Check This Out: “Imagine 288 Fingersticks a Day”

I came to rely on my CGM as my personal blood sugar “GPS.”
- Michael Hattori

Image credit: FreeStyle Libre (www.freestyle.abbott)

The purpose of this post is actually to introduce you to an awesome article from diaTribe about the life-changing effects of CGM for a nurse who discovered he was living with type 2 diabetes. Read the article here. He used the power and knowledge provided by CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) to change his health strategy and outlook and overall diabetes management, putting his type 2 diabetes into remission. Read his own words. I love this article; it is an amazing testimony to the experiential learning opportunities and health benefits provided by using a CGM!

A New, Early Option for T1D Screening

When it comes to type 1 diabetes, the more proactive you can be, the better. Thanks to the JDRF, a new program has been launched, aimed at early detection of type 1 diabetes (T1D). The at-home test is accurate, comfortable, and convenient, and is a first for this kind of testing option. The test is called T1Detect, and has been developed by Enable Biosciences.

This new personal test kit works by looking for particular autoantibodies (using an autoantibody detection panel) in the blood that are the most important markers for T1D. JDRF states on its site that “JDRF-funded scientists have discovered that having two or more specific autoantibodies — antibodies that are directed toward your own body or, in the case of T1D, your pancreas — means that you have an almost 100-percent chance of developing T1D.”

Families and individuals can use this type of testing to detect T1D early, so they can plan and prepare. Eighty five percent of T1Ds have no family history, and a diagnosis can arrive suddenly, with potentially life-threatening symptoms already present. Forty percent of the newly diagnosed T1Ds present DKA symptoms at the time of diagnosis. For many, this new program will offer new hope and a way to find out more before reaching a crisis situation.

You can order your own test HERE, and a kit will be mailed to you. When you receive the test, all you will need to do is collect a few dried blood spots (see instructions for more details). The cost of the kit is $55, with subsidized pricing offered for those unable to afford the full price of the kit. Full results can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. You will receive your autoantibody results, explanations of what they mean, and next steps to consider.

“T1Detect is the first and only screening program that will enable a broad population to know their risk of T1D,” says JDRF CEO Dr. Aaron Kowalski. “This groundbreaking initiative is an important milestone for JDRF because it will increase awareness about early-stage T1D, provide access to crucial education and support for those at risk, and pave the way to ensuring that T1D screening becomes part of universal, clinical preventive services.”

For more information, including test accuracy as well as a thorough FAQ section, click here. Our blog also references information from this Diabetes Mine post.

The new T1Detect option gives great hope!

New Resources in Mental Health & Diabetes - Diabetes Distress & Beyond

Many of us are getting in gear for the holidays, starting with Thanksgiving next week! There is so much festivity and so much to be thankful for this time of the year, but for many people, this is also a very difficult season. Maybe it’s due to the extra responsibilities that translate to more stress. Or maybe old stories or family dynamics make the holiday season a more intense time of the year. With our emotional and brain health in mind, and because I happily stumbled across some new resources focused on mental health and diabetes, I present this information to you:

Dr. Mark Heyman’s Podcast:
The Diabetes Psychologist

"Join Dr. Mark Heyman, a clinical psychologist and a leading expert in T1D and mental health, as he talks candidly about the emotional side of T1D. You’ll hear honest conversations about how T1D impacts mental health, and you’ll get actionable strategies to help you face the emotional challenges of T1D head-on, and live a full life, without letting diabetes get in the way."

From DiabetesMine:
When and How to Take Antidepressants with Type 1 Diabetes

"DiabetesMine explores the contradictory information out there about using antidepressant drugs with type 1 diabetes…take a closer look at when, why, and how taking an antidepressant as a person with T1D could be a safe and beneficial approach to improving your mental health."

Also from DiabetesMine:
Managing Type 1 Diabetes Postpartum: Self-Care After Baby Arrives

"The pressure of diabetes management postpartum certainly comes with less emotional woe and guilt than while your child was actually growing inside you, but the work it requires still persists, of course. The transition from pregnancy diabetes management to postpartum diabetes management can be overwhelming.”

And a final quote with a great visual:

“It’s as if you’re walking through tall weeds, it’s over your head and you have no idea where you’re going. You have no idea what’s forward or what’s back — you can’t see clearly. Taking an antidepressant is like having a step stool that helps you see over the top of the weeds.”

