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    • 38 minutes 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. 😬
    • 2 hours, 26 minutes 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.
    • 2 hours, 27 minutes 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.
    • 2 hours, 27 minutes 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.
    • 3 hours, 25 minutes 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.
    • 3 hours, 26 minutes 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.
    • 3 hours, 27 minutes 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.
    • 3 hours, 30 minutes 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 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.
    • 3 hours, 32 minutes ago
      Lawrence S. likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I broke down for the first time in 25 years and bought a bottle of insulin because I think I may have thrown a bottle out with the box. Medicare wouldn’t fill the prescription because it was too early. I just didn’t want the fight and worry. I’m not sure that’s what happened but it’s the only explanation. Also, I live in Florida and the threat of losing power is always there. I should get a generator but I’m a little afraid of them and you still can’t be sure you have access to propane. If my insulin goes bad, I’m not sure I could get refills. My back up plan is to leave before hurricane or go to a hospital. But it is all just causes concern.
    • 3 hours, 45 minutes ago
      Derek West likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      Very! However, I wish I could use Fiasp insulin in the Tandem pumps.
    • 6 hours, 20 minutes ago
      Bruce Schnitzler likes your comment at
      How confident are you about having consistent access to the diabetes supplies and medication you need?
      I broke down for the first time in 25 years and bought a bottle of insulin because I think I may have thrown a bottle out with the box. Medicare wouldn’t fill the prescription because it was too early. I just didn’t want the fight and worry. I’m not sure that’s what happened but it’s the only explanation. Also, I live in Florida and the threat of losing power is always there. I should get a generator but I’m a little afraid of them and you still can’t be sure you have access to propane. If my insulin goes bad, I’m not sure I could get refills. My back up plan is to leave before hurricane or go to a hospital. But it is all just causes concern.
    • 6 hours, 52 minutes ago
      Karen Newe likes your comment at
      How often do people confuse type 1 and type 2 diabetes in your experience?
      The most common comment: but you aren’t heavy. That’s when we get into the differences. A relative tried to tell me that insulin makes you lose weight. But when we last discussed this, one of you said it best: if it isn’t in their circle of experience, why would they know or care?
    • 7 hours, 10 minutes ago
      KSannie likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      Very! However, I wish I could use Fiasp insulin in the Tandem pumps.
    • 7 hours, 11 minutes ago
      KSannie 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. 😬
    • 7 hours, 11 minutes ago
      KSannie likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      My first reaction was Very Satisfied but there is always room for improvement. I’d like a pump design that wasn’t meant to be worn on a belt just for men. To wear a dress, I have to only get those with pockets (and on both sides because opposite sides cause the CGM to lose contact) and put a button whole in each. The clip shows horribly on blouses worn out. I’ve tried the leg attachments and they never stay secure. I’m not big enough to wear it in my bra. All minor inconveniences. I’d like one that doesn’t keep alarming 20 minutes after I’ve eaten, although I get it that it is there to save my life. Again minor. Ask about CGMs (probably tomorrow’s question): lately I’ve had trouble removing the sensor from my arm without actually ripping off a strip of skin or very bad bruising. I’ve read about using baby oil for removal. That does help. I’m a rip it off fast person, but that didn’t work so well.
    • 8 hours, 38 minutes ago
      Patricia Dalrymple likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      Try Uni-Solve Adhesive Remover (smith&nephew)- wipe it on wait a minute to let it work and it will come off easy. at least it works great for me and I've tried several different brands, I use it for CGM & Omnipod removal
    • 15 hours, 38 minutes ago
      Sandy Norman 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. 😬
    • 23 hours, 4 minutes ago
      kristina blake likes your comment at
      How often do people confuse type 1 and type 2 diabetes in your experience?
      There are several conversations about this across social media. Many people chime in and vote for a new, more accurate name for type 1.. some of the popular alternatives- Pancreatic Autoimmune Disease, Beta Cell Destruction Disease, Autoimmune Diabetes, Autoimmune Insulin Failure, Autoimmune Absolute Insulin Deficiency (AAID)
    • 23 hours, 5 minutes ago
      kristina blake likes your comment at
      How often do people confuse type 1 and type 2 diabetes in your experience?
      The most common comment: but you aren’t heavy. That’s when we get into the differences. A relative tried to tell me that insulin makes you lose weight. But when we last discussed this, one of you said it best: if it isn’t in their circle of experience, why would they know or care?
    • 23 hours, 6 minutes ago
      kristina blake likes your comment at
      How often do people confuse type 1 and type 2 diabetes in your experience?
      In my experience the average person does not know the difference. It does not help that the commercials on TV just say diabetes and do not differentiate.
    • 1 day, 1 hour ago
      Kristi Warmecke 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, 3 hours ago
      Lee Tincher likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      If I could get a CGM that is consistent and predictable I'd be very happy with the Twiist or the Tandem. The weak point with pumps used to be infusion sites, but now that we are relying on poor performing technology to support potentially great algorithms itis quite frustrating.
    • 1 day, 5 hours ago
      Beckett Nelson likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      My first reaction was Very Satisfied but there is always room for improvement. I’d like a pump design that wasn’t meant to be worn on a belt just for men. To wear a dress, I have to only get those with pockets (and on both sides because opposite sides cause the CGM to lose contact) and put a button whole in each. The clip shows horribly on blouses worn out. I’ve tried the leg attachments and they never stay secure. I’m not big enough to wear it in my bra. All minor inconveniences. I’d like one that doesn’t keep alarming 20 minutes after I’ve eaten, although I get it that it is there to save my life. Again minor. Ask about CGMs (probably tomorrow’s question): lately I’ve had trouble removing the sensor from my arm without actually ripping off a strip of skin or very bad bruising. I’ve read about using baby oil for removal. That does help. I’m a rip it off fast person, but that didn’t work so well.
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      John Barbuto likes your comment at
      How satisfied are you with your current insulin pump brand/model?
      I have been using a insulin smart pen for the last 2 years; I find that it meets my current needs to ensure good management and results
    • 1 day, 7 hours ago
      Lawrence S. 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. 😬
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    How often do you pre-bolus at least 5 minutes before eating?

