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    • 16 minutes ago
      Derek West likes your comment at
      Do you know how to test for ketones? Please share more in the comments.
      I test when I have unexpected, or stubbornly high blood glucose that just won't go down. I also test when I feel sick. Testing, for me, involves putting urine on a strip, either by peeing directly or dipping the strip into urine. I may use about 2 or 3 strips in a year. When I test positive, I increase my insulin dosage to a "sick day" level, which can be anywhere from 125% dosage to 400%. I usually start with small increases in dosage, and work my way up until my blood glucose levels even out.
    • 4 hours, 50 minutes ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      Do you know how to test for ketones? Please share more in the comments.
      I test when I have unexpected, or stubbornly high blood glucose that just won't go down. I also test when I feel sick. Testing, for me, involves putting urine on a strip, either by peeing directly or dipping the strip into urine. I may use about 2 or 3 strips in a year. When I test positive, I increase my insulin dosage to a "sick day" level, which can be anywhere from 125% dosage to 400%. I usually start with small increases in dosage, and work my way up until my blood glucose levels even out.
    • 4 hours, 50 minutes ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      Do you know how to test for ketones? Please share more in the comments.
      I have a blood ketone monitor. It works just like a glucometer.
    • 6 hours, 40 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Do you know how to test for ketones? Please share more in the comments.
      Perhaps only the poets who love alliteration could love the phrase, “killer ketones.” The ungodly pain experienced is your body eating and devouring itself. 🥵 Ketones are relentless killers. Do not give the bad guys a chance.
    • 6 hours, 45 minutes ago
      atr likes your comment at
      Do you know how to test for ketones? Please share more in the comments.
      I test when I have unexpected, or stubbornly high blood glucose that just won't go down. I also test when I feel sick. Testing, for me, involves putting urine on a strip, either by peeing directly or dipping the strip into urine. I may use about 2 or 3 strips in a year. When I test positive, I increase my insulin dosage to a "sick day" level, which can be anywhere from 125% dosage to 400%. I usually start with small increases in dosage, and work my way up until my blood glucose levels even out.
    • 7 hours, 22 minutes ago
      Judith Halterman likes your comment at
      Do you know how to test for ketones? Please share more in the comments.
      Perhaps only the poets who love alliteration could love the phrase, “killer ketones.” The ungodly pain experienced is your body eating and devouring itself. 🥵 Ketones are relentless killers. Do not give the bad guys a chance.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Anthony Harder likes your comment at
      Do you have ketone testing strips?
      Hi, Marty. Does your specialist have a source for that claim? It makes little sense that ketones would rise faster than BG since the metabolic pathway is much slower. If there's a source, however, I'd look further into the claim. FWIW, I've been a Type 1 for over 50 years; I can't remember the last time I tested for ketones. I possess no ketone testing strips.
    • 2 days, 4 hours ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      Does your insurance cover injectable glucagon, nasal glucagon, or both?
      Covers it with co pay
    • 2 days, 5 hours ago
      atr likes your comment at
      Does your insurance cover injectable glucagon, nasal glucagon, or both?
      It covers both. I prefer to have the the nasal version as I think it would be easier for someone else to administer.
    • 2 days, 7 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you have a non-expired glucagon prescription?
      I’ve been T1D for 60 years. As a child my mother didn’t like needles or injections so she just fed me when low. In college, explained use to dorm mates and classmates would’ve been a waste of time. Now married, my wife assumed the role of my mother and doesn’t like using needles on me either. I don’t have glucagon.
    • 2 days, 7 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you have a non-expired glucagon prescription?
      Yes, always have one or two nasal glucagon kits (Baqsimi) at home in easy to reach locations (ie at bedside and special container in living area) and always keep one with me when I go out ( along with glucose tabs or other simple carbs for treating LBS.). I apparently required injectable glucagon several times as a child and needed injectable glucagon only twice as an adult, both more than 15 years ago . More recently I needed my husband to give me Baqsimi after eating a difficult to dose for, high fat meal. The experience was terrifying so I don’t go anywhere without it now.
    • 2 days, 7 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do you have a non-expired glucagon prescription?
      I actually have 2 non-expired prescriptions. One for Baqsimi and one for Gvoke. I have not filled either of them because they’re $500-600 each.
    • 2 days, 7 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Does your insurance cover injectable glucagon, nasal glucagon, or both?
      My Medicare Part D essentially doesn't cover glucagon when any form is nearly $500!
    • 2 days, 21 hours ago
      Amanda Barras likes your comment at
      Do you have a non-expired glucagon prescription?
      Same here. Been as low as 19 (struggling with a vacuum cleaner bag and refused to let it win) but was still able to swallow food. I did used the “red needle” as my husband refers to it once when I went low but was scheduled for surgery and couldn’t eat or drink anything. Only once in 26 years. Fortunate.
    • 3 days, 16 hours ago
      Karen Newe likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related books in the comments:
      Marcus Aurelius Meditations for the benefits of stoicism. Dante’s Inferno for the nine levels of diabetic hell. Kristen Lavransdatter for the benefits of suffering. And best of all, Cervantes Don Quixote for the absurdity of tilting at so many worthless windmills of frenzied diabetic activity.
    • 4 days, 5 hours ago
      Natalie Daley likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related books in the comments:
      Marcus Aurelius Meditations for the benefits of stoicism. Dante’s Inferno for the nine levels of diabetic hell. Kristen Lavransdatter for the benefits of suffering. And best of all, Cervantes Don Quixote for the absurdity of tilting at so many worthless windmills of frenzied diabetic activity.
    • 4 days, 6 hours ago
      atr likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related books in the comments:
      Marcus Aurelius Meditations for the benefits of stoicism. Dante’s Inferno for the nine levels of diabetic hell. Kristen Lavransdatter for the benefits of suffering. And best of all, Cervantes Don Quixote for the absurdity of tilting at so many worthless windmills of frenzied diabetic activity.
    • 4 days, 7 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related podcasts in the comments:
      I don't do T1 podcasts.
    • 4 days, 7 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related books in the comments:
      Marcus Aurelius Meditations for the benefits of stoicism. Dante’s Inferno for the nine levels of diabetic hell. Kristen Lavransdatter for the benefits of suffering. And best of all, Cervantes Don Quixote for the absurdity of tilting at so many worthless windmills of frenzied diabetic activity.
    • 4 days, 7 hours ago
      Gary Taylor likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related books in the comments:
      Marcus Aurelius Meditations for the benefits of stoicism. Dante’s Inferno for the nine levels of diabetic hell. Kristen Lavransdatter for the benefits of suffering. And best of all, Cervantes Don Quixote for the absurdity of tilting at so many worthless windmills of frenzied diabetic activity.
    • 4 days, 18 hours ago
      Amanda Barras likes your comment at
      Which T1D influencers do you enjoy following?
      Currently it’s the Diabetech, Justin Easter.
    • 5 days, 3 hours ago
      ChrisW likes your comment at
      Share some of your favorite T1D-related podcasts in the comments:
      I don't do T1 podcasts.
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      Share some of your favorite T1D-related podcasts in the comments:
      TCOYD Diabetes Nerd Your Best T1D Year Think Like a Pancreas
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      Share some of your favorite T1D-related podcasts in the comments:
      Take Control of Your Diabetes
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      Take Control of Your Diabetes
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    Do you approach strangers in public who have visible diabetes devices?

