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    • 1 hour, 44 minutes ago
      Kristi Warmecke likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      Well, since I'm waiting on pump supplies for 2 months now, my confidence is slipping.
    • 1 hour, 45 minutes ago
      Laurie B likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I've often said that "hoarding": is a character asset for T1D people. I try to purchase (paying out of pocket) a 60-90 day supply - just in case). I have a new health plan,. effective 1/1/26. AS we know, getting an appt with an HCP isn't easy. They have to be accepting new patients, they have to be in network etc. Once I knew what my new policy would be (nov 2025) I made an appt. The earliest appt I could get was in Sept 2026. Thank goodness for my stash of device supplies. I had to go to Urgent care to get an Rx for insulin (my old HMO plan "doesn't do bridge refills"). So yeah, I worry, and plan for hiccups in the supplies process.
    • 1 hour, 45 minutes ago
      Kristi Warmecke likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I answered slightly. I'm absolutely certain supplies and medication will be available. However, I'm doubtful they will be affordable. If I can't afford them, I can't access them.
    • 2 hours, 43 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I am confident about access to my medical needs in the immediate future. I am not a fortune teller and have no idea what my access to medical supplies will be like in a year or longer. I don't take my spoiled lifestyle for granted.
    • 2 hours, 44 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I've often said that "hoarding": is a character asset for T1D people. I try to purchase (paying out of pocket) a 60-90 day supply - just in case). I have a new health plan,. effective 1/1/26. AS we know, getting an appt with an HCP isn't easy. They have to be accepting new patients, they have to be in network etc. Once I knew what my new policy would be (nov 2025) I made an appt. The earliest appt I could get was in Sept 2026. Thank goodness for my stash of device supplies. I had to go to Urgent care to get an Rx for insulin (my old HMO plan "doesn't do bridge refills"). So yeah, I worry, and plan for hiccups in the supplies process.
    • 2 hours, 45 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I answered slightly. I'm absolutely certain supplies and medication will be available. However, I'm doubtful they will be affordable. If I can't afford them, I can't access them.
    • 2 hours, 48 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I am worried about the changes to Medicare making no provision for getting an immediate replacement if a pump fails. It sounds like we will have to get these from the suppliers instead of a warranty replacement from Tandem themselves (or whatever brand you use). Pumps will be rented and will have to be returned so they can verify the problem before replacing them, which is ridiculous. Meanwhile, Medicare would not pay for us to get long acting insulin as a temporary replacement for the basal.
    • 2 hours, 50 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I broke down for the first time in 25 years and bought a bottle of insulin because I think I may have thrown a bottle out with the box. Medicare wouldn’t fill the prescription because it was too early. I just didn’t want the fight and worry. I’m not sure that’s what happened but it’s the only explanation. Also, I live in Florida and the threat of losing power is always there. I should get a generator but I’m a little afraid of them and you still can’t be sure you have access to propane. If my insulin goes bad, I’m not sure I could get refills. My back up plan is to leave before hurricane or go to a hospital. But it is all just causes concern.
    • 3 hours, 4 minutes ago
      Derek West likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      Very! However, I wish I could use Fiasp insulin in the Tandem pumps.
    • 5 hours, 38 minutes ago
      Bruce Schnitzler likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I broke down for the first time in 25 years and bought a bottle of insulin because I think I may have thrown a bottle out with the box. Medicare wouldn’t fill the prescription because it was too early. I just didn’t want the fight and worry. I’m not sure that’s what happened but it’s the only explanation. Also, I live in Florida and the threat of losing power is always there. I should get a generator but I’m a little afraid of them and you still can’t be sure you have access to propane. If my insulin goes bad, I’m not sure I could get refills. My back up plan is to leave before hurricane or go to a hospital. But it is all just causes concern.
    • 6 hours, 10 minutes ago
      Karen Newe likes your comment at
      How often do people confuse type 1 and type 2 diabetes in your experience?
      The most common comment: but you aren’t heavy. That’s when we get into the differences. A relative tried to tell me that insulin makes you lose weight. But when we last discussed this, one of you said it best: if it isn’t in their circle of experience, why would they know or care?
    • 6 hours, 28 minutes ago
      KSannie likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      Very! However, I wish I could use Fiasp insulin in the Tandem pumps.
    • 6 hours, 29 minutes ago
      KSannie likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      Somewhat satisfied with TSlimX2. Not because of pump shortcomings, but because of the sheer insanity of trying to get routine supplies through the American health care system. My current situation, to wit: "I am experiencing extreme frustration with Medicare that, 1) has an inoperable website, and 2) has an inoperable AI phone answering service. Consequently, I can no longer acquire needed supplies to operate the tSlimX2, particularly the T:Lock TruSteel 8mm 32.” This situation has persisted for 2 months. 😬
    • 6 hours, 29 minutes ago
      KSannie likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      My first reaction was Very Satisfied but there is always room for improvement. I’d like a pump design that wasn’t meant to be worn on a belt just for men. To wear a dress, I have to only get those with pockets (and on both sides because opposite sides cause the CGM to lose contact) and put a button whole in each. The clip shows horribly on blouses worn out. I’ve tried the leg attachments and they never stay secure. I’m not big enough to wear it in my bra. All minor inconveniences. I’d like one that doesn’t keep alarming 20 minutes after I’ve eaten, although I get it that it is there to save my life. Again minor. Ask about CGMs (probably tomorrow’s question): lately I’ve had trouble removing the sensor from my arm without actually ripping off a strip of skin or very bad bruising. I’ve read about using baby oil for removal. That does help. I’m a rip it off fast person, but that didn’t work so well.
