Tips and Tricks
Disclaimer
This information has been prepared by a family with type 1 diabetes and is not endorsed by the JDRF or any other organization. It is provided only as a general resource and should be used as a guide only. Always consult your physician before starting any treatments.
Tips and Tricks and Products we like!
Bag Balm – for hard calloused fingers. http://www.bagbalm.com/
Available at most drug stores – I got it at Amazon
Blood Ketone meter (Precision Xtra) by Abbot – to get a number instead of a shade of pink. Need a prescription
http://www.abbottdiabetescare.com
CalorieKing.com – Easily searchable (and free) on-line nutritional database website. Can even buy software database to be loaded on a palm pilot/blackberry or other fancy phones. http://www.calorieking.com
Carb Factors – The carb factor is the percentage of carbohydrate present in a food. For instance, the carb factor of an apple is 0.13. This means that 13% of an apple’s weight is carbohydrate. An apple weighing exactly 100 grams would contain 13 grams of carbs. Especially useful for pizza – we use .27 to .29 depending on the thickness of the crust. Example= if you have a piece of pizza that weighs 85g -> 85*.28= 23.8 grams of carbohydrate! Easy carb counting for pizza no matter what size or shape the slice!
http://www.medexplorer.com/nutrition/nutrition.dbm (This data base lists everything based on 100g servings which can be easily converted to a carb factor by moving the decimal point.)
CGM – Continuous Glucose Monitors
Some current and future continuous glucose monitoring products include:
• FreeStyle Navigator
• Medtronic Minimed Paradigm Real Time Continuous Glucose Monitor
• The Guardian by Medtronic Minimed
• Dexcom STS
• GlucoDay S
• Senzime
Need a prescription and some have trouble getting insurance to cover them.
Dex4 Glucose Tabs – Name brand and some of the more expensive – but they do offer GREAT flavors. Strawberries and Cream, Sour Apple, and Raspberry are some of our favorites. And you can use Flex accounts for these. You can even get these at Amazon.com!
Diabetic Driver/passenger vehicle stickers – Incase of an emergency on the road might be nice to have something to alert the professionals that there maybe someone with a medical condition involved. http://www.dadinnovations.com/products.html
Diastix – To test if it really is a “diet” pop at the restaurant. Available at lots of places – even Amazon! 100 strips for $16.50-ish
Emla – Numbing cream – We use it for CGM insertions and blood draws. Works but you need to put it on a good hour or two before you want it to work. A 5% emulsion preparation, containing 2.5% each of lidocaine/prilocaine. Need a prescription
Frio – to keep insulin cool without refrigeration – re-chargeable with simple tap water. Lots of sizes available. Available from lots of vendors (Even Amazon)
GlucoPhone – A phone with a built in glucose meter that will automatically e-mail or text the reading to a pre-designated number. Cool – but only avail with limited cell providers and I don’t think strips are covered by insurance yet. I have not checked into this one recently – it could be more easily available now… http://www.healthpia.us/tech.jsp or http://www.healthpia.us/product.jsp
Groovy Patches – To make wearing a pump more fun and fashionable!
http://www.groovypatches.com/ No prescription needed. About $1.00 each.
I-Port – a “port” that is inserted and changed every 3-days similar to a pump site and then insulin injections are delivered through it. One “shot” every 3-days instead of multiple daily injections. http://www.i-port.com/ I believe you need to get these through a doctor – worth asking about if you are interested.
Inject-Ease – Hides the needle and does the injection at the push of a button – but the “snap” sound it makes may make it scarier than just doing the injection for a young child. Also a bit clunky and hard to set up – but works well for folks looking for alternative injections sites they can not currently reach.
Insulin Pen – Several companies make insulin pens including Novo Nordisk, Aventis and Eli Lilly. These companies produce pens for most of their insulins, including NovoLog/NovoRapid, Humalog, Levemir and Lantus. They are very common with adults. Prescription is needed
Insulin Pen cartridges – Made for use with the pens – but can be used with syringes too. If you don’t use much insulin monthly you could get 5 month supply of insulin for 1 co-pay! Prescription needed.
Insulin Pump – Some current and future insulin pump products include:
• Accu-Chek Spirit http://www.disetronic-usa.com/
• Animas Ping http://www.animascorp.com/
• DANA Diabecare IISG http://www.sooil.com
• Deltec Cozmo 1800 http://www.cozmore.com/
• Insulet Omnipod http://www.myomnipod.com/
• Minimed Paradigm 522/722 http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/
• Nipro Amigo http://www.niprodiabetes.com/
When you are ready to start pumping do some research and call the companies you are interested in. They will send a rep out to your house to do a no-obligation dog and pony show for you. Good way to touch and feel the product and help make your decision.
