Showing posts with label diabetes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diabetes. Show all posts
Saturday, 21 February 2015
Thursday, 5 February 2015
I Dropped my Insulin Pen, Now What?
You dropped your pen, you don't know if its going to work accurately or not, so what next?
Do not use your pen until you can test its function, or you could end up getting too much or too little insulin. Until you test and know for sure, use insulin syringes. Just remove the cartridge from the pen and use the syringe, just like you would with a vial of insulin.
However, there's an easy test you can do if you have any Novofine pen needle tips. Even though I have switched brands over the years, I always keep at least a couple of dozen of them on hand, just for this purpose. You can use one with the outer cap on to test your pens accuracy.
The method is given in the instruction booklet for Novopen users. You just put a tip on the pen, pull off the outer cap, then the inner cap. Dial up 2 units and do an air shot, then put the outer cap back on, and dial up 20 units. Holding the pen with the needle tip downward, push the button and do the shot into the outer cap. The insulin should fill the small area of the cover, and not go under or over that section. Its a test to make sure your pen works. This should work for any pen, as long as you use a Novofine pen needle tip.
You can go to this link and download the manual http://www.novonordisk.com/diabetes/public/insulinpens/novopen4/manual.asp
or use this screen shot of the relevant page of the manual.
If your pen fails this simple test, do NOT use it. Get a replacement asap and until then, continue to use syringes and the cartridges, without the pen.
Do not use your pen until you can test its function, or you could end up getting too much or too little insulin. Until you test and know for sure, use insulin syringes. Just remove the cartridge from the pen and use the syringe, just like you would with a vial of insulin.
However, there's an easy test you can do if you have any Novofine pen needle tips. Even though I have switched brands over the years, I always keep at least a couple of dozen of them on hand, just for this purpose. You can use one with the outer cap on to test your pens accuracy.
The method is given in the instruction booklet for Novopen users. You just put a tip on the pen, pull off the outer cap, then the inner cap. Dial up 2 units and do an air shot, then put the outer cap back on, and dial up 20 units. Holding the pen with the needle tip downward, push the button and do the shot into the outer cap. The insulin should fill the small area of the cover, and not go under or over that section. Its a test to make sure your pen works. This should work for any pen, as long as you use a Novofine pen needle tip.
You can go to this link and download the manual http://www.novonordisk.com/diabetes/public/insulinpens/novopen4/manual.asp
or use this screen shot of the relevant page of the manual.
If your pen fails this simple test, do NOT use it. Get a replacement asap and until then, continue to use syringes and the cartridges, without the pen.
Monday, 2 February 2015
Test Strips reduced for Type 2 diabetics in Canada!
Have you heard about this?
The number of test strips available to diabetics in Ontario has been reduced, and drastically reduced for anyone not on insulin!!!!
How are people supposed to test a minimum of 5 times a day with only 200 test strips per year?
I usually get 300 test strips a month, I'm on 2 types of insulin, and I will now only get 250 test strips per month.
However, my husband, who had to stop taking metformin for health reasons, will now only get 200 test strips per YEAR! His doctor told him to test at least 5 times a day. Now he can only test once every other day. He'll have to start using some of my test strips, just to keep track.
This STINKS!
And the Canadian Diabetes Association supports it!
I can't believe this!
Why is all this misinformation circulating about type 2?
I'm amazed by the ignorance of people purporting to know about diabetes. This includes doctors and pharmacists, and even other diabetics.
One thing that keeps popping up for me is that everyone is quoting outdated and incomplete information regarding the genetics and causes of type 2.
There aren't 6 or 7, or even 13 genes that can involved in type 2.
In fact there are at least 38!
That's right - 38!
This information was published in the summer of 2010. Check the dates on internet sources you quote people! Please look for more up to date info!
And the more of these defective genes you have, the greater the likelihood of getting it.
Your family history should be a clue. Mine is rife with diabetes and weight problems caused by insulin resistance and defective genes, on BOTH sides of my family.
Other factors that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes include, among many many others:
Beta blockers can increase your risk by 20 to 50%. If you already have the genes (look at your family history), and your doctor prescribes beta blockers, your chances increase dramatically even if nothing else changes.
