(Part 2) Best products from r/diabetes

First off welcome to the club no one wants to be a member of. I myself was diagnosed at 28, (I just turned 32) and I remember being really overwhelmed and having a TON of conflicting feelings and emotions kind of wash over me. It's frustrating and I still hate being a diabetic, but you can live with it. My father was diagnosed in his 50s...he's 70+ years old now and doing fine.

Now THAT A1c isn't too bad. When I was diagnosed I was at an 11.3! My initial fastings were like 150-175. However the past few months the two pills I take have not been functioning as well as they were since I was diagnosed so I may have to find other ways to treat what I have. You're definitely a diabetic, the fasting test is pretty good at determining that. Now Vitamin D isn't always the best indicator because usually we're ALL deficient in that. I high level IS controllable without meds, but it can be difficult. You have to adopt a very low-carb diet or supplement your diet with exercise.

So here's my suggestion...

Get this book. Seriously it was the best thing and made it easy to understand why things were happening the way they were, what I needed to do, and when to do it. You'll want to do the following kind of in brief:

• Get and read that book
  
• Approach friends/family for support. Even here on /r/diabetes will help you get through some of the things. I like www.diabeticconnect.com as well.
  
• If you haven't enrolled in a diabetes education class yet, do so ASAP. Most hospitals offer one, and there are usually diabetic centers by county. Insurance should cover it.
  
• Find an endocrinologist or specific diabetic doctor. You need to assemble your "team" of doctors and care specialists. This usually consists of a general practitioner, Endocrinologist, Opthamologist/Optometrist (I recommend Optha instead of Opto, they're better for diabetics and test and monitor more things with your eyes/vision), a podiatrist and a dietician/nutritionist.
  
• Once you receive a blood glucose meter, start testing. Before and after every meal, and snack if you can afford strips to do so. I went nuts after I was diagnosed. I tested before and after everything. Biggest tip I can give you...set the needle depth on the finger lancer to the lowest setting lol, then work up. I use a "3" but when I started it was like at a 8 and ouch that hurt lol, now I can't even feel a thing. Test often. Log all the food you eat in a journal. This will help when you hit a nutritionist or dietician, even your diabetic doctor.
  
• Learn what foods are good/bad to eat for diabetics. I can recommend this Calorie King book for learning how to count carbs, which can be awesome for controlling your in take etc.
  
• Take a breath.
  
  Diabetes isn't a death sentence, and eventually you'll come to look at it as just a forced healthy life change. All in all it's actually a blessing you got diagnosed. Sure we would love NOT to have diabetes, however having it and being undiagnosed can be dangerous. Diabetic complications are slow and happen over time...and usually when your blood sugars are elevated over a long period of time. They are completely controllable, and it's likely you will never have any neuropathy or retinopathy BECAUSE you caught it so young.
  
  Losing weight is amazing. Even 10 pounds. However starving yourself won't help. You will read a lot about being able to "reverse" diabetes but really there is no such thing. You can make it so you don't require meds, but you'll always have to watch. Don't sweat it, there's LOTS of us out there and it doesn't impact your life as MUCH as if you were a Type 1 and required insulin.
  
  D

We're only a bit further into this game, but I'll share what we've learned.

Check at night. It is possible that you'll be able to pinpoint when she's rising, which is likely due in part to growth hormone. When our dd was still on MDI before pumping, either DH or I would test and correct around 4-5am so that she'd wake up at a decent number. Upping her basal at night wasn't an option because she'd go too low before the rise. It was a pain in the ass, but the early morning corrections worked like a charm. Starting the day at 100 rather than 200 makes for better numbers throughout the day.

When does she get her Lantus injection? It could be that she'd benefit from getting her dose split in two. That way, you'd be able to give more/less for day and night.

Are you pre-bolusing? For breakfast, especially, our dd needs her insulin at least 20 minutes before she eats.

Buy this book. There are less expensive earlier editions that are just as good but have less resent research citations and pump information.

I know that everyone's insulin needs are different, but it seems like your daughter may be using A Lot of insulin for her age/weight, especially if she is still honeymooning. What is her TDD (total daily dose)? And her weight? Have you ever checked her an hour after eating to make sure that she isn't dropping too low and then rebounding?

There are two great parent forums where lots of experienced parents will be happy to look at numbers and offer ideas. Check out:
Type 1 Parents and
Children with Diabetes

Screw her health care team. Time to find a Dr. that will be supportive of what works for you/her Both of the above linked parent groups would be good places to ask for Dr. recommendations. You might also consider using Gary Scheiner's Integrative Diabetes services, which are surprisingly affordable.

