The first one started with deciding to give up pumping and go back to MDI. This also meant that I was going to start using Dexcom as my CGM of choice. 12 months later and I do not regret this decision. Dexcom has been amazing, and I absolutely love the choice that I made to switch to Dexcom.
Fiasp
In March, I was able to get my hands on free samples of Fiasp. I wrote about my feelings on Fiasp, but to summarize, I loved it. The faster acting insulin really did help decrease the spikes that I have after meals.
Advocating My Way
During 2018, I was attacked personally because of the way that I decide to advocate. If I didn’t advocate the way a certain group of people wanted me to advocate, they would attack me (and many others that I know). So, I wrote an article about why I will advocate my way, and you can advocate your way. We all have different ways of advocating, or doing anything really. So, I felt that I needed to write a post explaining that my way works for me, and everybody can advocate whatever way they feel like, as long as it is effective and not putting others down at the same time.
It’s that time of the year, open enrollment, driving around looking at Christmas lights and trying to figure out where you are going to spend the remaining balance of your FSA or HSA balances.
To help you figure out where to spend your remaining balance, I have put together the following places that you can use it before you lose it.
One tip to keep in mind is to always ask for a detailed receipt or paid invoice statement for your purchase.
Let’s get into the list.
StayPut Medical
StayPutMedical.com has a line of adhesives that I’ve personally used for my Dexcom to stay on the full duration. I like these because they are not like other adhesives that I’ve used. I can easily trim them and make them the exact size that I want them to be. They bend with my skin, which may not make sense, but when I put them on my arm and I move my arm in different directions, the adhesive doesn’t pull like majority of other brands that I’ve tried in the past.
TotalyDiabetesSupply.com
TotalyDiabetesSupply.com is known as “Your Trusted Source for Discounted Diabetes Supplies”. Located in South Florida, TotalDiabetesSupply.com has a large selection of diabetic and other medical supplies available to ship right to your door. From test strips and pump supplies to syringes and pen needles as well as wound care related items. I recommend them for your extra balance on your FSA card, so why not stock up on your testing essentials at a great value and friendly service.
OrthoFeet
I never really was into wearing socks specifically for people with diabetes, because I just wore regular athletic socks, however, I was given samples one time and I decided to wear them when I knew I was going to be walking a lot (hiking trip).
I don’t know exactly how these work the way that they do, but I know that when my feet get sweaty, they still stay dry, which is important for me when I have socks on all day. I’ve gotten blisters in the past and they are extremely painful. Here is how OrthoFeet describes the bamboo socks on their site:
OrthoFeet’s BioSoft™ innovative bamboo men’s and women’s circulatory and diabetic socks feature a loose and non-constricting fit, unique seam-free design, excellent moisture wicking system along with softness and extra cushioning that provide the ultimate comfort and protection for sensitive feet and for persons with diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis, circulation problems, and edema.
https://www.orthofeet.com/collections/socks
OrthoFeet offers not only socks but insoles and other items to help people with diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis and more. This is another site that you can use your FSA balance on. Just remember to be sure to ask for a detailed receipt in case you need to submit something to your insurance company.
Since I was in high school, I have worn insoles to help with my shin-splints and to help take some of the pounding off of my knees, especially while playing basketball. The technology they have developed intrigued me and once I tried it, I won’t recommend anything else.
The Orth-Cushion System that has built in air pockets to help with the cushioning and impact is a game changer for me. I will not do the technology justice, so I recommend checking them out – https://www.orthofeet.com/pages/reviews
American Medical ID
I used to not wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace or anything until I realized how important they really are and also how cool they can look. I never wanted something that would stand out on just a normal occasion, and then I came across American Medical ID.
A medical ID is recommended to anyone living with medical conditions and you can use your FSA to buy medical alert jewelry. American Medical ID offers stylish medical alert jewelry from bracelets, necklaces, and recently, medical IDs that you can attach to your mobile phone case and Fitbit device. Prices start at $24.99 and they offer unlimited custom engraving.
Did you know? 95% of emergency responders check for medical identification. Make this new year the year you finally wear a medical ID for added safety and peace of mind. Use your FSA or HSA balance to purchase one from American Medical ID.
Glucose Tablets
Everybody has their own favorite brand that they like to use, but go stock up on Glucose Tablets. These may require some sort of detailed receipt for reimbursement, but should be eligible for purchase in most cases.
This is my list of necessities. Obviously you can reach out to your current meter and pump company, but these are a bit more unique ways to utilize your end of the year balance.
