T1D

Speaking Out for Vaccine Prioritization for People with T1D & T2D

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As COVID-19 vaccines become available, are you wondering how people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes will be prioritized? This is actually something that many people are asking and many advocacy groups are currently addressing. Here is information about the current status of eligibility and prioritization, as it relates to diabetes, from Diabetes Mine:

Unfortunately, as of early January, the CDC seemed to view type 2 diabetes (T2D) differently than T1D as far as prioritizing COVID-19 vaccine access. People with T2D are categorized as “at increased risk” of more severe illness, according to 2019 CDC dataTrusted Source, considered the “strongest and most consistent evidence.” Those with T1D, however, simply “might be at an increased risk” for severe illness, based on dataTrusted Source that’s considered “limited evidence.”

In the meantime, a growing collection of clinical data shows that T1Ds are indeed at increased risk of more severe COVID-19 outcomes. More recent clinical evidence demonstrates that COVID-19 severity is more than tripled in individuals with T1D. More from the American Diabetes Association:

Currently, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices – whose recommendations influence the order in which states are making vaccines are available – classify T1D as a lower risk than T2D for COVID-19. With many states now utilizing the same outdated CDC risk classification to design their vaccine distribution plans some 1.6 million with T1D are at risk for receiving a COVID vaccination later than others in the same risk category.

On January 13, nineteen diabetes organizations signed a letter urging the CDC to immediately prioritize T1D alongside T2D given the common, heightened risk both groups face for the most severe health outcomes of COVID-19. “As the data make clear, differentiating between T1D and T2D for purposes of assessing COVID-19 risk is an error that could cost even more lives, and we urge CDC to correct this immediately,” said Dr. Robert Gabbay, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer for the ADA. Read the letter here.

The ADA was joined by 18 other organizations who signed the letter:

American Diabetes Association
JDRF
Children with Diabetes
Beyond Type 1
American Association of Clinical Endocrinology
American Podiatric Medical Association
Diabetes Leadership Council
Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition
Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education
DiabetesSisters
The diaTribe Foundation
Endocrine Society
Pediatric Endocrine Society
T1D Exchange
College Diabetes Network
YMCA of the USA
National Association of Chronic Disease Directors
Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation, Inc.
Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists

Camp Midicha Scholarships

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Summer is coming, and that means camp is right around the corner! Healthy Living is dedicated to supporting Michigan’s Type One community, and there is no better place for T1D kids than the ADA’s Camp Midicha. We are offering scholarships to T1D campers that cover $250 toward the ADA fee.

Find out more about how to apply for a scholarship here! You’ll find both an online application and a downloadable application. All applications are due by Friday, May 1, 2020.

Get excited for summer fun!

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Eliminating Painful Fingerpricks

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In November, Dexcom set up a "coffee and bagels" food truck in L.A. and Seattle but asked for a painful payment - a fingerprick. The video documenting this experiment, embedded on nomorefingerpricks.com, is a great resource for people thinking about CGM (continuous glucose monitoring)...and for anyone trying to wrap their head around the fact that countless people with diabetes prick their finger 3,000 times each year. (Try to imagine!)

Many people with Type 1 aren’t even aware that CGM is an option. The stats from a Dexcom and Beyond Type 1 nationwide survey show:

  • 34% of people with T1D know nothing or little about CGM

  • 80% of people with T1D still prick their fingers more than 3 times a day

  • 96% of CGM users would recommend CGM

Some of the most appealing benefits of CGM include:

  • Alerts and alarms to proactively warn of dangerous highs and lows

  • Continuous glucose readings sent automatically

  • No fingerpricks for calibration or treatment decisions*
    *From Dexcom - If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.

We have also learned from our customer community and partners that many people no longer perform fingersticks at all due to the accuracy of the Dexcom G6 system. Most commercial insurances and Medicare cover CGM. Ask Healthy Living to help you get started!

Healthy Living Medical Supply Wishes Our Pediatric Patients with Diabetes a Great Start to the School Year!

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Healthy Living Medical Supply wishes all of our pediatric patients and families a successful start to the new school year! We know that the start of a new school year brings a mixture of excitement along and anxiety for many families - this is the case, perhaps even more so, for children and families impacted by type one diabetes.

