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    • 4 hours, 56 minutes ago
      Katrina Mundinger likes your comment at
      How many unopened, unexpired insulin pens or vials do you have?
      I actually don't care, consequently I don't know either. When I was diagnosed I often didn't have the $18 for a vial of Humulin and used expired insulin others wouldn't. I tracked everything. The math didn't change, old or new. How many do I have total? More than I need and enough to share through my endo's office.
    • 4 hours, 56 minutes ago
      Katrina Mundinger likes your comment at
      How many unopened, unexpired insulin pens or vials do you have?
      I am working through the end of my 90 day supply of Insulin. It is time to order another batch. Usually 6 vials.
    • 5 hours, 7 minutes ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      How many unopened, unexpired insulin pens or vials do you have?
      Funny you should ask right now. I had to personally buy my first-ever vial in 25 years. Thanks Medicare for all the obstacles you place in the way. Am I grateful for Medicare? Yes, I guess, but I paid in all my life and I’m still paying. But Walgreens can never get the preauth right. They don’t send it to my doc or they send the wrong form. So I had the bright idea to change pharmacy’s, Publix. I went and had a convo with them, explaining I’m on a pump, I mentioned part B, the preauth. No problem. Have your doc send the script. That’s a whole other story. Then I get a call from Publix. We don’t do part B. Wow, wish you had told me. OK, I’m just going back to Walgreens. Except Medicare won’t allow refills without doctor script. So they called my doctor and my doc declined it because they had already approved it for Publix. Now I had sent an email explaining all of this to doc. I called my doc but they don’t answer their phones. Left a detailed message but have no idea whether they got anything. So I asked Walgreens if I could buy a vial. Nope, no script from doc. So I went to Publix, explained it all and they sold me a vial for $29. It was worth it but so frustrating because I can’t get my hands on a script anymore and take it where I dam-well please. Sorry for long post. I’m angry.
    • 5 hours, 7 minutes ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      How many unopened, unexpired insulin pens or vials do you have?
      Oh sometimes I miss the old days of not needing an Rx for insulin in any state. Needles and were restricted due to illegal drug users, but then came disscsions about drug abusers sharing dirty needles. I'm not sure where that ended. Anyway it's extremely abusive for politics and insurance companies controlling diabetic supplies. The disease is a big enough burden.
    • 5 hours, 15 minutes ago
      TEH likes your comment at
      How many unopened, unexpired insulin pens or vials do you have?
      I just got my 3 mo supply so I get 6 for 3 mo. I just opened the 1st if the 6
    • 5 hours, 28 minutes ago
      Gary R. likes your comment at
      How many unopened, unexpired insulin pens or vials do you have?
      Novo has an uninsured discount for their unbranded “insulin degludec.” I pay $35 for 3 boxes of pens (90day supply). That breaks down to less than $12 per month.
    • 6 hours, 3 minutes ago
      KSannie likes your comment at
      How many unopened, unexpired insulin pens or vials do you have?
      This is one of those questions that makes me wonder what on earth somebody hopes to learn from the answer. T1D Exchange - please explain.
    • 6 hours, 3 minutes ago
      KSannie likes your comment at
      How many unopened, unexpired insulin pens or vials do you have?
      Medicare is basically not covering Tresiba in 2026 :( so I've been busy stockpiling pens. I have enough Tresiba pens in the fridge to get me through '26 without having to buy any.
    • 6 hours, 4 minutes ago
      KSannie likes your comment at
      How many unopened, unexpired insulin pens or vials do you have?
      Novo has an uninsured discount for their unbranded “insulin degludec.” I pay $35 for 3 boxes of pens (90day supply). That breaks down to less than $12 per month.
