow, and dance. Your diabetes isn’t holding you back, and neither should your devices. Need patches that move with you?Shop Skin Grip for Dexcom, Libre, Omnipod, and more. Because your devices should work as hard as you do.
Amusement Parks and Diabetes: Everything You Need to Know
Disclaimer: All content and information in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. For the latest information, please visit the manufacturer’s website. Last updated on 7/8/25. Strap in - because managing diabetes at an amusement park is a rollercoaster in more ways than one. Between adrenaline-pumping rides, deep-fried everything on a stick, and the chaos of racing across the park only to wait in line for 90 minutes, you’ll need more than just a park map to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Common Diabetes Management Challenges at Amusement Parks The unpredictable mix of activity levels, limited food choices, and ever-changing environments at theme parks with diabetes can throw your usual diabetes routine and blood sugars for a loop. Mixed Activity Levels Spending the day at an amusement park means alternating between hours of walking and long stretches of standing in lines or sitting at shows. That stop-and-go rhythm can make it tough to predict how your blood sugars will respond. Keep a closer eye on your blood sugars throughout the day and don’t forget to pack plenty of low snacks in easily accessible spots. Insider Tip: If you use an insulin pump, try switching to exercise mode or setting a temporary basal rate based on your blood sugar levels. Limited Food Choices Funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy…theme park food smell irresistible, but they are often carb-heavy with little protein. And while they may come in handy during a low blood sugar or serve as a much anticipated sweet treat, it always helps to carry protein bars, beef sticks, or other snacks to balance out the glycemic load. Insulin Pump & CGM Risks on Rides High-speed roller coasters and thrill rides sometimes come with warnings to remove medical devices due to high speeds, pressure changes or magnetic interference. Check with your insulin pump or CGM manufacturer to know what’s safe. Secure your diabetes devices with an overpatch to keep them protected. If needed, disconnect your pump briefly before certain rides– just be sure to reconnect right after! Heat Exposure & Insulin Spoilage Extreme heat temperatures can quickly spoil insulin and compromise diabetes device adhesive. Store insulin in a cooling pouch or ask first aid to keep it in the fridge for you. Add an overpatch before heading out to the amusement park so your device stays in place all day and night. Essential Diabetes Supplies for Theme Parks This is not the day to pack light. A well-stocked diabetes bag is your best ride companion. Your Diabetes Medications & Devices Insulin & Oral Medications: Pack enough for the entire day, plus a little extra. Delays happen and you want to be prepared! Extra Insulin Pump Supplies: Toss in an extra infusion set, reservoir, and either batteries or your pump’s charger. Glucose Monitoring Supplies Continuous Glucose Monitor Users: Bring your CGM receiver or your phone. Pack an extra sensor just in case yours fails, plus adhesive patches to keep everything in place. Glucose Meter & Test Strips: Whether or not you are a CGM user, bring a meter and test strips as a backup. Hypoglycemia Treatment Fast-Acting Carbs: Pack plenty of fast-acting carbs for potential low blood sugars. Always pack more than you think you’ll need! Emergency Glucagon: If prescribed, pack your glucagon and that anyone with you knows how to use it in case of an emergency. Insulated Protection for Insulin Insulin Cooling Case: Theme parks can get hot! Protect your insulin from heat by using a Frio Cooling Wallet or a small insulated bag with gel packs. Miscellaneous Must-Haves Medical ID Emergency Contact Information Extra Snacks Water Bottle Portable Charger & Power Bank Pro-Tip: Check the amusement park’s policies on outside food, drinks and medical supplies before you go. A quick heads-up can save you from any headache or hassle at the gate. Amusement Park Disability Pass for Diabetics While not all amusement parks offer specific “diabetic” disability passes, many do provide accommodations for guests with disabilities, including those with diabetes. Before your visit, it’s a good idea to contact Guest Services or review the park’s Disability Access service (DAS) or equivalent program online. These programs often include several helpful diabetes-friendly accommodations, such as: Disability Access Line With a disability access line, you can enter through a different line or a designated ride entrance that often involves shorter or shaded wait areas. This allows you to step away for a snack, test your blood sugar or give insulin without needing to leave your place in line. Return Time Pass A return time pass functions as a virtual reservation system. Rather than waiting in a long-line, you’re given a designated return window to come back and enjoy the ride with little to no wait. This option gives you the freedom to monitor your blood sugar, hydrate or even take a break while waiting for your turn. Lockers for Diabetes & Medical Supplies Amusement parks understand the importance of keeping diabetes and medical supplies accessible during your visit. Many parks offer medical lockers or special storage areas with the ride attendant so you’re only apart from your diabetes essentials for a short time– just minutes or even seconds! Outside Food & Drink Exceptions: Even at parks where outside food and drinks are normally restricted, most make expectations for medical needs. Guests with diabetes are typically allowed to carry low snacks, such as juice boxes, glucose tables, fruit snacks and other snack options.
Flying with an Insulin Pump: Here’s What Tandem, Omnipod, Medtronic and Beta Bionics Suggest
There is nothing like the adrenaline rush of juggling your insulin pump, your carry-on, and rapidly diminishing supply of patience while inching forward in the seemingly endless security line. You can’t help but wonder if your trusty insulin pump will make it through airport security unscathed and if you’ll manage to keep your cool and make it to your flight on time.
Why is Diabetes Technology So Hard to Get? The Frustrating Reality of Living with Diabetes
Diabetes technology has transformed the lives of people with diabetes, from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that help track blood glucose in real-time to insulin pumps that reduce the need for frequent injections. But why does it feel like pulling teeth to get your hands on them? If you’ve ever spent hours (or days) in an endless game of phone tag with your doctor or device manufacturer just to get a shipment processed, then you know firsthand that it can be frustrating, confusing and downright expensive to access the technology that could make your life so much easier.
