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    • 1 hour, 24 minutes ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      I have always been open with coworkers and supervisors about having T1D. The primary reason was that if something happened like severe hypoglycemia, they would know what to do.
    • 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
      Gary R. likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      Yes, always. Why do you keep asking this question? It has been the QoD several times recently.
    • 2 hours, 12 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      I’m retired now, but I always let my coworkers know that I was T1D. Occasionally that helped save my life when hypoglycemia hit me.
    • 2 hours, 12 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      This is a requirement since I have severe hypoglycemia unawareness.
    • 2 hours, 13 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      I have always been open with coworkers and supervisors about having T1D. The primary reason was that if something happened like severe hypoglycemia, they would know what to do.
    • 2 hours, 32 minutes ago
      MT likes your comment at
      Do your coworkers know you have T1D at your current job (or at your most recent job if you’re currently not working)? Please share more in the comments.
      I don’t need accommodation for T1D and didn’t find it necessary to disclose this to my coworkers. They may be aware of it as my pump and sensor are visible.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      In your opinion, how helpful is it to see a mental health professional who has a deep understanding of lifelong health conditions?
      I really think it just depends on the person who needs help. Some people may find it extremely useful and others may not find them of much help.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      In your opinion, how helpful is it to see a mental health professional who has a deep understanding of lifelong health conditions?
      I said helpful because unless they actually have first hand knowledge of your health condition they can't really know.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      Back in the 80's I was in an NIH study. But I think now my age (72) ages me out) and my A1C's (5.4-5.8 for the past 20 years or so) exclude me.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How many people in your household live with T1D?
      I am the only one in my household who has T1D, but both husband and I live with it.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      How many people in your household live with T1D?
      ALL of them are forced, given a seat at my T1D "table" whether they wish to be or not. They endure my experiences, their after-effects, the events themselves. Living with us, they are unwilling voyeurs/particip[ents This appears to be a badly worded question. If you meant, does anybody living with you ALSO have the disease T1D as well, you should have asked it that way. The question you kids wrote asks a far different question, by semantic accident it appears....?
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      How many people in your household live with T1D?
      I answered "1" as I have T1D. However, it could be said that if any one person has T1D, everyone in the household is living with T1D. It affects everyone in house, not just the person with it.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      KCR likes your comment at
      How many people in your household live with T1D?
      I answered "1" as I have T1D. However, it could be said that if any one person has T1D, everyone in the household is living with T1D. It affects everyone in house, not just the person with it.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      Marthaeg likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I fill out every survey I get and am currently participating in a phase 2 study of a new insulin. Note: I am 67 years old and I am seeing studies that allow up to age 89. Check out tektonresearch.com They have some exciting studies coming up. 😊
    • 1 day, 19 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I participate every time I find one that wants me.
    • 1 day, 19 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I fill out every survey I get and am currently participating in a phase 2 study of a new insulin. Note: I am 67 years old and I am seeing studies that allow up to age 89. Check out tektonresearch.com They have some exciting studies coming up. 😊
    • 1 day, 19 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How would you rate your overall health?
      I just have to say: Kudos to you. Your story is amazing. Congratulations and while it is simple to write this, I can only imagine the dedication, discipline, and hard work it took.
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
      John Barbuto likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I participate every time I find one that wants me.
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
      John Barbuto likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I chose Other as the correct choices were not available. N/A — did not have I HAVE participated in diabetes research studies.
    • 1 day, 23 hours ago
      Deborah Wright likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I chose Other as the correct choices were not available. N/A — did not have I HAVE participated in diabetes research studies.
    • 2 days ago
      Alyne Branson likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I participate every time I find one that wants me.
    • 2 days, 1 hour ago
      Marthaeg likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I participate every time I find one that wants me.
    • 2 days, 2 hours ago
      Marthaeg likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I chose Other as the correct choices were not available. N/A — did not have I HAVE participated in diabetes research studies.
    • 2 days, 2 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you have never participated in a diabetes research study, what stops you? Select all that applies to you.
      I chose Other as the correct choices were not available. N/A — did not have I HAVE participated in diabetes research studies.
    • 2 days, 18 hours ago
      eherban1 likes your comment at
      How would you rate your overall health?
      I just have to say: Kudos to you. Your story is amazing. Congratulations and while it is simple to write this, I can only imagine the dedication, discipline, and hard work it took.
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    For CGM users: If you were to spend 4 hours away from home but still in your local area (e.g., an afternoon of running errands around town, or going out for dinner and a movie), would you bring a backup glucose meter with you?