    Home > LC Polls > Do you approach strangers in public who have visible diabetes devices?
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    How much do you think your immediate family members know about T1D? Select all of the statements that you think are true for you.

    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard has worked in the diabetes research field ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Marketing Manager at T1D Exchange.

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Their collective expertise is central to our mission of improving outcomes for all people living with T1D.  “We’re excited to be working with our advisors given their deep expertise across a broad range of areas in T1D,” said Dave Walton, CEO of T1D Exchange. “Their involvement magnifies our reach, knowledge, and impact. These advisors are shaping the future of diabetes care — driving innovation across research, clinical practice, and quality improvement.”    Meet the Medical & Research Advisory Team  The T1D Exchange Medical and Research Advisory Team brings together four leading endocrinologists, each offering a unique perspective and shared commitment to advancing T1D care:    Jenise Wong, MD, PhD Pediatric endocrinologist at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco Focus areas: Diabetes technology adoption and usability; health equity and access to care and technology; community-based and peer-support interventions; culturally responsive care          Jennifer Sherr, MD, PhD Pediatric endocrinologist at Yale Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut Focus areas: Clinical trials in diabetes technology (CGM and AID systems), disease-modifying treatments and immunotherapies, and emerging technologies and medications, including continuous ketone monitoring and nasal glucagon     Viral Shah, MD Adult endocrinologist at Indiana University Health and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana Focus areas: Diabetes technology and adjunctive therapy trials; translational and data-driven research; T1D complications and bone health         Nestoras Mathioudakis, MD, MHS Adult endocrinologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland Focus areas: AI-driven clinical support tools; EMR-based data analytics for clinical decision making; data-driven quality improvement; health equity in T1D care        This accomplished team’s expertise spans adult and pediatric endocrinology, research, and quality improvement affiliated with leading institutions nationwide. Collectively, they have authored over 500 diabetes publications and secured research funding from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, Helmsley Charitable Trust, the American Diabetes Association, and Breakthrough T1D — while remaining actively engaged in both clinical care and research.  “These individuals represent an impressive body of work while remaining deeply involved in the day-to-day realities of diabetes care,” said Walton. Their expertise covers the full spectrum of T1D care — from AI and predictive analytics to complication prevention, automated insulin delivery, continuous glucose and ketone monitoring, GLP-1 treatments, health equity, mental health, autoantibody screening, and disease prevention.    Turning insight into impact  The team’s work goes beyond research, focusing on translating insights into real-world practice. 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    27 Comments

    1. sweet charlie

      Yes… Because I hope by telling them that I have T1D from age 20 to 90 without any major problems, will help them on their outlook..

