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    • 8 hours, 35 minutes ago
      Tracy Jean likes your comment at
      Do you feel like diabetes-related decisions take more time and energy than other people realize?
      Most people think you wear a pump and it does everything. They have no idea about pre-bolus for food and adjustments, site changes or any of the other issues and decisions and actions we make every day.
    • 17 hours, 19 minutes ago
      Laurie B likes your comment at
      Do you feel T1D has made you more adaptable to change, in general?
      It's a difficult hypothetical to answer. I was very adaptable when I was young. I still am adaptable. However, we have to be adaptable to live with this disease.
    • 17 hours, 32 minutes ago
      Danielle Eastman likes your comment at
      Do you feel T1D has made you more adaptable to change, in general?
      It's a difficult hypothetical to answer. I was very adaptable when I was young. I still am adaptable. However, we have to be adaptable to live with this disease.
    • 17 hours, 32 minutes ago
      Danielle Eastman likes your comment at
      Do you feel T1D has made you more adaptable to change, in general?
      I think it's actually made me go the opposite way - I really don't like change and cling to my routines 😂
    • 20 hours, 6 minutes ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      What kind of diabetes-related support would be most helpful to you right now?
      A choice that was not available but one that is really needed is: " Aging with Type 1".
    • 20 hours, 45 minutes ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      What kind of diabetes-related support would be most helpful to you right now?
      A choice that was not available but one that is really needed is: " Aging with Type 1".
    • 20 hours, 46 minutes ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      What kind of diabetes-related support would be most helpful to you right now?
      For me, a “cruise director” for long-term Type 1 diabetes or chronic illness would be most beneficial — someone who looks at the whole person. General practitioners are increasingly rare, and specialists tend to work in silos, often without coordinating care, considering overlapping conditions, or cross-checking medications and prognoses. What’s needed is a knowledgeable care coordinator who understands long-term Type 1 diabetes, can help interpret conflicting specialist advice, guide patients toward the right specialist for specific symptoms (for example, whether migrating burning pain is diabetes-related or not), and maintain referral lists of providers who already understand how long-term diabetes affects their specialty.
    • 1 day, 8 hours ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      What kind of diabetes-related support would be most helpful to you right now?
      Funny you should ask, and I'm with Amanda Barras - dealing with the US insurance and networks system. I switched health plans, effective 1/1/26. My old plan stopped processing Rx's two weeks before (Rx's for pump and CGM supplies). With the network system in US healthcare, I can't see a doctor until September. Since I have different coverage for my supplies (including insulin) I need new Rx's. Having to check in often to see if their are open appointments from cancellations, and trying to see if a Zoom care or Urgent care will provide "bridge refills". My old health plan will not issue bridge refills. I 'spose it isn't strictly a T1D issue - but it's one that unites all of us with chronic medical conditions (and chronic poor medical service)
    • 1 day, 8 hours ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      What kind of diabetes-related support would be most helpful to you right now?
      Dealing with insurance coverage and getting claims approved due to coordination of benefits issues. We should not have to hold the hands of insurance and billing specialists in order for them to do their job so our medical bills get paid. Correctly. I have thought about going to school for medical billing jay to have more inside knowledge of how things work so I can articulate the problems more effectively and get resolution quicker.
    • 1 day, 12 hours ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      What kind of diabetes-related support would be most helpful to you right now?
      Funny you should ask, and I'm with Amanda Barras - dealing with the US insurance and networks system. I switched health plans, effective 1/1/26. My old plan stopped processing Rx's two weeks before (Rx's for pump and CGM supplies). With the network system in US healthcare, I can't see a doctor until September. Since I have different coverage for my supplies (including insulin) I need new Rx's. Having to check in often to see if their are open appointments from cancellations, and trying to see if a Zoom care or Urgent care will provide "bridge refills". My old health plan will not issue bridge refills. I 'spose it isn't strictly a T1D issue - but it's one that unites all of us with chronic medical conditions (and chronic poor medical service)
    • 1 day, 13 hours ago
      Daniel Bestvater likes your comment at
      What kind of diabetes-related support would be most helpful to you right now?
      Something better AND less expensive- ideally a cure!
    • 1 day, 14 hours ago
      Tracy Jean likes your comment at
      What part of managing T1D takes the most mental energy for you right now?
      Frustration (with insurance, living in Minneapolis, and general stress) that makes me want to eat all the carbs. :)
    • 1 day, 16 hours ago
      Steve Rumble likes your comment at
      What kind of diabetes-related support would be most helpful to you right now?
      Something better AND less expensive- ideally a cure!
    • 1 day, 17 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      What kind of diabetes-related support would be most helpful to you right now?
      I'll take all the support I can get. Good knowledgeable support that you cannot get from reading a book.
    • 2 days, 4 hours ago