Beta blockers can be enough to tip you over the edge into diabetes. I know because this happened to my husband and almost happened to my sister. Luckily I found out about this and let her know in time.
Other factors include under active thyroid - check, had that ALL my life! Its still undertreated because I can't tolerate the dose of thyroid hormone that I actually need.
Certain medications for other conditions - check, I was never told of the risks involved with certain treatments until well after the damage was done. This can include treatments for PCOS, asthma, infections, and much more.
Exposure to pesticides, and highway smog. Yep, been there, done that, it was not my choice, but none the less, I have to suffer the consequences of it.
Family history: I have not one, not two, but several people with diabetes in my close family. According to scientific research my chances of getting type 2 were pretty much 100%, given my family history. This probably goes back several generations.
Other factors, for me include injuries from accidents that kept me from exercising.
Inflammation and allergies: Yes, this can have an effect!
Inherited joint disorders: which have not only kept me from riding my bike, roller skating, and dancing, (all of which I love). They have also put me into a wheelchair. I cannot get enough exercise to stay fit, let alone fight back against insulin resistance.
Insulin injections: yes, they saved my life, but they are also making me gain weight, and increasing my insulin resistance. Its a lose/lose situation for me.
Update, since this was originally written, I have read further articles that state that there are over 40 known genetic factors involved in getting Type 2 diabetes.
One thing that keeps popping up for me is that everyone is quoting outdated and incomplete information regarding the genetics and causes of type 2.
There aren't 6 or 7, or even 13 genes that can involved in type 2.
In fact there are at least 38!
That's right - 38!
This information was published in the summer of 2010. Check the dates on internet sources you quote people! Please look for more up to date info!
And the more of these defective genes you have, the greater the likelihood of getting it.
Your family history should be a clue. Mine is rife with diabetes and weight problems caused by insulin resistance and defective genes, on BOTH sides of my family.
Other factors that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes include, among many many others:
Beta blockers can increase your risk by 20 to 50%. If you already have the genes (look at your family history), and your doctor prescribes beta blockers, your chances increase dramatically even if nothing else changes.
Beta blockers can be enough to tip you over the edge into diabetes. I know because this happened to my husband and almost happened to my sister. Luckily I found out about this and let her know in time.
Other factors include under active thyroid - check, had that ALL my life! Its still undertreated because I can't tolerate the dose of thyroid hormone that I actually need.
Certain medications for other conditions - check, I was never told of the risks involved with certain treatments until well after the damage was done. This can include treatments for PCOS, asthma, infections, and much more.
Exposure to pesticides, and highway smog. Yep, been there, done that, it was not my choice, but none the less, I have to suffer the consequences of it.
Family history: I have not one, not two, but several people with diabetes in my close family. According to scientific research my chances of getting type 2 were pretty much 100%, given my family history. This probably goes back several generations.
Other factors, for me include injuries from accidents that kept me from exercising.
Inflammation and allergies: Yes, this can have an effect!
Inherited joint disorders: which have not only kept me from riding my bike, roller skating, and dancing, (all of which I love). They have also put me into a wheelchair. I cannot get enough exercise to stay fit, let alone fight back against insulin resistance.
Insulin injections: yes, they saved my life, but they are also making me gain weight, and increasing my insulin resistance. Its a lose/lose situation for me.
Update, since this was originally written, I have read further articles that state that there are over 40 known genetic factors involved in getting Type 2 diabetes.
Monday, 26 January 2015
Friday, 19 December 2014
Monday, 27 January 2014
Keeping Insulin Safe During a Heat Wave
Sometimes when you are traveling or even at home or work, your insulin will be subjected to temperature extremes, including freezing, or heat wave temperatures. Since insulin is very sensitive to temperature changes, it needs to be protected.
