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    • 18 hours, 58 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      Moderately. My doctor and pharmacy are awesome, my insurance and durable medical equipment supplier, not so much. The excessive red tape of paper to get DME supplies shipped is almost always a nightmare!
    • 19 hours, 4 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      Run, don’t walk from Edgepark! Read my response to Nevin Bowman above! (Hint: the company I was referring to in that post was Edgepark)
    • 19 hours, 4 minutes ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I once had a supplier withhold old pump supplies while refusing to ship the order for a new pump and I was on a 3-way call with insurance and got to listen to DME lie directly to Insurance about it and then I had the pleasure of interjecting and getting to call them a liar! I would have been more vindicated if it actually accomplished anything, but after I finally got my shipment I fired that DME and never looked back. The red tape that insurance insists on for DME is excessive for chronically ill patients!
    • 19 hours, 13 minutes ago
      kristina blake likes your comment at
      How often do you guess or estimate carbohydrate amounts rather than calculating precisely?
      After doing this weighing and measurements you get pretty good at estimating
    • 20 hours, 34 minutes ago
      Patricia Dalrymple likes your comment at
      How often do you guess or estimate carbohydrate amounts rather than calculating precisely?
      I chose "Often". If I eat something packaged with a nutrition label, I'll use the carbs listed on the label. If I eat a plate of food, at home or at a restaurant, I estimate.
    • 21 hours, 45 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      How often do you guess or estimate carbohydrate amounts rather than calculating precisely?
      Been doing it for so long it's mostly estimation at this point. Every once in a while at home I'll measure out exact portions of rice, pasta, etc to remind myself just how SMALL portions should be as I tend to let them get a little bigger over time. (wishful thinking) Very helpful to have that image in mind at restaurants where portions tend to be way larger than a single serving.
    • 21 hours, 45 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      How often do you guess or estimate carbohydrate amounts rather than calculating precisely?
      Yes, for me never weighing or measuring but actively using the Calorie King book and app for several years I have most things memorized or I can make a decent assessment.
    • 21 hours, 45 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      How often do you guess or estimate carbohydrate amounts rather than calculating precisely?
      After doing this weighing and measurements you get pretty good at estimating
    • 21 hours, 46 minutes ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      How often do you guess or estimate carbohydrate amounts rather than calculating precisely?
      I chose "Often". If I eat something packaged with a nutrition label, I'll use the carbs listed on the label. If I eat a plate of food, at home or at a restaurant, I estimate.
    • 22 hours, 40 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How often do you guess or estimate carbohydrate amounts rather than calculating precisely?
      I chose "Often". If I eat something packaged with a nutrition label, I'll use the carbs listed on the label. If I eat a plate of food, at home or at a restaurant, I estimate.
    • 23 hours, 20 minutes ago
      Amanda Barras 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.
    • 23 hours, 20 minutes ago
      Amanda Barras 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.
    • 23 hours, 21 minutes ago
      Amanda Barras 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.
    • 23 hours, 27 minutes ago
      Amanda Barras 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.
    • 23 hours, 34 minutes ago
      Amanda Barras likes your comment at
      How often do you guess or estimate carbohydrate amounts rather than calculating precisely?
      After doing this weighing and measurements you get pretty good at estimating
    • 23 hours, 37 minutes ago
      Derek West likes your comment at
      How often do you guess or estimate carbohydrate amounts rather than calculating precisely?
      I chose "Often". If I eat something packaged with a nutrition label, I'll use the carbs listed on the label. If I eat a plate of food, at home or at a restaurant, I estimate.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      So far since Jan 1, ‘26, I’ve spent nearly 30 hours on the phone battling and trying to get Medicare covered diabetes supplies. Called 5 different suppliers t get what I need to use my pump.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      You are too modest. That hurdle is on fire and you have to juggle chainsaws as you jump over it. Congratulations and good luck making it over the next one in 90 days.
    • 1 day, 15 hours ago
      KarenM6 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, 17 hours 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 day, 17 hours 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 day, 17 hours 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.
    • 1 day, 18 hours 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.
    • 1 day, 18 hours 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.
    • 1 day, 18 hours 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.
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    Has your main diabetes healthcare provider discussed tips and tricks on how best to prepare yourself and your T1D if you have a cold or get the flu?