      Bruce Schnitzler likes your comment at
      When you plan to be physically active, how much mental effort does T1D usually add before you start?
      Breakfast is my main meal of the day, so aerobics in a warm pool, weight lifting with ten lb hand weights, and taking my over- loved dog for walks follows. I’ve had the same routine for 15 years, the joys of retirement. I’m going to be 80.
    • 2 days, 17 hours ago
      Deborah Wright likes your comment at
      When you plan to be physically active, how much mental effort does T1D usually add before you start?
      All depends on the type of activity and the duration of the activity.
    • 2 days, 17 hours ago
      atr likes your comment at
      When you plan to be physically active, how much mental effort does T1D usually add before you start?
      At 67, my exercise is usually consistently 30 minutes of yoga as soon as I wake up (no thought necessary to T1D - dawn effect makes sure I don’t go low and breakfast right after takes care of any slight high; walking - just take tablets with me if I go low; I used to do some biking but haven’t in a while; YouTube standing exercises for those over 50 - usually go low but eat something after. No real surprises anywhere that tablets won’t handle.
    • 2 days, 18 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Has diabetes technology increased or decreased your mental load?
      That is hard to say. It is definitely more of a hassle to keep my sugar under control now with technology as I look at my sugar levels more often and make more decisions about how many carbs I am eating and wondering if my pump settings are correct. But I have less stress about having a low blood sugar,
    • 2 days, 18 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Has diabetes technology increased or decreased your mental load?
      Control IQ has been a big boon for daily management. CGM too, my fingers had grown tired of being poked.
    • 2 days, 18 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Has diabetes technology increased or decreased your mental load?
      I don't think pumps fail periodically. I find a pump way more reliable than a CGM. Realistically though, yes they are a big investment if you get the kind where you have it for years under warranty. With other pumps like an Ipod or the new Twiist, you can try them out for a while under pharmacy benefits and discontinue them if you don't like them.
    • 2 days, 18 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Has diabetes technology increased or decreased your mental load?
      It was working wonderfully for several years, but then in the last six months, my Medtronic 780+ G4 guardian sensors have failed so often that I now have so much trouble that I often wonder if it’s worth it. But then I remember how up and down my blood sugars were when I was taking injections for 50 years and I give my head a shake..
    • 2 days, 18 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Has diabetes technology increased or decreased your mental load?
      I went from using two kinds of insulin, taking a BG reading (poking myself) 10-12 times a day, to using one kind of insulin, building a DIY app about monthly, monitoring my watch/phone/app frequently. Is that a time improvement? I think so. Is it a reduced mental load? I'm not sure. Is it more simple or better mentally? Yes, greatly! Is it an improvement in my lifestyle? Definitely! Is it a simple answer? Definitely not! Is it improvement medically? Definitely better control, better #s, but what I've done is trade one mental load for another. Do I still worry, yes, but it's a reduced amount. Do I still wish T1 had never entered by life? Yes. I'd be a fool not to wish it had never entered by life, but that's wishful thinking. It's here; I and my wife still have to deal with it; I have to think about what my plans are for the next couple of hours and respond or risk going low, or high, or staying the same. Does it impact my life, still a definite yes.
    • 3 days, 2 hours ago
      Sandy Norman likes your comment at
      Has diabetes technology increased or decreased your mental load?
      I went from using two kinds of insulin, taking a BG reading (poking myself) 10-12 times a day, to using one kind of insulin, building a DIY app about monthly, monitoring my watch/phone/app frequently. Is that a time improvement? I think so. Is it a reduced mental load? I'm not sure. Is it more simple or better mentally? Yes, greatly! Is it an improvement in my lifestyle? Definitely! Is it a simple answer? Definitely not! Is it improvement medically? Definitely better control, better #s, but what I've done is trade one mental load for another. Do I still worry, yes, but it's a reduced amount. Do I still wish T1 had never entered by life? Yes. I'd be a fool not to wish it had never entered by life, but that's wishful thinking. It's here; I and my wife still have to deal with it; I have to think about what my plans are for the next couple of hours and respond or risk going low, or high, or staying the same. Does it impact my life, still a definite yes.
    • 3 days, 6 hours ago
      KCR likes your comment at
      Has diabetes technology increased or decreased your mental load?
      Having been diagnosed in my 70’s 3 years ago, I have always used a CGM. I now have a Smart Pen and Apple Watch. As a retired nurse, I’m grateful for the relative simplicity of this technology as compared to what I saw during my career. Still wish this disease wasn’t mine, but it’s in good control and I plan to keep it that way. T1 still takes up space in my life, but so would any chronic condition.
    • 3 days, 6 hours ago
      KCR likes your comment at
      Has diabetes technology increased or decreased your mental load?
      My CGM replaced pondering about where it may is bg with knowing where it is. Though I spend considerably more time reviewing and dealing with my bg that is preferable to not knowing and wondering.
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    Do you keep a written or digital log of past injection/pump sites on your body to ensure regular site rotation?