    Home > LC Polls > For CGM users: If you were to spend 4 hours away from home but still in your local area (e.g., an afternoon of running errands around town, or going out for dinner and a movie), would you bring a backup glucose meter with you?
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    Sarah Howard

    Sarah Howard has dedicated her career to supporting the T1D community 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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    48 Comments

    1. KarenM6

      I keep my blood sugar meter with me at all times. It goes with me 24/7 no matter what CGM I had because there are just times that I need to verify a number.
      Also, with my current CGM (Eversense), calibrations are needed. (There are more calibrations needed at the beginning, but, once it gets to know you, fewer are needed until it is just once a day. I don’t mind calibrating at all.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Mary Halverson

        I keep my insulin pen in my small meter case with a small supply of skittles & take it in my purse. I’ll leave it in the car when I shop or visit, so it’s nearby.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Dale Norman

      I marked yes because I keep a glucose meter in both mine and my wife’s car.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Donna Condi

      Yes I always carry my meter in my purse.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Lyn McQuaid

        Same!

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Jane Cerullo

      A meter and some strips can be purchased in any pharmacy. If I was hiking or off road would bring meter. I just went on a short cruise. My new Dexcom G7 did not deploy cannula. I had to rely on finger sticks for four days. I did have back up meter and strips and did just fine.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Janice B

      I always have a backup meter on a work day. On weekends when I am close to home and have the ability to get home if needed I do not carry one

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Keith McGinnis

      only take backup glucometer when travelling out of town for the day or more

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. KIMBERELY SMITH

      Don’t have backup one

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Eve Rabbiner

      I have a small cosmetic bag with testing supplies, insulin, syringes, alcohol and a battery that I have with me virtually all the time. Overkill? Maybe. But reassuring.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Lawrence S.

      No. I run around town with my wife, shopping and for doctors’ appointments. I get my CGM readings off of my Tandem insulin pump. Generally, I do not carry a blood test kit for local running around. I always take a backup blood test kit when I am away from my home area.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Kathy Hanavan

      Only if my sensor is being wonky, otherwise, no.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Don P

      for Libre users, your reader is also a BGM ….. Hmmmm, this system must have been overlooked

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Gary Rind

        the LAST thing that I’m going to do is give those clowns more $$$ because the CGM isn’t accurate!

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Chrisanda

      I keep a small glucose meter with me in my purse, but sometimes I take it out when I know I’m not far from home for too long. It’s a matter of sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Diana L.

      I always carry a glucose meter with me.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. KCR

      I keep one in my purse all the time.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. lis be

      My last 3 G6 dexcom’s have been really wrong.. sending low alerts when my sugar is 90-110, also, sending over 160 alerts too late.. so I’m tied to the blood pokes for a real picture. Carry it with me.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. NANCY NECIA

      I have a small bag containing a glucometer, juice box and granola bar that I take on all car trips no matter the duration. I just plop it in the back seat foot well.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Stefan Perrin

      I only carry a meter if I’m traveling overnight. If I did need one due to CgM failure and was several hours away from home I can just pop into a Walmart or other drug store and purchase an inexpensive meter.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Mark Schweim

      I ALWAYS (well, almost always) have my regular BG meter along with me because despite the FALSE CLAIMS that Dexcom, Freestyle, and all the other companies make about how accurate their devices are, I have found that the Dexcom G4 CGM system was far more accurate for me than the Dexcom G6 has ever been.

      There isn’t a CGM system available that is accurate enough to blindly trust without checking my BG meter reading prior to eating or just assuming “Well, the CGM says I’m too high, so I’ll trust it and take a Bolus.”

