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    • 15 hours, 55 minutes 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
    • 16 hours, 52 minutes 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.
    • 16 hours, 59 minutes 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
    • 17 hours, 59 minutes 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.
    • 18 hours, 2 minutes ago
      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
    • 19 hours, 5 minutes ago
      Gerald Oefelein 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
    • 19 hours, 6 minutes ago
      Laurie B likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I’m curious about the reasoning behind using a dedicated reader. Could someone please enlighten me?
    • 19 hours, 6 minutes ago
      Laurie B 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.
    • 19 hours, 7 minutes ago
      mojoseje likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      For Minimed, the dedicated reader is the pump.
    • 19 hours, 7 minutes ago
      mojoseje likes your comment at
      If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), where do you prefer to view your CGM readings?
      I chose "dedicated reader". That reader is my pump, a Minimed 780G.
    • 19 hours, 8 minutes ago
      Marthaeg 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
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How comfortable are you, on a scale of 1–5, with artificial intelligence (AI) being integrated into your diabetes technology?
      Sorry. I'm not sold on AI. I don't trust the people making it. There are too many reasons it could go wrong and be disasterous (just read the above comments). I'm not opposed to computers helping with things such as Control IQ, but when the computer starts doing the thinking, I think we've crossed the line. An aside: I've listened to AI music, and I think it sounds impersonal. It lacks a humanness. I don't find it pleasant to listen to. I've heard horror stories about AI being used by the military, with the end result being nuclear holocaust. I am a hard NO to AI. I gave it a "5".
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How comfortable are you, on a scale of 1–5, with artificial intelligence (AI) being integrated into your diabetes technology?
      I believe that AI may very well become a great tool - but at this time it still makes too many errors for me to be confident in it.
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      How comfortable are you, on a scale of 1–5, with artificial intelligence (AI) being integrated into your diabetes technology?
      Here's my concern. I've used AI when meeting new clients to take notes of my meetings while I'm talking with the client. Ostensibly, this frees me up from having to jot down notes while talking - allowing me to give my full attention to the conversation. (Very good benefit of AI) Then, when reviewing the notes, AI literally fabricated scenarios that weren't discussed (AI Hallucinations are a very bad side effect). Not knowing when AI will fabricate a fact pattern gives me great concern that AI will fabricate a glucose reading and then act on that hallucination. AI has great potential, but it's not ready yet.
    • 1 day, 13 hours ago
      D-connect 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, 13 hours ago
      D-connect 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, 14 hours ago
      Ahh Life 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, 14 hours ago
      Ahh Life likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      Extremely. I have a certificate in Medical Billing & Coding.
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      How well do you understand the details of your health insurance coverage?
      "Slightly," I think, maybe. Insurance companies change their policies, constantly. Prescription coverage changes every time I look at it. Medicare is a huge question mark. Honestly, Health insurance has become a big money making business, for them. I get different answers every time I call, depending upon whom I am talking with. I say it's time for socialized medicine.
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      How comfortable are you, on a scale of 1–5, with artificial intelligence (AI) being integrated into your diabetes technology?
      Roughly half my lows are caused by my auto correct system now. I expect AI hallucinations to make it worse. I have enough hallucinations when I'm low and need non-hallucinatory help. We all need more info on this subject to make better decisions. As my favorite 80's AI robot (Johnny 5) said, "Need input."
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      How comfortable are you, on a scale of 1–5, with artificial intelligence (AI) being integrated into your diabetes technology?
      I'm not comfortable for many reasons: 1) AI hasn't proven respects boundaries, quite the opposite, too many reports of AI tend to view its responsibilities and decisions as NOT mine; 2) the companies behind AI systems do likewise in not respecting my data as mine and jumble it in with their own; 3) AI systems haven't proven themselves as reliable parties regarding data and actions. There are many more; AI systems have a long way to go before I entrust one with dosing strategies while I'm awake, let alone while I'm asleep!
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      How comfortable are you, on a scale of 1–5, with artificial intelligence (AI) being integrated into your diabetes technology?
      I’ve done a large 2 week focus group through Syracuse University on AI. I’ve also been watching shows on European news about AI and medical issues. AI still has too many glitches when it comes to medical issues.
    • 1 day, 18 hours ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How comfortable are you, on a scale of 1–5, with artificial intelligence (AI) being integrated into your diabetes technology?
      Having recently dealt with ongoing tech issues involving our heat and electrical-use notifications for more than six months — and it’s still not fully resolved — I’m not always a fan of too much technology. That said, I am interested in advances like the Twist Insulin Pump potentially detecting scar tissue or helping with infusion-site issues. But then reality kicks in: taking devices off for MRIs, replacing failed equipment, and navigating Medicare when it’s primary insurance can become a nightmare of paperwork and delays. And honestly, AI in some call centers has been pretty frustrating. Sometimes it feels like no one can answer a real-world question anymore. I think we should tread lightly and make sure technology actually makes life easier for people living with T1D — especially older adults who already manage enough complexity every day. Some days I think about a less stress free life and going back to a syringe and insulin. over 45 years of doing that, and now 25+ of devices, I'm tired of the challenges in getting replacements, and scar tissue, and mail order supplies and on and on.
    • 2 days, 14 hours ago
      kristina blake likes your comment at
      How comfortable are you, on a scale of 1–5, with artificial intelligence (AI) being integrated into your diabetes technology?
      With all technical advancements there are good things and bad things. The bad things (unforseen consequences) could be deadly like Hallucinations for the user, getting over doses of insulin. So, carefully thought out guard rails need to be developed and thoroughly tested. A good thing must be the accumulation of scenarios that KSannie mentioned. However it can not be completely autonomous. The current accuracy of Dex G7 and other sensors introduce error in to the calculations. This is similar to "self driving cars." The Robo taxi experiments have shown the unusual events that could become dangerous. Either audible situation commands or textual inputs like "goin to bed" or "driving" or "exercising" may be required at the beginning for a new user. As an example, after wearing my smart watch for a year now, it recognizes exercising without me having to tell it I'm exercising. This drives a more advanced and improved user interface. The other perceivable advantage might be accumulating changes over time, such as sicknesses, weight gain or loss, or changes in activity. Changes in food intake might be difficult to overcome. Something like "Under my Fork" app. Personally, I would like to see a reminder to bolis before eating! With all that said, we do we need all that? Probably not. Evolution of modified closed loop control may eliminate the need for AI control. The reality may be somewhere in-between the two.
    • 2 days, 14 hours ago
      kristina blake likes your comment at
      How comfortable are you, on a scale of 1–5, with artificial intelligence (AI) being integrated into your diabetes technology?
      I believe that AI may very well become a great tool - but at this time it still makes too many errors for me to be confident in it.
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    How often do you disinfect your skin before giving yourself an injection or changing a site?