    Home > LC Polls > Do you keep a written or digital log of past injection/pump sites on your body to ensure regular site rotation?
    Previous

    If you use a CGM, on a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with the accuracy of your CGM? (1 = least satisfied, 5 = most satisfied)

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    How did you schedule your next appointment with your main T1D health care provider?

    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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    34 Comments

    1. Britni

      I write myself reminders in my blood glucose and insulin log to use my left hand for my Lantus injections every other day so that I’m not always taking it on the same side of my body all the time. I take most of my Humalog doses in whichever arm doesn’t have the CGM that day, so that rotates every two weeks, no reminder necessary.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. kristenthomas

      I follow a set rotation of 10 sites that I use to keep things even.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. gary rind

      I’m on MDI so the shots tend to add up. I’ll rotate the sides of my stomach for shots, 2 weeks on the left and then 2 weeks on the right. This gives the sides time to heal up.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Larry Martin

      No I have a regular pattern so just move to the next place in line.

      4
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Nicholas Argento

      No log- but a technique. I use 6 areas of the abdomen and rotate from one to the next, and within those areas, move up and down and back and forth to use a wide area and try to AVOID SCAR TISSUE.

      5
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. TEH

        Me too! Thats what I was going to comment.

        1
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. William Bennett

      No, I just have a pattern I follow. I’ve been religious about rotating sites for all this stuff since first dx’d in 1983, back when they showed me pix of what hypertrophy looked like. Even finger sticks are on a finger-rotation scheme.

      4
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Sherolyn Newell

      I switch back and forth between the backs of my arms and move up and down a bit. If it seems like the insulin isn’t absorbing very well, I switch to legs for a while. CGM is on my abdomen, so I generally don’t use that. Lower back works, but it’s hard to get it on there.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. StPetie

      Due to limited area available on my abdomen, I use specific patterns to rotate infusion and cgm sites. Therefore, I don’t feel the need to log them.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Miguel Carela

      Omnipod keeps the record whenever I use a new pod.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Bob Durstenfeld

      I said NO, but I have a regular 12 sight rotation, including my lower back and thighs an addition to my abdomen.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Glenda Schuessler

      No log for infusion site placement, but I mentally take note and definitely rotate.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Mike S

      My body is its own log of where the sites have been. I’ve been rotating between arms and abdomen since starting a pump years ago and never use the same site twice in a row. Residual marks are my visual cue of what area to avoid when I rotate back to that particular site.

