Diabetes Management
Diabetes Management
How to Remove Shame When Checking Your Blood Sugar with Diabetes
A main component of managing diabetes is monitoring blood sugar levels, but it can also be one of the biggest contributors of guilt and shame. Knowing your blood sugar levels provides you and your care team with valuable information so it is important to keep the interaction neutral or as positive as possible. Keep reading to find out how you can keep the shame away when checking your blood sugar.
Losing Weight with Type 1 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
There is a lot of conflicting advice about the best way to lose weight whether or not you have type 1 diabetes. In this blog post, we are going to walk you through exactly what you need to know about losing weight with type 1 diabetes to support you in reaching your weight-loss goals.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring: How to Use the Data in Your Self-Management
Do you dread going to your endocrinologist appointments when it’s time for them to view your blood sugar “report card”? This blog post is going to help you take action before your next endocrinology appointment by showing you how to use your CGM data to self-identify patterns and trends.
What is Diabetes Anyway?
(Zohre Nemati / unsplash) Diabetes mellitus, often just called “diabetes,” is an endocrine disorder that results in high blood glucose levels. Diabetes affects how the body produces or uses the hormone insulin, which is responsible for managing glucose in the body’s cells. While diabetes was once a fatal disease, modern treatments allow people with diabetes to live long, healthy, mostly normal lives. Symptoms How does someone know if they might have diabetes? While diabetes can only be diagnosed by a medical provider, these symptoms can indicate that you are affected: Abnormal hunger Increased thirst Urinating often Unexplained weight loss Blurry vision Fatigue Poor wound healing Frequent skin infections or UTIs Itching or burning hands and feet Diagnosis Your doctor will use tests to diagnose your diabetes. These include the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) and the A1C test. To test your fasting plasma glucose, the doctor will ask you to avoid eating or drinking for at least 8 hours before testing. A blood sample will be drawn and used to measure your blood glucose level. A fasting blood sugar should ideally be less than 100 mg/dL. The doctor will also test your A1C, which is a measurement of your average blood sugar over a 3-month period. By measuring the amount of a particular type of hemoglobin in the blood, your doctor can determine your average blood sugar. This test is more important in diagnosing and managing diabetes than random blood glucose tests, as this test indicates the overall trends in your blood sugar over time. Types of Diabetes While diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder in the United States, there is often confusion about the different types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is most common, affecting approximately 90% of people with diabetes. Type 1 is much rarer, with only 8% of people with diabetes diagnosed with Type 1. Additionally, some women suffer from gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes experienced during pregnancy. Type 2 Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed at any time throughout life but often develops well into adulthood. Type 2 diabetes has complicated causes but is associated with genetics, age, and weight. You can lower your risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and consuming a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Type 1 Type 1 diabetes is often referred to as “juvenile” diabetes because it is more prevalent in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes is caused by a failure of the pancreas to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes can also be caused by a variety of factors, such as autoimmune disorder, pancreatic injury, and genetics. While type 2 diabetes can often be treated without insulin, people with type 1 diabetes rely on artificial insulin to maintain normal blood glucose. Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes occurs only in pregnant women. Hormones secreted by the placenta can increase insulin resistance in some women. While gestational diabetes often resolves after delivery, it is still a serious condition. Gestational diabetes affects the mother and developing fetus and can cause severe complications during and after delivery. Additionally, developing gestational diabetes is a risk factor that increases the likelihood of the mother developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Treatment Diabetes treatment is often managed by a team of providers, including your primary care physician, an endocrinologist, and nurses. These healthcare professionals can assess lab values and your overall health to provide the best treatment plan for you. Doctors may prescribe several different types of insulin for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes may also be prescribed a variety of oral medications to help manage blood glucose levels. In many cases, oral medications alone are sufficient for managing Type 2 diabetes. Regardless of what type of diabetes you are diagnosed with, your healthcare team will likely recommend changes in diet and activity level to help you manage your blood sugar. While many providers recommend the Diabetes Plate method, diabetes can be effectively managed on a variety of diets (as we’ve discussed here). An active lifestyle is also possible for people with diabetes and will yield lifelong health benefits. Some patients may receive a prescription for a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). These devices are used to monitor blood glucose levels throughout the day. They are particularly important for people at risk of hypoglycemia, a potentially fatal drop in blood glucose levels. Devices like the Freestyle Libre or Dexcom G6 are fastened with an adhesive patch to the back of the arm. The device then measures blood glucose levels at regular intervals and transmits the information to a display or smartphone. This allows patients to have up-to-date blood sugars before, during, and after meals. The Takeaway… Diabetes mellitus is a common disorder that is manageable with medication and lifestyle. While diagnosis can often feel overwhelming, Skin Grip believes that people with diabetes can feel empowered, healthy, and active. That’s why we make products designed to help people with diabetes sleep at night. Skin Grip isn’t just tape for diabetic sensors; it’s peace of mind.
Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes: How to Enjoy Your Vacation Without Sacrificing Your Blood Sugars
Traveling can be overwhelming, especially if you are living with type 1 diabetes. It can be quite hard to enjoy your time on vacation while your blood sugar levels are fluctuating all over. In this blog post, we are breaking down three specific areas you can focus on when traveling with diabetes so you can enjoy your vacation without sacrificing your blood sugars.
A Beginner’s Guide to Insulin
(Markus Spiske / unsplash) For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin is the most well-known and likely the most important medication they will take. While most people produce insulin within their own bodies, people with type 1 diabetes cannot do this. As a result, they must take insulin injections to help their body metabolize glucose. Each day, insulin therapy saves the lives of millions of people. In daily conversation, we often refer to the medications type 1 diabetics take as “insulin,” but there are actually multiple types of insulin, which can be tailored to the needs of each individual. Many people use multiple types of insulin to control their blood sugar throughout the day. For someone new to the type 1 life, the different types and their properties can make your head spin! In this article, we will make the type 1 life simpler for diabetics and their loved ones by reviewing the most common drugs used for insulin therapy. How many types of insulin are there? There are five types of insulin that we use to categorize various drugs used in insulin therapy. They are categorized by how quickly they begin to work and how long they last. They are: Rapid (or Ultra-short) Acting Insulin Short-Acting Insulin Intermediate Acting Insulin Long-Acting Insulin Mixed Insulin Which insulin you should take is determined by you and your doctor and can depend on various factors, such as how you prefer to inject your insulin, whether you plan to use a medical device, compliance, insurance, and more. Whatever is prescribed to you, work with your doctor and diabetes nurse educator to understand how to best implement your care. If you have questions or concerns, ask! Nurse educators love to answer questions and help deliver the best care possible. Rapid (or Ultra-short) Acting Insulin This category of insulin includes drugs like insulin lispro, insulin aspart, and insulin glulisine. These drugs work quickly, as they begin to take effect within 12-30 minutes. They reach their peak effectiveness between 30 minutes and 3 hours and last approximately 3-5 hours total. Rapid-acting insulin is taken approximately 15 minutes before meals and is used to maintain stable blood glucose levels after eating. These drugs are combined with longer-acting insulins to keep a steady blood sugar throughout the day. Insulin pumps are primarily used with rapid-acting insulin, as its quick onset and short duration of action mean the pump can release small amounts of insulin throughout the day in response to blood glucose levels, similar to the way insulin is secreted in a functioning pancreas. Short-Acting Insulin This category includes regular insulin. This drug begins to work in about 30 minutes and reaches its peak effectiveness in 2.5-5 hours. Its effects can last 4-24 hours, though, like rapid-acting insulin, it is often paired with other longer-lasting drugs to maintain stable blood sugars throughout the day/night. Short-acting insulin is often taken 30 minutes prior to meals to prevent blood glucose levels from elevating after meals. Intermediate Acting Insulin This category includes insulin NPH. These drugs begin to work in about 1-2 hours and reach their peak effectiveness in 4-12 hours. Their total duration is approximately 14-24 hours. Intermediate-acting insulins are often given twice per day and are paired with a shorter-acting insulin to take at mealtimes. Intermediate-acting insulin is used to regulate blood glucose levels throughout the day to prevent unwanted spikes in blood glucose. Long-Acting Insulin This category includes insulin glargine, insulin detemir, and ultralente insulin (now discontinued). They begin to take effect after 3-4 hours and last 24 hours or more. There is no peak effectiveness for long-acting insulins. These drugs are taken once or twice a day and used in conjunction with shorter-acting insulins to keep blood glucose levels stable throughout the day. Mixed Insulin This category includes a number of drugs that are a pre-mixed combination of rapid/short-acting insulins and intermediate or long-acting insulins. For example, they may come in proportions such as 25% rapid-acting and 75% intermediate-acting insulin. These mixes will often be used to cover two meals and a snack, so they are frequently taken in the morning and again in the evening. Exact dosing regimens will depend on a variety of