I got my 670g + cgm about 1 month ago.. so far so good. It's a bit needy, and yes sometimes despite your best efforts, it will wake you up at night (probably averaging 1 night a week). However, I've not hit 300 sugar in almost a month.. and I was 0% under 70 for last 10 days or so, average of 85%~ in range which is pretty good for me. I think it sort of forces you to just pay more attention, and act more.. which admittedly I probably hadn't been doing as much as I should have.

​

Here are some tips for the sensors, just put on a new one this morning:

- these are better than the 2-3 tape ovals: https://www.amazon.com/SIMPATCH-Adhesive-Freestyle-Enlite-Guardian/dp/B076N4RP4L/ one and done

- clean sensor area with alcohol (important to get a good clean base)

- insert sensor, but before you remove the first bottom part of adhesive and really stick it, use these: https://www.amazon.com/Skin-TacTM-Adhesive-Barrier-Wipes-count/dp/B002NSCHY4/ and wipe under that adhesive, then around in a big oval for the simpatch that will go on next

- put on the simpatch.. will stick like a champ: https://imgur.com/a/7aMy2kp

- these are good to wipe down the sensor (and your arm) after removal: https://www.amazon.com/Skin-Tac-H-Adhesive-TacAway-Remover-Wipes/dp/B002672TV8/

​

Hope that helps! PM me any time if you have questions i'll be happy to share my experiences so far with it.

Thank you for being involved and concerned. You are not nagging. I'm a type 1 (almost 30 years now); was diagnosed in the late 80s. Looking back, my parents were strong, and super on top of my condition. Sometimes I wished they'd just leave me alone! ;-)

But they also were really good at guiding me towards managing it myself, such that, by the time I was an adult, I knew I had to keep my Endo appointments, check my sugar regularly, and just live with it appropriately. Like many other type 1s, I participated in sports (and still do!) and am considered a "model type 1" by my endo. I am so thankful for their support because at the time, I thought it was just about "me".

You are doing all of the right things. Please be sure to take care of yourself too. This will pass, and your son will learn to manage it and will lead a productive and healthy life.

​

Just a few resources I like a lot:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002R0JXJK/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

https://www.amazon.com/Pumping-Insulin-Everything-Need-Success/dp/1884804845

A pretty good option is 3M VetWrap. Although not exactly comfortable enough to wear all the time, I love it for activities with a higher chance of the sensor getting snagged. Or times with lots of sweat that tends to take away the stickiness of the sensor. Another thing that's worked well (and better for everyday use) is Mastisol. It's super sticky, so you'd also need Detachol to remove it when it's time for a sensor change. I'm sure it's probably similar stuff to what others have suggested here, that's just what I've found to work for me. Good luck!!

I train judo with a Dexcom G6 and Tandem t:slim X2. With a bit of preparation I'm able to keep the CGM and my infusion site from being ripped off. I've talked about how I suit up for judo before here. Since it's an evolutionary process, there are a few changes I've made since when I wrote that. Here is my current process:

I've always placed the Dexcom sensor in the abdomen, usually in the area above the belly button. I try to put it in a spot that won't be in the middle of a fold in my skin when I bend forward. I move it around every time I apply a new sensor of course, but I don't stray too far from that area and I've always had pretty good readings there.

First of all I use skin-tac on both the cgm and pump infusion site before I put them in place. That alone has always been sufficient for normal daily life, but is woefully insufficient when doing judo. When I get dressed for judo I do the following:

1. Apply skin-tac to the skin around both the cgm and pump infusion site, generally 3-4 inches around the CGM and 1 inch around the pump infusion site.
   
2. Get masking tape and tape over just the actual cgm and infusion site. For the infusion site I need to make a loop and have the sticky side facing out, with just a little bit of sticky wrapped under and taped to my skin just on each side of the infusion site.
   
3. For the CGM site I do the following: get a sheet of wax paper and cover it with strips of masking tape. Then cut out an oval-shaped section that is slightly larger than the cloth portion of the Dexcom sensor, cut a hole in the middle for the transmitter, and place this over the cloth. Then I make a loop of masking tape and put it on top of the transmitter.
   
4. When the skin-tac is dry I use a couple of sections of KT tape (cut to smaller lengths as needed) over the cgm and infusion sites. The skin-tac is so it can strongly adhere to my skin around the sites, holding them in place even when I sweat. The masking tape and wax paper that is between them is so I can remove the KT tape later without also removing the original adhesive for the cgm or infusion site. For the sensor I use one strip cut into halves, for the infusion site I use one strip cut into thirds.
   