    • 7 hours, 56 minutes ago
      Patricia Dalrymple likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      Try Uni-Solve Adhesive Remover (smith&nephew)- wipe it on wait a minute to let it work and it will come off easy. at least it works great for me and I've tried several different brands, I use it for CGM & Omnipod removal
    • 14 hours, 56 minutes ago
      Sandy Norman likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      Somewhat satisfied with TSlimX2. Not because of pump shortcomings, but because of the sheer insanity of trying to get routine supplies through the American health care system. My current situation, to wit: "I am experiencing extreme frustration with Medicare that, 1) has an inoperable website, and 2) has an inoperable AI phone answering service. Consequently, I can no longer acquire needed supplies to operate the tSlimX2, particularly the T:Lock TruSteel 8mm 32.” This situation has persisted for 2 months. 😬
    • 22 hours, 22 minutes ago
      kristina blake likes your comment at
      How often do people confuse type 1 and type 2 diabetes in your experience?
      There are several conversations about this across social media. Many people chime in and vote for a new, more accurate name for type 1.. some of the popular alternatives- Pancreatic Autoimmune Disease, Beta Cell Destruction Disease, Autoimmune Diabetes, Autoimmune Insulin Failure, Autoimmune Absolute Insulin Deficiency (AAID)
    • 22 hours, 23 minutes ago
      kristina blake likes your comment at
      How often do people confuse type 1 and type 2 diabetes in your experience?
      The most common comment: but you aren’t heavy. That’s when we get into the differences. A relative tried to tell me that insulin makes you lose weight. But when we last discussed this, one of you said it best: if it isn’t in their circle of experience, why would they know or care?
    • 22 hours, 24 minutes ago
      kristina blake likes your comment at
      How often do people confuse type 1 and type 2 diabetes in your experience?
      In my experience the average person does not know the difference. It does not help that the commercials on TV just say diabetes and do not differentiate.
    • 1 day ago
      Kristi Warmecke likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      Somewhat satisfied with TSlimX2. Not because of pump shortcomings, but because of the sheer insanity of trying to get routine supplies through the American health care system. My current situation, to wit: "I am experiencing extreme frustration with Medicare that, 1) has an inoperable website, and 2) has an inoperable AI phone answering service. Consequently, I can no longer acquire needed supplies to operate the tSlimX2, particularly the T:Lock TruSteel 8mm 32.” This situation has persisted for 2 months. 😬
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lee Tincher likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      If I could get a CGM that is consistent and predictable I'd be very happy with the Twiist or the Tandem. The weak point with pumps used to be infusion sites, but now that we are relying on poor performing technology to support potentially great algorithms itis quite frustrating.
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      Beckett Nelson likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      My first reaction was Very Satisfied but there is always room for improvement. I’d like a pump design that wasn’t meant to be worn on a belt just for men. To wear a dress, I have to only get those with pockets (and on both sides because opposite sides cause the CGM to lose contact) and put a button whole in each. The clip shows horribly on blouses worn out. I’ve tried the leg attachments and they never stay secure. I’m not big enough to wear it in my bra. All minor inconveniences. I’d like one that doesn’t keep alarming 20 minutes after I’ve eaten, although I get it that it is there to save my life. Again minor. Ask about CGMs (probably tomorrow’s question): lately I’ve had trouble removing the sensor from my arm without actually ripping off a strip of skin or very bad bruising. I’ve read about using baby oil for removal. That does help. I’m a rip it off fast person, but that didn’t work so well.
    • 1 day, 6 hours ago
      John Barbuto likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      I have been using a insulin smart pen for the last 2 years; I find that it meets my current needs to ensure good management and results
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      Somewhat satisfied with TSlimX2. Not because of pump shortcomings, but because of the sheer insanity of trying to get routine supplies through the American health care system. My current situation, to wit: "I am experiencing extreme frustration with Medicare that, 1) has an inoperable website, and 2) has an inoperable AI phone answering service. Consequently, I can no longer acquire needed supplies to operate the tSlimX2, particularly the T:Lock TruSteel 8mm 32.” This situation has persisted for 2 months. 😬
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      My first reaction was Very Satisfied but there is always room for improvement. I’d like a pump design that wasn’t meant to be worn on a belt just for men. To wear a dress, I have to only get those with pockets (and on both sides because opposite sides cause the CGM to lose contact) and put a button whole in each. The clip shows horribly on blouses worn out. I’ve tried the leg attachments and they never stay secure. I’m not big enough to wear it in my bra. All minor inconveniences. I’d like one that doesn’t keep alarming 20 minutes after I’ve eaten, although I get it that it is there to save my life. Again minor. Ask about CGMs (probably tomorrow’s question): lately I’ve had trouble removing the sensor from my arm without actually ripping off a strip of skin or very bad bruising. I’ve read about using baby oil for removal. That does help. I’m a rip it off fast person, but that didn’t work so well.
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    Do you most often bolus before, during or after you eat a meal?