Healthy Living Medical Supply understands the unique needs of pediatric diabetes patients better than any other durable medical equipment (DME) supplier - we offer a unique pediatric program featuring free meters to be left at school and a hassle-free supply refill experience that ensures children always have the necessary supplies on hand to be successful living with diabetes. We work hard to ensure that our patients always have enough pump supplies, CGM supplies, and diabetes testing supplies available. 

The new school year is also an opportunity to consider beneficial diabetes technologies that can assist parents by helping them stay better connected to their children throughout the day. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems from Dexcom and Medtronic help parents stay connected to their child throughout the day via an app on their smartphones - this helps parents monitor blood glucose levels remotely while their child is at school. You may learn more about our CGM systems via our CGM page and by calling a member of our CGM/insulin pump therapy team at 866.779.8512 (option 2) to learn more. 

Check out these additional resources on our website to help children and college-age students living with diabetes at school: 

Getting Ready for Back to School with a 504 Plan

The College Diabetes Network Helps you Live Well at School and Beyond

Healthy Living Medical Supply, based in Detroit, Michigan, is in network with all major insurances in the state of Michigan including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, Priority Health, Medicaid, and Medicare. Contact us today at 866.778.512 or via website chat to start the simple enrollment process.

Dexcom Acquires TypeZero Technologies: More Options for People with Diabetes

Dexcom acquires TypeZero Technologies and looks to enter the artificial pancreas and insulin delivery space.

Dexcom acquires TypeZero Technologies and looks to enter the artificial pancreas and insulin delivery space.

While nobody has a crystal ball, Dexcom's recent acquisition of TypeZero technologies is likely to mean even more options for people living with diabetes. The past year has seen a good deal of innovation in diabetes technology with Medtronic's release of their 670G hybrid closed loop system, Dexcom's finger stick free G6 CGM system, Medtronic's launch of their stand alone Guardian Connect CGM system, and Tandem's soon-to-be-released Basal IQ technology.

According to an article posted on the Diabtes.co.uk site this past Tuesday, Dexcom's acquisition of TypeZero might mean they are positioning the company to enter into the "artificial pancreas" and insulin delivery space. A compelling aspect of this deal is that TypeZero has already been working with a variety of companies including Tandem Diabetes, and Cellnovo - TyperZero's inControl system - seeks to create compatibility with multiple pump/CGM combinations, not just those that are proprietary in nature. Overall this is excellent news for people with diabetes, providers, and care team members. 

Looking for a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier for CGM, insulin pump supplies, or a new pump? Healthy Living Medical Supply specializes in diabetes-related technologies and therapies and takes pride in providing compassionate and efficient customer service to our customers who are living with diabetes. Give us a call at 866.779.8512, chat with an agent live, or fill the form on this page to start the simple, five-minute enrollment process to begin receiving your CGM and insulin pump supplies from a company that gets it.

Healthy Living Medical Supply is in network with most major insurance companies in the state of Michigan, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (HAP), Priority Health, Michigan Medicaid, Medicare, and many others. 

 

Introducing the Healthy Living Medical Supply Pediatric Program for Children with Type 1 Diabetes

At Healthy Living, we understand the unique needs of our pediatric members and their care teams. Call us at 866.779.8512 to learn more about our Pediatric Diabetes Supply program and to enroll for the great customer service that you deserve.

At Healthy Living, we understand the unique needs of our pediatric members and their care teams. Call us at 866.779.8512 to learn more about our Pediatric Diabetes Supply program and to enroll for the great customer service that you deserve.

Our team consistently works to better understand the needs and challenges of people of all ages who are living with diabetes (members of our team even wore insulin pumps filled with saline solution to learn more about the ins and outs of using an insulin pump!). We believe that working with a durable medical equipment provider for diabetes-related supplies should involve compassionate customer service with an experience that is EASY for patients. We know this is even more important for pediatric patients living with diabetes and members of their caregiving teams. As a result, we have created a program to support the unique needs of our pediatric diabetes population. You can read more about the program on our pediatrics page, but here are a few highlights: 

  1. Healthy Living Medical Supply provides extra meters for pediatric patients to leave with the school nurse, in the backpack, or in their school locker so that their primary meter may remain home.