      5
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Jacqueline Sanders

      I rotate between 6 sites on a regular basis

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Kevin McCue

      I would consider such an app. I have been roasting sites but it is difficult to remember where I left off when switching sides

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Kristine Warmecke

      No however for best practice, I should.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. cynthia jaworski

      As directed, I only use my libre on my upper arms. I switch arms every 2 weeks with my new sensor. As for my MDI, whatever is convenient or socially acceptable. Won’t drop trousers in a restaurant!

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. George Lovelace

      No, I just look for the “Bullet Holes”

      5
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. KCR

      I follow a regular rotation pattern but don’t use a log to track it.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Becky Hertz

      I rotate between arms, upper and lower back fat, gluts, thighs, and sometimes lower abdomen and sides of upper abdomen. I’ve had two midline surgeries on my abdomen so the property there is very limited.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Ahh Life

      😕 I use the integumentary system. It’s always with me, visible, and I do not have to search for a phone, an app, or a log book.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Patricia Dalrymple

        I love your vocabulary!! I am always learning new words. Love it!

        1
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. Wanacure

        Don’t we all use that system? What’s the alternative to skin? 🤓 If any of us get on Jeopardy, we’ll be well-prepared by Ahh Life!

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. AnitaS

      I alternate between left & right stomach while also moving up and down, right & left arm, and right & left lower back. I also try to stay a few inches away from my cgm

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Catherine Davis

      I can see the red dots where my recent sites were and avoid them. I have a very fair complexion so they are quite visible.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Randy Mees

      I don’t keep a written record, I just sort of remember. My endo always asks about injection sites, so as a joke, one time I drew a diagram on my abdomen and divided it iMonday thru Sunday and breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime. When he ask about where I put my shots, I raised my shirt. We all had a good laugh.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. n6jax@scinternet.net

      I did for about 60 years, but not in the last8 years. I follow a pattern with my daily syringe injections so I do not hit the same spot for at least 3 months .. I am about 130 lbs .

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Molly Jones

      Clocks work well to keep me informed of the next pump site. CGM needs to have a log as I don’t go round the same as my pump, but go back and forth and am sometimes confused.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. BOB FISK

      I don’t log my injection sites each day, but I have a straightforward pattern that I use. Since I have the current infusion site as a marker when I change to the new one, I know where I am in the pattern. This pattern changes from side to side to insure that the subsequent placement of the infusion set is not closeby.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Wanacure

      1. Each time I change Dexcom sensor, as advised by endo tech, I alternate left of navel, above navel, then to right of navel. 2. I used to inject insulin in butt, legs, arms rotating in each site. Then I learned exercise can cause variation in insulin effectiveness in legs and arms. I thought it scarey weird at first, but finally started injecting insulin(s) in abdomen to maintain more consistent insulin activity. Works better for me. 3. For finger sticks: I avoid sensitive pads. I record left side of finger and thumbs, then do right side of digits, then middle of each digit. Shaking the finger or milking it before jabbing, cuts down on wasted strips. A couple of times in distant past I tried using earlobes and toes for sticks, but bleeding was excessive. Pix of fat atrophy scared me too.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. Lawrence S.

      I keep it in my head. Yikes 🙂

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Cheryl Seibert

      No need for manual logging. Because I wear a CGM on my upper arm, I position my infusion site on the same side of my body for ease in sleeping. I go as follows: 1st 3 days on my buttock, 2nd 3-4 days on my stomach, last 3 days on my hip again different spot.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. PamK

      I have a standard rotation I use all the time, so no need to write it down.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. Leona Hanson

      I don’t log because I rotate like this my arm to my belly to my leg then the other side so everything heals good before the other round my cgm on the opposite side but backwards but I don’t use my leg instead I use my lower back

      4 years ago Log in to Reply

    Do you keep a written or digital log of past injection/pump sites on your body to ensure regular site rotation? Cancel reply

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