Topic: Share the (non-medical) tips and tricks that help you in the day-to-day management of diabetes.  Tell us everything from clothing modifications, serving size/carb counting tricks to the tried and true Dexcom-in-a-glass trick or the “secret” to turning on a Medtronic pump’s backlight when not on the home-screen (scroll to the bottom of this post). Please remember to give non-medical advice only! (Thank you Rachel of Probably Rachel and Kelley of Below Seven for this topic suggestion.)

Blog Links Day 5

Diabetes life hacks- I actually feel like all of my life is one life hack after another.

Well the obvious. Maybe the obvious?

I have mio pumpsites everywhere in case of an incident with my pump- maybe it goes bad? faulty site? stops working? rips out? I’m one of those who lets my cord dangle. The risks are endless basically. They also come in fun colors right?

• Gym bag
• 2 in my bookbag
• purse
• other bags I use
• when I travel
• BUT ESPECIALLY at work. Lesson learned. Yesterday. I was changing into my work clothes, and of course it rips out. I had already used the spare- so I got to go back home to change it, and go back.
• at my internship I will have one there as well.

ya never know right?

In general in life- I become a semi-expert in whatever I am dealing with at the moment. No one messes with me or crosses me at all- especially with medical companies and INSURANCE.

Flying/security- have a letter. You are also allowed to carry an extra bag (cooler really) for medical supplies on most airlines and it does not count as a carry on.

I would also count educating others, especially people you interact with regularly, on Diabetes. I cannot tell you how many times this has come in handy for me- for example

• In middle school I had a sub teacher saying I was faking having Diabetes- the class took my side.
• My friends helped me raise money for JDRF.
• I now have friends volunteering at camp.
• Some of my friends notice my low as I do, and act. Highs as well.
• My teachers have stuck up for me in situations
• for example
• DC
• and in 6th grade we went scuba diving, in a pool, for a field trip. When the instructors found out I had Diabetes, they said I couldn’t. My teacher would not stand for that, I actually didn’t have a chance to even correct them- she set them straight- “she takes care of herself.” “her blood sugar is in target right now.” “What will happen in a pool???” Needless to say I got to go.
• If you have already explained stuff, terms, signs, language, etc to people before hand- when something does happen or go wrong- you don’t have to worry as much about them not knowing or having to explain. Win right? I do understand people not wanting to though- but with people you interact with a lot? better safe than sorry!

Love, Words, Inspiration, and Insulin! -Until next time! and until there’s a cure!

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We’ll both be glad you did! -Mindy