Diabetes Education

Starting Insulin Pump Therapy Is Easy When Healthy Living Handles the Details

The Healthy Living Insulin Pump Therapy Team: George and Crystal collectively have 24 years of experience serving people with diabetes.

The Healthy Living Insulin Pump Therapy Team: George and Crystal collectively have 24 years of experience serving people with diabetes.

If someone with diabetes is interested in beginning to use an insulin pump, the best thing they can to do is call the Healthy Living Insulin Pump Therapy Team (meet the stellar lineup of George and Crystal). They make what can be a very complicated enrollment process very easy.

9 Steps to Collaborating with Healthy Living for a New Insulin Pump

When a member, let’s call him ‘Hank,’ is interested in getting started with insulin pump therapy, our Insulin Pump Therapy Team sets the process in motion by:

1.     Finding out if Hank has talked to his doctor about the pump request.

2.     Verifying Hank’s insurance and finding out what kinds of pumps he qualifies for and the associated copays.

3.     Explaining to Hank what insulin pumps are covered and their basic differences.

4.     Encouraging him to personally research his options on pump manufacturer websites and talk to his doctor for a recommendation.

5.     Facilitating the prior authorization process (required by some health plans), by gathering documents demonstrating medical necessity:

·       Blood sugar logs for the prior 60 days

·       Clinical notes from last two office visits

·       Proof of diabetes education

·       Qualifying lab results (A1c, fasting glucose, and C-peptide)

6.     Confirming order details with Hank and shipping out his insulin pump, once approved by his insurance company.

7.     Telling Hank about pump training, which is normally scheduled by the pump manufacturers.

8.     Setting Hank up to get recurring orders for pump supplies, with refill reminders available via phone, text, or email. Members going on a pump also often like to get their test strips, glucometer, and pharmacy medications through Healthy Living so that everything comes in one box.

9.     And down the road…obtaining prescriptions for refills on pump supplies for members as needed.

Communication with the Doctor’s Office & Insurance Company Is Covered

There are a lot of minutia to put together to obtain and start using an insulin pump, and the details require patience and lots of communication. Healthy Living collaborates directly with the doctor’s office and the insurance company for members. We take care of all documentation and information gathering, and request everything that is needed from the doctor.

A Team Prepared to Serve by Years of Experience

Healthy Living and our dedicated Insulin Pump Therapy Team has years (24 years collectively, between Crystal and George) of experience working with people with diabetes. Our company fosters empathy in employees, through the weeklong Wear-a-Pump Challenges and other ongoing education. Healthy Living works with all major insulin pump manufacturers, including OmniPodTandem Diabetes Care and Medtronic. We are fully prepared to help customers understand their options and enroll to start receiving the benefits of insulin pump therapy, making the process as smooth and effortless as possible!

3-Every-30: New Activity Recommendations from the American Diabetes Association

Leandra practices leg extensions.

Leandra practices leg extensions.

Get ready to keep moving. This November, the American Diabetes Association released evidence-based recommendations for physical activity and exercise. As part of blood glucose management and overall health, physical activity and exercise are recommended as a critical focus for all individuals with diabetes and prediabetes. Exercise is planned, structured physical activity (like jogging, elliptical, swimming, or strength training) and physical activity is any movement that increases energy use. 

The American Diabetes Association suggests that all adults decrease daily sedentary time and recommends breaking up sitting with bouts of light activity. Their statement explains that interruptions of inactivity are highly beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes. This light physical activity should be a complement to more structured exercise sessions to improve blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. Improved heart health and weight loss are also benefits of this activity combination.

3-Every-30

Think “3-Every-30” – three minutes of activity for every half hour spent being relatively still. Here are some examples of light activities to intersperse with sitting:

·       Walking

·       Calf raises

·       Shoulder shrugs

·       Leg raises or extensions

·       Overhead arm stretches

·       Climbing stairs

·       Desk chair swivels

·       Torso twists

·       Standing hip extensions

Other daily activities that reduce sitting time – such as yard work, house cleaning, walking the dog, and running errands – are also great ways to keep moving and improve health.

Choose exercises and activities that work for your individual preferences and needs. The hope is that these behavior-changing strategies will help create a more natural, intentional lifetime of physical activity and improved health for many people.

Learn much more, including details about the ADA’s recommendations:

Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association

Three Minutes Every 30 Minutes – New Exercise Recommendation for Diabetes and Prediabetes

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.

  • Check out our online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.