factors determined by your doctor. Why would multiple types of insulin be used? Managing blood sugar can be tricky. Some individuals may find that using just one type of insulin doesn’t adequately manage their blood glucose, particularly just after meals. While long-lasting insulins can keep their blood sugar down most of the day, a rapid or short-acting insulin can be used to manage and adjust insulin dosage in response to meals. This is when patients can use sliding scales and other tools to appropriately manage their blood sugar from day to day. With time, experience, and guidance from medical professionals, many patients find a dosing regime that works for them, which can include the use of tools like CGMs and insulin pumps. These tools measure blood glucose levels throughout the day and even track trends over time. Using medical devices to track blood sugar can give people with diabetes much-needed peace of mind as they simplify the process of keeping blood glucose levels in the ideal range. Skin Grip helps people with type 1 diabetes by keeping their CGMs and insulin pumps in place. Our adhesive overlay patches secure Dexcom G6, Medtronic Guardian, Freestyle Libre, and Omnipod devices. They allow you to get the full life out of your device and stop worrying about it falling off. If you want to stop losing sensors, you can try a free sample at SkinGrip.com. Video
3 Ways to Support Someone You Love When They Have Diabetes
When someone you love is diagnosed with diabetes, it can feel like you are a helpless bystander in their diabetes diagnosis. You are witnessing first hand how the high and low blood sugars impact their personality. You may be losing sleep alongside them every time their blood sugar alarm goes off. You may spend hours worrying about whether or not they are safe and healthy.
4 Easy Steps to Make Bolusing an Everyday Habit with Type 1 Diabetes
People with diabetes are faced with making over 180 treatment decisions every single day. The constant demand and unpredictability of life with diabetes can be quite a burden when it impacts every area of your life. For many people with diabetes, it is not unusual to become exhausted by the burden of managing diabetes. However it is well-known that being proactive with insulin management can significantly improve A1C and glycemic variability with your diabetes management.
How Does Diabetes Affect Mental Health?
(Pexels / pixabay) Receiving a type 1 diabetes diagnosis is a life-changing event. Not only does type 1 diabetes require adjustments in diet, medication, and medical appointments, but the stress involved in a new diagnosis can lead to changes in our mental health. Just as it is essential to manage the physical aspects of diabetes by monitoring blood glucose, counting carbs, and administering insulin, it is equally important to manage our mental health. Maintaining a positive mood and attitude will make it easier to manage the day-to-day issues that come with a chronic medical condition like type 1 diabetes. How does diabetes affect mental health? For many people, diabetes can feel like a burden that looms over daily life. People with type 1 diabetes are twice as likely to develop depression throughout their life. Some aspects of life, like maintaining a healthy diet, are particularly important for people with diabetes. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop disordered eating, as fear of uncontrolled blood sugars can lead to binging or restricted eating. Additionally, increased levels of depression and anxiety can lead to avoidant behaviors, such as ignoring blood glucose levels, doctor’s appointments, and other aspects of medical care related to diabetes. The emotional problems stemming from a diabetes diagnosis are sometimes called Diabetes Distress. Diabetes Distress Due to the daily attention that managing diabetes requires, it is not uncommon for people with diabetes to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or burnt out. Some may feel like their condition controls them or is an insurmountable challenge. These feelings can demotivate people and make them less likely to manage their diabetes effectively. They may stop checking their blood sugar, going to doctor’s appointments, or otherwise ignore their self-care. It’s estimated that up to half of the people with diabetes experience diabetes distress in any 18-month period. While diabetes distress is common, it is not something we want to experience. Although diabetes distress can look like normal depression and anxiety, it may not respond to medication. Because it is a diabetes-specific challenge, it requires specific care. A good first step is to talk to your endocrinologist for specific guidance on how to best address the emotional challenges related to diabetes. Meeting with diabetes educators, therapists who specialize in chronic health conditions, or a diabetes support