Diabetes Resources

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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!

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Yale Researchers Work Toward New Treatment for Type 2

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Topological map of a toxic pore formed by hundreds of copies of the hormone IAPP.

Topological map of a toxic pore formed by hundreds of copies of the hormone IAPP.

Andrew Miranker and his team have focused their recent studies on a simple hormone in all of us – islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). Certain forms of this hormone actually poke toxic holes in cells, and this Yale team is leveraging this information to create new therapies to treat type 2 diabetes.

The progression of type 2 diabetes is tied to the health of insulin-producing cells in the islets, which are groups of cells in the pancreas. These cells are responsible for coordinating the release of insulin in response to changes in blood glucose. The failure of the islets over time plays an important role in the cause of type 2 diabetes as the body loses the ability to regulate blood glucose. Currently, there are no approved drugs available to treat the actual causes of type 2 diabetes.

Miranker’s lab is working with islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), a protein partner to insulin. This hormone is made by the same cells as insulin. When IAPP takes on the wrong shape, it pokes holes in the membranes of islets…holes that are large enough to kill these insulin-secreting cells. The Yale team is working hard to design a compound to target the particular, destructive IAPP structure in order to prevent toxicity.

IAPP works alone in its healthy state, but the toxic version is made up of tens to hundreds of copies of the protein.  This creates a widely sprawling structure, and controlling it requires a different approach from those of traditional drugs. A great visual, Miranker’s team is designing a drug that acts like a fork for the spaghetti-like structure of IAPP to wrap around. The Miranker lab has developed a drug lead, ADM-116, that binds to IAPP by crossing the outer cell membrane, finding IAPP, and winding it up. By doing this, ADM-116 prevents IAPP from punching a hole in a sensitive internal cell membrane. This process essentially rescues cells that make insulin.

Using these discoveries, Miranker and his team, and the new Connecticut-based biotechnology company, ADM Therapeutics, will translate these discoveries into drugs that improve the long-term health of these cells. Although this research is currently focused on type 2 diabetes, these approaches will also apply to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Learn more from the YaleNews article, “Taming an unruly target in diabetes.” 

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Medtronic’s Guardian Connect CGM Receives FDA Approval

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We have big news to share from Medtronic – their long-awaited standalone CGM has received FDA approval. Medtronic’s Guardian Connect is comprised of three parts: a thin sensor, a small plastic transmitter attached to the sensor, and the Guardian Connect app on a compatible iOS device. It transmits directly to the iPhone without using another receiver.

The Guardian Connect system is designed to help people, ages 14 to 75, who are using multiple daily injections (MDIs). Although it does not work directly with insulin pumps, Medtronic’s standalone CGM will be the only one on the market to give alerts for potential high or low glucose events up to 60 minutes in advance. The Guardian Connect system is expected to become available by July 2018, and as early as May 2018.

Benefits of the Guardian Connect system include:

  • Customized 1 hour predictive alerts – from 10 minutes up to 1 hour ahead gives you time to respond
  • Free 24-hour SMS alerts (and for up to 5 care people)
  • Easy-to-share blood glucose readings 
  • Reduced risks of hypoglycemia and more time “in-range”
  • Sleek design – marketed for an active lifestyle, half the weight of other real-time CGM systems on the market
  • Waterproof – can be submerged for up to 2.4 meters (7.5 feet) for 10-minute periods
  • Access to the Sugar.IQ system – smart diabetes assistant that looks at what affects BGLs
  • Rechargeable, re-useable, long-life technology

This news is exciting, because it means expanded options for people with diabetes when it comes to CGM.

We're here to help!

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Considering an Insulin Pump? Let Us Run a No-Cost Insurance Benefits Check for You

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Are you ready for an insulin pump? There are many benefits to using this technology, and a few of the big ones are:

  • Fewer insulin injections
  • More predictable and precise insulin delivery
  • Fewer high and low spikes in blood sugar

Many insurances cover insulin pump therapy for their members, and our team knows how to get customers up and running quickly. We can run a no-cost insurance benefits check to find out if you’re covered and help you understand your options.

Just complete the form below or call our Insulin Pump & CGM Team at 866.779.8512 (Option 2) to start the conversation. Our experienced team can help you navigate the enrollment process and answer your questions.

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What We’re Reading: SmartSitters

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When leaving the house for a bit, it can be hard to trust the wellbeing of your child with a sitter whom you may not know well. Feeling confident to leave your daughter or son in someone else’s care can be even more difficult when your child has specific care considerations.