  2. We stay in routine contact with the parents/primary caregivers to ensure needed supplies are on hand so patients can be successful in living with diabetes.

  3. We know CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) technology - wouldn't it be great if parents could monitor their children's blood glucose levels while they were sleeping, at school, or on a sleepover at a friend's home? Healthy Living carries all major brands of CGM systems that not only provide pediatric patients with greater insights into their blood glucose levels, but also allow parents and caregivers to have access to the metrics via their smartphones.

  4. When the time comes to consider insulin pump therapy Healthy Living has you covered. We're able to supply insulin pumps and and pump supplies from both Tandem Diabetes and Medtronic Diabetes with excellent customer care in the process.

  5. We provide pediatric-friendly meters with Bluetooth capabilities so data can be easily viewed and shared. More about our pediatric friendly meters here and here.

  6. Order processing is simple for refills when working with Healthy Living - it shouldn't take weeks to receive your child's needed diabetes supplies. Our warehouse is located in Troy, Michigan and our Customer Care Team is located in downtown Detroit, Michigan, so your order will arrive fast, typically within 2-3 business days after receiving your approval via a simple text message.

If you are tired of poor customer service and fighting with your current DME supplier for diabetes supplies, give us a call at 866.779.8512 or chat with an agent live to start the simple enrollment process. Healthy Living Medical Supply is in network with most major insurances in the State of Michigan, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (HAP), Priority Health, Michigan Medicaid, Children's Special Health Care Services of Michigan, and many more. Keep your business local! Healthy Living Medical Supply is also the only Michigan-based DME focused entirely on diabetes. 

Tape Tips for CGM and Insulin Pump Sites

We are commonly asked for tips on how to help sensors for CGM systems, infusion sets for insulin pumps, and Omnipods stick better - adhesion is even more important during summer months with increased body perspiration.

We routinely reference the Tape Tips from Medtronic's website when working with customers in coming up with ways to help with adhesion. Before purchasing expensive tapes and transparent dressings that might not even work, be sure to try these simple tips. 

One particular tip that may help is listed directly below and involves the use of non-deodorant antiperspirant. 

Use of Non-Deodorant Antiperspirant at Pump and Sensor Sites:

Non-deodorant antiperspirant can be used at pump and sensor sites to suppress the sweat glands so the adhesive sticks better.  It also helps cut down on possible skin reactions.

Certain Dri Solid Non Deodorant Antiperspirant is commonly found in many drug stores.  It should be labeled and only used at pump and sensor sites.  Apply to the pump infusion and/or sensor site.  Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes. Wash the residue off with soap and water or alcohol.  Wipe the top of the applicator with alcohol to keep it clean.  Insert the pump and sensor.  This works like a charm! 

If you are looking for a great customer service from a Michigan based durable medical equipment (DME) supplier for your Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) supplies, insulin pump supplies, and diabetes testing supplies, contact us today to start the easy enrollment process. We're in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Alliance Plan (HAP) of Michigan, Priority Health, and all other major insurances in the state of Michigan. 

In the News - 670G Receives Pediatric Approval & Tandem's Auto-Suspend-on-Low Technology

We're tracking two big announcements from both Medtronic Diabetes and Tandem Diabetes from this past week. 

The first update comes from Medtronic and is an exciting one for families with children living with Type 1 Diabetes - the 670G closed loop system from Medtronic received clearance from the FDA for use with pediatric patients ages seven and up. This certainly is welcome news for pediatric patients, their care team members, and providers. 

And second, Tandem Diabetes received approval for their auto-suspend-on-low technology from the FDA. While we don't know the full details, it looks like the T:Slim X2 pump, when combined with the Dexcom G6 CGM system, will suspend insulin delivery in advance of a predicted low. 

Both of these exciting updates represent a significant advancement in diabetes technology and great news overall for patients and everyone involved in the diabetes community. 

If you are looking at one of these insulin pumps and/or CGM options, Healthy Living Medical Supply is a great place to start - simply give us a call at 866-779-8512, chat with us live, or leave a message if you're on our site after hours. You may also learn more on our Insulin Pump Therapy page. 

Go local with Healthy Living Medical Supply. Healthy Living Medical Supply is the only Michigan-owned and operated durable medical equipment (DME) supplier that specializes in diabetes. We're able to work with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, Medicare and all major Medicaid plans in the state for insulin pumps, insulin pump supplies, and continuous glucose monitoring systems. 

