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    • 2 hours, 42 minutes ago
      Daniel Bestvater likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      There are certain areas on my body where the insulin is more effective than others.
    • 12 hours, 15 minutes ago
      Lee Tincher likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      I oftentimes give myself a little insulin for when I go unplugged while changing pods, depending on what my current sensor reading is.
    • 12 hours, 16 minutes ago
      Lee Tincher likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      Always, until I began to increase the "cannula fill" amount. I found I need a good bit more than the (1.3u) to "prime the site" to have the next blood sugars be in goal. Just remember "every body is different". Darn than OmniPod does not let you change that amount, have to use "fake carbs". Something to consider.....
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      Lee Tincher likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      Sometimes, which makes sense to me. It seems like it takes a while til the new insulin is absorbed.
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      KSannie likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      **cannula
    • 22 hours, 50 minutes ago
      Kathleen Juzenas likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I find a using the T-Connect app I have the main features needed, CMG, bolus, battery level and remaining insulin.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      Sometimes, which makes sense to me. It seems like it takes a while til the new insulin is absorbed.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      atr likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      Usually the opposite. Fresh insulin sometimes sends me low.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      Mostly pump because I want to quickly see insulin on board. Tandem on IPhone when holding my great-niece while she sleeps since getting my pump out of my pocket always wakes her ☺️. Dexcom app if not in need of insulin.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      usually the pump; sometimes my phone.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      My pump (Tandem X2). Since I have to carry a work phone close to 247, I don't want to deal with two phones (device overload!). As I go about my day, looking at my pump meets my needs, I can decide to bolus etc - and edit the bolus. For more in depth data review and analysis, I use the TConnect.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I read it from my pump.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      On my insulin pump
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      My pump. Keep it simple.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      How much of this is intentionally misleading? My mail order prescription service says that can’t possibly know the cost of a medication until after it’s been shipped, which is too late to cancel or return, of course, and makes it impossible to comparison shop.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      I have an MA in writing and lit, but gobbledegook is gobbledegook. The fancy term is obscurantism.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      They change all the time. Generally not in a direction to improve my health, but to increase the money in their wallet.
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      When you change your insulin pump site, do you tend to notice a spike in your blood glucose levels afterward?
      Usually the opposite. Fresh insulin sometimes sends me low.
    • 2 days ago
      Sarah Berry likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      My pump
    • 2 days, 1 hour ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      One nice thing about a watch for readings is that, while it is normally redundant, you can be separated from your phone. For example, when you are in water.
    • 2 days, 1 hour ago
      Marty likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I use both as you can’t do everything you want in one or the other
    • 2 days, 2 hours ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I selected “other” because my preference (smart watch, mobile phone, or pump screen) depends on circumstances. Watch for a quick and discrete view; pump if I’m preparing for a profile or activity adjustment or bolus, mobile phone if just a food bolus.
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      John Barbuto likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I use both as you can’t do everything you want in one or the other
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      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I use both as you can’t do everything you want in one or the other
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    How helpful do you think it would be to see a mental health professional who specializes in issues related to chronic illness?

    Home > LC Polls > How helpful do you think it would be to see a mental health professional who specializes in issues related to chronic illness?
    Previous

    Experiencing weight fluctuations is a common experience in adulthood. If you're an adult with T1D and you have experienced a weight change (gain or loss of 10lbs/4.5kg and you remained at that new weight for at least 6 months or more as an adult), how did your insulin needs change?

    Next

    In the past week, how many nights was your sleep disrupted by device alerts, checking blood glucose levels, or treating a high or low?