If you are just going for a short trip during the winter, then the safest place to keep your insulin is inside its case, on the inside of your coat. As long as you don't get overheated, your body temperature will keep your insulin warm enough. However, don't have it too close, or the temperature can get too warm for it. If you'll be in a heated car, not outside, then keeping it in your usual bag or pocket might be warm enough. Just don't store it right next to a heat source. Its a good idea to have some kind of insulin around insulin in any extremes to keep it from getting too warm or too cold so pack it in some sort of insulated pack or bag whenever the temperatures might go outside optimum ranges. Insulin can be very expensive, plus you don't want to be without a vital medication when you need it. Planning is essential.
For summertime, you should check the temperature range that is safe and have a plan for keeping your insulin in use cool during heat waves. You can store your supply in the fridge (as long as your fridge doesn't freeze things). However, for your insulin pen in current use, you need something portable, so read on.
One word about ice. NEVER use ice directly next to your insulin. It WILL freeze enough to make it useless. If you plan to pack your insulin in a cooler with your lunch, make sure your insulin is as far away from the ice pack as possible to avoid freezing it. I wrap a clean kitchen towel around my pen case. I put the ice on the other side of the cooler, as far from the insulin as possible. The towel keeps the insulin pen case where I put it, and protects it if it should shift in transport.
Once you open it, insulin is fine at average room temperatures, however, if its hot enough to use an air conditioner, then you probably need to take precautions about the heat. All insulin packaging comes with an insert that tells you the safe temperature range for your product. Always check the recommendations in the insert.
If you'll be traveling, or live where there are heat waves during the summer, I strongly advise you to get a FRIO wallet for your insulin.
Frio uses water evaporation to keep insulin and other temperature sensitive medications at a cool temperature without risk of freezing during a heat wave, without relying on any type of refrigeration. The wallets are small enough to carry with you, and you can also get larger ones for supplies needed over an extended period such as a vacation.
Frio can be used anywhere that you have access to clean water, its very portable, and simple to use, and you can even get one for a pump if you have one.
I've been using water evaporation to keep my insulin pens protected during heat waves for several years now, and have never had a problem. Frio is a reliable product and the concept is simple and effective.
I highly recommend it!
Here's the link: http://www.frioinsulincoolingcase.com/
I have no association with Frio, other than being a happy customer.
Freezing: As far as I know, the simplest way to tell if insulin has frozen, is to look for changes in appearance. It might have become cloudy or have particles in it that are not normally present. There might be a crack in the cartridge. If there are no observable changes, I test my insulin by using it. If it doesn't bring my blood sugar down as it normally would, then it has indeed been frozen. The same applies to extreme heat. It renders insulin useless. I don't know of any other way to test insulin other than sending it back to the company.
I once sent insulin to the company to be tested, and it was fine, but instead of returning it, they threw it out! There goes my money! So now I just test by using it. This is how I test it, its up to you to decide if you want to do this or not. Consult your doctor first or call the company and follow their advice.
This blog is for entertainment purposes only. Always follow the advice of your doctor or diabetes nurse educator, or your endo.
If you are just going for a short trip during the winter, then the safest place to keep your insulin is inside its case, on the inside of your coat. As long as you don't get overheated, your body temperature will keep your insulin warm enough. However, don't have it too close, or the temperature can get too warm for it. If you'll be in a heated car, not outside, then keeping it in your usual bag or pocket might be warm enough. Just don't store it right next to a heat source. Its a good idea to have some kind of insulin around insulin in any extremes to keep it from getting too warm or too cold so pack it in some sort of insulated pack or bag whenever the temperatures might go outside optimum ranges. Insulin can be very expensive, plus you don't want to be without a vital medication when you need it. Planning is essential.
For summertime, you should check the temperature range that is safe and have a plan for keeping your insulin in use cool during heat waves. You can store your supply in the fridge (as long as your fridge doesn't freeze things). However, for your insulin pen in current use, you need something portable, so read on.
One word about ice. NEVER use ice directly next to your insulin. It WILL freeze enough to make it useless. If you plan to pack your insulin in a cooler with your lunch, make sure your insulin is as far away from the ice pack as possible to avoid freezing it. I wrap a clean kitchen towel around my pen case. I put the ice on the other side of the cooler, as far from the insulin as possible. The towel keeps the insulin pen case where I put it, and protects it if it should shift in transport.