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Now Shipping: Medtronic Guardian Connect CGM System

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Medtronic's Guardian Connect is composed of three key components: the sensor, a bluetooth transmitter that lasts a year, and a mobile app

Medtronic's Guardian Connect is composed of three key components: the sensor, a bluetooth transmitter that lasts a year, and a mobile app

We're excited to share that Healthy Living Medical Supply is now shipping the Medtronic Guardian Connect CGM system! This is a great technology option for any patient who is taking insulin via injections and who isn't quite ready for an insulin pump. Read more about the Guardian Connect CGM system at the Medtronic website. 

What is CGM? CGM stands for Continuous Glucose Monitoring and is a small, half dollar sized device that goes on your body and measures blood sugar levels every five minutes or roughly 288 times per day. 

What are the benefits of CGM? We've written about this here on our blog before, but in short CGM reduces the number of daily finger sticks while giving patients much greater insight into what is happening with their body's sugar levels. Medtronic Guardian Connect's stand alone CGM system takes readings every five minutes or 288 times throughout the day and night - this is significantly more information than is yielded through finger sticks alone.

What are the top benefits of Medtronic's Guardian Connect CGM System?

1. The data is automatically uploaded directly to the physician's office via Medtronic's CareLink platform. 

2. Predictive alerts for highs and lows are sent out 60 minutes in advance. Predictive alerts are sent out 40 minutes faster than the competition.

3. IBM Watson integration creates actionable trends from user CGM data.

4. Last but not least, Medtronic's Guardian Connect CGM system is significantly less expensive for the patient and health plan in comparison to the competition. Why? Because the transmitter lasts for one year, no receiver is needed, and a month's supply comes with five sensors for a total of 35 days of wear time. This means lower copays for patients, longer sensor wear time and a lower spend for the health plan. 

Most major commercial insurances, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (HAP), will pay for CGM. Contact Healthy Living Medical Supply today at 866-779-8512 to learn more and to begin the easy enrollment process.

Michigan Residents: Keep your business local! Healthy Living Medical Supply is the only locally owned and operated diabetes speciality provider in the state of Michigan...and we provide world class customer service!

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Now Shipping: Dexcom G6 System

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Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System now shipping from Healthy Living Medical Supply

Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System now shipping from Healthy Living Medical Supply

Great news, the Dexcom G6 system is now shipping from Healthy Living Medical Supply! The new system features a longer wear time on the sensor (10 days), Acetaminophen blocking, finger stick free approval from the FDA (imagine avoiding over 1000 finger pokes per year!), smart phone integration, an improved applicator, and FDA indication for pediatric patients two years and older. 

Do you live in the State of Michigan and have a commercial insurance such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or HAP? If you currently work direct with the manufacturer or another supplier for your CGM, call us now at 866-779-8512 to start the simple process of converting to to the only diabetes specialty DME (Durable Medical Equipment) company that is locally owned and operated in Michigan. 

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New in Diabetes Technology: The OmniPod Dash

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Insulet's Omnipod Dash Tubeless Insulin Management System Receceives FDA Clearance

Insulet's Omnipod Dash Tubeless Insulin Management System Receceives FDA Clearance

It seems like nearly every day there is more great news in terms of the development of new technologies to empower people living with diabetes...the latest is from Insulet and their Omnipod Dash system, which recently received approval from the FDA.

To learn more about Omnipod Dash, visit the product FAQ page over at Insulet's website. A few key highlights that we're excited about include:

1. The same great features Omnipod users have been used to...the new Dash system is tubeless, discreet and waterproof which makes it great for pediatric patients and anyone with an active lifestyle

2. Bluetooth capabilities for sharing data to an iOS device and up to 12 people on their care team

3. Compatibility with one of the leading test strip brands on the market, Contour Next. 

The system will be slowly released to patients in 2018 prior to the widespread launch in 2019. Most major commercial insurances, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, pay for Omnipod as a durable medical equipment benefit (DME).

Healthy Living Medical Supply is a leading DME specializing in diabetes services and technologies and will be ready to provide this technology to patients when it becomes available soon!