    Home > LC Polls > How often do you pre-bolus at least 5 minutes before eating?
    Previous

    In the past year, have you been required to change medications because of your health insurance?

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    How often do you pre-bolus (a bolus you complete BEFORE you eat)?

    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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    23 Comments

    1. Amanda Barras

      Sometimes would be more accurate than rarely, but it’ll do.

      4
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Megan S

        I thought the same. Sometimes it will be 5 mins or more but I wouldn’t call it rare. Just not as often as I bolus and then immediately start eating 😉

        2
        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Jim Andrews

      It’s about the only way avoid after meal spikes.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Dave Akers

        The other way to avoid those spikes is with insulin indicated to bolus at mealtime… inhaled

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Paul Hanson

      With inhaled insulin, there is not the need to pre-bolus, luckily.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. Gary Taylor

      It actually somewhere between “rarely” and “almost always”. Probably 1/2 of the time.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Dave Akers

      No need to prebolus with inhaled insulin. I’m curious of those folks taking FIASP and Luymjev. Do they find they need to prebolus?

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. ConnieT1D62

        When off pump and taking Fiasp or Lyumjev I bolus right before, during, or right after once I determine the carb content and release time of what I am eating.

        2 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Sherolyn Newell

      I only pre-bolus when I’m splurging on something like cake. Sugary stuff hits me quick, normal food takes a while. If I pre-bolus, I go low waiting for the meal carbs to kick in.

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

      Same response as yesterday’s question. I almost always pre-bolus before meals, except when I forget, or when my blood glucose is very low.

      2
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Ernie Richmann

      Usually bolus 20 minutes or longer before eating unless I am already low.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. KIMBERELY SMITH

      Almost all

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Alyne Branson

      Need a “sometimes” as a choice. Between almost always and rarely. 😄

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

      “Rarely” because frequently, my BG is below 100, at which time I wait a bit before bolusing.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Mike S

      As others commented, need a sometimes or depends option. Every food/day hits different. There is no one size fits all for T1 (no matter how hard the doctors try to tell us otherwise)

      1
      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Carol Meares

      [A little less than almost always.] And, yet, I sometimes prebolus as much as 15-30 minutes with a faster acting insulin(Lyumjev).

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. Jen Farley

      I try to when I can, about 50/50. Did not see an option for half the time.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Clairemcdonnell4

      I do 10-15 minutes depending on the meal but if my bg is low or dropping I will do no prebolus

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. Mike Plante

      Depends on my glucose and trend and what I’m eating.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. Bret Itskowitch

      I was going to say almost always, but not 5 minutes before. I take my insulin at the same time I eat.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Steven Gill

      On injections found it I dose 30-35 minutes before eating there’s a minimal glucose rise, and if there is it drops close to the original point more quickly (thus my 5.2 and 5.3 a1Cs). Ironically pumping I now dose 20-25 minutes or risk going low before eating (the Medtronic 780G controls the basal dose, great at preventing lows not as aggressive with highs but my a1C was 5.8 last time). The exception is if I plan on a fast acting or food high on the glycemic scale would try to dose maybe 45 minutes (milkshake or other sweetened treat!) or earlier but tough to plan on a treat and just wait I guess so I do enjoy in less time than plan to correct.
      (NOTE: found most physicians prescribe a higher basal dose so levels drop slowly between meals making the need to eat or snack on a schedule of some kind necessary. The relieves the need for such accurate meal dosing (that generic 50/50 thought for basal/bolus?) although I have a ratio about 25-30% basal and have gone 7-8 hours through the day not eating. My meal dose and timing is kind of important?

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Joindy23

      I’m on MDI rather than a pump, so whether I pre-bolus depends on what my current glucose number is and whether it’s steady, going up or going down. If it’s low & steady (around 90), I don’t pre-bolus because if I did I would go into a hypo. It’s a constant balancing act.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Tanya Wolfe

      About 50% of the time.

      2 years ago Log in to Reply

    How often do you pre-bolus at least 5 minutes before eating? Cancel reply

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