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    • 3 hours, 24 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      In July, I went on the only Medicare plan in my area that covered Afrezza. For 2024, no one is covering it. Like others, hate these formulary decisions by the Insurance providers.
    • 6 hours, 15 minutes ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with your main T1D healthcare provider?
      Schush! I know it's supposed to be 4 but since my Endo follows my Dex and I hit an A1c of 5.4 with 0 Hypos I'm happy. Just lost my wife and will be moving further from my Endo and hope TeleVisits will do as I will also start visiting a Gerontologist.
    • 6 hours, 41 minutes ago
      Bekki Weston likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      Yes, I HATE FORMULARIES and how they control what medications I take, as opposed to what my doctors prescribed.
    • 6 hours, 42 minutes ago
      Bekki Weston likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      I answered NO for 2023 but in 2024 I will have to switch from Humalog to Novolog.
    • 7 hours, 13 minutes ago
      Bill Williams likes your comment at
      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with your main T1D healthcare provider?
      Four, because Medicare. I was fine going 2x/yr for decades before that. But Medicare doesn't care what your Dr thinks. Rules is rules.
    • 8 hours, 22 minutes ago
      Kristi Warmecke likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      With Medicare's change to the cost of insulin, my Part D plan dropped Novolog. $35 "limit" only works if insurers have your medication on their formulary.
    • 8 hours, 35 minutes ago
      Kristi Warmecke likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      I was with Caremark now with Optimum and not a fan but was not a fan of Caremark in the beginning. Not a fan of mail order insulin! Opimum (still not sure it is spelled right) made me change from Novalog to Humalog. Both are the same, sure, but why should a RX company say what insulin I should be taking. Is that not my endocrinologist job? Would they not know what is best for me? Kind of burns me up how healthcare has gone in the past 5 to 10 years, miss the old days of knowing your pharmacist by first name and talking to them about the latest advancements in diabetic care at the conner pharmacy. Patient is no longer a factor in the equation. sorry for the rant.
    • 8 hours, 36 minutes ago
      Kristi Warmecke likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      Lispro, aspart, and glulisine are also FDA-approved for pump use (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6695255/). These are the generic versions of Humalog, Novolog and Apidra, respectively.
    • 8 hours, 52 minutes ago
      jo likes your comment at
      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with your main T1D healthcare provider?
      This past year my doctor appts were my new social life!
    • 8 hours, 53 minutes ago
      jo likes your comment at
      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with your main T1D healthcare provider?
      Schush! I know it's supposed to be 4 but since my Endo follows my Dex and I hit an A1c of 5.4 with 0 Hypos I'm happy. Just lost my wife and will be moving further from my Endo and hope TeleVisits will do as I will also start visiting a Gerontologist.
    • 9 hours, 17 minutes ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with your main T1D healthcare provider?
      Four, because Medicare. I was fine going 2x/yr for decades before that. But Medicare doesn't care what your Dr thinks. Rules is rules.
    • 10 hours, 45 minutes ago
      Bruce Schnitzler likes your comment at
      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with your main T1D healthcare provider?
      @George Lovelace. {{{{{Hugs}}}}} to you, sir. Are you getting support after the loss of your wife? I do hope so.
    • 11 hours, 19 minutes ago
      Mick Martin likes your comment at
      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with your main T1D healthcare provider?
      Medicare requires me to see my endo every 90 days if I want them to approve my insulin pump supplies....despite my very good control. Otherwise, my endo would be happy to see me twice a year. An example of Medicare being "penny-wise and pound-foolish" by paying for "medically-unnecessary" office visit costs.
    • 12 hours, 4 minutes ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with your main T1D healthcare provider?
      I am required to see my Endo every three months by Medicare. Otherwise, I'd probably go 2 times per year.
    • 12 hours, 4 minutes ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      How many times in 2023 did you have an appointment with your main T1D healthcare provider?
      Medicare requires me to see my endo every 90 days if I want them to approve my insulin pump supplies....despite my very good control. Otherwise, my endo would be happy to see me twice a year. An example of Medicare being "penny-wise and pound-foolish" by paying for "medically-unnecessary" office visit costs.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      Yes, I HATE FORMULARIES and how they control what medications I take, as opposed to what my doctors prescribed.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      I was with Caremark now with Optimum and not a fan but was not a fan of Caremark in the beginning. Not a fan of mail order insulin! Opimum (still not sure it is spelled right) made me change from Novalog to Humalog. Both are the same, sure, but why should a RX company say what insulin I should be taking. Is that not my endocrinologist job? Would they not know what is best for me? Kind of burns me up how healthcare has gone in the past 5 to 10 years, miss the old days of knowing your pharmacist by first name and talking to them about the latest advancements in diabetic care at the conner pharmacy. Patient is no longer a factor in the equation. sorry for the rant.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      I didn't have to change but I couldn't get a new one from Caremark because it wasn't on the formulary. I used an AARP pharmacy card and got a $44 Rx for $18. Like Bob, I hate formulary!
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      Mick Martin likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      Long-acting insulin changed from basaglar to lantus for the upcoming year. Not a big deal since she moved to a pump this past year.
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      Mick Martin likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      I was with Caremark now with Optimum and not a fan but was not a fan of Caremark in the beginning. Not a fan of mail order insulin! Opimum (still not sure it is spelled right) made me change from Novalog to Humalog. Both are the same, sure, but why should a RX company say what insulin I should be taking. Is that not my endocrinologist job? Would they not know what is best for me? Kind of burns me up how healthcare has gone in the past 5 to 10 years, miss the old days of knowing your pharmacist by first name and talking to them about the latest advancements in diabetic care at the conner pharmacy. Patient is no longer a factor in the equation. sorry for the rant.
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      Mick Martin likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      I have to change my insurance company now for 2024 so that i can continue to afford humalog. (or I have to switch to Lyumjev if I keep my current plan) I was startled to see that on my current plan, humalog would cost 16,000 next year (for the full year). Everyone, check your plans!
    • 1 day, 10 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      Yes, I HATE FORMULARIES and how they control what medications I take, as opposed to what my doctors prescribed.
    • 1 day, 10 hours ago
      lis be likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      I was with Caremark now with Optimum and not a fan but was not a fan of Caremark in the beginning. Not a fan of mail order insulin! Opimum (still not sure it is spelled right) made me change from Novalog to Humalog. Both are the same, sure, but why should a RX company say what insulin I should be taking. Is that not my endocrinologist job? Would they not know what is best for me? Kind of burns me up how healthcare has gone in the past 5 to 10 years, miss the old days of knowing your pharmacist by first name and talking to them about the latest advancements in diabetic care at the conner pharmacy. Patient is no longer a factor in the equation. sorry for the rant.
    • 1 day, 11 hours ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      Yes, I HATE FORMULARIES and how they control what medications I take, as opposed to what my doctors prescribed.
    • 1 day, 12 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?
      Yes, I HATE FORMULARIES and how they control what medications I take, as opposed to what my doctors prescribed.
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    Do you use any type of creams or ointments after removing your pump, CGM or injection site needle to prevent infection? Share in the comments what works for you!