Update on Medtronic's Guardian Connect CGM System

Healthy Living Medical Supply’s Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Team had the opportunity to participate in a live webinar yesterday from Medtronic – the focus of the session was their new stand-alone CGM product known as the Guardian Connect CGM System. Our team has been eagerly anticipating the launch of this product since the product received FDA approval back in March.

Here are a few highlights of what we learned about the product during the webinar:

1.     The Guardian Connect transmitter connects via Bluetooth technology to iPhones (and iPod Touch devices if you can purchase one on eBay)

2.     The sensor is the same as the one used for the 670G closed loop system, but the Guardian Connect transmitter DOES NOT communicate with the 670G pump. The transmitter is labeled “GC” which differentiates it from the transmitter used with the 670G pump.

3.     The system does not have a receiver—this will be a great benefit to those patients who don’t want to haul around another piece of hardware.

4.     Android support is coming-Medtronic is targeting the end of the calendar year for Android users.

5.     The sensor features a new barrier which helps mitigate against skin irritation – this is also the smallest sensor ever for a Medtronic CGM product.

6.     Sensor wear time is up to 7 days and the system includes a one-year warranty.

7.     The system features a range of alerts, including predictive alerts which can notify of highs and lows anywhere from 10-60 minutes in advance.

8.     Patients can invite up to five care partners to view data and receive alerts via SMS and data is easily shared with providers via the Care Link system.

9.     The Guaurdian Connect CGM System providers users access to the Sugar.IQ diabetes assistant, which is a separate application on the phone. The Sugar.IQ app takes real time data from the Guardian Connect app, sync with IBM’s Watson, and then presents various insulin, food and motivational insights to the user.

Medtronic’s Guardian Connect Smart CGM system is slated to be released in early summer. The system is not approved by Medicare, but should be reimbursed by most major commercial insurances including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, Priority Health, etc.

If you are a patient and wish to learn more about the Guradian Connect Smart CGM system, visit this link.

For providers interested in learning more, visit this link.

If you would like to be contacted by Healthy Living once this system becomes available, please fill out the brief form below:

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What We’re Reading: The Health Alliance Plan of Michigan’s Balanced Living Blog

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The Health Alliance Plan of Michigan's Balanced Living is filled with tips and suggestions on increasing your wellness and leading a more active and healthy lifestyle

The Health Alliance Plan of Michigan's Balanced Living is filled with tips and suggestions on increasing your wellness and leading a more active and healthy lifestyle

One of our regular features on the Healthy Living Medical Supply Blog is our “What We’re Reading” segment where we shine the spotlight on resources that we find particularly relevant to our employees and customers. One such resource is Health Alliance Plan of Michigan’s “Balanced Living Blog,” which is routinely updated with excellent ideas and suggestions for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Subscribe to blog updates by visiting the site and clicking the email subscribe link. 

Below you’ll find links to four articles that we found particularly interesting, all of which relate to diabetes, which is our specialty.

Walking it Back: Reversing Prediabetes

Facing Diabetes On Her Own Terms: How One Woman Took Control of Her Life

Diabetes Doesn’t Define Me: Overcoming Type 1 at 21

How Former U-M Football Star Marc Ramirez Tackled Diabetes

Healthy Living Medical Supply is in network with Health Alliance Plan of Michigan for diabetes testing supplies, insulin pumps, insulin pump supplies, continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM) – if you are a Health Alliance Plan of Michigan member and are looking for diabetes related supplies delivered to your doorstep with great customer care, give us a call at 866.779.8512 or send us a text message at 248.577.9903 to start the easy enrollment process.

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See You at the 11th Annual JDRF TypeOneNation Summit!

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Join Healthy Living at the 11th Annual JDRF TypeOneNation Summit! The Metro Detroit & Southeast Michigan Summit will take place on Saturday, May 12, in Belleville from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. This free, educational event will bring together people of all ages and stages of type 1 diabetes, their loved ones, and the medical community. This year’s theme is “Living with Diabetes: A Family Day of Inspiration, Hope, and Education.” Register here. 

The TypeOneNation Summit was developed by a group of leading endocrinologists and diabetes educators. This one-day event will be full of education, information, and inspiration. Keynote Presenters include Dr. Alvin C. Powers and Dr. Korey K. Hood. In addition, there will be many break-out workshops and presentations on topics relevant to individuals and families living with T1D.