  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

Raise Your Hands for the Big Blue Test

 

This month, the Big Blue Test finished their fall push to collect more than 150,000 Big Blue Tests by November 14th to raise awareness about the importance of exercise in connection with diabetes management and to raise funds for community organizations. Big Blue Tests started being logged in 2010, and as of November 18, 2016… more than 152,000 tests have been recorded – 2016 goal met!  

The Big Blue Test is a program of the Diabetes Hands Foundation, an organization that rallies communities to experience the impact that small changes can have on their health. Their mission is to bring together people touched by diabetes for positive change, to make sure that no one living with this condition ever feels alone. Instead of looking at the disease, Diabetes Hands Foundation seeks to understand, connect, and energize the millions of people living with diabetes.

What Is the Big Blue Test?

The Big Blue Test started in 2009 as a creative way to encourage people with diabetes to stay active. People can participate whether they are living with diabetes or not. Taking the Big Blue Test is easy:

1. Test your blood glucose. If you do not have diabetes, you can skip this step.

2. Get active. For 14 to 20 minutes, get up and get moving. You can walk, run, clean the house, swim, tap dance…whatever!

3. Test again. On average, Big Blue Testers saw their blood glucose level drop 20% after 14-20 minutes of exercise.

4. Share your results. Answer the questions in the right column of this page.

It’s easy to forget how important exercise is as part of managing diabetes. In spite of how little time 14 to 20 minutes of exercise may sound like, most participants in the Big Blue Test experience an average blood sugar drop of 20%. This can be a significant drop for most people with diabetes.

Each Big Blue Test helps participants and helps others. A generous $250,000 has been awarded in Big Blue Test grants by the Diabetes Hands Foundation over the past 4 years. Three non-profit initiatives will each receive $5,000 in funding during the fall 2016 campaign:

·       DiabetesSisters 

·       We Are Diabetes 

·       Riverside Community Diabetes Collaborative 

To learn more about the Big Blue Test in action, check out a blog and video from Stacey Simms of Diabetes Connections, where she discusses a Big Blue Test event she organized at her son’s elementary school. And find out how to organize your own school event here.

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.

  • Check out our new online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.

  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

 

Happy Healthy Living Holidays!

Thank you to Christina Hamilton, our guest blogger!

Thank you to Christina Hamilton, our guest blogger!

Focusing on What’s Important

With the holidays fast approaching, it becomes an even more challenging time for someone living with diabetes to find their balance while partaking in the traditions and festivities of the season.  We hope that the information provided in this blog post will allow you to focus on the more important things in life this Thanksgiving, like giving thanks for the ones you love.

Navigating the Holiday Feast with the American Diabetes Association

Read on - the American Diabetes Association helps us by giving strategies for eating wisely at Thanksgiving.

Turkey

•        Turkey is a high-protein food and has no carbohydrates. A portion is about 3-4 ounces, which is about the size of your palm.

•        Remove the skin on your turkey before eating it and choose white breast meat which is the leanest part of the bird.

•        Roast your turkey instead of deep-frying it. Roasting is a cooking method that requires little-to-no added fat. Be sure to add some seasonings.

Stuffing

•        The main ingredient in most stuffing recipes is bread, so it’s high in carbohydrates and will need to be counted in your meal plan.

•        One half cup of stuffing usually has about 15-30 grams of carbohydrate. Because it can vary, be sure to check the nutrition facts for your recipe.

•        Add extra non-starchy veggies like onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to your stuffing and use whole grain or 100% whole wheat bread.

Potatoes

•        From buttery mashed potatoes to sweet potato casserole – these dishes can really pack in the carbohydrates, saturated fat, and calories.

•        Keep portions small, especially if there is a lot of added cheese, butter, or cream. One-half cup of mashed potatoes usually has about 15 grams of carbohydrate.

•        At the table, there’s no need to add a lot of extra sour cream or butter to your potatoes. Simply season them with a bit of freshly ground pepper or some trans-free margarine. Instead of sour cream, try non-fat Greek yogurt which is a much healthier alternative.

•        Sweet potatoes are especially flavorful on their own – there’s no need for a lot of extra sugar or butter!

•        If you’re in charge of the potatoes this year, choose a “made-over” potato recipe that uses healthier ingredients. See the recipe at the end of this blog for ideas!

Green Bean Casserole & Vegetable Side Dishes

•        Fill half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables. Choose vegetable side dishes that include roasted or cooked vegetables without creamy sauces.

•        Offer to bring a delicious green salad for the occasion and serve the dressing on the side.

•        Season veggie side dishes with fresh herbs or onions and garlic. 

Cranberry sauce

•        This usually has a lot of added sugar and is dense in carbohydrates – just two tablespoons have almost 15 grams of carbohydrate.