I.V. 3000 Transparent Dressing – Clear, transparent tape dressing for covering infusion sites. Useful if you pull out a lot of sites and for covering Emla while waiting the 2 hours. (AKA Tagaderm OTC) If you are a pumper this may be covered by ins.
Kitchen scale (We use the Salter Kitchen Nutritional Scale) – Makes fruits and veggies easy to count! Available from lots of vendors (Even Amazon)
Leg sleeve (Pump Bands) – another way to wear a pump http://www.pumpwearinc.com No prescription needed – I have heard control top panty hose work too.
Medic Alert Bracelets – Lots to choose from just Google “Medical Alert”.
http://www.medicalert.org
http://www.petitebaublesboutique.com/
http://www.laurenshope.com/
http://www.fifty50pharmacy.com
http://www.rescuemeids.com/
http://www.missbrooke.com
Medicool – To keep insulin cool without refrigeration (Needs pre-cooled freezer pack.) Lots of sizes available. Available from lots of vendors (Even Amazon)
MultiClix – by Accu-Check – Easier lancet management (Daycares & schools love these!) Available at most drug stores and lots of on-line vendors. Can get a prescription for the lancets. Normal shelf price is about $30 but they go on sale at Wal-Mart every so often for $10.00-ish.
My Other Checkbook – Very cool log book. Easily record carbs, insulin doses, oral medications and exercise on our convenient Smart Charts. Graph your blood sugars to quickly spot patterns. Try 4 months for $8.95 or go for a year supply for $21.45.
http://www.diabetesnet.com/mocb1.php
Needle clipper – by BD – Easier used syringe management and travel
Available from lots of vendors (Even Amazon) About $4.00
Pajama – With Velcro openings to arms and legs for easy access for shots. By our very own Laurie McCleod. http://www.licketysplitclothingworks.com
Palm – To load the Calorie King database onto. I’m not that techie – I can’t recommend a specific PDA – you’ll have to do your own research and get what will work for you. Sorry.
Pump Dresses – dresses for little girls with pockets for the pump that Velcro on the inside so you don’t have to run tubing all over the place. They are very cute and sound like such a good idea but when our 6-year old daughter wore the pump in the pocket it bumped around and irritated her site – so they really did not work for us. But if primarily wear your site on your rear – it could work. They really are cute. http://www.alana-mireilleapparel.com
Pump Packs – to hold the pump for young kids that don’t have belts to clip them too. Lots of on-line vendors if you Google “insulin pump pack”. There are lots of Grandmas making these and selling them on-line and on E-Bay. Some will even make them to order. Two companies I know of and trust are: http://www.licketysplitclothingworks.com
http://www.pumpwearinc.com/ (Love their softie packs and belts)
Pump skins – To make wearing a pump more fun and fashionable! Looks like they are only available with Accucheck and Medtronic pumps.
http://www.minimed.com/products/insulinpumps/skins/
Pumpernickel – Pumpernickel helps smooth the transition to insulin pump therapy for children. (Stuffed animal) http://www.fifty50pharmacy.com
Rufus , the Bear with Diabetes – Someone to share your diabetes with and a good prop for school presentations. Available in the JDRF Bag of Hope. He also has books!
Skin Tac™ Wipes – This latex-free, hypo-allergenic wipe aids in the adhesion between skin and adhesive tape. Helpful if you pull out a lot of sites. We got ours through our pump company.
Soup thermos – Can be used for quick trips with insulin in the summer. Smaller, cheaper and can be bought almost anywhere.
Spoon – makes giving little ones with needle aversions shots easier. Use as an ice pack to numb the area before a shot. Chances are you already have one of these – just pop it in the freezer should be ready in an hour or two! 