- Dr. Mark Heyman

GetInsulin.org - Insulin Access Tool

A new resource is now available! If you or someone you love is struggling to access insulin, try tapping into GetInsulin.org.

The need for insulin is not a choice. High insulin prices have forced many people with diabetes to make difficult, high-stakes decisions. While there has been help available, it has been difficult to navigate. GetInsulin.org is an easy place to start. This tool connects people to the options that match their unique circumstances, by getting urgent insulin support, building an insulin action plan, and exploring optional insulin resources.

GetInsulin.org is designed to be an immediate solution to connect people in the U.S. to available insulin access and affordability options, so no one goes without the insulin they need to live. This is a program of Beyond Type 1 with incredible support, including partners American Diabetes Association, Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, Endocrine Society, Feeding America, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, JDRF, NAACP, National Hispanic Medical Association and is funded by Lilly, Mylan, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi.

Read the full announcement from Beyond Type 1. 

Safe at School

The fall transition back to school has begun. For some families, school has started (in one form or another). Other families begin next week, and some kids’ summers will extend through Labor Day. Whether your family and district have chosen in-person learning, virtual learning, home schooling, or a hybrid option, safety is of the highest priority. The ADA (American Diabetes Association) has compiled recommendations for staying as safe as possible, especially in the in-school setting. Here are some highlights from their resource, Safe at School During COVID-19: Recommendations on Returning to School for Children with Diabetes.

How can my child and I limit the spread of COVID-19 at school?

• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

• Wear a mask when outside of your home.

• Practice physical distancing.

• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.

• Avoid touching your face.

• Avoid being around people who are sick.

• Follow local and state regulations.

My child is very worried about returning to school. What should I say or do?

• Keep in mind that every child responds to stress in different ways.

• Understand the facts so you can provide your child with accurate, age-appropriate information.

• Limit your child’s exposure to the news and social media.

• Stress that the pandemic is temporary, and adults are working to keep them safe.

• It can help to keep a schedule that mimics the school day. A schedule can help children and adults feel that the situation is more predictable.

• Be an example! Model ways to minimize risk for COVID-19 exposure such as washing your hands, practicing physical distancing and wearing a face mask.

• Elevated levels of stress can impact blood glucose levels and these tips can help ease your child’s stress.

On behalf of Healthy Living, good luck as a new school year begins! Take care, and let us know how we can help!

The Wonder of Diabetes Service Dogs

My pup, Augie, is sitting at my feet right now, full of sweetness. Many people can relate to the experience of their dog being a steadfast and loyal friend. That is why it's so encouraging to learn more about diabetes service dogs and the difference they make in the lives of some very lucky souls. These dogs, also known as diabetic alert dogs, are carefully trained to help monitor their owners' diabetes. This is based on a dog's awe-striking sense of smell. They are trained to identify the fruity-smelling ketones a person’s body produces when they are experiencing a hyperglycemic episode when blood sugar is too high, or the unique scent a person gives off during a hypoglycemic episode when blood sugar is too low. These chemical shifts are normally undetected by the human nose.

Although a diabetes service dog doesn't replace checking blood sugar levels, the committed dog becomes an additional safeguard to watch for these more extreme situations, especially if the owner has a hard time identifying them. There are various ways that the dog can alert their human of low or high blood sugar. These skills require rigorous training from professional service dog trainers. These communications could include jumping on the owner, holding a particular toy, touching the owner with its nose, or sitting and staring at the owner.

In addition to staying alert for blood sugar extremes, diabetic alert dogs can provide an incredible amount of love, companionship, and emotional support to their owners, resulting in an improved sense of security and balance each day.

Sun, Sun, Sun, Water.

We're in the swing of summer, heading into a very hot weekend! Gardening, swimming, boating, walking, hiking, biking, camping, moving...just enjoying good times outside. Dehydration can affect anyone, especially when the sun is out (and bright) and the temperatures are high. For people with diabetes and for those living with other health conditions, staying hydrated is a top priority this time of year.