•        If you absolutely cannot live without it, make sure you use just a tablespoon or two on top of your turkey. A little bit will go a long way!

Try Something New

Here is a recipe for herb and olive oil mashed potatoes to try this year from the Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook by Amy Riolo. You can follow the recipe closely or combine the recipe with your traditional family favorite to add flavor to your potatoes in a healthier way.

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.

  • Check out our new online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.

  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

Meet the Glucagon App - A Place to Learn & Prepare

A view of the Lilly Glucagon app in the App Store.

A view of the Lilly Glucagon app in the App Store.

Lilly Glucagon is designed to treat patients with diabetes and severe hypoglycemia. Do you have a Glucagon kit at home, and do you or your loved ones know how to use it?

You can get a white teaching kit from Lilly by calling (800)LILLY-RX. And to learn more, you could try the mightily helpful Glucagon phone app, simply called “Glucagon.” You can use this app to go through a practice simulation of using Glucagon in an emergency, including how to mix (swirl) the powder and liquid and where to inject (thigh, arm, or buttocks).

Most importantly, there is a special section with instructions for an actual emergency, with animated pictures and audio directions.

The Glucagon app also has a section about “My Kit Information” to help you track where you are keeping your kit(s) in the house and when they expire. There is a function to set reminders to make sure you update your Glucagon kit before passing the expiration date.

In the app's content, you can learn more about this critical emergency treatment tool, including:

·        When it's appropriate to use Glucagon

·        Contraindications and precautions

·        Details about severe low blood sugar

·        Glucagon tips

·        Other helpful diabetes links

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.

  • Check out our new online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.

  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

From the Archives – How to Safely Dispose of Expired Medications

Thank you to Mira Patel, Healthy Living Pharmacist, for contributing to this post.

When medications have expired or are no longer needed, the question becomes, “How do I safely get rid of these drugs?” There are a few ways to dispose of medications that are safe for people, animals, and the environment.

Medication Disposal Options

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets up collection sites nationwide for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The goals of this day is to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

Local law enforcement and waste management authorities can also take expired/unused medications back. There are collectors registered with the DEA that can help with unneeded drugs. Visit the Diversion Control Division website of the Drug Enforcement Administration or call (800)882-9539 for more information.

Home Disposal

If none of the above options are available, consumers can also dispose of medications in their household trash when these guidelines are followed:

  1. Mix pills with dirt, kitty litter, or used coffee grounds and put it in a sealed plastic bag. (Do not crush tablets and capsules.)
  2. Throw the plastic bag in household trash.
  3. Before throwing away empty pill bottles, make sure to remove all personal and doctor’s information from the bottle.

There are some medications that are very harmful and can be fatal with even one dose if ingested by someone other than the patient who was prescribed that specific medication. For these meds, it is crucial to find a take-back program or DEA collector. If that is not possible, one may safely flush the medication down the toilet or in a sink (as a last resort). Find a list of these drugs here.

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
  • Check out our new online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

This Amazing Researcher Is Creating the Smart Patch - It Uses Microneedles to Release Insulin

Check out this article in Diabetes Forecast featuring Zhen Gu, biomedical engineer and researcher, who is reducing the need for needles in diabetes care. He is creating a “smart patch” which uses microneedles to release insulin in tune with the body’s needs. Amazing!

Zhen Gu, researcher from University of North Carolina

Zhen Gu, researcher from University of North Carolina

Dr. Bernstein’s Low-Carb Diabetes Diet

A legend in the diabetes community, Dr. Richard Bernstein was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the mid-1940s. He has helped bring about many changes in lifestyle and medical treatment for people with diabetes since then. As part of this process, Dr. Bernstein became an endocrinologist and created a specialized low-carbohydrate diet, used by many people today.

Check out the great story about Dr. Bernstein’s life, many contributions, and specific health recommendations on Diabetes Daily.

We're here to help!

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
  • Text us @ (248)577-9903.
  • Check out our new online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.
Dr. Bernstein highlights the difference between a high- and low-carb diet on blood sugars.

Dr. Bernstein highlights the difference between a high- and low-carb diet on blood sugars.

Insulin Pump Technology Innovation from Medtronic and Tandem

Why Insulin Pumps?

Because of insulin pumps, many people living with diabetes, young and old, have better control of their insulin delivery. Insulin pumps also allow for fewer injections and a more flexible lifestyle. The pump option is great for athletes and people on the go because of more precise insulin dosing that can lead to improved performance and energy levels. Improvements in technology continue to make it easier to manage diabetes. Every little tweak and new option on the market makes a difference.