We found an awesome guide that can help you and prepare your sitter to give your child with T1D the best possible, most knowledgeable care while you are away. SmartSitters covers essential information about T1D to help families and sitters manage T1D together, wherever they are.

The SmartSitters guide includes a wealth of information, comprehensively covering details on defining diabetes, understanding insulin basics, monitoring glucose, and using an emergency glucagon kit. The guide is easy-to-read and has great pictures - definitely worth checking out!

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Diabetes Strong Is a Powerhouse of Diabetes Health Resources

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Today's Diabetes Strong homepage.

Today's Diabetes Strong homepage.

Are you looking for more positive resources related to exercise, nutrition, diabetes, and your healthy living journey? Check out Diabetes Strong! Originally called “TheFitBlog” (established in 2015), Diabetes Strong is led by Christel Oerum, who has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1997. She is the main content creator on Diabetes Strong, an active diabetes advocate, public speaker, and diabetes coach. Christel also offers online diabetes coaching to support clients in reaching their health and diabetes goals. On Diabetes Strong, you will find a lot of great content on many subjects, including:

In words directly from the Diabetes Strong website: The goal of Diabetes Strong is to provide a platform where people living with (any type) of diabetes can find all the information they need to live healthy and active lives. The information on Diabetes Strong always takes a positive approach to diabetes and follows Christel’s motto that “There is nothing you can’t do with diabetes.”

Here are a few interesting articles to get you started!

We're here to help!

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Curious About CGM? Let Our Team Run a No-Cost Insurance Benefits Check for You

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Interested in Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) to better manage diabetes? Did you know that most people with type 1 diabetes on commercial health insurance have CGM coverage?

We can run a no-cost insurance benefits check to find out if you’re covered. Just complete the form below or call our Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team at 866.779.8512 (Option 2) to start the conversation. Our experienced team can help you navigate the enrollment process and answer your questions.

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OmniPod and Abbott FreeStyle Libre Approved for Coverage by Medicare

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The Abbott Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system.

The Abbott Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system.

Great news was announced earlier this month to start the New Year off strong for the diabetes community! Medicare is allowing coverage of the Omnipod tubeless insulin pump and the new FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system. And as Diabetes Mine notes, "since CMS typically sets the stage for what private insurers will cover, this is a big win for PWDs (people with diabetes) of all ages!"

We love to help!

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2017 Diabetes Technology Round-Up

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This year has brought many positive developments and advancements in diabetes technology. Some of these include:

We are looking forward to bringing these technologies and soon-to-be-released offerings to our customers...to help them thrive while living with diabetes in 2018!

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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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Six Questions to Consider When Choosing Your Diabetes Supply Provider

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When you’re getting ready to choose a diabetes supply provider and doing your research, think about some of these questions to help you make an educated decision.

6 Questions to Consider When Choosing Your Diabetes Supply Provider:

1. Will you spend time on hold when calling in?

It is rare to be on hold longer than 15 seconds waiting to speak with a Healthy Living customer care agent.

2. Will you speak with an agent who is competent about the available products?

We frequently engage our team in all forms of learning experiences about the products we provide to our members. Our team has a deep level of knowledge regarding the products and services that we provide and support.

3. Does the company understand that you are busy?

Healthy Living gets it that most people are really on the go so we offer many ways to reach us and make it easy to approve your refills (phone, text, or email). We also offer web chat.

4. How do they take customer feedback?

We routinely measure how we're doing in the area of customer service by using the Net Promoter Score benchmark and survey. In fact, if you go to our website right now (myhlms.com), there is a survey in process and it will pop up on the home page. Customers may also leave feedback at any time via our Contact page. 

5. What do others say?

Healthy Living Medical Supply and many other suppliers are on social media. Search Twitter for the names of the companies you are considering for your supply needs -- what kind of feedback have they received, and can you find complaints or praise about the company? Search Google and read the company’s reviews. Check their Facebook page as well for customer feedback.

6. Do they have banker’s hours?

Many companies in the diabetes supply business offer hours that are not especially convenient for the busy lives that we all lead. Healthy Living is open until 6 pm each weekday and offers weekend service from 9 am – 3 pm on Saturdays as well. Our goal is to be responsive to the needs of our customers so that they never run out of their critical diabetes supplies.

Get in touch with Healthy Living at 866.779.8512 (phone), 248.577.9903 (text), or via webchat at myhlms.com. We are ready to help!