Once you open it, insulin is fine at average room temperatures, however, if its hot enough to use an air conditioner, then you probably need to take precautions about the heat. All insulin packaging comes with an insert that tells you the safe temperature range for your product. Always check the recommendations in the insert.
If you'll be traveling, or live where there are heat waves during the summer, I strongly advise you to get a FRIO wallet for your insulin.
Frio uses water evaporation to keep insulin and other temperature sensitive medications at a cool temperature without risk of freezing during a heat wave, without relying on any type of refrigeration. The wallets are small enough to carry with you, and you can also get larger ones for supplies needed over an extended period such as a vacation.
Frio can be used anywhere that you have access to clean water, its very portable, and simple to use, and you can even get one for a pump if you have one.
I've been using water evaporation to keep my insulin pens protected during heat waves for several years now, and have never had a problem. Frio is a reliable product and the concept is simple and effective.
I highly recommend it!
Here's the link: http://www.frioinsulincoolingcase.com/
I have no association with Frio, other than being a happy customer.
Freezing: As far as I know, the simplest way to tell if insulin has frozen, is to look for changes in appearance. It might have become cloudy or have particles in it that are not normally present. There might be a crack in the cartridge. If there are no observable changes, I test my insulin by using it. If it doesn't bring my blood sugar down as it normally would, then it has indeed been frozen. The same applies to extreme heat. It renders insulin useless. I don't know of any other way to test insulin other than sending it back to the company.
I once sent insulin to the company to be tested, and it was fine, but instead of returning it, they threw it out! There goes my money! So now I just test by using it. This is how I test it, its up to you to decide if you want to do this or not. Consult your doctor first or call the company and follow their advice.
This blog is for entertainment purposes only. Always follow the advice of your doctor or diabetes nurse educator, or your endo.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Tips for Insulin Users
Injecting Insulin
As always, this Blog is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult your doctor or diabetes nurse educator before making any changes to your diabetes care routine. I am NOT a doctor, I am a diabetic, and this is what works for me. Talk to your doctor first, before trying anything new.
This subject comes up fairly frequently and over the years I've learned a few things that might help you with your insulin injections, especially Lantus, which has a tendency to burn.
More than you ever wanted to know about injecting insulin:
Lantus burns most when it's cold. To avoid this problem, you can keep it at room temperature up for to 28 days with no problems unless you live in a hot climate or the temperature rises over 86°F (30°C). If the temperature may go higher, then you need to either store it in the fridge during the heat wave, or use a FRIO wallet.
For more info about Frio products click here: http://diabetesfrio.com/
In any case, even if you store it in the fridge, it should be tossed after 28 days of being open and in use. It looses its effectiveness after that.
TIPS for all insulins:
To reduce bruising inject more slowly, and don't move the needle while it's in. Moving it or jiggling it can cause a lot of bruising, ask me how I know!
After injecting, hold the needle in place for 20 seconds, then withdraw smoothly. Holding it reduces leakage when you withdraw the needle.
Don't reuse needles, it adds to the bruising/bleeding problem. Dull needles tear the skin instead of just piercing it. Today's needles are not as thick or sturdy as the needles used in previous decades. They don't hold up well enough to reuse. There is also a risk of infection with reusing needles.
If you want to see what a used needle looks like:
http://www.bd.com/ca/diabetes/english/page.aspx?cat=14501&id=14766
Now do you really want to shove that dull dirty needle into your sensitive skin?
I've found that a supplement called bioflavonoids helps reduce bruising. It strengthens the cell walls. Ask your doctor about trying it.
For more information on Lantus: http://www.lantus.com/resources/default.aspx
If you're using Lantus, you have probably discovered that it can burn like crazy!
Lantus burns most when it's cold. To avoid this problem, you can keep it at room temperature up for to 28 days with no problems unless you live in a hot climate or the temperature rises over 86°F (30°C). If the temperature may go higher, then you need to either store it in the fridge during the heat wave, or use a FRIO wallet.
In summer heat waves I use a FRIO wallet to keep my insulin cool but not cold enough to burn. FRIO wallets work by the cooling process of water evaporation. Its cheap and it works, and there's no risk of freezing your insulin like there can be if you use freezer packs. Frozen insulin is useless, so don't risk freezing it by putting it next to a frozen ice pack!