Welcome to the fifth installment of a new weekly series here on The Life of a Diabetic called Getting to Know Diabetes: The Interview Series. Every Tuesday, I will be featuring an interview with a diabetes advocate and/or “influencer” in the diabetes community. These interviews will ask the same questions to every person.
Today’s interview is with Sam Bahr. I first came across Sam from Instagram because I am interested in running more and her Instagram motivates me. Please enjoy.
Have you ever been in a situation where you used up your 90 day supply of insulin well before the 90 days are up? It happens to me quite frequently. In fact, it happens, every single time. I’m usually always down to my last insulin pen or vial when I am re-ordering and it’s a day or two before I am allowed to re-order according to the insurance company.
Welcome to the fourth installment of a new weekly series here on The Life of a Diabetic called Getting to Know Diabetes: The Interview Series. Every Tuesday, I will be featuring an interview with a diabetes advocate and/or “influencer” in the diabetes community. These interviews will ask the same questions to every person.
Today’s interview is with Tara Koval, creator of 28 Units . I first came across Tara from Instagram. I saw her clothing line being worn by several other people on Instagram and I loved her clothing. Please enjoy.
Back in January of 2018, I went off my Medtronic insulin pump that I wore for over 12 years and went back to MDI mixed with Dexcom. During this past year, I’ve had ups and downs with loving and hating MDI. I’ve been asked so many time, “how could you give up a pump to go on MDI?” and the answer has always been simple:
I love the freedom of not being attached to something and my A1C is pretty much the same as it is when I was on a pump.
I had set a goal of reading 25 books this year, or basically, 2 books a month. The first 3 months of the year, I was on pace. I was primarily listening to audiobooks, which is the same thing to me. It’s easier for me to do that.
I am nowhere near the 25 that I wanted to be at, but my goal is to read at least 3 of the 4 books listed below. These are books that were sent to me in agreement of writing a review for them. I get at least 2-3 of these emails a day asking to review books and 90% of them I decline. I only accept the ones that I feel I could personally benefit from and then sharing that to my readers who could benefit from it.
Welcome to the second installment of a new weekly series here on The Life of a Diabetic called Getting to Know Diabetes: The Interview Series. Every Tuesday, I will be featuring an interview with a diabetes advocate and/or “influencer” in the diabetes community. These interviews will ask the same questions to every person.
Today’s interview is with David Mina. I first came across David from Instagram. He is one of the younger Type 1’s that I started following on Instagram. Please enjoy.
Let’s take it back a few days to Thanksgiving Eve and how I planned out my attack against my diabetes.
It all started with taking about 50% more Tresiba at night. Why did I do this? Well, I knew that I would need an increased basal the next day, so, why the hell not?
When I woke up in the morning, my BG was what it normally is in the morning, around 220. And it did what it does every morning, it shot up.
For breakfast, we had sausage, biscuits and gravy, a Thanksgiving tradition. Of course, it made my sugar spike up, I already knew it would do that.
So, I waited until about 3 PM and knew that we were going to eat around 4:30 to take my massive action.
I took a pre, pre-bolus for Thanksgiving dinner. It was a bit of a correction and a bit of a get ahead of the curve. This is exactly what my plan was.
Right before dinner, my BG was about 88 with a diagonal arrow down.
AWESOME.
Exactly what I wanted.
I started to eat, whatever I wanted and after my first plate, I then bolused for that plate and my next plate of course.
Everything was good until dessert time. That’s when I forgot to bolus for the ice cream.
I’m not a pie guy, so I didn’t think that I was even going to eat dessert, so that’s why I wasn’t thinking about bolusing. But, when I saw the ice cream was there, it was time to eat it.
I don’t think that I went above 250 at all on Thanksgiving and that was my goal.
I use a lot of different products for diabetes, whether it is technology, fashion or food, so I decided to outline all of the Black Friday sales and specials of all the products that I use below. Just click on the images or link with the promo below.
If you haven’t tried StayPut Medical yet, their adhesives are amazing. I haven’t had a single one fall off yet, and they are not just for summer time sweating. I still use mine in the winter. Please check them out and tell Mike I sent ya.
Myabetic
The wonderful people at Myabetic are also giving a great discount on their bags. I used to think that they didn’t really have options for men until I actually tried them and I absolutely love it.
I have written in the past about giving up soda to drink hint water and how it is 100 times better than all its competitors. Well, they are running a great promotion to help you stock up. It may seem expensive at first, but it’s well worth it.
Now, I know this isn’t technically diabetes related, but it is the hosting company that I recommend for anyone that wants to start a blog or website about diabetes and they are offering 5 1/2 months free, so I had to share it.
