LIVING WITH THE BEETUS - What do I use?

Man, who knew there were so many different tools you can use to manage your diabetes! I had no idea when I was first diagnosed, barely knowing what I was dealing with, but wow, there is certainly a lot out there! From different insulin brands, to pumps, pens, meters, CGMs (continuous glucose monitor) -- the list goes on and on! I’m no expert, and am certainly NOT saying what I use is the best -- it just happens to be what works for me! Below is a list of my tools - would love to know if you have anything you use that you love!

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

PUMP: Medtronic MiniMed 670G

I've been using a pump since probably a year into my diagnosis. I started with a 530, and then 530G -- I've loved them all.

• Pros: Nice, sleek design. Very clear screen and love that it is colored! Holds plenty of insulin for my needs. Easy reservoir / set change procedure. Easy to move around to different locations on the body depending on your needs.

• Cons: Battery life isn’t great. Doesn’t give you many warning signs when your pump is about to run out of insulin until it’s out (that sucks). Sometimes it is difficult to “hide” based on what you are wearing. Exposed tubing can be a con to some people but it doesn’t bother me. Oh and when the tubing sneaks out of your clothes and gets stuck on a doorknob or something -- NOOOOO it's the worst!

METER: Bayer Contour Next Link

Been using this meter specifically since I've been on pump therapy -- my original meter was a One-Touch.

• Pros: I LOVE this meter. You’re able to notate if a reading is before meal, after meal, fasting, etc. The results are sent directly to my pump so no need to input anything myself so it really makes it easier. There’s also a way to manually bolus from your meter if say, your pump was strapped to your leg and not so accessible. Battery lasts for a while without needing to recharge, but it’s rechargeable which is a positive in itself.

• Cons: Really the only con I have is that the lancing device that it comes with is poor quality. I’ve gone through so many because they just break (the plunger more often than not breaks) -- they do last a pretty long time, probably a year, but it just dies out of nowhere and then you're stuck. They are also pretty expensive to replace.

CGM: FreeStyle Libre 14 day

I only recently started this -- I just started my third sensor, so it's been a little over a month!

• Pros: So easy to put on! Doesn’t require extra tape which is a BLESSING (the pain of pulling off tape from other sensors I’ve used is horrrrible). More accurate than other sensors I’ve used. The scanner, used to simply scan the sensor, is so easy to use and the results will come immediately. It also can be used to actually test your blood sugar as it is also a glucometer (with specific test strips). There is also an app for your phone that allows you to scan as well, so in case you forget the scanner, you have another tool to use.

• Cons: Can only put it on your upper back arm, so there’s no hiding it.

ACCESSORIES

Waterproof pump cover: I got this pump cover/case on Amazon, and it is honestly, the BEST thing. It's an Aquapac Insulin Pump case -- I always used to be so concerned when going on vacation and having to take my pump off to go in the water, and leaving it on the beach or somewhere and someone possibly taking it. With this case, I never have to worry about it! It comes with me whereever I go, and I then don't have to worry about my sugar rising and having to correct later. The CON well, it makes things a bit bulky -- and stuffing it into your bathing suit isn't that fun, but I've decided hey, if people are going to ask questions, ASK AWAY!

Glucometer case: Yaassss it's cheetah print, and YESSSS it IS amazing, and stylish! This is the perfect size for me, and allows me to show off a bit of my personality rather than a simple, starchy black boring fabric. This is the one I use daily to hold my glucometer, lancing device, alcohol swabs, extra pump batteries, extra needles. I really have loved everything I've ever purchased from myabetic and love supporting a fellow T1D! See her styles here.

Design decals: I’m someone who loves color and design, so looking at my black pump, grey meter, black CGM reader -- it’s just so BLAH, so plain. I really wanted these things that are on me all the time to be more reflective of who I am, and be happy and proud to show them off! In comes Peelz. This company offers decals for all your items, from pumps to meters, CGMS, even phones! They also support a variety of devices from different manufacturers, so you’re bound to find something that works for one of your tools! I’m currently waiting for a shipment where I purchased decals for my pump, meter, and CGM to all match! I’m excited :) The one CON I would say here is that it often takes some time to process the order and ship. The other would be that I can be challenging to put them on, only because you really want to try to match it up as perfectly as possible! It’s almost like putting a screen protector on your phone, and not wanting any air bubbles -- the struggle is real here, but it’s not too bad.

For the most part, all of these items are with me every single day. No excuses! Except for the waterproof case of course - there's no pool at my office! At least my pancreas (pump) is pretty :)

That's it for now - thanks for reading!