      I have had countless times when my tSlim X2 pump with Control IQ has delivered automatic correction bolus doses in excess of 3 units because the CGM was indicating I was well over 250, but when I would double-check the CGM reading with my BG meter, my BG meter would indicate that my actual Blood Glucose level at the time the CGM said I was over 250 was actually below 40 mg/dl!!! And I have had just as many times when the pump would suspend insulin delivery because the CGM was indicating I was somewhere too low for the CGM to give a numeric reading (below 40 mg/dl), but when I’d double-check with my BG meter, my BG meter would indicate that my blood glucose was actually between 130 and 150 mg/dl, so my pump should have been at least increasing the basal, if not even delivering an automatic correction bolus instead of stopping the insulin delivery!!!

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. TEH

        I have seen a similar thing.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. Donal Conway

        Yes I always take my glucose meter as back up for verification purposes on results with me when I am away. from home and as well an extra Dexcom sensor in case of accidents happening like messages from my reader to replace the one I am wearing? It has happened a few times so I take no chances.

        1
        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. cynthia jaworski

      I spent more than 2 decades without blood glucose measurements. Perhaps that is why I am not uncomfortable being away from a glucometer as a backup. If I travel out of town for overnight, I will likely bring a spare libre sensor. As noted above, the scanner also can work as a glucometer.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. mlettinga

      I always keep meter in my glove compartment and in my gym bag or beach bag. I’ve had sensors get ripped off or have crazy fluctuations I need to confirm. I don’t often use it but has come in handy in unforeseen circumstance. I also keep pump supplies in my car and insulin in my purse for the same reason.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. Bob Durstenfeld

      I took my granddaughters to the zoo for four hours yesterday. Both my eldest granddaughter and I use Dexcom G6 and we were both in the middle of a sensor session, so I did not bring a meter. But if our sessions were just starting or near the end of the 10 day cycle, I might have.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. William Bennett

      I think guys are somewhat at a disadvantage here b/c it’s not part of the male habitus to carry a bag with all kinds of other stuff the way it is for women. And a glucometer doesn’t easily fit in your jeans pocket. That said, pre-CGM I *DID* have small leather shoulder bag that I used for years on MDI and even after I started on a pump that I carried my GM and various supplies in. So I just always had that along everywhere I went. As CGM got more accurate I slowly got out of the habit b/c I so rarely needed it. I kept a GM in my desk at work as well as the one(s) at home, so carrying the bag-o’-d-gear seemed superfluous. I do use it occasionally but only if I’m taking a plane trip or something like that.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. George Lovelace

      NO! On G6 with Tandem CIQ set to Sleep Mode 24/7, haven’t Calibrated in over 3 years, numbers are almost always within 15% which as in Hand Grenades ‘close enough’ I can’t remember the last time I used a Meter or even what brand. A1c was at 5.4 and hardly ever above 6.1, Extreme Lows at 0%, Lows at 4%. I’m not Perfect but it’s Close enough to say “This is the Cure they Promised 60 years ago!” Wishing All the Best of Bgs!

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. TEH

      I hate bulky things in my pockets so I have a small 5.11 range bag I cary with my tester kit, wallet, letherman, and Swiss army knife. I keep my tester and test strips along with an old vial fir used strips in a small penguin container. It usually doesn’t get noticed except at airports if I forget to pack it in non-cary- on lugage.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Sherrie Johnson

      Usually for that length of time for hours away, I take a meter and a small pack with syringes and insulin just in case everything goes wrong. Gotta be prepared.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Beckett Nelson

      I said probably not, but it all depends if I’m nearing the life of the sensor and it’s getting spotty

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Becky Hertz

      One is always in my backpack. I love my Dex but it’s been off enough times I double check if I feel off or if I get alerted by my dog.