    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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    " At T1D Exchange, we’re proud to announce our Medical and Research Advisory Team — an accomplished group of leaders in endocrinology, research, and quality improvement. Together, they are redefining what’s possible in type 1 diabetes (T1D) care through rigorous data analysis, innovative research approaches, and real-world implementation. Their collective expertise is central to our mission of improving outcomes for all people living with T1D.  “We’re excited to be working with our advisors given their deep expertise across a broad range of areas in T1D,” said Dave Walton, CEO of T1D Exchange. “Their involvement magnifies our reach, knowledge, and impact. These advisors are shaping the future of diabetes care — driving innovation across research, clinical practice, and quality improvement.”    Meet the Medical & Research Advisory Team  The T1D Exchange Medical and Research Advisory Team brings together four leading endocrinologists, each offering a unique perspective and shared commitment to advancing T1D care:    Jenise Wong, MD, PhD Pediatric endocrinologist at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco Focus areas: Diabetes technology adoption and usability; health equity and access to care and technology; community-based and peer-support interventions; culturally responsive care          Jennifer Sherr, MD, PhD Pediatric endocrinologist at Yale Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut Focus areas: Clinical trials in diabetes technology (CGM and AID systems), disease-modifying treatments and immunotherapies, and emerging technologies and medications, including continuous ketone monitoring and nasal glucagon     Viral Shah, MD Adult endocrinologist at Indiana University Health and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana Focus areas: Diabetes technology and adjunctive therapy trials; translational and data-driven research; T1D complications and bone health         Nestoras Mathioudakis, MD, MHS Adult endocrinologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland Focus areas: AI-driven clinical support tools; EMR-based data analytics for clinical decision making; data-driven quality improvement; health equity in T1D care        This accomplished team’s expertise spans adult and pediatric endocrinology, research, and quality improvement affiliated with leading institutions nationwide. Collectively, they have authored over 500 diabetes publications and secured research funding from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, Helmsley Charitable Trust, the American Diabetes Association, and Breakthrough T1D — while remaining actively engaged in both clinical care and research.  “These individuals represent an impressive body of work while remaining deeply involved in the day-to-day realities of diabetes care,” said Walton. Their expertise covers the full spectrum of T1D care — from AI and predictive analytics to complication prevention, automated insulin delivery, continuous glucose and ketone monitoring, GLP-1 treatments, health equity, mental health, autoantibody screening, and disease prevention.    Turning insight into impact  The team’s work goes beyond research, focusing on translating insights into real-world practice. By leveraging data to scale best practices, the goal is to drive meaningful, measurable change across clinics and communities.  “Our advisors will help to extend our impact — whether through QI strategy, research innovation, funding opportunities, or new data-driven solutions,” said Walton. “We want to take what’s working at individual centers and spread that as broadly as possible.”   He added, “As a Collaborative, we’re also focused on advanced population health strategies such as exploring predictive data models to identify risks earlier and intervene before complications even begin to happen.”    The power of the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative  Central to this work is the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI) — a nationwide network of clinics working together to improve care through shared data, benchmarking, and evidence-based practices.  “I’m thrilled to serve as a Medical Advisor for T1D Exchange, because I’ve seen firsthand the impact this network can have on patient care,” said Dr. Nestoras Mathioudakis. “T1D Exchange is the premier organization for quality improvement in type 1 diabetes, with unparalleled assets like a large EHR database and robust patient registry.”  He added that he is excited to apply his expertise in EHR research and big data analytics to generate real-world evidence across diagnosis, management, and outcomes.  Dr. Viral Shah echoed that perspective, reflecting on T1DX-QI's evolution: “I have been involved with T1D Exchange since its early days and have had the privilege of witnessing how it has transformed the quality of diabetes care across the United States. I’m delighted to return as a Medical Advisor.”  He emphasized the importance of accelerating impact. “I look forward to working closely with the team to accelerate the evidence generation and to help translate these insights to improve patient care.”   Dr. Jenise Wong highlighted the visible impact of T1DX-QI on the delivery of care. "I’m truly honored and grateful to be working with T1D Exchange as a Medical Advisor. T1DX-QI is a remarkable resource for centers that are using continuous process improvement to improve the quality of care for people living with diabetes.”  “Diabetes centers working with T1DX –QI have done amazing work using QI methodology to make care accessible and equitable for all people with diabetes,” she said. “It’s inspiring to be a part of a collaborative in which centers have been creative and thoughtful with initiatives to address individual and systemic challenges to care, improving clinical outcomes as well as the patient experience."  Looking ahead, Dr. Sherr highlighted the opportunity to build on the existing strong foundation. “I’m very excited to be working as a Medical Advisor for T1D Exchange,” she said. “It’s a privilege to help shape what comes next for a group that’s already doing such impactful work.”  “Sharing what’s happening in clinical practice, benchmarking across centers, and understanding outcomes is how we figure out what’s working, what’s not, and where we go next,” she said.      The future of T1D care   With this team’s vision and expertise, T1D Exchange is positioned to accelerate progress in T1D care — bridging research and real-world practice to drive meaningful, measurable impact.  Together, we look forward to advancing innovation and improving outcomes for everyone affected by type 1 diabetes.   "

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    40 Comments

    1. Molly Jones

      These specialists would have to be very well educated in many chronic illnesses along with neurochemistry and behavior, but it would be helpful to have someone who understands the immediate and long term effects of a condition on behavior and how to help improve any undesired behaviors / moods in ways besides / along with controlling your illness.

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. n6jax@scinternet.net

        very well put!!!

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. ELYSSE HELLER

      I am considering seeing someone simply because of my immunocompromised status and Covid-19. People keep wanting me to go to dinners with 30 plus people crammed into their kitchen, ballparks with people sitting shoulder to shoulder, and the like. The immunocompromised still have to be very careful and people need to respect my condition. I still don’t let people into my house as I don’t have a very large house and these people are going out galivanting everywhere and I just don’t need it or want it.