Our bodies depend on water. Adequate water intake is crucial for a variety of daily functions, including:

• carrying nutrients and oxygen to cells

• flushing bacteria from the bladder

• aiding in the digestion of meals

• preventing constipation

• normalizing blood pressure

• maintaining a stable heartbeat

• cushioning the joints

• protecting organs and tissues from a variety of potential damage

• regulating body temperature

• maintaining electrolyte/sodium levels

What are your strategies for staying hydrated this summer?
Consider these tips:

Drink plenty of fluids

• Focus on water or caffeine-free beverages

• Avoid alcohol

Keep cool when exercising

• Choose the gym for your workout when it's hot outside

• Exercise in the early morning to avoid daytime heat

Be on the lookout for heat exhaustion

• Watch for the signs - dizziness, profuse sweating, muscle cramps, fainting, headaches, nausea

• Move to a cooler place

Check your blood glucose levels regularly

• Heat can cause your blood glucose levels to fluctuate, so remember to monitor them frequently in the sun and heat

• Brings water and snacks with you

• Keep your insulin cool

Enjoy the summer!!!

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New Tech and Product News from Virtual #ADA2020

At the annual American Diabetes Association conference this June (held entirely online this year), lots of research was presented, and as always, a slew of new tech and product news was announced.

Here are some of the highlights!

• Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 gained FDA approval.

• Two new types of insulin were presented: Eli Lilly's ultra-rapid Lyumjev and Mylan and Biocon's Semglee basal insulin.

• Medtronic has collected pivotal trial data for its upcoming Minimed 780G (Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop System), in preparation for filing for FDA approval.

• Medtronic's 770G has already been filed with the FDA and is considered the "stop-gap" between the 670G and 780G. Read more about Medtronic's tech developments here.

• Tandem announced FDA approval of its Control-IQ system for children ages six and over.

• The closed loop OmniPod 5 is expected in 2021.

• The Dexcom G6 Pro, a clinically focused, professional version of its Dexcom G6 CGM is slated to start shipping to clinics and physicians' offices this month.

Learn more about all of the details of the conference here.

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Learn More : coronavirusdiabetes.org

​COVID-19 isn't new news at this point, but there is a great resource, coronavirusdiabetes.org, waiting for you with information specific to COVID and living with diabetes. 

Members of the diabetes community are among the most vulnerable to serious complications caused by coronavirus.​ This website, brought to us by the JDRF and Beyond Type 1 Alliance, encourages all of us to do our part: "Protect those most vulnerable, including members of the global diabetes community. Protect those who cannot stay home. Protect those on the front lines. Protect our farmers, grocery workers, nurses, and pharmacists. Protect yourself and your family."

Coronavirusdiabetes.org highlights recommendations for people with diabetes that have been endorsed by  The American Diabetes Association, Beyond Type 1, Harvard Medical School, ISPAD, and JDRF and are being shared by diabetes communities around the world to keep the most vulnerable among us safe. You can download the official behavior change recommendations here.

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A Resource for Insulin & Diabetes Medication Help

This resource came to our attention at the virtual JDRF TypeOneNation Summit earlier this year and can be indispensable for those who are struggling to pay for insulin and diabetes medication. Check out the ADA's site, insulinhelp.org. The ADA has consolidated the resources you need to receive assistance, helping to expedite the path to getting help. We hope this will be an excellent resource for many of you!

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Practical Resources for Navigating Diabetes & COVID-19

When it comes to COVID-19, present and future, there are so many questions. But, Coronavirus and diabetes? This brings even more to navigate. A great place for gathering information is a compilation of resources from Diabetes Mine. Their article, Coronavirus and Diabetes: Useful Resources, can be found here. This post will point you in the direction of reliable news relating to the connection between diabetes and COVID-19, and it will offer some practical, hands-on support for staying safe while living with diabetes during these times.

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Revisiting Seven Leading Benefits of CGM

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Although continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) isn't the newest news anymore, it continues to be some of the best news in diabetes technology. Find out more about the opportunity for better diabetes management.

CGM:

1. Measures the body's glucose levels in real time, providing a new glucose level every five minutes

2. Provides a good way to monitor time spent "in range"

3. Gives warnings if users are trending toward hypo or hyperglycemia, including threshold alerts

4. Measures your blood sugar repeatedly without fingersticks (some CGMs do not require fingerstick calibrations)

5. Gives you the knowledge of how every single thing affects your blood sugar, while awake and asleep

6. Allows you to see the effect of food in real time

7. Offers you the power to make more informed treatment decisions

Learn more about the CGMs Healthy Living offers here.