    Home > LC Polls > Has your main diabetes healthcare provider discussed tips and tricks on how best to prepare yourself and your T1D if you have a cold or get the flu?
    Previous

    How does drinking caffeinated drinks impact your blood glucose levels? Share more about your experience with caffeine in the comments.

    Next

    If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), have you ever been asked to remove it for a medical procedure? Share more about your experiences and what procedures you had to remove it for in the comments!

    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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    24 Comments

    1. Molly Jones

      It was good to be informed that my BG does not always increase due to illness. Sometimes it decreases depending on variables.
      I have two different insulin pump profiles for sickness days.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Steven Gill

      I’ve seen a pile of endocrinologists, several educators, and all the doctors in between. Never had any of them discuss anything for sickdays.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Trina Blake

      I answered “no”. This – to me – is another example of the narrow approach of Endo’s towards newly Dx’d adults. WHen I was Dx’d (30 years old, so naturally first Dx’d with T2D although I had no risk factors for T2D.) I was given Rx’s for insulin and syringes and sent on my way. I had to use the label to see what the dose and frequency were. After close to 40 years with T1D, I have yet to have a sick day discussion.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Jane Cerullo

      I’m an RN so really don’t need any tips. But was never even brought up

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Mick Martin

      Yes … about 25 years ago!

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Tom Caesar

      After over 50 years with type 1 I feel as qualified as my current Doctor for treating colds, flu, etc. We’ve discussed covid and treated that, but he feels I’m experienced with simpler maladies.

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

      I answered “other.” I’m sure I discussed it about 46 or 47 years ago.

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

        I just remembered. I went to the Joslin Clinic at the Deaconess Hospital in Boston, back around 1985. I took a week long course there. One of the subjects was adjusting insulin doses for sick days.

        1
        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. KCR

      My main HCP looks more at the “big picture” so I see a CDE when I have concerns like this.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Shelly Smith

      I answered “other” because I’d be surprised if my doctors have not talked to me about this, I just don’t remember it!

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Melinda Lipe

      Ive had T1D for over 50 years. I am so blessed to have been well during this col and flu season.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Lindsey Whitnell

      Only at diagnosis

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Marty

      I got a book when I was first diagnosed that explained what to do on sick days. My current endo has never brought it up but she encourages me to call if I ever need help with anything.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Beckett Nelson

      My endocrinologist never has, but I know it’s been discussed with my CDE a couple times over the last 30+ years

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. terrih57@msn.com

      I said No but after 47 years I suspect he knows I understand what I need to do. He always asks if I have any questions ( like he really means it 👍) so I’m comfortable talking if I need help.

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Anita Stokar

      I don’t think so but a diabetes educator did a few years ago. My current endo has listened to what I had done during my recent covid experience and she was fine with what I had done.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Ernie Richmann

      No but I got advice if I got Covid.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Donna Condi

      No. 25 plus years and I’ve never had the “sick day” conversation with a provider.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Jen Farley

      They just gave me the flu, Covid, pneumonia vaccine. No information on whether I have it.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Joan Benedetto

      Yes, ten years ago when our son was diagnosed at 18 months. Sick day protocol was covered during our initial training. It has not come up since.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. ConnieT1D62

      Way back in the early days of life with T1D my parents were instructed on sick day protocols, and every so often throughout the years with T1D I have had a refresher discussion with a diabetes health care provider. However, not lately as in the past 30 years or so. I am a long time RN, MSN, CDCES with a clinical specialty in diabetes care nursing so I have done a lot of education with others who are learning to live responsibly with their diabetes …. whether they are T1, T2, LADA, or pre-D. As an educator it’s always good to have a discussion to asses what the individual knows and to answer any questions they may have.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. David Hedeen

      Said no, no discussion, haven’t had flu in 5 years & no covig !

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Jeff Balbirnie

      Hysterical laughter at the presumption of actual medicine being discussed rather than their exclusive obsession solely with blood sugar and numbers thereof… (sic. for years)

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. George Lovelace

      T1 60 years so what is there to learn?

      2 years ago Log in to Reply

    Has your main diabetes healthcare provider discussed tips and tricks on how best to prepare yourself and your T1D if you have a cold or get the flu? Cancel reply

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