Syringes with ½ unit markings – A must for little ones with tiny insulin doses. Most pharmacies do not carry them but they can order them for you. Ask for “BD Ultra-Fine™ InsulinSyringe with Short Needle, 3/10 cc (30 units) with half-unit scale” BD catalog number #328440. UPC number #08290-328440
Travel scale – useful for carb counting on the go. Especially useful for French Fries (1oz=10 carbs), Buns (Weigh the bun in grams and then divide by 2 and that equals the carbs), & Pizza (Weigh in g and then use a carb factor of .27 or .28 depending on thickness of crust to get a carb count.)
http://www.amazon.com/Polder-Pocket-Size-Digital-Scale/dp/B0002EXVH8
Uni-Solve adhesive remover by Smith and Nephew – one of our best finds. Helps remove sticky pump sites. Getting the sites OFF was more difficult than getting them ON! I recommend the bottle – the individual wipes we got were too try and did not work well. Walgreen’s can order it for you. Not covered by insurance but well worth the $8-ish it cost.
Blogs that I like
http://artistmom2two.blogspot.com/
(“A shot in the Dark” by our very own Sandra)
http://www.sixuntilme.com/
http://www.diabetesmine.com/
http://www.diabetesdaily.com/johnson/
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid2629856/bclid3791315/bctid3791270 (Not a blog – but a cool 3-part video about the discovery of Insulin – offered by DLife)
http://www.alifetimeofdiabetes.com/photo.htm
(Not really a blog – but some very moving diabetes photography – Note: Gallery 2 is not for the weak of heart or recently diagnosed – it still makes me cry every time.)
Online message boards and groups that I frequent
http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp (Go to message boards/Place for Parents)
http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/ (Go to CWD Forums)
http://www.type1parents.org/index.php (Go to Forums)
http://www.diabeticrockstar.com/ (Go to Forum)
http://tudiabetes.com/ (Go to Forum)
Books I’ve read – Yes – I know I read too much…..
50 Secrets of the Longest Living People with Diabetes by Sheri R. Colberg, Steven V. Edelman
487 Really Cool Tips for Kids with Diabetes by Bo Loy, Spike Loy
2008 CalorieKing Calorie, Fat & Carbohydrate Counter by Allan Borushek
A First Book for Understanding Diabetes by H. Peter Chase (The long version – Pink Panther book you probably got at diagnosis.)
Banting: A Biography by Michael Bliss
Bittersweet: Diabetes, Insulin, and the Transformation of Illness by Chris Feudtner
Cheating Destiny: Living with Diabetes by James S. Hirsch
Cooking up Fun for Kids with Diabetes by Patti B. Geil, Tami A. Ross
Diabetes Care for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: A Reassuring Guide by Jean Betschart-Roemer
Diabetes for Dummies by Alan L. MD Rubin
Even Little Kids Get Diabetes by Connie White Pirner, Nadine Bernard Westcott (kids book)
Getting a Grip on Diabetes : Quick Tips for Kids and Teens by Spike Nasmyth Loy, Bo Nasmyth Loy
Lara Takes Charge by Rocky Lang, Sally Huss (kids book)
MY LIFE AS A PANCREAS: Reflections on Raising a Child With Diabetes by Priscilla Call Essert (Humor)
Pumping Insulin: Everything You Need For Success On A Smart Insulin Pump by John Walsh, Ruth Roberts
Real Life Parenting of Kids with Diabetes by Virginia Nasmyth Loy
Rufus Comes Home by Kim Gosselin, Terry Ravanelli (Kids book)
Sweet Kids How to Balance Diabetes Control and Good Nutrition with Family Peace
Taking Control of Your Diabetes by Steven V. Edelman, and Friends
Taking Diabetes to School by Kim Gosselin , Moss Freedman (kids book)
The Diabetic Athlete by Sheri Colberg
The Discovery of Insulin by Michael Bliss
The Healthy Lunchbox by Marie McClendon, Cristy Shauck
The New Glucose Revolution by Dr. Jennie Brand-Miller, Thomas M.S. Wolever, Kaye Foster-Powell, Stephen Colagiuri
The New Glucose Revolution for Diabetes by Dr. Jennie Brand-Miller, Kaye Foster-Powell, Stephen Colagiuri, Alan Barclay
The Official Pocket Guide to Diabetic Exchanges by the ADA
The Ultimate Guide to Accurate Carb Counting: Featuring the Tools and Techniques Used by the Experts by Gary Scheiner
Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin by Gary Scheiner, Barry Goldstein
Type 1 Diabetes: A Guide for Children, Adolescents, Young Adults–and Their Caregivers , by Ragnar Hanas, Stuart Brink
Understanding Diabetes by H. Peter Chase (Short version of Pink Panther for grandparents, teachers, daycares, etc…)
Understanding Insulin Pumps & Continuous Glucose Monitors by H. Peter Chase (Pump & CGM version)