    • 9 hours, 13 minutes ago
      Steve Rumble likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 12 hours, 1 minute ago
      Donna Owens likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      Yes. It’s f*ing annoying.
    • 22 hours, 43 minutes ago
      Amy Schneider likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 1 day ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      I want a thumbs down icon!
    • 1 day ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      I seldom have any questions other than RX refill request which I submit through the patient portal. If I do have treatment questions, I typically do my own research, and if not satisfied with what I find out, I submit a question in the portal.
    • 1 day ago
      Kathy Hanavan likes your comment at
      Between your regular T1D care visits, what questions tend to come up that you wish you could ask a diabetes expert? Share your thoughts in the comments.
      When I come up with a question between visits, I usually just do some research.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      I keep my opened insulin in the refrigerator too. When traveling I use a FRIO evaporative pouch.
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Sorry. Of course I store unopened in frig. Opened in my room as I use it up in 30 days
    • 1 day, 2 hours ago
      ConnieT1D62 likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      No, I keep it in the oven! ;) Same answer as the last time they asked this ridiculous question!
    • 1 day, 3 hours ago
      Becky Hertz likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Unopened yes, and now even opened just in case. I am getting a new health [lan (thank goodness a much better one - with better doctors and hospitals in network!) so it's worth it. But I can't get any appt - even for a PCP until September. I've been occasionally buying out of pocket insulin, pump and CGM supplies (in my mind, hoarding is a character asset for T1D people). I need to have my enough stuff to see me through, Of course, I am hoping there''s an appt cancellation.
    • 1 day, 4 hours ago
      Bruce Schnitzler likes your comment at
      Do you store your unopened insulin in the refrigerator?
      Unopened yes, and now even opened just in case. I am getting a new health [lan (thank goodness a much better one - with better doctors and hospitals in network!) so it's worth it. But I can't get any appt - even for a PCP until September. I've been occasionally buying out of pocket insulin, pump and CGM supplies (in my mind, hoarding is a character asset for T1D people). I need to have my enough stuff to see me through, Of course, I am hoping there''s an appt cancellation.
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      Here’s What You Need to Know About the Dexcom G7
      This article explains the Dexcom G7 features in a clear and easy way, especially for people new to continuous glucose monitoring. Very informative and helpful. Sportzfy TV Download
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Have you ever been told you couldn’t physically do something because you live with diabetes?
      Long time ago - told there were certain occupations I would not be allowed to do because if T1D. Pilot, air traffic controller, military, etc.
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I have been told many times "YOU CAN'T EAT THAT!" ONLY to frustrate them and eat it anyway and then bolus accordingly.
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
      KarenM6 likes your comment at
      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      I think it is a common experience for most people with T1D. People do not understand anything about it. I do not take it personally. I try to educate when appropriate.
    • 1 day, 21 hours ago
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      Has someone ever told you that you can’t eat something because you live with diabetes?
      Lol hell when haven't they. Lol
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    If you drink coffee, do you bolus for the coffee itself (excluding any additional cream/sugar)?