Educating Others About Type 1

Here we are toward the end of November - wrapping up Diabetes Awareness Month! There has been so much going on in the diabetes community, and there is always so much to learn. In this post, we are going to focus on Type 1 diabetes (T1D), and share some resources from Beyond Type 1. Here is some of their widsom: "A big part of spreading awareness is educating others about what Type 1 diabetes is and isn’t. Education is key to dispelling ignorance around the chronic illness and continuing advocacy for those living with it.”

So let's get learning and gather some tools that we can share with our friends and loved ones. One thing I love about the materials from Beyond Type 1 is that they are so well-written, visually awesome, and easy to understand.

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Warning Signs of Type 1 Diabetes

Healthy Living specializes in diabetes, and our team is well-prepared to provide compassionate, knowledgeable care to the Type 1 diabetes community!

JDRF & Beyond Type 1 Create New Alliance

JDRF and Beyond Type 1, two forward-thinking, high-impact diabetes organizations, have created the JDRF - Beyond Type 1 Alliance. The alliance was designed to amplify each organization's strengths in order to provide even greater support for people and families affected by type 1 diabetes. The new collaboration will center around three core pillars: Community Programs, Advocacy, and Communications + Education.

“JDRF and Beyond Type 1 both work tirelessly to serve the T1D community, and each brings complementary strengths to this partnership. Through the Alliance, we will work together to create better education, easy connections to resources and programs, and a louder, more powerful voice in advocacy,” said Beyond Type 1 CEO Thom Scher. “The Alliance enables us to drive impact around shared vision while still allowing each organization to excel in its own unique areas of focus. We are honored to be working with JDRF, and excited for all of the ways the Alliance will benefit the T1D community.”

Healthline's Best Diabetes Blogs in 2019

Looking for fresh input and information on diabetes? Definitely take a look at Healthline's Best Diabetes Blogs of 2019! While managing diabetes can be challenging, connecting with people who are navigating the same condition can make all the difference. In selecting this year’s best diabetes blogs, Healthline looked for those that stood out for their informative, inspiring, and empowering content. Twenty-five blogs are listed with descriptions to help guide you on your journey. Find out more here.

DiabetesWise Offers Unbiased Resource to Help Patients Find Right Diabetes Tech

This is an amazing resource to check out -- DiabetesWise. On this site, you'll find unbiased comparisons to help people with diabetes find the right devices for their lives and their needs. DiabetesWise could become your new hub for navigating the wide range of diabetes devices and technology available today.

On DiabetesWise, you can start with their "Checkup" - a quiz that will help you personalize how you can make your diabetes device routine easier and more effective. Then you can enter the "Wisdom" section where you can filter by your priorities and concerns, then learn about how other people with diabetes have made their choices. Look at their profiles and stories, and learn from their experiences to find what is right for you. This is a great way to gather real-world wisdom.

Next, learn about different device combos, be it sensor and pump, meter and pump, sensor and injections, sensor and smart pump, or meter and injections - and how they may fit in your life. Beyond this, there are guides galore and more specific information for people coming from different backgrounds of using (or not using) devices of different types.

This looks to us like a great site to visit and explore. Find out more about it in the Diabetes Mine article, DiabetesWise: New Hub Helps Match Patients with the Right Diabetes Technology. The article covers the history and creation of the site, as well as a deeper dive into the opportunities DiabetesWise offers.

In the News: Eversense® CGM Real-World Data from First U.S. Users

The Eversense implantable CGM device has been making waves with its innovative functionality. Last week, Senseonics published Eversense CGM real-world data from the first U.S. users. The following information comes straight from the Business Wire press release for accuracy and clarity:

The real-world data demonstrated that the Eversense CGM System showed strong performance and safety over a 90-day sensor wear period, especially in the low glucose ranges. This data provides real-world evidence desired by patients, healthcare providers and payers on the clinical value and benefit of Eversense.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

• Wear-time – 83.6% (American Diabetes Association recommends 70% wear-time)

• Time in Range – 62.3% between the ranges of 70 to 180 mg/dL

• Time in Hypoglycemia – 1.2% at <54 mg/dL and only 4% at <70 mg/dL. Users spent only 1.7% of the nighttime in hypoglycemia (<54mg/dL)

• Safety – No device or procedure related serious adverse events over the 90 days

• Conclusion – The Eversense real-world data showed excellent glycemic results, sensor accuracy, and safety. This data demonstrates that the Eversense CGM System is a valuable tool for diabetes management.