group can be another way to connect with people who understand what you might be thinking and feeling. How do I monitor my mental health? If you are concerned about your mental health, the first step is to talk about your concerns with your healthcare provider or diabetes specialist. Screenings for diabetes distress, depression, or anxiety disorders can help determine if your concerns are diagnosable. Online screening tools can also be an inexpensive way to evaluate your mental and emotional health prior to a scheduled appointment. These tools are used to identify potential signs of mental health issues that may require treatment. If you are concerned about diabetes-related depression, you can try an online screening here. What do I do if type 1 diabetes has affected my mental health? Mental health conditions are treatable and manageable, just like type 1 diabetes. For medical assistance, ask your care provider to refer you to a mental health specialist to develop a treatment plan specific to you and your needs. Common treatments include therapy, encouraging lifestyle changes, and antidepressant medications. Therapy can include talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or dialectical behavioral therapy. These treatments rely on meeting with a therapist to discuss your specific concerns and emotions, developing positive coping strategies, and working together with your therapist to alleviate symptoms of mental illness. Medications can include a variety of antidepressants, depending on the specific needs of the patient. SSRIs and SNRIs are two of the most commonly prescribed types of antidepressants. These drugs, in combination with therapy and lifestyle adjustments, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. While these medications are effective, they can take several weeks to take effect and may come with mild side effects. Doctors and patients work together to find the medication that works best to alleviate depression and anxiety. Lifestyle changes for patients with depression and anxiety include managing or reducing stress, exercising, spending time outside, and developing healthy ways to relieve stress, such as journaling, enjoying hobbies, or discussing problems with friends and family. Developing coping skills will allow you to manage stress in all aspects of life, including diabetes management. Skin Grip is dedicated to stress-free living. One of the biggest sources of stress for people with type 1 diabetes is managing their blood glucose and all of the equipment that comes with it. Even with a CGM, which makes checking blood glucose simpler, there is the stress and hassle that comes with applying sensors, keeping them on, and fighting with insurance to get replacements when they fall off early. Skin Grip’s overlay patches and tape are designed for keeping diabetic sensors safe throughout their recommended lifespan. A waterproof, hypoallergenic overpatch for your Dexcom, Freestyle Libre, or Medtronic Guardian sensor can eliminate the worry about keeping your sensor safe. These patches are applied on top of your sensor and protect it from water, dirt, and accidental bumps. Skin Grip keeps your sensor on your skin, right where you need it, so you don’t have to worry about it. Having a secure sensor means you can bike, hike, swim, surf, dance, and hug without fear of losing your new sensor. One less thing to worry about means you can inhabit the Skin Grip motto, “Live Fearlessly.” Video
3 Ways to Prioritize Blood Sugars During the Holiday Season with Type 1 Diabetes
When you are navigating the holiday season with type 1 diabetes, it can often feel like you are caught in the middle between choosing to enjoy your favorite seasonal treats or managing your blood sugars.
6 Myths About Lowering Your A1C You Shouldn’t Believe & What to Do Instead
When you receive a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, you are sent home with worksheets, folders, brochures, binders, and books. You are overwhelmed with the plethora of information that quite literally has fallen onto your lap and you want to be able to absorb all of the information you possibly can. Diabetes changes so many things in your life that you want to be able to navigate the life that you once had. But, it can be quite difficult when the information you receive is conflicting and make navigating this huge lifestyle change even more overwhelming.
The Diabetes Glossary: For the Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic
When you receive a diagnosis of diabetes, it really is like learning a whole new language. Not only does it change the way that you take care of your body and the way that you look at food, but there’s all these new terms that you didn’t know existed. If you are new to the diabetes community, you might have heard these terms and have no idea what they mean or you don't know that these terms exist.