    Home > LC Polls > Do you use any type of creams or ointments after removing your pump, CGM or injection site needle to prevent infection? Share in the comments what works for you!
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    Does your T1D healthcare provider inform you when new devices and medications become available to you?

    Samantha Walsh

    Samantha Walsh has lived with type 1 diabetes for over five years since 2017. After her T1D diagnosis, she was eager to give back to the diabetes community. She is the Community and Partner Manager for T1D Exchange and helps to manage the Online Community and recruit for the T1D Exchange Registry. Prior to T1D Exchange, Samantha fundraised at Joslin Diabetes Center. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelors degree in sociology and early childhood education.

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    44 Comments

    1. GLORIA MILLER

      At 65 years T 1 I have never had an infection from my CGM or pump injection site. I don’t even use alcohol on my skin before putting on either. I do use Skin-Prep for both though.

      4
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. mbulzomi@optonline.net

      The same Achol pad I used after drawing Insulin to fill my Tandem Cartridge.

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

      No. I don’t use any creams or ointments. However, I do wipe my sites with either an IV Prep or an alcohol pad, after I remove my CGM or canula.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Kristen Clifford

      If I have an infusion site that’s particularly swollen or itchy, I’ll put a little bacytracin and/or anti-itch cream on it.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Lucia Maya

      yes, not to prevent infection, but because I have sensitive skin and often have reactions to the adhesive, etc. I use Colloidal silver gel on my Dexcom and infusion sites and it really helps with swelling, itching, etc. I use it for bug bites and scratches as well and love it!

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. john36m

      A dab of vitamin E oil is all I use

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Shannon Barnaby

      I’ll wipe the spot with rubbing alcohol.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Mike S

      I use an alcohol swab to get the Dexcom residue off. I also use aloe vera gel (cheap big bottle from Target) on previous Omnipod pump sites and if there’s extra on the area my Dexcom was. It seems to help the swelling go down a bit quicker.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. AnitaS

      I use alcohol to help loosen the infusion site patch and then use that to wipe the area after needle is taken out. If I remember, I will use a lotion on the site afterward to prevent irritation although the site doesn’t always cause me irritation.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Joan Fray

      Great to read all the comments! I guess we “long timers” never got the memo about alcohol preps or lotion. I don’t get swelling, irching or anything. Inust pull the things off and then find a new site for the next one. Who knew?! ( t1d 1962)

      6
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. TEH

        Couldn’t agree more. I will try the neosporin.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. Beckett Nelson

        I just put sites in after a shower. Alcohol can dry the skin (and toughen it with lots of use). I’ll only use alcohol if out in the backcountry since showers don’t happen 😂

        1
        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Clearblueskynm

      I just use alcohol when I take it off, rubbing it over the area. No infections.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. KCR

      I often use Neosporin on a pump site that looks irritated or bleeds.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Sherolyn Newell

      Alcohol for me as well. Both on the old site and to prepare the new site. I can do both with one swab. Never had any problems.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. David Clark

      Alcohol

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Mary Coleman

      Isopropyl alcohol. Swipe both new and old CGM sites.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. John Luca

      Just wipe with an alcohol pad.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Drina Nicole Jewell

      I’m about 50/50. It depends on how the site looks and feels after removing dex or infusion set.