    Home > LC Polls > Do you most often bolus before, during or after you eat a meal?
    Previous

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    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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    25 Comments

    1. Ceolmhor

      Breakfast: before;
      lunch: usually, but depends on situation;
      dinner: definitely depends on situation

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Ahh Life

      Driven by gastroparesis digestive uncertainties, I now bolus most often afterwards even with Control IQ. In the good ol’ days I always, always bloused prior to a meal. Nowadays things are different and more extended. ¯\_( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)_/¯

      3
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Anne Blayney

        Same here! And even dosing after the meal, I usually do an extended bolus, too.

        2
        5 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. john36m

      Usually right before the meal (Lyumjev). When I was on Humalog I pre-bolused appx 20 minutes prior.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Retired and glad

      It all depends on my number going into the meal, but usually I bolus either right before or during the meal.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Grey Gray

      After… slow digestion.. if I eat a fatty meal I wait till I get a rise alert from pump before bolus in order to stay away from hypo

      3
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Tod Herman

      I answered during, but it varies with me mostly because I am fairly busy. If it’s a routine meal (breakfast) then I can do it before. But if its a customized dinner, then I wait until I can count the carbs in all the parts. Or, as others have said, if I am low then I will wait a bit to allow my levels have come back up (but base the bolus off of the original glucose level). It’s never a constant time but I try to do it early if I can.

      3
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Jana Foley

      You would think that I’d remember to do it before I eat, but unfortunately I don’t always get that done. It’s usually during my meal that I remember to enter my carbs and bolus.

      3
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Daniel Bestvater

      Depending on BG level. Usually 15 – 60 minutes before meal.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Lynn Smith

      Depends on my BG before I eat. If normal or high, I bolus before the meal. If low, I wait until BG starts rising and then I bolus.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. dave hedeen

      exception- if BG is low to very low, either delay insulin or decrease amount by 50%.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Janis Senungetuk

      Usually I bolus right before I start eating. As I’m normally the one preparing the meal, the carb count can change depending on what’s in our refrigerator/freezer.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Derek West

      I use Fiasp Novolog which is mean to be faster acting but I still usually bolus 15 to 30 minutes before I eat, except as someone else noted, if my glucose reading is low. Blood sugar may dip a little before food is absorbed but it does reduce the highs after the meal.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Nicholas Argento

      I try to dose 20-25 minutes before a meal with carbs that spike like breakfast cereal. Much better post meal control!

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Carol Meares

      I’m trying to prebolus 15 minutes or more. It’s hard to know exactly when that is when I am cooking a meal and I get nervous about prebolusing when I am below 100. I get distracted:-/ But I am trying to even out my hills a bit. I know it doesn’t need to be flat but I can go up above 160 with arrow angled upward sometimes after dinner and once it gets up there it is difficult to bring back down without aggressive bolusing and a run around.
      When eating out (ha, historically speaking) I wait until the food is delivered which usually means I will go high after a meal. But eating “low carbish” helps.

      2
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. ConnieT1D62

      All depends on what my BG is doing before start of a meal, and what kind of food I am eating for the meal.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. connie ker

      I go by the numbers game as to when I shoot up. If below 70, I bolus following the meal. If in range, before the meal. If high, I bolus and wait to eat. What a game to play each and every day.

      2
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Jneticdiabetic

      The intention is always to bolus before meals unless low, but between the kiddies and work deadlines I often forget till mid way through or after my meal these days. It does make post meal BG management more challenging for sure.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Molly Jones

      Before I take the first bite, but almost immediately.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Ken Raiche

      I put other because every meal presents a never ending different scenario. That said times have changed as of late, well over the last 6 weeks. Ever since starting the Keto diet I rely solely on my basal rate throughout the day unless my carb count is higher then normal then I will bolus but that hardly ever happens.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Sally Numrich

      Before. Usually 15 minutes but that is always based on my starting point. If in range and normal meal, 15 minutes. If higher, I will wait longer until the CGM shows a down dot. If low, I will eat right away. No perfect plan with diabetes!

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. linda prichard

      I bolus during my meal because I want to be sure I can eat my entire meal. Also, I’m a slow eater and don’t want to have to worry about going low.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. linda prichard

      … but reading all your comments is an encouragement to me to take my insulin sooner; I know it would help reduce the spikes.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Paul Madden

      I bolus at meals; a split dose of Afrezza and Novolog. It works better and is easier than anything else I have ever tried in my 59+ years with T1D.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Cheryl Seibert

      I primarily bolus before I eat. I also marked “Other” since many of my boluses are Extended (some now, the rest spread over a set time, usually 15-30 mins). The type of bolus depends on my BG, type of food eaten and expected activity after the meal.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply

    Do you most often bolus before, during or after you eat a meal? Cancel reply

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