5. Wear a compression shirt over everything. In jujutsu pretty much everyone wears a compression shirt, so that shouldn't be an issue. I've found that a tight compression shirt keeps everything tight against the skin makes it so that any friction between myself and my gi/my partner/the mat/etc., rubs across the compression shirt instead of directly against the tape and everything holding my CGM and infusion set in place. Also the compression shirt will stick directly to my skin in the area around the KT tape, again reducing friction against the CGM and infusion site.
   
   That preparation has always been sufficient for my cgm and infusion sites staying in place doing judo. Figuring all this out has taken a bit of trial and error, but once I started doing all of this I've never had either come off during practice, and that's full super-sweaty throwing (and being thrown) around and grappling on the ground that we do in judo.
   
   To take care of the pump, I have to do some additional things to protect it as well.
   
   
6. Wrap it up in a layer of thin foam (1/4" or so). This is to protect it from being broken, before I started doing this I've broken the screen on my pump twice, since I started using the foam it's never been a problem.
   
7. Put it inside a sandwich size ziplock bag (to protect it from sweat).
   
8. Put all of that inside a SPIbelt elastic running belt that I keep under my pants just under the waistline.
   
   Doing all that is a little time-consuming, since it can take me 10-15 minutes just to get dressed for judo where everyone else takes about 1 minute, but it's what I have to do to keep my sites and pump secure and undamaged.
   
   Sometimes after practice when I get home to shower and take all the tape and stuff off, the Dexcom sensor will have partly come off. I just apply some more skin-tac to the area that has detached, wait for it to dry, and then re-attach it. By doing that, I've never had a sensor that didn't last the 10 days, and I can almost always stretch it to 15-20 days with a session restart. Generally I have to change the sensor because it starts malfunctioning, not because it comes off. I've had more success with keeping everything on and not starting to fall off by waiting until all the sweat has dried away and then removing all the tape, as it gives the adhesive on the CGM a chance to get sticky again.
   
   Since you're on an Omnipod, you might try with the Omnipod the same kind of thing that I do with my CGM. However it is quite a bit bulkier than a CGM sensor+transmitter, so YMMV. If you can consider switching to a standard insulin pump I know from personal experience that it can work.

If you shop at Amazon.com, just go to https://smile.amazon.com instead of https://www.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchases to the charity you choose.

The first time you go to smile.amazon.com it will ask you to chose a charity. Then, from there on out, anytime you go to smile.amazon.com and complete a purchase it will donate to that charity.

If you get sent a link or click on a non-smile link and you want to buy it, there are two ways to make sure the charity gets some money:

1. Replace "www" with "smile" in the URL.
   Example:
   Change this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M26CRCL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_yG3ozb6C24E5Q
   To this:
   https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01M26CRCL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_yG3ozb6C24E5Q
   
   
2. Install an extension like Smile Always to automatically change it for you. This is what I do as it is basically set it and forget it.
   
   You can change your charity at anytime as well. According to Amazon, JDRF International has received $166,156.49 as of May 2017 due to people making purchases on Amazon Smile!

I love Dexcom. You'll get way better control without even trying... at least to the mid 8s short term. You'll be subconsciously learning how each individual food/insulin reacts with your body.

You can leave the sensor on after 1st session, just restart it (7 days). They typically last 14-20 days to me, before the numbers are EVERYWHERE.

If you do the adhesive will be the first to come off. Get some opsite flexifix ^^disclaimer: ^^I ^^did ^^not ^^receive ^^any ^^compensation ^^for ^^this.

If you get the Opsite, consider this hole punch ^^See ^^disclaimer ^^above.

The CGM can be put on your upper arm, legs, etc.

The CGM gives you a general idea of how your sugar is going, but not exact numbers. It tends to lag behind BS a little bit (5-10min?) due to the way it works. Don't calibrate right after you eat/dose.

When you take a shower (especially hot ones) your blood sugar will spike. Yes, it's normal. It's temporary. It's not a sensor issue. I have witnessed it on a Freestyle Libre and Good old finger pokes as well.

Don't leave your receiver in your pocket when you go swimming. I made this $200 mistake... (Dexcom is graceful enough to give you a "first time oops" discount of $200 instead of full price) Similarly, be ready to explain to kids what a pager is.