For more info about Frio products click here: http://diabetesfrio.com/
In any case, even if you store it in the fridge, it should be tossed after 28 days of being open and in use. It looses its effectiveness after that.
TIPS for all insulins:
To reduce bruising inject more slowly, and don't move the needle while it's in. Moving it or jiggling it can cause a lot of bruising, ask me how I know!
After injecting, hold the needle in place for 20 seconds, then withdraw smoothly. Holding it reduces leakage when you withdraw the needle.
Don't inject near bruises, it causes absorption problems. Avoid veins and capillaries too, there is an increased risk of bruising and bleeding but there's also a risk of sudden hypoglycemia from injecting into a capillary or vein. This is very dangerous and must be avoided.
Don't reuse needles, it adds to the bruising/bleeding problem. Dull needles tear the skin instead of just piercing it. Today's needles are not as thick or sturdy as the needles used in previous decades. They don't hold up well enough to reuse. There is also a risk of infection with reusing needles.
If you want to see what a used needle looks like:
http://www.bd.com/ca/diabetes/english/page.aspx?cat=14501&id=14766
Now do you really want to shove that dull dirty needle into your sensitive skin?
I've found that a supplement called bioflavonoids helps reduce bruising. It strengthens the cell walls. Ask your doctor about trying it.
For more information on Lantus: http://www.lantus.com/resources/default.aspx
From the Lantus website:
16.2 Storage
LANTUS should not be stored in the freezer and should not be allowed to freeze. Discard LANTUS if it has been frozen.
Unopened Vial/ SoloStar disposable insulin device:
Unopened LANTUS vials, cartridge systems and SoloStar device should be stored in a refrigerator, 36°F – 46°F (2°C – 8°
C). Discard after the expiration date.
Open (In-Use) Vial:
Vials must be discarded 28 days after being opened. If refrigeration is not possible, the open vial can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 28 days away from direct heat and light, as long as the temperature is not greater than 86°F (30°C).
Open (In-Use) SoloStar disposable insulin device:
The opened (in-use) SoloStar should NOT be refrigerated but should be kept at room temperature (below 86°F [30°C]) away from direct heat and light. The opened (in-use) SoloStar device must be discarded 28 days after being opened.
Saturday, 7 July 2012
Glucose Tablets: An Essential Safety Measure for Insulin Users
Essential Safety Measures for Insulin Users
Something we all need once we start using insulin
is a quick fix if our blood glucose goes too low.
If you're a type 2, and on oral meds, diet and exercise, your blood glucose may
go low occasionally. However, when you start insulin, you'll experience more
severe lows, that have a sudden onset, and you may not have the physical
strength and presence of mind to deal with it, if you fail to prepare
ahead of time.
One item you must have on hand is glucose tablets.
There are several brands, but I find the least expensive and most widely available brand is Dex4.
You can buy Dex4 in large jars of 50, which will treat about 15 lows, and there are also 10 tablet tubes. The tubes will only treat 3 lows or possibly 4. The larger bottles are more economical.
There are other brands of glucose available, these are simply the brand that I prefer, as it is easy to find, and not as expensive as the other ones.
You should always carry glucose tablets with you when you go out,
even in your own backyard. You should keep some in a small jar in every
room of your home too. They should be easy to see at a glance, and easy
to reach from whatever chair you normally sit in. For example, you
should be able to reach them at your desk, your living room chair,
kitchen table, in your car, your place of work, and where you sleep.
They should never be out of reach!
Take the time now to break the
seal on the bottle and open the lid, then screw it back on just enough
to close, so its not tight. You need to keep moisture out, but have the
lid loose enough for a weakened person to open in an emergency. If you go low, you will be weaker than normal, and probably confused as well.
If you take the time now to put at least 6 to 8 glucose tablets in
small jars, label them, and put one in each location, it could save your
life someday. It will certainly give you some security, knowing that you're prepared for the lows that will occur.