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Dexcom CGM to Be Compatible with the Fitbit Ionic Starting Next Year

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Fitbit Ionic

Fitbit Ionic

In September, Fitbit announced a collaboration with Dexcom to create and offer products to help people living with diabetes better manage their disease. The first product integration, coming in 2018, centers around the Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch, which will display data from the Dexcom G5 mobile sensor.

The Dexcom G5 is currently supported by the Apple iPhone (and subsequently through the Apple watch). Ever-growing innovation like the Fitbit Ionic/Dexcom integration will be helpful and encouraging to those living with diabetes, adding more convenience, better monitoring, and expanding options.

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Let’s Celebrate Diabetes Awareness Month 2017!

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It’s November, and this month the T1 & T2 diabetes communities join together to raise awareness about diabetes, the challenges that come with living with this condition, and the overall impact that diabetes has on millions of Americans.

Diabetes Self-Management offers Ten Ways to Observe National Diabetes Month. Check out this awesome article for more details about their list that follows...

10 Ways to Observe National Diabetes Month

  1. Commit to a new healthy habit for one month
  2. Seek out a diabetes-related event or activity in your area
  3. Seek out special Diabetes Month sales or other offers
  4. Observe World Diabetes Day on November 14
  5. Learn something new about diabetes
  6. Get more from your monitoring
  7. Start a conversation
  8. Knock something off your diabetes to-do list
  9. Seek out support
  10. Reach out to someone else with diabetes or pre-diabetes
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Are You Ready for an Insulin Pump?

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Insulin Pump (Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development)

Insulin Pump (Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development)

I put my head together with the Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team, George and Autumn, to help you understand the signs that it might be a good time to start using an insulin pump, the benefits of insulin pump therapy, and how to get started.

4 Signals That Adding a Pump to Your Diabetes Treatment Plan May Be Helpful:

  1. You’re tired of multiple daily injections
  2. Your blood glucose levels are fluctuating
  3. You’re experiencing insulin resistance due to frequent injections
  4. You desire better control of your diabetes

5 Benefits of Using an Insulin Pump:

  1. Fewer insulin injections
  2. More predictable and precise insulin delivery
  3. Fewer high and low spikes in blood sugar
  4. Only one type of insulin necessary
  5. Overall improvement in quality of life and a more flexible lifetstyle

Getting Started:

You can contact our Insulin Pump Therapy Team to find out more at 866.779.8512, Option 2 (phone) and 248.577.9903 (text). They will help you navigate the process of obtaining an insulin pump and answer your questions. For example, depending on your insurance type, authorization may be required, and some documentation may be needed, including a prescription, clinical notes from recent office visits, blood glucose logs, lab work, and proof of diabetes education. (Depending on your insurance plan, the process can take several weeks to complete.) We will also recommend that you have a conversation with your physician to discuss insulin pump therapy and which pump is best for you. 

On our Insulin Pump Therapy webpage, you can learn more about the three major pumps that we carry from OmniPod, Tandem, and Medtronic, as well as insurance coverage and life with an insulin pump.

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Insulin Pump Therapy Blog Round-Up

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Over the last year or so of writing the Healthy Living blog, a topic that we continue to focus on is insulin pump therapy. There are so many benefits to using an insulin pump and so many questions about how to get started. Here is a round-up of some of our most helpful past blogs about insulin pump therapy (with links):

Healthy Living works with many insurance companies in Michigan and throughout the country to provide insulin pumps and pump supplies, including Medicare. If you have any questions about getting started with insulin pumps or CGM, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy Team at 866.779.8512, Option 2 (phone) or 248.577.9903 (text). 

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Fingerstick-Free FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System Has Been FDA Approved

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The FDA has approved Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System for adults, a glucose monitoring system that does not require a blood sample for calibration. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems require a finger stick for calibration approximately 2-4 times a day. The FDA Press Release describes how this flash glucose monitoring system works:

The FreeStyle Libre Flash system reduces the need for fingerstick testing by using a small sensor wire inserted below the skin’s surface that continuously measures and monitors glucose levels. Users can determine glucose levels by waving a dedicated, mobile reader above the sensor wire to determine if glucose levels are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), and how glucose levels are changing.

This new system could be a game changer for people with diabetes, reducing the cost of supplies and the discomfort of performing daily finger sticks, and creating the need for less site changes since the sensor can be used for 10 days. The FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System should be available by the end of the year. We’re here to answer any questions you may have at 866.779.8512 (phone) or 248.577.9903 (text).