Developing New Technology

There is plenty of buzz about the new insulin pumps to be released this year by Medtronic and Tandem, and for good reason. Both of these established companies are offering pumps with new features that will increase quality of life and ease of disease management for many people living with diabetes. Here are some of the most noteworthy features:

Medtronic Minimed 630G –  

·       Remote insulin dosing with wireless meter offers quick, easy delivery of a bolus

·       SmartGuard(TM) technology stops insulin delivery if a patient’s sensor glucose values go below a preset level with no response to alarms

·       Waterproof protection

·       Color screen

Tandem t:slim X2 –

·       Two-way Bluetooth connects with multiple external devices at one time (one day it will communicate with the Dexcom G5 and a patient’s smartphone at the same time)

·       Planned software upgrade to connect with Dexcom G5 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) will display data directly on the pump screen

·       Tandem will continue to upgrade the pump’s software, including a new smartphone app and predictive low glucose suspend

·       Color touch screen

More Options for Children & Parents

The convenience of a remote bolus dose will be easier for everyone, especially parents or caregivers helping children. Waterproof protection will also make baths, swimming lessons, and beach days a lot simpler. Research has shown that insulin pumps are an effective option in diabetes care for children. A large, long-term study of insulin pump use in children published in Diabetologia in 2013 demonstrated that pump therapy provides sustained improvement in glycemic control and reductions of severe hypoglycemia and hospitalization compared with a study group using only injections. Advancements in pumps are helping children living with diabetes stay healthier (and happier).

Curious about the Upgrade?

At Healthy Living, we are preparing for the transition by educating ourselves as much as possible on the features of the improved pumps, working closely with manufacturers on upgrade programs, and monitoring availability as new information is released. When I say ‘we,’ I am mainly talking about Crystal and George, our stellar Insulin Pump Therapy Team. They answered a few questions for me today:

1.     What should existing Healthy Living customers do if they want one of the new pump models?

The first thing to do is contact us. We can confirm if you are eligible for a new pump through insurance or from a manufacturer upgrade program. Call (866)779-8512 and choose prompt 2 to reach us.

2.     What should new customers do if they are interested in one of the new pumps?

Talk to us first - call (866)779-8512 and choose prompt 2. We’ll verify insurance and what you’re eligible for and start gathering documentation to process your pump, once they become available.

3.     What questions do people most often have about insulin pumps when they’re getting started, and what answers do you give?

According to George and Crystal, common questions include:

Q: Is the pump hard to operate?

A: Pumps are easy to operate and we can support you as you learn.

Q: Do you still have to check your blood sugar?

A: Yes, you still have to do regular daily glucose checks (4 on average), even if using the CGM.

Q: Does the pump have to be surgically inserted?

A: No!

We look forward to learning more about the soon-to-be-released Tandem and Medtronic pumps as information becomes available! In the meantime, we’re here to help!

·     Text us @ (248)577-9903 or call us @ (866)779-8512.

·     Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

·     Check out our new online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.

·     Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

The ‘Wear-a-Pump Challenge’ Teaches and Inspires the Healthy Living Team

Healthy Living strives to understand the challenges that people with diabetes experience every day. In the last year, seven Healthy Living Medical Supply employees walked in the shoes of their customers in the ‘Wear-a-Pump Challenge.’ Members of the team wore Medtronic and Tandem pumps for a week to take their training and empathy to a new level.

"Wearing the pump for the past three days has been an illuminating experience to say the least – my understanding of insulin pump therapy is MUCH better even after these few days." – Matt

Before wearing a pump, each employee went through extensive online and in-person training, and later in the week learned to place a new pump site and fill the pump reservoir. The greatest challenge for most participants was carb counting.

"Entering carbs was the hardest thing for me as I am used to just eating and not worrying about it, or I am just hungry and want to eat." – Crystal

The Healthy Living team found there were logistical considerations to take into account with the pumps, from showering and sleeping, to exercising and dealing with tubing.

"My tubing was too long and I got caught on many of the items in my house. On Sunday night, my tubing got stuck on something and ripped the infusion set out of my side and that did not feel good."   – Crystal

Matt had the opportunity to teach his own community about insulin pumps and raise awareness about living with diabetes.

"Just like me prior to starting at work at Healthy Living, most all of my friends/family had no idea what an insulin pump was prior to seeing one on my belt. It definitely provoked some good conversation." – Matt

Everyone had great feedback to share about this enlightening experience!

"It would take some getting used to." – April
"Overall, it is a great experience so far!" – Crystal

Learn more about insulin pump therapy from Healthy Living Medical Supply.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us at (866)779-8512 or text us at (248) 577-9903.

  • Check out our new online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.