      3
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Nevin Bowman

      I must use Flonase and an under patch BEFORE I use Dexcom, but I do not use anything after removing it.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Ernie Richmann

      Just wipe down the site with an alcohol wipe.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Judith Marged

      After wiping it with alcohol, I also use Benadryl spray and baby oil after removing the CGM. I use the alcohol and Benadryl prior to installing the CGM. I can’t use Flonase since my blood sugar rises from my skin absorbing the steroid in the Flonase.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. John McHenery

      Alcohol swab or tea tree cream.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Pauline M Reynolds

      Nature works for me. I’ve never had any trouble keeping patches on. Maybe 3-4 times in 37 yrs. put a dab of neosporin on after removing.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Stefan Perrin

      Never used anything. For my pump I actually leave the previous catheter in until I’m certain the new one did not get damaged during insertion. This has saved me some grief a few times now.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Yaffa Steubinger

      I use Remove to get rid of the sticker goo.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Chrisanda

      I will put Benadryl cream on if I see a skin reaction after I remove the needle. I will use alcohol if the insertion site looks irritated. I don’t use alcohol before on the site because it seems to “toughen” the skin, making it more difficult and painful to insert the device.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Steve Rumble

      I just clean with alcohol pre and post MDI and CGM sensor application.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Donald Cragun

      I just use alcohol or hand sanitizer.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. PamK

      I simply wipe the site with an alcohol swab after removal!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. kathy scott

      I use alcohol wipes.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. persevereT1D52

      Yes. For 30 years of pumping I apply antibiotic ointment when I remove infusion site. As time has gone on I have developed sensitive skin and allergy to tubing and cannulas and some adhesive so now I apply hydrocortisone cream after site changes. I need to change everyday to avoid inflammation causing impaired absorption. It’s a struggle but my pump has saved my life. Other than breaks now and then I won’t give it up.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. jo

      I wipe down the area with an alcohol swab.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. Maureen Helinski

      I use an alcohol patch to put in the new one and often wipe the site of the old also.

      3
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. sweet charlie

        Me also..

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    33. KSannie

      When I was on injections, I never used alcohol swabs for finger pricks or for injections. In 44 years I only had two infected fingers. (And I used to test my blood sugar 9+ times a day.) No infections at the injection sites. With the pump, I use alcohol, partly to clean the skin so the infusion set will stick. For the CGM I add Skin Tac. Again, I have never used creams or ointments after removing either one. And I have never had any infections in 15 years of pumping and 14 of CGM’s.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    34. keith johnson

      I use when I remove pump if it seems irritated

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    35. Lisa Wilson

      Coconut oil

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    36. Lenora Ventura

      Depending on the trauma left behind on the skin, I may use Rose Ointment by Young Living or silver gel

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    37. Sue Herflicker

      I said no because I only apply neosporin if it seems irritated, which is rare.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    38. Chris Deutsch

      No trouble with site infections ever (58 years!). I have always applied Skin-Tac or a similar product to help adhesion of both infusion set and CGM when I do a site change. Perhaps there is some element of antiseptic in that product, such as alcohol…? After I remove the device from my skin, I sometimes rub in a drop of plain old body lotion at the site to help the area “wake up” & normalize. But I’ve never used a product to prevent infection there because It hasn’t been necessary, thankfully!

      1 year ago Log in to Reply
    39. Velika Peterson

      Acohol swabs as we were trained at the hospital.

      1 year ago Log in to Reply
    40. Sasha Wooldridge

      I use ultra-healing hydrocortisone cream after I remove my Dexcom sensors. I had serious skin irritation when I switched back to the Dexcom, like many others as it turns out. I rotate between two sites for my sensor. To heal the skin and protect the skin barrier, I apply this cream each night to whichever site is sensor-free at the time. I’ve had significantly less skin irritation since doing this and not using alcohol to prep the site. I was worried about adhesion but my sensors still stay on the entire session.

      1 year ago Log in to Reply
    41. Arlie Peck

      Antibiotic cream

      1 year ago Log in to Reply

    Do you use any type of creams or ointments after removing your pump, CGM or injection site needle to prevent infection? Share in the comments what works for you! Cancel reply

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