    Home > LC Polls > If you drink coffee, do you bolus for the coffee itself (excluding any additional cream/sugar)?
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    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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    45 Comments

    1. Valentina Potempa

      I bolus in the morning to combat feet on the ground phenomenon and my coffee (no food). Usually 1-2 units of fast acting insulin.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    2. Joan Fray

      Coffee itself will cause my big to rise about ten points. With nonfat milk Iusually give a .5 bonus, which works most of the time.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    3. Ms Cris

      I bolus for about 3g of carbs, I’m that sensitive.
      Also, I have to ask what beans are used: Arabica vs Robusta, the most common beans.
      Arabica, no problem, as above.
      Robusta I don’t touch. No matter how much I bolus (safely), even extended bolus, for hours I run high unpredictably. Robusta has more caffeine and tyramine, and I have tyramine sensitivity (it’s in hard aged cheeses, too). Craziness, this T1D of mine!

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    4. TEH

      If I can remember, I bolis 10 g for coffie. Only in the morning. I have stopped drinking 2 cups in the morning. Being retired and not getting up O-dark-thirty also helps. 😉

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    5. Lawrence S.

      I don’t drink a lot of coffee. But, when I do, I drink decaf. I have never bolused for coffee. It does not seem to effect my blood glucose.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    6. Janice B

      I drink my coffee black and find that I do not have to bolus for it.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    7. kristina blake

      I drink my coffee black, caffeinated and often. I usually enter 8 crab grams in my pump to cover it. Coffee is my one splurge that I will not give up.

      4
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    8. Don P

      totally depends on glucose level prior to & also where coffee is purchased. I’ve drank black for many years. Cuppa day fella here.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    9. Trisha Oldenkamp

      My blood sugar rises if I drink it without food so I know I need to bolus. Usually I have it with breakfast so I don’t notice if coffee has as much affect.

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    10. Ginger Vieira

      I don’t need insulin for the first cup of coffee. If I drink another cup or have coffee (Even decaf) later in the day, my blood sugar spikes 100 points and takes tons of insulin to bring down.

      5
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    11. Nicholas Argento

      Caffeine raises the blood sugar in many people because it increase over glucose production. The effect varies from person to person and would be affected by the amount as well. I see a 20-30 point increase over the following hour from 1 large cup black coffee nearly every AM

      2
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    12. Daniel Bestvater

      I drink coffee with some 35% cream in it. It doesn’t seem effect my BG in any way.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    13. Tim Kirchgessner

      I only drink it black and only bolus if it calls for it.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    14. PamK

      I drink decaf coffee with a little milk/cream. Never had a need to bolus for it.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    15. Shannon Barnaby

      I don’t drink coffee but I do drink black tea (with nothing added). I have to bolus for the cup I have in the morning, but not any tea I have the rest of the day.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    16. kflying1@yahoo.com

      Before getting a CGM, I made many diet choices based on finger sticks. I was totally unaware of things like “morning effect” At 68 I’m not too excited to go back and again experiment with what does and does not frick up my BS levels, though I am willing to listen and learn from others. That’s why I listen to this board

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    17. William Bennett

      Count me in the Yes column. Started back before I’d ever heard of Dawn Phenomenon, and I’ve never actually tried to test whether it was that or the coffee itself because it’s kind of moot. From long before I was DX’d (at age 28) I was pretty much a coffee-only person at breakfast time and that was one thing I found it really hard to change, beyond substituting Splenda for sugar in my cup. It might just be DP (or Feet-on-the-Floor, which I gather is somewhat different), but if it turned out that in reality I was bolusing for that instead of the coffee I’d still do the same thing.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    18. Carol Meares

      When I was younger I did not have to bolts for coffee unless of course I was drinking a latte. Now I have to bolus at least a unit for my morning coffee.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. Carol Meares

        Black coffee

        3 years ago Log in to Reply
    19. Becky Hertz

      I haven’t had coffee for a number of years for various reasons, one being that I would have to bolus for 15 c when I had a couple of shots (decaf americano here).

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    20. Patricia Dalrymple

      I don’t like being dependent on caffeine because if I don’t have it, I get a headache. I drank International Coffee, sugar free caffeine free and it was kind of a guilty pleasure without the guilt, except I just discovered aspartame now gives me headaches. Have to stick to all natural foods but it takes discipline and willpower. Fall off the wagon…get back on.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    21. cynthia jaworski

      I only drink coffee at breakfasr (iced coffee) so it is part of the breakfast bolus.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    22. Janis Senungetuk

      My day doesn’t start without coffee with half & half. I drink it with my breakfast, bolus for the carbs in the food but not the caffeinated coffee or tbs. of half and half. Because of CKD I now limit daily coffee to two cups (1 mug) every morning.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    23. Virginia Barndollar

      I mug black coffee = 5 CHO for me

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    24. Bea Anderson

      Morning cold brew coffee has 4 oz atkins vanilla shake instead of cream. Yum. Maybe 4g carbs. Depending on my cgm graph and everything stable, I would bolus a small amount even for black coffee.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    25. Gary Taylor

      I do bolus in the morning. 1 to 2 large cups of coffee will raise my BG by 50 points. To tell the truth, I am not sure if that is the coffee or the dawn phenomena, but I want my coffee.

