Top Finds at American Association of Diabetes Educators 2018

I just got back from Baltimore where I attended my favorite conference, presented by American Association of Diabetes Educators.

The speakers were inspiring and the exhibits educational. There were many products I had not seen before and some new ideas I had not heard. For four days I was immersed in diabetes education so I could come back to help you be better at managing your diabetes and prediabetes.

Here are my Top Finds at AADE 2018

1.  Blood Glucose Monitors
Contour Next One is rated best for accuracy.  This is really  important if you are using a continuous glucose monitoring system and need to calibrate or are dosing insulin based on your glucose level.

Relion meters and strips from Walmart are inexpensive.  I wondered how reliable they are.  They do meet accuracy standards.  If you need more strips than your insurance covers, or if you do not have insurance,  this may be a good option.

Accucheck Guide  is a new meter that has bluetooth capability to work with your smart phone and strips that are easy to handle and do not spill. It comes with my favorite lancing device that does not hurt. The test strips are more economical with the Simple Pay plan (100 strips for $29.99). I’ve always liked AccuChek meters for their accuracy and ease of use.

2.  Peer support
Support for people with diabetes is so important for people living with diabetes that it is part of the National Standards for Diabetes Self Management Educationand Support. People with diabetes need two types of support:  clinical  (from your health care team) and peer.
Only 1% of diabetes care comes from clinical support. Most people need help with the other 99%. There are many support groups accessible online. As a CDE, I understand how important it is to  talk to others living with diabetes.  I would have loved to have  someone to reach out to in the 90s when my first husband was suffering from devastating complications of the disease. The groups in this link have been vetted by the AADE as both positive and helpful. In addition, if you know a college student living with diabetes please let them know about CollegeDiabetesNetwork so they can get the  support they need. There are many groups and you can look until you find the right one for you. Most important, you will see you are not alone.

3.  Language of Diabetes
There is a lot of attention on changing the language of diabetes to be more positive. For starters, diabetes is what people have, not what there are. This video says it best.

4.  Apps 
GlucoseZone  is an exercise app designed specifically for people with prediabetes or diabetes and is designed to help you reach your exercise goals safely.  There are over 400 exercises to keep you from getting bored.  You can try it free for 30 days using my code:  AADE2018.  If you like it, it’s $12.99/month and you can cancel at any time.

mySugr app has features to make your life easier, such as syncing BGs and a personal diabetes coach.  MySugr Bundle includes an AccuChek Guide Meter and unlimited test strips for $39.99/ month.  This is the first time I have heard of getting as many strips as you need for one price.

BD Briight Personalized to you, it can help you manage diabetes by providing diabetes and lifestyle content as well as insights from glucose levels you have entered.

5.  CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring)
Freestyle Libre System  With this system you wear a sensor that’s about the size of a quarter on the back of your arm for 10 days. The sensor checks your glucose every 15 minutes and stores the data. With a reader, you can see glucose trends or what your current glucose is by holding it near the sensor.  It eliminates the need for finger sticks. The most you will pay is $75 per month for the sensors.  Your insurance may reduce the cost. The reader is a onetime expense of $65.

6.  Storage Products
Sugar Medical  Carries stylish functional cases, backpacks, cross body purses and travel bags that will hold all your diabetes supplies.  Many styles and sizes are available.  Save $5 with code: SUGAR.

Frio Cooling Cases This is one of my long time favorites. For insulin and any medications that are temperature sensitive these cases keep things cool with water. No ice or refrigeration needed. Perfect for working or playing outdoors, as well as emergencies when power is lost. Getting the case wet with water keeps the temperature low for a minimum of two days, even in temps of I00°F. To reactivate it, you simply get it wet with water. Imagine how helpful this would be in a hurricane.

If you want to get clear on EXACTLY what to do (and HOW to do it) to manage your diabetes effectively, join me starting September 18, 2018 in Panama City Florida for my class, “Thriving with Diabetes.” I’ll share all the details on what to do and how to make lasting changes that stick. I would love to have you!