      0
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. Carol Meares

      Unsure…Rather…depends….if numbers on CGM are acting up I will bring a meter. If not, the meter gets left behind. Incorrect numbers on CGM yields wacky blood sugars and roller coasters. Sometimes I have CGM’s that even needs to be removed and a new one placed in a different area. I don’t like to be somewhere w/out a blood tester when this happens but I usually know ahead whether to prepare. Then I will bring a glucose meter. Sometimes the CGM levels out. Sometimes it doesn’t.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Chris Albright

      I answered probably not, but with that said, I always have a meter in my car and one in the house.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. Karen Mielish-Clausell

      Why would you need to bring a glucose meter with you if you left the house for four hours and you have a CGM that question makes little to no sense at all. Your CGM is your convenience so you don’t have to do a blood sugar out in public

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Andrea Hultman

        Because not all CGMs are reliable for treating blood sugar levels. Mine isn’t—Guardian 3 transmitter and sensor (Medtronic Diabetes). Even my endocrinologist said not to rely on the CGM readout but to check my blood sugar manually before I eat. For those of us on Medtronic tech and not yet on the 780G system, we still have to calibrate and the CGM is for trends, not near-exact BG data.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. Steven Gill

      If somewhere I can get away from won’t bring a meter. Otherwise bring a meter, spare infusion set, syringe, and depending on insulin in my pump a full cartridge. Anything can happen and has. But I’m too busy to hope “nothing” does.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. Thomas Cline

      I live in earthquake country. For that reason I try to never go anywhere without a kit that not only has a backup meter, but also a generous supply of insulin and needles and some source of sugar. When I forget to bring along my fanny pack with these items, I feel very uncomfortable — and it happens far too often even after decades of Type 1. Earthquake concern is one of several reasons that I stick with MDI rather than pumping.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    33. Melinda Lipe

      For all times when I’m away from home, work, etc for 8 hours or more, I carry it in my purse or car.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    34. Jeff Balbirnie

      You never break protocol, not for any reason. Can we sure, should we, nope. You have backup emergency supplies, emergency cures period.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    35. Molly Jones

      “unsure” as it depends.
      If I am on my own, “yes” I carry (my many needed) medical supplies with me as I don’t drive. Four hours can extend to who knows how long due to bus trips or small unwanted medical events that don’t require a doctor.
      If I with my husband, shopping, going out, … and only plan on being away for this short length of time, the answer would be “no.” We would go home quickly if needed.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    36. Robin Melen

      I answered No, but realized that i do always have a meter with me. The whole kit (and kaboodle) comes with me everywhere, no matter how long I’m away from home.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    37. Joan Benedetto

      My son Carrie’s a meter in his diabetes supply bag which goes everywhere he goes. That being said, carrying extra supplies is not a matter of time away, but distance. For example, if we go an hour away for a family celebration, we don’t want diabetes to disrupt our visit, or cut it short. We have a sling bag that we take along that as everything that we need to change our a pump site or replace a failed sensor.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    38. ConnieT1D62

      In my everyday immediate use grab & go purse? No not usually. However I do keep one in my larger everyday carry all bag along with an extra supply of pump suuply paraphernalia, healthy snacks and hypoglycemia treatments.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    39. Kristen Clifford

      I take my meter with me everywhere, no matter how long I’m away from home. If I don’t have it, I forgot it by accident

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    40. T1D4LongTime

      I answered “Yes” as I interpreted “backup” meter as having my blood glucose meter with me to backup the CGM rather than having a 2nd meter with me. I ALWAYS carry my meter, spare bottle of strips, battery backup and charging cords with me at all times. You never know what may happen and you can’t get back home.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    41. Andrea Hultman

      I take a glucose checking kit with me wherever I go. Exception is walking to the mailbox.

      I am on the MiniMed 770G with Guardian 3 CGM transmitter and sensors. It has to be calibrated. Plus, right now I am checking my blood sugar every time I put something in my mouth other than water or herbal tea: my endocrinologist wants to see what other substances besides carbs do to my BGs.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    42. GoGo Anime Apkk

      Great Thought i Agree Get more Info Here The URL OF Website: https://www.gogoanimeapkk.com/

      12 months ago Log in to Reply

    For CGM users: If you were to spend 4 hours away from home but still in your local area (e.g., an afternoon of running errands around town, or going out for dinner and a movie), would you bring a backup glucose meter with you? Cancel reply

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