      7
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Patricia Dalrymple

        Elysse: I don’t see you as the one needing help here. Just state what you said above and politely but firmly decline any unsuitable invitation. WE understand and get you even if people outside our community do not.

        6
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. Lawrence S.

        I just want to let you know that I am doing the same thing as you. Hang in there. You are not alone.

        2
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
      3. Germaine Sarda

        It’s very frustrating! After Covid came to town, one of my coworkers asked how it would affect me. I told her it’s not unlike the flu season when people come to the office coughing and feverish. They’ll recover but if I get it, it will throw my whole system out of whack and possibly dangerously so. I am very thankful that I can work remotely.

        1
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. James Hoare

      I would say that when is the important question. At 13 It would have been life altering perhaps but 61 years later not so much.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Jim Cobbe

      How am I supposed to form an opinion without experience of what it might involve/be? I’d want a lot more context or specification of situation before expressing an opinion.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Kim Rehtus

      I would have found it helpful over the years to visit with someone who is part mental health professional and part life coach who specializes in T1D. Implementing the advice of T1D doctors can be quite complex and having a professional who could help address the thoughts/emotions around building the habits related to living with a chronic illness could be so helpful! Having an experienced partner would be a huge asset especially in the first years after diagnosis.

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Janice Bohn

      I think it would be very helpful however the cost could be prohibitive with all the other T1D expenses

      6
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. Patricia Dalrymple

      I answered other because it was unclear whether this was for me specifically or for anyone generally. I currently do not need anyone. But I can’t see why the right person (very important to anyone needing mental health assistance – one size does NOT fit all) wouldn’t be helpful in someone’s time of need.

      6
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. mojoseje

      Over the decades, I do wish there had been counseling available from someone who understands T1 diabetes.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Ahh Life

      Many of us have seen a slew of T1D doctors, perhaps even so much so that we are the ones who hold the doctorate. A doctorate hard earned from the college of hard knocks.

      Mental heath experts, whom I had little need for when younger, may play an increasingly important role as I age and as predicted amnesia and dementia rear their ugly heads. Ugh! Is dementia a mental health issue? Dr. Google is a bit ambiguous on answers.

      4
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. KarenM6

        Dementia is diagnosed by Neuropsychologists… but, it seems to sit in both mental health and body health categories, doesn’t it?! Oy.

        1
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. TEH

      I agree with many comments below. Does such a T1d mental health specialist exist?

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Lyndsey Escobar

        Yes! 🙂 our pediatric endo referred us to a psychotherapist that specialized in adolescents with chronic illnesses, spherically diabetes. My son met with her a few months after diagnosis and off and on for 2 years. I believe it was helpful for him.

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
      2. KarenM6

        Yes. The BDI (Behavioral Diabetes Institute) has some wonderful mental health doctors. And at least one of them has T1D, too.

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. AnitaS

      I personally don’t feel the need to see a mental health specialist, but I am sure that a specialist could help people struggling with diabetes or any other chronic condition.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. kristina blake

      I could have used a therapist when my partner was Dx’d bipolar1, with anger mgt issues. I seemed to be the trigger for the manic episodes (my mere existence was all it would take). I tried to get some counseling in order to learn what to expect (as best as possible with BP1), coping mechanisms etc. I failed the screening – I don’t have suicidal nor homicidal ideations so the health plan said “nope”. Meanwhile I am also dealing with T1D (for 40 years). I don’t necessarily think that a therapist has to specialize in chronic conditions, but knowing that people like us not only deal with everyday life – and occasionally need some guidance – we are doing that while dealing with T1D. We are like Ginger Rogers – doing all the same wonderful dances as Fred Astaire – but backwards in high heels.

      9
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Germaine Sarda

        I’ve heard that Ginger Rogers quote before and it never dawned on me that it’s very much us!

        1
        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Joan McGinnis

      I do know when I need help so that my family and friends do not suffer, after having heart surgery, with teeenage daughters stressing me, when my
      Husband died. I feel I am doing well because I did use a mental health professional

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. lis be

      I’d be satisfied if I could meet an endo that really understood the disease and all its other things!

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Natalie Daley

      I’ve managed my Type 1 for 30 years, I’m 75, seeing an excellent endocrinologist for most of that time. I’ve come to terms with most of the issues and stayed relatively healthy. Why change that now?

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Becky Hertz

      At this point in time, I’m not in need of an MHP. Overall, it would be beneficial for those who are struggling with issues related to chronic illness. Everyone handles things differently, and many have more than one chronic condition.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. StPetie

      I put Other. I’m in a pretty good place and reasonably satisfied with my life. But I do think it would be interesting to get an outsiders point of view in light various medical issues.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Janis Senungetuk

      As a pre-teen and teenager it would have made a tremendous , positive difference. At 75, after 67 years living with T1 and complications, peer support is more helpful.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. n6jax@scinternet.net

        I am 90 now and started at age 21, so I am glad not having to deal with those younger years!!

