• Not all people who have diabetes take medication. If you have type 1 diabetes you will need to inject or pump insulin because your body no longer makes it. If you have type 2 diabetes, there are a number of management tools you can use. Click here to learn more about the treatment options for diabetes.
    Pre-diabetes means that your blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal but not quite high enough for you to be diagnosed with diabetes. Don't assume you did something wrong to get diabetes. The vast majority of people who get diabetes do so because they are genetically predisposed to the disease. Click here to learn more about Pre-Diabetes.
    Using a blood glucose meter (also called a monitor) at home is the most common way to check your blood glucose (sugar) level. The meter is a small, hand-held machine that can provide results in seconds. Talk to your health care provider about what is right for you and learn to use your meter from a professional. Click here for more information about blood glucose testing.
    Research has shown that preventing or delaying the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes is possible. A major study called the Diabetes Prevention Program proved that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by making lifestyle changes, specifically developing healthier eating patterns and becoming more active. Click here for more information on preventing Diabetes.
    No matter how old you are or what kind of shape you're in, physical activity can do a lot for you whether you have diabetes or not. According to the American Diabetes Association and National Diabetes Information Clearing House being physically active on a daily basis can improve your health. Click here to see what a physically active lifestyle can do for you.
    Healthy eating and weight management is important for everyone but even more critical when you have diabetes. Registered Dietitian and Liberty Certified Diabetes Educator Beth Anderson says there's a critical first step to take if you want to change what you're eating - write it down! Click here for a list of great resources when it comes to diabetes and nutrition.
    If you have diabetes, no doubt the term HbA1c or A1c has become a part of your vocabulary. People without diabetes may have no clue what HbA1c means, but it's an important and common topic of conversation for people with diabetes. Our CDE, Tracy Garstka offers this article to Know your Number
    Today's insulin pumps offer the opportunity for more precise control and can offer the possibility of more freedom, more convenience, and fewer highs and lows. Check out Liberty Medical's Healthy Living Insulin Pump Center for more information.
    The OmniPod is the first tubing-free insulin pump. This system includes two user friendly parts: the Pod and a Personal Data Manager (PDM). The Pod is a wireless insulin pump that can be worn almost anywhere on the body. It comes with a built-in infusion set, cannula and automated inserter. The PDM is the device that controls the Pod's functions. It comes with a built-in FreeStyle meter eliminating the need for you to carry a separate meter. The PDM also contains over 1,000 common foods with their nutrition information and stores pre-set carb values for user-selected foods. Since the Pod is waterproof up to 25 feet for up to 60 minutes, it's not necessary to disconnect it for swimming or bathing. The OmniPod works with Abbot's CoPilot Health Management System for data download. There are seven varieties of "skins" available for the OmniPod.
    The MiniMed Paradigm Real-Time Revel is the newest insulin pump from Medtronic. It can function as both an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The Revel has built-in continuous glucose monitoring technology that, when used with a sensor, wirelessly transmits continuous glucose readings back to the pump. It provides clear menu navigation and test reminders. You can also manually enter a glucose reading from any meter or use a One Touch UltraLink meter which wirelessly communicates with the system. It comes with a patented Bolus Wizard Calculator which helps to calculate insulin doses for various foods. The Revel works with Carelink Personal software to upload the pump and CGM data. The pump comes in 5 different colors and "skins" for a customized look.
    The Animas One Touch Ping is unique in that it's a combo device consisting of an insulin pump and a meter remote. This allows you to test your blood glucose and then dose your insulin all with one device while your pump remains discreetly under your clothing. You can even view basal rate and background insulin settings. The meter remote controls the pump functions from up to 10 feet away. It also contains a database which stores up to 500 foods and their nutrition information. The pump is waterproof up to 12 feet for 24 hours, so it doesn't have to be disconnected for bathing or swimming. It works with the ezManager Max data management software. The pump is available in 5 different colors and you also have a choice of 8 "skins" for customization of your pump.
    The Accu-Chek Spirit is a lightweight pump weighing only 4 ounces but it holds the largest insulin cartridge on the market- 315 units. It comes with a Palm® device and Accu-Chek Pocket Compass software for helping to calculate insulin bolus doses. You also get your choice of an Accu-Chek blood glucose meter. The pump features large side-mounted buttons making it easier to discreetly give insulin doses. It is waterproof up to 8 feet for up to 60 minutes, so it doesn't have to be disconnected for bathing or swimming. The display screen can flip 180° for easy reading no matter where you're wearing the pump or whether you are left handed or right handed. The Spirit works with Accu-Chek 360° software, insulin configuration software, and the Smart Pix device reader for data management. The Spirit comes packaged with a back-up pump that operates for up to 180 days, in the event that you have a problem with your standard pump, you can use your back-up!
    Eating right and staying physically active when you're on the road can make traveling with diabetes a routine experience. Whether you're RVing for weeks at a time, flying overseas for that dream vacation or just hopping in the car for a weekend getaway, diabetes need not be a problem. Here's a great article about Traveling with Diabetes.
    People fast for many reasons from religious holidays, health reasons, medical procedures, and even for weight loss. There are different types of fasting diets that people follow such as liquid, juice or water. So, the question our CDE has answered is, Is it safe for a type 2 diabetic person to fast?
    So for people living with diabetes, even minor foot conditions - including blisters and ingrown toenails - can be serious and lead to hospitalization. The CDC reports that more than 60% of lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes. Awareness and a comprehensive foot care program can greatly reduce your risk. Here's a great article about Avoiding Complications
    High blood sugar levels aren't healthy for you or your baby during pregnancy. It's important for you to talk to your doctor about ways to help control your blood sugar level and set up a treatment plan that's right for you. Here are a few Ask-A-CDE answers pregnant women:

    I am 27 weeks pregnant and...
    I'm already a diabetic, when pregnant would it be wiser
    Most people with diabetes are prone to complications related to their condition. Click Here for a list of articles that address the complications sometimes associated with Diabetes.
    If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, no doubt you've been advised to exercise. Many diabetes experts tell patients that they should exercise a total of 150 minutes a week. That exercise time will be effective if you decide to devote 30 minutes five times a week or 50 minutes three times a week. The goal is to keep moving! Here are several articles regarding diabetes and exercise:

    Diabetes and Exercise - Staying Safe with Neuropathy
    The Write Way to Exercise
    Create a Diabetes Exercise Plan

DIABETES INFORMATION FROM OUR DIABETES HEALTH CENTER

  • Diabetes Products, Diabetic Supplies and Diabetes Resources from Liberty Medical

    Welcome to the Liberty Medical Diabetes Health Center, your Diabetes Resource for Healthy Living and controlling diabetes. If you are living with diabetes, you are among the 24 million Americans of all ages living with the disease.

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    Our staff includes certified diabetes educators (CDEs), who are on hand to answer your questions—whether you are newly diagnosed or have been dealing with the complications of diabetes for years. Visit Ask a CDE where you can watch videos and read responses from CDEs to a wide range diabetes questions. You can also submit questions of your own to get a full diabetes education.

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