Hey there! I’m Rachel, and I’ve been living with diabetes life for 27 years now. And in those 27 years, I’ve tried countless tools, technologies, and methods to manage this rollercoaster, and I’ve found a few unconventional diabetes tools that have been absolute game-changers for me. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of these amazing tools that have made managing diabetes a bit more bearable and even, dare I say, exciting.
Visual/auditory learner? Watch the video instead!
DIY Loop Insulin Pump - my most life changing diabetes tool
First up is my DIY automated insulin delivery system. Yep, you heard me right—DIY. This isn’t your standard FDA-approved gadget, and while it’s been life-changing for me, I’m not necessarily recommending you run out and try it without proper guidance. Always consult with your healthcare team before making any changes to your diabetes management plan.
So, what’s the big deal with this DIY system? This setup uses a single-board computer to connect the insulin pump I used to use in middle school to my Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). The system uses sophisticated algorithms that I casually downloaded off the internet to adjust insulin delivery automatically based on real-time blood sugar readings. This was pretty revolutionary before automated insulin delivery became the norm.
Why do I love it so much? The meal announcing feature is a standout. You input not just the carbs you’re eating but also the type—candy, tacos, pizza. Each type signals the pump to adjust insulin delivery based on how quickly those carbs absorb. This level of customization beats mainstream pumps hands down for me.
The Power of Customization
The DIY loop system allows for a level of customization that mainstream pumps just can’t match. For instance, if I’m having candy, I know it will absorb quickly, so I hit the candy button. If I’m having pizza, which digests more slowly, I hit the pizza button. This tells the pump to handle my insulin differently for each type of food, which is crucial because not all carbs are created equal.
This feature is phenomenal. It's actually being released with a new pump (whose name escapes me because new pumps come out every 10 seconds). Still, the DIY loop system had it first, making it a pioneer in this regard.
Pre-Bolus Timing
Another feature I adore is the ability to tell the pump when I'm eating the carbohydrates. I can let the pump know that I am pre-bolusing by 15 minutes, or if I'm thinking of probably eating in about an hour, I can adjust accordingly. This kind of foresight allows the pump to start giving me the insulin I need upfront, which is a game-changer for maintaining steady blood sugar levels.
Editing Carbohydrate Counts
Life happens, and sometimes you end up eating more or less than you planned. With the DIY loop system, you can edit the carbohydrate counts after the fact. If I ate more carbs or less than I thought I would, I can adjust this in the system. This ensures the pump knows I consumed those carbs earlier, rather than right at the moment I make the adjustment. This retrospective flexibility is something mainstream pumps struggle with.
Overriding for Life’s Variables
The DIY loop also allows for various customizations, like overrides for activity levels or times when you need more insulin (e.g., before your period or during times of stress or illness). You can also adjust the percentage of micro-boluses you want to receive. While mainstream pumps usually set this at a standard percentage, the DIY loop allows for more personal customization, which can significantly impact how well your blood sugar is managed.
Frequent Updates
One of the biggest advantages of the DIY loop system is its constant updates. The “we’re not waiting” movement was born out of frustration with the slow pace of FDA approvals. With DIY loop, you get updates on the regular, which means you’re always at the cutting edge of diabetes technology. However, this also means you need to be pretty tech-savvy and comfortable with building and updating the system yourself. But there are fantastic tutorials and a supportive community ready to help.
Afrezza: The Inhalable Insulin
Next on the list is Afrezza, the inhalable insulin. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill insulin—it's fast, really fast. While rapid-acting insulin starts working in about 15 minutes, Afrezza kicks in at around 10 to 12 minutes. Plus, it’s out of your system much quicker, reducing the risk of insulin stacking and making it perfect for those stubborn high blood sugars or pump failures.
Quick Absorption
Afrezza’s speed comes from its mode of delivery—it’s inhaled directly into the capillaries of the lungs, which allows for much quicker absorption than injecting into subcutaneous (fatty) tissue. This is a game-changer for managing sudden rises in blood sugar.
Shorter Duration
The other fabulous thing about Afrezza is its shorter duration of action. While rapid-acting insulin can stay in your system for 4 to 5 hours, leading to potential insulin stacking, Afrezza’s effects last only about 1.5 to 3 hours. This allows for more responsible corrections without the worry of overlapping doses.
Practical Uses
Personally, I use Afrezza not necessarily for meals unless I’m eating something very high in sugar and fast-acting. It’s more of my go-to for stubborn above-target blood sugars or when my pump or infusion set fails, and I need a quick fix. The relief is almost immediate, which can be a lifesaver in those “oh no” moments.
Accessibility and Cost
Afrezza is somewhat of a luxury item and can be expensive, especially if it’s not covered by your insurance. However, if you have access to it, whether through your pharmacy benefit formulary or a direct pay program, it’s worth considering as an addition to your diabetes toolkit.
Steel Cannulas
Last but not least, let’s talk about steel cannulas. If you know me, you know these are the love of my life. After a long pump break, I found that plastic cannulas just weren’t cutting it for me—they’d bend, causing anxiety and absorption issues. Enter steel cannulas, which don’t bend and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Reliability
Steel cannulas are incredibly reliable because they don’t bend like plastic ones. This means fewer site failures and more consistent insulin absorption. For someone like me, who has had diabetes for a long time and has developed tougher skin, steel cannulas are a godsend.
Less Allergic Reactions
Some people have sensitivities to the plastic used in standard cannulas, which can cause inflammation and poor absorption. Steel cannulas eliminate this issue, leading to more predictable blood sugar management.
Frequency of Changes
Yes, you need to change steel cannulas every two days, and yes, you have to insert them manually. But the peace of mind and better absorption are totally worth it. If you’re having erratic blood sugars or suspect absorption issues, give steel cannulas a try. Most pump companies will provide samples if you ask.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—my top three unconventional diabetes tools. These aren’t your everyday solutions, but they’ve made a world of difference for me. Whether it’s the customized control of a DIY insulin delivery system, the fast-acting relief of Afrezza, or the reliability of steel cannulas, these tools have helped me manage my diabetes more effectively and maintain my sanity.
Personalization is Key
Remember, diabetes management is incredibly personal. What works for me might not work for you, so always consult with your healthcare team before making any changes. The beauty of these tools lies in their ability to be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.
Embrace the Community
One of the best parts of using these unconventional tools is the community that comes with them. The DIY loop community is full of brilliant, supportive people who are always willing to help. Afrezza users often share tips and experiences that can help you get the most out of the inhalable insulin. And if you’re considering switching to steel cannulas, don’t hesitate to reach out to others who’ve made the change for advice and support.
Stay Informed
With diabetes technology evolving so rapidly, staying informed is crucial. Follow blogs, join Facebook groups, and subscribe to newsletters that focus on the latest advancements in diabetes care. This way, you’ll always be in the loop (pun intended) about new tools and technologies that could make managing your diabetes a bit easier.
Share Your Journey
Lastly, don’t be afraid to share your journey. Whether it’s through social media, a blog, or just chatting with fellow diabetics, sharing your experiences can be incredibly empowering. You never know who might benefit from hearing about the tools and techniques that have worked for you.
So, if you’re looking to shake up your diabetes management routine, consider exploring some of these unconventional tools. They might just be the game-changers you’ve been looking for.
And remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re all in this together, navigating the ups and downs of diabetes. So, stay fabulous, stay healthy, and keep exploring new ways to manage your diabetes. Who knows? Your next game-changer could be just around the corner.
Rachel, your designated Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, give this post a like, and follow me on social media for more tips, tricks, and tools for managing diabetes.
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