    Home > LC Polls > How often do you disinfect your skin before giving yourself an injection or changing a site?
    Previous

    If you wake up in the middle of the night to treat a low, do you brush your teeth before going back to bed?

    Next

    If you wear a CGM, do you ever experience “compression lows” – false low blood glucose alerts that happen when there is pressure placed on the sensor, typically while you’re sleeping?

    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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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. 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    22 Comments

    1. Britni Steingard

      I said “other.” I disinfect with alcohol before changing a CGM site, but not before taking an injection.

      5
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Judy Hampton

      I disinfect before putting on a new cgm, but not before an insulin injection.

      2
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Kathy Hanavan

      I use alcohol before CGM and site changes, but not injections. Have had 2 site infections and don’t want another one!

      2
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. connie ker

      I always use the alcohol wipes provided in the CGM box from Abbott Freestyle Libre. I say ditto to the comments above, I do not use alcohol wipes before injections and never had a problem. I bathe and keep clean under my clothes.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Sherolyn Newell

      I always disinfect after removing and before putting on a new CGM sensor or insulin pod. After removing because there’s a hole in my skin and I have the alcohol wipe out anyway to use on the new site.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Lawrence Stearns

      I’ve been doing this for many years and have always disinfected with alcohol wipes, and use skin barrier wipes for cannulas so they hold better. I’ve never had an infection.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. casey shane

      CGM:(dexcom G6) alcohol wipe every change and I use a skin barrier wipe as well.
      Infusion set: (soft set 90 6mm/23) alcohol wipe to clean area. No skin barrier,But 9/10 times I’m changing sites after a shower. Never an issue with either sites. Rotate sides every change. 3/10 days respectively

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Mark Schweim

      My answer depends on what you consider as “disinfecting.” Since Skin Tac contains rubbing alcohol, I’d say I always disinfect even if I only use the Skin Tac while others have insisted that I’m not disinfecting if I don’t also use an alcohol wipe or pure rubbing alcohol to disinfect the area before applying the rubbing alcohol containing Skin Tac to the surface.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Amanda Barras

      All new pump & CGM sites get wiped down with alcohol first. A lot of my manual injections to correct highs when my pump is running low on insulin and I’m out of the house or in a hurry to take injection and move onto next thing I need to do I just grab and inject on the fly without sanitizing.

      2
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Beckett Nelson

      When I’m camping in the backcountry then I’ll wipe with alcohol. When at home, I’ll just change my site fresh out of the shower. Evidence has shown that it is no longer recommended because it dries out and toughens the skin, while not actually making a difference with infection

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Patricia Dalrymple

      Always when changing pump site. Never when testing BG and finger sticking.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Tod Herman

      Today, I always do. But I put ‘other’ because for years I rarely did before giving myself a shot (unless I was obviously dirty). I’ve never had any issues with an area getting irritated or infected.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Jneticdiabetic

      Always use alcohol swab before insulin pump and CGM site changes. I’ve given injections without a pre-alcohol wipes only on a few rare occasions when I needed an emergency backup injection on the go and was out of alcohol swabs in my kit. I almost never use alcohol swabs before BG fingersticks though.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Sally Numrich

      Always with pump site changes. I was trained using Hibiclens, have used it for over 30 years and never had an infection! With injections, never, often through clothes. Also never with finger sticks when I use to do them. And alcohol wipes with Dexcom as I use it to clean the transmitter also.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Julie Akawie

        I have been T1D for 50+ years. Have not disinfected for injections, finger sticks, pump sites, or CGM sensor in 30. Have not had even one infection. Gonna keep doin’ what I’ve been doin’.

        2
        5 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Ahh Life

      1) CGMs always
      2) Pump tubing always
      3) Needle injections seldom
      4) Fingersticks never. 👍

      5
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Mary Coleman

      Rarely for injection (MDI) or finger sticks. Always use alcohol for Dexcom change.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. JoAnn Pinkowitz

      I use alcohol wipes for Dexcom change. I only started using alcohol wipes before injections since COVID started.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Sahran Holiday

      Soap and water or povidone. Povidone for only Dexcom if washing too inconvenient. Fingersticks rarely. Alcohol makes the skin hard. Years ago while still injecting, needles began breaking in my skin. Switched to povidone, the most effective topical disinfectant.

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Becky Hertz

      Always when putting in a new insertion set, rarely when giving an injection.

      1
      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Leona Hanson

      I use an alcohol wipe every time i change a site, insulin injections and test my blood. I use to not not prep for blood tests and almost lost my thumb not again

      5 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. James Cheairs

      when on MDIs – never but with a pump – always

      5 years ago Log in to Reply

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