The Eversense CGM System consists of a fluorescence-based sensor, a smart transmitter worn over the sensor to facilitate data communication, and a mobile app for displaying glucose values, trends and alerts. In addition to featuring the first long-term and first implantable CGM sensor, the system is also first to feature a smart transmitter that provides wearers with discreet on-body vibratory alerts for high and low glucose and can be removed, recharged and re-adhered without discarding the sensor. The sensor is inserted subcutaneously in the upper arm by a health care provider via a brief in-office procedure.

Learn more about the Eversense CGM System.

Managing Diabetes in the Heat

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Summer is finally heating up! The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has some great guidance for understanding the effects of the heat and best practices for managing diabetes during the summer.

Feeling the Heat

People living with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) feel the heat more than others. Certain diabetes complications can affect sweat glands so that your body can't cool as effectively, and people with diabetes get dehydrated more quickly. Also, high temperatures can affect how your body uses insulin. The humidity also plays a part. It's harder to stay cool because sweat does not evaporate as well in high humidity. The CDC recommends checking the heat index and taking intentional steps to stay cool when it reaches 80°F in the shade with 40% humidity or above.

Summer Checklist

• Drink plenty of water.

• Test your blood sugar often.

• Keep medicines, supplies, and equipment out of the heat.

• Stay inside in air-conditioning when it’s hottest.

• Wear loose, light clothing.

• Get medical attention for heat-related illness.

• Make a plan in case you lose power.

• Have a go-bag ready for emergencies.
  

Read more details for managing summer heat here.

Summer at the Farm Market & Diabetes-Friendly Recipes

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Summertime is the best time for fresh food and enjoying the local harvest. Have you checked out your neighborhood farm market yet this year? A few favorites in the SE Michigan area are Eastern Market, the Oakland County Farmer's Market, and the Royal Oak Farmer's Market - but big or small, most communities have a local market. Last weekend, I happened upon strawberries, garlic scapes, cremini and shiitake mushrooms, lettuces, herbs and veggies ready to be planted, swiss chard, kale, early tomatoes, microgreens, rhubarb, sunflowers, and the list goes on! The market is full of colors and textures and hustle and bustle and the freshest food you can find (short of picking out of your own backyard).

Summer cooking is great on the grill, and simple creations let the flavors shine! When you're cooking at home this summer, get creative! You may find inspiration from these sources for diabetes-friendly recipes and new flavor ideas:

• Healthline

• Eating Well

• Brit.co

• Diabetes Forecast

Some of these sites state that their recipes have been medically reviewed while a couple others don't. Be sure to use your best judgment for your own health needs when choosing recipes. Eat well and enjoy!!

Real-World Data from Medtronic's Guardian Connect & Sugar.IQ Shows Improved Outcomes

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This week at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Annual Meeting, Medtronic announced real-world data on its Guardian Connect continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system and Sugar.IQ diabetes assistant app. The Guardian Connect system and Sugar.IQ app empower people using multiple daily injections (MDI) to more proactively manage their diabetes with meaningful, personalized insights. The real-world data was recorded by users of the Guardian Connect CGM paired with the Sugar.IQ.

Sugar.IQ diabetes assistant is a separate app that continually analyzes how an individual's glucose levels respond to food intake, insulin dosages, daily routines, and other factors. The Sugar.IQ app combines data from the Guardian Connect CGM system with artificial intelligence technology from IBM Watson Health to detect important patterns and trends for people with diabetes and help them make more informed decisions on how to better manage glucose levels and stay within target range.

The data showed that people using the Guardian Connect system with the Sugar.IQ app experienced 4.1% more Time in Range (63.4%) compared to Guardian Connect alone (59.3%), which represents about one extra hour per day. And those who also used the optional Glycemic Assist feature to review their response to specific foods increased Time in Range by an additional 4% compared to those not using that feature.

Learn more from the official Medtronic press release.