Diabetes Life Hacks

Diabetes Blog Week Topic:

Click for the Diabetes Life Hacks - Friday 5/16 Link List.
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.)



I use a great deal of tricks to help keep things in place event with skin issues. I use the Optiflex tape which works great to keep my Dexcom in place and has not skin reaction and use Bard adhesive to help it stay put as well. I do have to cut a square piece so the sensor is not taped down. I have found it works great for a week with not issues of peeling or having to tape several times. Also when I can't hear my Dexcom until it is 55 or under so now I put it in a cup but have added a bunch of coins so now I hear it earlier than the 55 or below alarm. I know because of my high stress job that at times I have trouble waking up for the Dexcom alarms just because I am so exhausted. So adding the coins has helped for now but I do plan of changing it up so that I don't zone out the sounds.

I have also found that using Hydro cortisone cream in an area I plan on using in a for an upcoming site change has really helped me to avoid the raised rashes and other itchy skin because of my glue and adhesive allergies. I also make sure I clean my skin with alcohol before I put a new sensor or site in but I always wait til it dries before using. This really helps me to make sure I don't get infections or other issues. If you have skin issues I always recommend trying several products. I called my medical supply company who sent me several samples of different adhesives and other tapes I can use. So always worth asking because trying products before  you buy is always nice.

I have also been eating Kind brand Dark Chocolate Chunk granola bars to help tie me over when my blood sugar does not want to stay in place. I also love the fact that when I read the label I know what every ingredient actually is. It is a nice feeling to know you are not eating some chemical ridden items.  It is gluten free and tastes great and the bonus it has chocolate of course. So I love these new bars. The Kind also has several different gluten free protein bars which I love as well.