      18
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. kilupx

      I answered “other” because so have never seen a stranger in public using diabetes devices. Perhaps some people around me have had devices and I just haven’t noticed.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Lawrence S.

      Yes, whenever possible. It’s rare to see someone’s diabetes devices because they are hidden in pockets and beneath their clothing. But, I am always eager to speak with other diabetics. I always tell them about the T1D Exchange website.

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Robin Melen

      I think I would if I ever saw someone with a device. But I never have!

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Liz Avery

      I answered no, but if I was having a low emergency, I might.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Nichole Pleisch

      I don’t usually approach people but I might point out my devices. People tend to approach me more

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. MARIE

      I said depends. Traveling, we approached an adult once who had the telltale plastic tubing from her pump sticking out of her pants pocket. She was very receptive. But we’ve seen kids with CGMs on the backs of their arms and we don’t say anything to kids.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Ernie Richmann

      I often approach strangers with or without diabetes devices especially at the YMCA.

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Jneticdiabetic

      I often do. Always nice to meet someone else with T1D. This past year I met a fellow Dexcom user while hiking in Zion, the Dad of a newly diagnosed boy at a kiddie birthday party, a man with an alarming Tandem on a garden walk who jokingly told me “is not you, it’s me” when I checked my own pump in response. Sometimes just a flash of the a nod or smile of recognition.
      #DiabetesInTheWild

      6
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Carole Ludwig

      I would but I have not had the opportunity. I live in a small town and there are not that many type 1’s

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Linda Zottoli

      Like sweet charlie above, I figure my almost 68 years of diabetes is sometimes encouraging to people with newer diagnoses, and I’ve also become friends with people I’ve met.

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. KCR

      But several times people have approached me and I am happy to answer questions when the situation allows.

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Sue Martin

      No, I haven’t seen any strangers with visible diabetes devices.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. cynthia jaworski

      My answer was “always.” However, I approach differently, depending onn the circumstances. Many times I simply point to my libre and nod.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. George Lovelace

      I keep my Pump in a shirt Pocket and take it out to show with a Big Thumbs Up!

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Mary Dexter

      I don’t. If someone approaches me, I try to be polite, but really it’s none of their business. I talk to strangers about other, less personal things: the weather, groceries (have you ever tried this and does it taste good, do you know where they keep…). Probably why so many keep their devices hidden.
      When I was 14,I wore a Milwaukee Brace. Strangers would come up to me wanting to know the details of the car accident and I just wanted to be as invisible as any adolescent, but my mother would walk away, leaving me to politely explain scoliosis. Yes, I’m deformed. We hide to avoid rude, ignorant, opinionated people.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Janis Senungetuk

      Definitely depends on the circumstance. If I notice a pump or CGM on someone in a grocery,
      farmers market or park I’ve approached and simply gestured to my pump and CGM, saying “me, too”. Sometimes there’s a positive response.

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Wanacure

      If I see a stranger with something on their hip or wearing any device, I cannot assume it’s diabetes related. It might be a pacemaker, it might be a device using small electric shocks for pain, it could be a cellphone. Like Ernie I have no qualms talking to strangers.
      BTW I noticed a CGM on the arm of S. Epatha Merkerson on NBC TV’s Chicago Med where she plays chief administrator. In real life she was diagnosed as T2D in 2002. (Looper.com)

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Jillmarie61

      I should of put sometimes, but most of the time it’s them approaching me.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Jan Masty

      I never notice anyone wearing a pump or cgm. I have met other type 1’s because they have mentioned it during a conversation. Then I share my experience if appropriate.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. Bekki Weston

      Yes! Last year, I was in the zig-zag line at the airport, awaiting security check-in, and I spoke with a man in the next lane over, who had an Omnipod on his arm. Agree with others, that devices are often hidden, and we don’t even realize a fellow T1D is right beside us.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Cheryl Weaver

      Not if I don’t know them.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Jen Farley

      Always good to understand how someone else thinks about and handles situation’s and always a moment to learn from another pumper. I am a lifelong learner and always willing to make a new friend.

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. LizB

      I have never noticed a device on anyone in public but if I did I might say something, depending on the situation.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Mike Plante

      I don’t because I’m an introvert, but I’m happy to talk with t1d strangers if they initiate it.

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Bea Anderson

      Only if device is really noticeable!! Have had some great chats. And people have all different ways to achieve their goals!! Lots of questions. back and forth. I’m semi-private, but have had only good experiences.

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Michael Andrews

      Is this annoying or not?

      3 years ago Log in to Reply

    Do you approach strangers in public who have visible diabetes devices? Cancel reply

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