No worries, I'm happy to answer any questions. The adhesive that the sensor comes with is ok, but it doesn't even last a full week for most people. I like to secure it with Opsite Flexifix. I'm still on the first roll I purchased back in 2015, make sure to get the one that is 4" across. I cut out a patch like this, except I use a tag punch to cut out the center hole (I got mine on ebay for $9). I also use [Patch Peelz] (https://pumppeelz.com/collections/patch-peelz) sometimes. Some people use GrifGrips or Rocktape. Lots of people swim and do all sorts of sports/ physical activity and the extra adhesive helps keep the Dexcom secure. I've heard of people who wear it on their arm using an additional arm band over the sensor/transmitter when playing contact sports to ensure it doesn't get knocked off.

That sounds like a good way to do it! I like that!

You might like the liquid glucose I use, then!

It's resealable, though I don't know how long it would be good for once it's open, now that I think of it. But it's an idea, anyway! And ignore the picture, the bottles have been revamped. They aren't plastic sealed all the way to the top, and they have a big soda bottle style cap that's easy to grab and twist. And no pull tab seal on the inside either. :) Much easier to get into if you've got the shakes!

Freedom and flexibility are the two big advantages. Also, you only need to stick yourself to deliver insulin every 2-3 days vs multiple times a day. Also, if you're feeling under the weather or going to go work out, you can dial your basal insulin up or down as needed.

The downside is that it requires a bit more work and vigilance on your part (DKA is a more real possibility since you have no long-acting insulin on board), and of course, you have this thing with you almost 24/7. You can safely disconnect for up to an hour or so to shower, swim, or participate other activities that require little or no clothing. :-)

I would suggest getting a book called Pumping Insulin by John Walsh and Ruth Roberts. It's an excellent primer on the ins and outs of using a pump.

Also, whether you decide to use a pump or not, get a continuous glucose monitor (if your insurance will cover it!) They are the absolute best for keeping abreast of what's going on inside you.

I agree with the comments on going on a low carb, hi fat diet such as keto to manage T2 diabetes. I've been on it 3 years and have had blood glucose levels that are non-diabetic norms since te first couple of weeks.

Lots of good info on the r/keto faq on how to do keto. Lots of good recipes over at www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/recipes

In case your Dad gets some pushback against keto being "pseudoscience", here are some peer reviewed research papers that support keto:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0899900714003323

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1325029/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2633336/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3826507/

http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/25/4/238

edit to add some good books for starters, all science and evidence based.

Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QZ9PC4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

The Real Meal Revolution: The Radical, Sustainable Approach to Healthy Eating -
https://www.amazon.com/Real-Meal-Revolution-Sustainable-Approach-ebook/dp/B00RTY0O7O/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1519585318&sr=1-2&keywords=noakes

The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living - https://www.amazon.com/Art-Science-Low-Carbohydrate-Living-ebook/dp/B005CVV2AE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1519585452&sr=1-1&keywords=jeff++volek

Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It - https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Fat-About-ebook/dp/B003WUYOQ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1519585485&sr=1-1&keywords=taubes

The first time I removed a sensor, wow did that hurt. After that wonderful experience, I tried this adhesive remover. Pretty sure this is mostly just rubbing alcohol.

Adhesive Remover:

https://www.amazon.com/MedPlus-Services-Uni-Solve-Adhesive-Remover/dp/B00ISBKJFO/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=adhesive+remover&qid=1550508813&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

​


You could also try using a barrier. It essentially adds a layer between the sensor tape and your skin and make removing the tape easier. There are a lot of similar products like this, you can get wipes or liquid.

Barrier Wipe:

https://www.amazon.com/Cavilon-Sting-Barrier-Alcohol-Sterile/dp/B004Q6T424/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=barrier+wipe&qid=1550509018&s=gateway&sr=8-6

On top of those books, I highly recommend Think Like a Pancreas. Good luck to you and your boy - it's a learning curve, that's for sure. But as long as you don't let his diabetes define him, then he should be able to live as normal a life as all the other kids.

So very glad you are safe and being treated! Welcome to the club no ones wants to be in, ha!

Read, read, read lots of good books on T1 diabetes treatment. Become the leader of your diabetes team: your doc, pharmacist, diabetes educator, optometrist, etc. I can't recommend these books highly enough:

http://www.amazon.ca/Think-Like-Pancreas-Practical-Managing/dp/1569244367

http://www.amazon.ca/Using-Insulin-Everything-Need-Success/dp/1884804853/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342040379&sr=1-1

The sharps containers I buy are actually really cheap. A few bucks ($6) and they last for a few months, even when on MDI. We thought disposal was going to be a hassle, but it turns out that our local waste transfer station will take them for free. To save trips, we just saved up 6-8 of them before dropping them off. They much preferred to get proper containers as the risk to them is greatly mitigated. When we dropped ours off, they went straight into a 55 gallon barrel, which I assume they later took to an incinerator.