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Modee

      This is critically important and should start as soon as you are diagnosed. Diagnosed 52 years ago at 12 I did fine but at various stages of my life I began to suffer severe depression I thought was genetic. It actually was caused by diabetes and I finally found the right doctor that confirmed it is common the longer you have it and the older we get. Sheesh…!

      4
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Pauline M Reynolds

      Very helpful at time of diagnosis. Also, in later years, it would be helpful in dealing with complications as they come up.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. M C

      It may have helped when I was first diagnosed, as a kid, wondering “why me?!?” Now, over 45 years later – not sure why or how a mental health professional could be of any help in terms of having a ‘chronic illness’…. Like many on the list, it’s part of our lives and we keep plodding along doing the best we can with what we’ve got.
      In terms of assisting me in dealing with other challenges life presents – with the stresses they can bring (potentially impacting one’s diabetic control), then a MHP could possibly be helpful.

      1
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Mary Dexter

      In an ideal world, it would be helpful, but the odds of the professional actually understanding my situation are slim, as are the odds that someone employed by my HMO would be able to help me navigate the gaslighting and stigma from the doctors from the same HMO.
      The last shrink my HMO assigned who supposedly specialized in chronic illness told the diabetes support group that she understood what it was like to have diabetes because she often must drive behind other cars on the beltline and wait in line at the grocery. Thankfully, she has moved on to counseling cancer patients, although I pity them.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Liz Avery

      I answered a little helpful. I saw a psychologist for part of the 1990’s when my children were 10 or older and I was working full time, tending 5 acres as well. I needed the perspective, and it was helpful.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. pru barry

      Therapy has certainly helped, along the way. I’ve been learning this disease for almost 70 years, and can almost break it down into stages when another set of eyes and ears might have been crucial to understanding how best to see one’s self as a diabetic. I think it has a lot to do with developing a philosophy with the crayons provided, and that happens over time, with all sorts of twists and turns in the path. Sharing knowledge strengthens some beliefs, and points out others which aren’t helpful. A therapist who helped me most was the one who championed an ability to adjust, swerve, and not give up. She also believed that “everyone has something” makes it easier to do what’s required, knowing that it is NOT a personal failing. It’s sometimes exhausting to be a diabetic, but I love the days when I meet the challenge and come out smiling.

      3
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Carol Meares

      There were times in my life when it would have been very helpful. I struggled and found my way through other means, a health group I found online, where I also received some individual help with a naturopath. T1D was treated as a whole body and mind experience. Everyone with T1D should have access to some form of mental healthcare related to the chronic challenges of living daily with the disease. How it could be delivered effectively would need to vary to fit individual needs.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Joan Fray

      I saw a therapist for about a year when I was having marital issues. (20 years ago.) It helped a lot, mostly just having someone to listen to me without obvious judgement. Didn’t talk much about the diabetes, but she did finally treat what was obviously (to everyone but me) depression. Worked well. We’ll be celebrating our 50 year anniversary next Spring. And happily, I might add.

      2
      4 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Ahh Life

        Joan–Congratulations and best wishes.

        4 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. Donna Condi

      There was a time when I was so frustrated and feeling lost because everything I tried in order to stay in control did not work. And at point I could have used some counseling to deal with it.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. mentat

      I have seen 12 mental health professionals in the last 11 years and for the most part their lack of knowledge and understanding has been… detrimental. Only one had a clue regarding T1D; most brushed my T1D aside altogether, and one psychiatrist actually chastised me for causing myself to develop type 1 diabetes. I tried to correct her but she told me she knew what she was talking about because she had a relative with Type 1.

      Generally whenever I wanted to talk about the way diabetes impacted me, they seemed determined to redirect to conversations about my relationships with other people. I’m not sure whether this was simply because they felt more comfortable talking about these topics or if they felt that I was using diabetes as a scapegoat for my relationship problems but things just went around in circles and I didn’t get the help I needed for a long long time.

      So yes I think it’s very important for people with T1D to have access to mental health professionals who specialise in chronic illness-related issues.

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. PamK

      I answered “a little helpful” because for me, I don’t feel a need for mental health counseling related to my diabetes. I have in the past though, and it did help quite a bit. So, for those who need it, it is, in my opinion, very helpful!

      4 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. Cheryl Seibert

      I chose “little helpful”. The problem with chronic illness or caregivers of diabetics, there is little available time to sit with a counselor. Caregivers and those with chronic illness need the access to care that improves their condition or provides low-cost equipment/solutions/caregivers to manage their condition. Cost of medical equipment and the barriers to finding in-home care is sad

      4 years ago Log in to Reply

    How helpful do you think it would be to see a mental health professional who specializes in issues related to chronic illness? Cancel reply

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