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    26. Brian Vodehnal

      I roast my own so I try to avoid too much sugar development and I just use a teensy bit of milk. No sugar.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    27. mbulzomi@optonline.net

      No, but I use mile and of course no sugar!

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
      1. mbulzomi@optonline.net

        MILK!

        3 years ago Log in to Reply
    28. TomH

      I drink coffee in the morning almost daily sitting on the back porch. I notice a slight bump up in the morning also, but haven’t tested whether its just getting up (feet on the floor) or the coffee. It’s usually 10-20 points and compensate with my breakfast bolus if it seems to continue up (once in a great while).

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    29. Ernie Richmann

      I bolus only for the first morning coffee- 1 unit.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    30. Melinda Lipe

      Always! I use sugar free sweetener/creamer, but it raises my bg by enough that I need a bolus for 6 carbs or so.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    31. Patricia Kilwein

      I drink coffee with stevia to sweeten. I’ve never taken a bolus for it. I make my own sf coffee drinks as well.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    32. Tina Roberts

      Yes. It takes 25 carbs to cover my coffee, Splenda and powdered creamer.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    33. Sherrie Johnson

      One large cup with Half-and-half and Stevia Usually one unit sometimes it’s not enough though.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    34. Jane Cerullo

      Coffee needs some insulin for me

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    35. KarenM6

      I don’t drink coffee, but I do drink caffeinated beverages especially in the morning.
      My tests on whether the rise in blood sugar is caffeine, dawn phenomenon, or “boots on the ground” phenomenon (I don’t think this last one is recognized…??? not sure) are inconclusive.
      My endo said it wasn’t caffeine, so I am tempted to say it’s because it takes a whole lotta something for me to be able to wake up in the morning… and that something raises my blood sugar.

      3
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    36. Bonnie Lundblom

      I said “Other” since I never drink coffee without adding a tiny splash of milk and cream which means I need to give myself a bolus for 9 carbohydrates even though I’m drinking only 2. The dawn phenomenon is why I require that much to cover for my much needed dose of caffeine every morning.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    37. Patty Harris

      I drink 2 cups every morning of Folgers half cafe with Splenda and some half n/half. I make homemade keto muffins for my breakfast food. Right now I take NO insulin and stay around 100. My basal may be slightly higher which covers it.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    38. Brad Larson

      Usually drink coffee with a meal, so I bolus for the meal

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    39. Jan Masty

      I do drink black coffee in the morning. I usually bolus about .5 to 1 unit after I’ve been up about 30 minutes or so. I think it’s “boots on the ground” not the coffee.,

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    40. ConnieT1D62

      I give myself 1 unit extra when I drink coffee, usually in the morning with breakfast meal. Same thing if later in the day with lunch or a mid-day snack. I usually only add regular milk. Same thing if at a restaurant and they serve 1/2&1/2.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    41. Wanacure

      If I’m at a place offering free coffee, I’ll drink it. Morning at home I just pop a caffeine pill (9 cents, cheap) which has the same amount of caffeine, 200 mg, as cup of tea or cup of coffee. As cooler weather returns, I’ll add a cup or two of green tea during the day. Late afternoon or evening, I might drink a decaf green tea. Too much caffeine can dehydrate you. Is it true too much caffeine can also interfere with calcium absorption and contribute to loss of bone density?

      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    42. Estelle Smith

      Caffeine raises my blood sugar, so I have mostly given up on drinking coffee. I wasn’t able to successfully bolus for it, as my levels would rise to over 200, then rapid decline leaving me with a low.

      1
      3 years ago Log in to Reply
    43. Krystal Udey

      Coffee is a hard one because 80% of the time, it will affect my blood sugar even if I only add a splash of non sweetened almond milk. (Less than 1 carb) It then takes hours for it to come down even when I am treating for the high. Then the other 20% if I anticipate for the rise, my BG will fall way faster than I want.

      3 years ago Log in to Reply

    If you drink coffee, do you bolus for the coffee itself (excluding any additional cream/sugar)? Cancel reply

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