Whether you’re a New Patient, a Parent of a Patient or a Healthcare Provider, we’re in this together. We’re here to not only get you the Products you need, but the support to help you live life to the fullest.
It’s never too early or too late to start living a healthier, happier life. We can help! Here are some healthy lifestyle tips for living with diabetes.
Top 8 Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Closely monitor your blood sugars. If you are not on CGMS, check your blood glucose at least four times per day. In order to avoid acute complications of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, you must check often.
When you prepare your infusion site, make sure it sticks. There are a variety of skin preps and special tapes that can be used to help keep sensors and infusion sets in place. Ask your patient advocate representative for suggestions.
Use your temporary basal rate feature. You may need to set a temporary rate on your pump to prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia while swimming, biking, hiking, walking, playing and running. Contact your healthcare professional for instruction on decreases in rates.
When flying, make sure you diabetes supplies are in your carry-on baggage. Never put your diabetes supplies with your checked baggage. Have your physician write you a letter stating you have diabetes and carry at least twice the supplies you think you need.
Remember to interpret your readings and can act accordingly. If your blood glucose is less than 70 mg/dl, you are hypoglycemic and must treat immediately. This is a medical emergency. Follow your 15:15 Rule – 15 gm of carbohydrate (3-4 glucose tablets, 1/2 cup juice) and check your glucose after 15 minutes. Repeat 15:15 Rule, if necessary, until your glucose is over 70.
If you have two unexplained glucose readings above 240 mg/dl, change your pump infusion site and take a correction injection as specified by your healthcare provider. Check urine or blood for ketones. If ketones are present, contact your healthcare provider immediately and drink plenty of sugar-free fluids and water to flush the ketones out of your body.
Store your diabetes supplies in a cool, dry area. Supplies include CGM sensors, blood glucose test strips, blood glucose meter, pump supplies, insulin, insulin syringe and a source of carbohydrate for treating hypoglycemia. Sensors, blood glucose test strips and insulin should not be stored in a car.
Take identification and emergency precautions. Wear a medic alert identification. You can get yours though the American Diabetes Association, James Avery, or any local pharmacy or Walmart. Ask your healthcare provider to prescribe a glucagon emergency kit.
We verify your insurance. If it’s the first order of the year, we’ll also call your insurance provider. We use this information to get the best results for you.
We contact you, usually within half-a-day of receiving your referral, to discuss everything – from what your insurance provides to other diabetes products.