The JDRF Summit Youth Program will welcome pro-snowboarder Sean Busby. He is the founder of Riding On Insulin and will talk, inspire, and share his experiences with kids and teens.

We’ll have a table in the sponsor area, so please come and say hello!! We're in network with most major insurances for insulin pumps, insulin pumps supplies, continuous glucose monitoring systems ("CGM"), and testing supplies. This includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, Priority Health, Michigan Medicaid, and Medicare. 

This is a great event – we learned so much last year when we attended the workshops. Hope to see you soon!

FDA Approves Dexcom G6 CGM

Dexcom's new G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

Dexcom's new G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

Yet another great piece of news in the area of Continous Glucose Monitoring technology advancement: Dexcom received FDA approval for their next generation, G6 CGM product.

For a more detailed analysis of the Dexcom G6 CGM, visit the recent blog posts from Diatribe, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Beyond Type 1

The G6 solution is an exciting development for the diabetes community as it promises a ten day wear on the sensor, acetaminophen blocking, no finger stick calibrations,  potential integrations with the Tandem insulin pump, OminPod's tubeless pump and more.

A launch date has yet to be determined but Healthy Living Medical Supply will be ready to provide this new platform to our patients once it does become available.

Interested in learning more about CGM and the possible therapeutic benefits? Read this article from the Healthy Living blog on the benefits of CGM. 

We're here to help!

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Exciting Diabetes Technology Is Emerging for 2018

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We are hearing really great news about new diabetes technology becoming available in 2018. This September, Dexcom submitted its G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor for approval with the FDA, and a U.S. launch is expected sometime in 2018. This sensor will most likely allow for longer wear and will require only one fingerstick calibration per day. It also features a thinner transmitter and a redesigned one-button inserter. Dexcom is also suggesting that a no-calibration-needed version of the G6 could be available by the end of 2018. Learn more about the updated sensor at both of these links:

We’re excited about this and other near-future technological advancements in diabetes tech – including the flash glucose monitoring system from Abbot, the possible launch of a Medtronic standalone CGM, and much more. More options give providers and patients more choices for managing diabetes – and that is something we’re all excited about!

We love to help!

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Come Out and Walk to Make a Cure a Reality!

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Lighthouse at Milliken State Park (Flickr, Corey Seeman)

Lighthouse at Milliken State Park (Flickr, Corey Seeman)

The JDRF One Walk has one goal: to create a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D). This year, Healthy Living Medical Supply will again be sponsoring the JDRF One Walk and will be at the Detroit event on the morning of Sunday, September 17th. We would love to see you there! Come out and walk the mile to help raise money to support life-changing breakthroughs that give hope to everyone impacted by type 1 diabetes! Even better, Milliken State Park and the Detroit Riverwalk are beautiful in the fall and offer great views.

Join the Movement and Participate in the Detroit 2017 JDRF One Walk!

Hope to see you in a couple of weeks!!

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Come Check Out the JDRF Summer Bash in the "D"!

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Get ready for sand volleyball! (Pixabay.com)

Get ready for sand volleyball! (Pixabay.com)

Are you ready for sand volleyball, basketball, and a morning full of fun outdoor activities? Have you heard about the JDRF Summer Bash in the "D" coming up next week on Saturday, August 19? The event is free to attend and, in addition to the fun, will offer free drinks and snacks, and resources on subjects like:

  • Back to school tools and information
  • Fitness and sports tips
  • The latest in T1D technology and products
  • JDRF OneWalk, Ride, and Marathon info (coming up soon!)

Registration is required - click here to register.

Healthy Living will be sponsoring the event, and we'll be there! Come talk to us about enrolling for CGM, starting on an insulin pump, or upgrading to a new pump. Or just come by to learn about the newest technology out there for T1D. We'd love to talk with you or challenge you to a game of giant Connect Four!

More details about the event:

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 supply store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.

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

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Your Summer Travel Shouldn’t be a Battle...Follow These 5 Tips!