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Insulin Pumps & Medicare: Getting Rolling with Healthy Living

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Family enjoying a beautiful day! (Thinkstockphotos.com)

Family enjoying a beautiful day! (Thinkstockphotos.com)

One of our specialties at Healthy Living is helping patients get up and running with insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors while working closely with their physicians and insurance providers. We are a Medicare insulin pump supplier and our Insulin Pump Therapy Team frequently serves Medicare members from Michigan and around the country.

When Medicare beneficiaries contact our Insulin Pump Therapy Team, George and Autumn are ready to answer questions and get the ball rolling. The first thing that they do is begin insurance verification and help patients understand the necessary steps for obtaining Medicare’s approval for a new pump. There are certain lab results and documentation that need to be collected in order to confirm patients qualify for the insulin pump per Medicare guidelines.

After approval, when Healthy Living supplies Medicare insulin pumps, they begin as a rental, and the patient may be responsible for a monthly copay depending on supplemental insurance coverage. After 13 months, the pump belongs to the user and it remains under warranty from the manufacturer for four years. Healthy Living continues to provide insulin pump supplies, with the patient approving the refill order monthly via text, phone call, or email.

Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for Medicare members to obtain insulin pumps to improve their personal diabetes management and simplify their lives. Reach us with any questions at 866.779.8512 (phone) or 248.577.9903 (text).

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

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Orange tree aglow (image from Wikipedia Commons)

Orange tree aglow (image from Wikipedia Commons)

September is here, cooler air is in our midst, the rogue orange tree is popping up, and school days are beginning again. If you are off to college, I highly recommend that you check out the College Diabetes Network (CDN). Their vision is to enable students and young professionals to thrive with diabetes. CDN does this by creating innovative peer-based programs to connect and empower students and by offering relevant, noteworthy information on living well with diabetes.

Campus Communities to Connect, Learn, and Empower

College Diabetes Network is made up of a community of young adults with diabetes, with peer networks and chapters across many college campuses. Chapters are student-led groups that allow students to connect with others who understand what it’s like to live with diabetes. These groups are also a place to learn about the latest diabetes technology and gadgets, exchange tips and tricks for managing diabetes on campus, and anything else that students are interested in doing. Find a CDN chapter on your campus here.

A Resource Hub

CDN is a center for information and resources directly relevant to the lives of young adults with diabetes. Their website is full of wisdom, with sections that break down all kinds of information on these topics:

  • Preparing for College
  • Life on Campus
  • Diabetes at Work
  • Diabetes 24/7
  • Support System

Definitely visit the College Diabetes Network website, and enjoy the beginning of fall!

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New Guide Meter from Accu-Chek Makes Pediatric Testing Simple

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Child sleeping (thinkstock.com)

Child sleeping (thinkstock.com)

Accu-Chek has released their new Guide meter, with many benefits including:

  • Spill-resistant and simple to take just one strip with the SmartPack vial
  • Simple to use by placing a small drop of blood anywhere along the end of the test strip
  • Anytime testing and easy to see with a strip port light
  • Automatic logging of results into an app on your smartphone
  • Accurate with reliable results you can trust – 10/10 accuracy
  • Manufactured in the U.S.A.

This is an excellent meter choice for pediatric patients - parents like the port light for ease of late night testing of a sleeping child. And having all of the blood glucose information on a phone means you don't have to manually record numbers in a paper log book. 

Getting Started with Your Accu-Chek Guide Meter

Check out these resources to learn how to set up the meter and connect via Bluetooth to your phone:

·        Setting Up and Using the Guide Meter

·        Directions for Connecting the Guide Meter with Your Phone

Learn More

Reach out to us at Healthy Living to find out more about the Accu-Chek Guide meter and what your insurance covers.

Text: 248.577.9903

Phone: 866.779.8512

Chat: myhlms.com

Talk to you soon!

 

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Getting Ready for Back-to-School with a 504 Plan

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(Flickr, woodleywonderworks)

(Flickr, woodleywonderworks)

Nothing can beat the freedom of summer. I am sad to say that back-to-school time is coming back around the bend. There are many resources that can help you and your kids get ready to head back to the classroom with diabetes.

One aspect of planning that is especially important for children with diabetes is the 504 Plan. According to Beyond Type 1, “A 504 Plan ensures that no student with any sort of disability is discriminated against, and is given the same education as every other student, all the while being provided a safe space to manage their condition as needed during school.”

To learn more and work on developing a 504 Plan for your child, here are some awesome resources:

Enjoy August and savor the rest of your summer!