Why got to all this trouble you ask? Well, when a real low strikes, you may be too weak to walk, let alone hunt for
and open a new, still sealed jar. You may not even have the strength to
open a lid if its screwed on too tightly. Confusion is part of extreme
low blood glucose, so be prepared now, so you can deal with it when it
strikes.
Family members need to know what and where your glucose tablets are
too. They need to know how to help if you get so low you can't even
think of taking glucose tablets.
Here's a handy product that can be used to carry them when you're away from home, at work, etc.
This is the Quick Fix Key Chain for glucose tablets. The Dex4 tablets fit into these perfectly.
I rotate mine, as they do absorb more moisture when stored in these key-chain holders. You can find this product at Quick Fix Key Chain
I've also seen these on Amazon.com
Dex 4 is available in tablets, gels and liquid form. The 50 count jar
of tablets is the most economical form, and easier to find too. Other brands may be more readily available in your part of the world. The important thing is to get some, and have them on hand, where you'll need them, not stuck in the back of a cupboard somewhere, collecting dust!
Take the time now to get some glucose tablets and put them where you can easily find and use them, when the need arises.
You won't be sorry that you did!
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Control
Control
What is this circle of testing,
counting carbs, and injecting insulin?
What does this tight control gain?
Why do I test over and over,
repeating the endless cycle of blood?
I celebrate each little victory,
a lower A1c, creating a new recipe
that doesn't send my glucose soaring,
finding a few moments of peace
when I actually forget my diabetes
and just live in the moment.
Control - I never knew
how much I would learn
to value that word.
I control my blood glucose
as much as humanly possible,
instead of letting it...
Control me.
No comas, blindness, amputations,
no suffering like my grandmother,
had to go through.
Who am I to complain
about a few finger sticks,
counting carbs, injecting insulin,
getting labwork done,
overcoming my fear of needles,
when it can save my eyes,
save my feet, save my very life?
So what if I have to count carbs
and feel like a pincushion?
I'd rather count
than die a little
every day...
Wouldn't you?
Control...
Its worth every moment that I give,
every day, month after month,
to stay here and enjoy
the spring blossoms on the apple tree,
the crash of waves on the shoreline after a storm,
the voice of my sweetheart in the starry dark,
my daughter's smiling face,
and someday...
the laughter of my grandchildren.
Petra
every day...
Wouldn't you?
Control...
Its worth every moment that I give,
every day, month after month,
to stay here and enjoy
the spring blossoms on the apple tree,
the crash of waves on the shoreline after a storm,
the voice of my sweetheart in the starry dark,
my daughter's smiling face,
and someday...
the laughter of my grandchildren.
Petra
Saturday, 11 February 2012
Low Carb Pie Crusts - Two to Choose From!
Low Carb Pie Crusts:
Here's a couple you can choose from:
Healthy High Fiber Pie Crust
2 C. Fiber One cereal ground/crushed
3 T. melted butter
2 T. granular Splenda
Mix ingredients well, press into a lightly greased pie plate.
Bake 10 minutes @ 350 degrees F
Cool. Add filling of choice. I like to add a sugar free vanilla pudding filling with some fat free cream cheese stirred into it to make it taste like cheesecake. Then I top with strawberries if they are in season.
Almond Meal Pie Crust
This works best for a 9" pie pan. If you have an 8" one, the crust will be a little thicker, or you can cut back on the ingredients a bit. Very easy to make, tastes a lot like shortbread and its gluten free too!
Ingredients:
1 and 1/2 cups almond meal or almond flour
3 tablespoons melted butter
Artificial sweetener equal to 3 tablespoons sugar
Preparation:
Heat oven to 350 F. Melt the butter (if the pie pan is microwave safe, melt the butter in it) and mix the ingredients up in the pan and pat into place with your fingertips.
Bake for about 10 minutes until the crust is beginning to brown. After 8 minutes, check every minute or so, because once it starts to brown it goes quickly.
Nutritional Information: The whole pie shell has 11 grams effective carbohydrate2 plus 17 grams fiber and 30 grams protein.
You can find lots of ideas for pie crusts and even recipes without crust, that are lower in carbs. Just Google it!
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