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The Beach at Campus Martius, Detroit

The Beach at Campus Martius, Detroit

With summer quickly approaching and warm weather upon us, we might all be getting the itch to take some time off and explore someplace new and exciting. Perhaps a long weekend trip to northern Michigan, or a visit to a bustling and bright city is on the horizon for you. For those individuals living with diabetes, however, it may feel difficult and restricting to take a long and relaxing break from their everyday routine. I am here to supply you with all of the necessary tools and tricks to manage your diabetes with as little stress as possible when visiting all those exciting summer vacation destinations. Following these few tips can help you worry less and manage better while away from home, exploring our beautiful world.

The Top 5 Tips for Traveling with Diabetes This Summer

(All tips and recommendations from the American Diabetes Association.)

Tip #1:

See your doctor before you head out and possibly have a medical exam to ensure your diabetes is in good control. This will give you some peace of mind while away from home.

Tip #2:

Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace that shows that you live with diabetes. This will be helpful in case of an emergency and allows others to be aware of your medical needs. A medical ID can provide crucial information about your health condition and also list allergies in case of an emergency.

Tip #3:

The ADA recommends that you pack twice as much medication and supplies as you think you will need for the trip. Keeping your supplies in your carry-on bag is important because checked luggage can potentially be lost (if you are flying), and this ensures your medication and supplies are with you at all times. Allow for extra time at the airport because security might take additional time with your insulin pump.

Worried about your insulin pump malfunctioning while away? Worry no more! Medtronic offers a travel loaner program that allows you to take a back-up insulin pump with you on your travels. Here is the link to Medtronic’s webpage to apply for a loaner insulin pump. Keep in mind that it will take about two weeks to receive the pump, so plan accordingly.

Tip #4:

When traveling with insulin, especially if you are traveling by bike or car, you may have to take a few extra steps to keep it at the right temperature. Insulin does not need to be refrigerated, however if you store insulin in places that are too hot or too cold, its effects may be disrupted. Storing insulin in the glove box or somewhere in your car may not be the best option because of potential extreme temperatures. If you are traveling by car, bike, or you are out exploring in hot conditions, try using travel packs to keep your insulin cool. The insulin protector from the HLMS online store may be helpful when carrying insulin for your summer adventures!

Tip #5:

Go check out Beyond Type One’s travel webpage, which will provide you with various stories and tips from people living with diabetes who have traveled the world.

Bonus tip!

Do not let diabetes hold you back from enjoying yourself, great adventure, and good company while you’re on vacation. After all it is called “vacation” for a reason, and it’s made for relaxation!

 

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Omnipod Insulin Pumps Wow with Many Unique Benefits

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Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

Many people have come to know the benefits of the Omnipod. This community of “Podders” appreciate many really awesome features that make the Omnipod tubeless insulin pump different.

Waterproof + No Disconnect

The Omnipod is waterproof (and sweat-proof), for showering, bathing, swimming, surfing, or dancing in the rain. Because of this, there is never a need to disconnect from the pump. Omnipod’s waterproof qualities also mean that it’s a great pump for active people – adults and kids alike! This pump truly offers continuous insulin delivery with three days of nonstop insulin with no need to disconnect.

Tubeless Convenience

The small, lightweight (weights just 25 grams with an empty reservoir) Omnipod insulin pumps are tubeless, and they can attach to your body at any place where you could inject insulin. This means you can be as discreet as you want to be with your pump insertion site. Plus, there are no tubes to tangle!

Easy to Use

With the Omnipod, you will not be tied to an injection schedule or tethered to an insulin pump. The system is made up of two parts: the tubeless Pod and the Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM), kept nearby to wirelessly program insulin delivery. The PDM has a built-in FreeStyle blood glucose monitor, and the Omnipod can be used with any CGM system.

It has an uncomplicated needle insertion process – the cannula inserts hands-free, and you never have to see the needle. The Omnipod is cleared for people of all ages who have diabetes and use insulin…including children and teens.

Healthy Living Knows the Omnipod System

Matt Montagne, our VP of Strategy & Innovation at Healthy Living shared, “The Omnipod solution is a great option for those people with an active lifestyle who want an easy-to-use and reliable system. Healthy Living has been providing this solution to members for many years – we know it well and appreciate its many benefits!”

Reach out to our Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team for more information, or to start the process of obtaining an Omnipod pump. They will verify your insurance to find out if it’s covered for you. Call 866.779.8512 (Option 2), text us at 248.577.9903, or chat with us at myhlms.com.