These containers are only $6 on Amazon, but I have seen them cheaper in my local big box store:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SOP4UY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am assuming you are T1. I am T2 so not sure what you need to carry with you. I know it is vastly different than what my mother carried 40 years ago.

I put my stuff in my laptop bag most of the time, sometimes in my carry on suitcase.

I use this for longer trips. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0195K6QNK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 By longer I mean more than 2 weeks.

I use this for my Sharps and used test strips: https://www.amazon.com/Ever-Ready-First-Aid-Transportable/dp/B01EGJ9GFA/ref=pd_sim_121_4/134-2990766-5969959?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01EGJ9GFA&pd_rd_r=86b33df2-c57e-4418-93dc-46263fd1e902&pd_rd_w=PC0ZO&pd_rd_wg=Er1YW&pf_rd_p=5c130f77-a5ef-4ffd-9db1-c29a354f52f9&pf_rd_r=7YVCZDPCVQ3BE8BVSW7A&psc=1&refRID=7YVCZDPCVQ3BE8BVSW7A

When I went out of country I had to use the ice packs, I inquired at TSA about the ice packs and their response was: "It is up to the individual agent as to whether to let the ice pack through if it is melted in any way."

Thanks TSA! Way to be consistent and accommodating.

I use a smaller case for most of my trips, 2-4 days. It has a pouch in the front (I think it is for a cell phone) that I keep my test kit in but you have the Libre so ... I can't find the link though. It is by Sun Win International LLC and is called "Double bag Diabetic Organizer".

It has enough room for about 4 pens, needle tips, alcohol pads, and 2 or 3 rolls of Smarties for times I go low.

I am also PreCheck and I never take any of my stuff out of my bag. The one time they searched my bag (because of something else) I just said "I have my insulin in there, there are needle tips." Never had a problem.

Go to the TSA website and print off all the info about carrying medicines and put it in your bag in case someone give you a hard time. This was suggested by a TSA agent at my usual airport.

You should not have to do any additional screening, although they may wand you if the sensor sets off the scanner and they cannot see the sensor.

I would recommend getting a copy of Diabetes Burnout by William Polonsky. It has some supportive information and wisdom that has helped me.

Got mine from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VPE1QG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. It's not a diabetes case per say but I use it to carry supplies. Works great and all my stuff fits.

I put on the sides of my stomach (think love handle area) and put Mastisol (like SkinTac) on first, then the sensor and then layer over it with Tegaderm (I bought a roll of 11 yards) it keeps it secure for two weeks and I work out and sweat every day

For excellent technical discussion of type 2 in language I can understand I recommend these two books:


The First Year, Type 2 Diabetes, An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed. Author: Gretchen Becker. ISBN 1-56924-646-0

Blood Sugar 101, What They Don't Tell you about Diabetes, by Jenny Ruhl, ISBN-13: 978-0-9647116-1-7.

It's in book form, but this no-sugar, low-carb diet worked wonders for me:

https://www.amazon.com/End-Diabetes-Live-Prevent-Reverse/dp/0062219987

The more religiously I follow it, the lower my A1C. My record is 5.1.

Also on the plus side: getting most of my food from a nearby produce store has saved me a ton of money -- I can get a week's worth for like $12.

LOVE SKIN-TAC! But I use the liquid version so that my fingers don't get as sticky when I apply it.

(https://www.amazon.com/Skin-Tac-Liquid-Adhesive-Barrier-SKIN/dp/B008IUA6DU/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485977585&sr=8-4&keywords=liquid+skin+tac)

Thanks, will check it out! Currently reading Pumping Insulin and Think Like a Pancreas.

Cortisone Roll-on liquid stick!! It's sooooo amazing!!

Edit: This stuff. It lasts a very long time too.
http://www.amazon.com/Cortizone-10-Hydrocortisone-Anti-Itch-Applicator-1-25/dp/B001VLY328

We are making some headway, OP, and there are a large number of clinical trials and studies across the country helping us further our understanding of the condition.

Since 1921, diabetes in no longer a fatal wasting disease for people with access to insulin. 5 year survival was once sub 1% (and remains so in places like sub-Saharan Africa).

Since 1993, we have learned new strategies for achieving glycemic control that drastically reduce the likelihood of complications, and people with diabetes can now live full, healthy lives, provided they manage their blood sugar.

All of this is meant not to tell your sister that she has no burden to deal with; the burden of diabetes is tremendous and real, and incredible discipline is needed to stay healthy. No one here wants to trivialize what she's going through.

My point is, things are getting better for people with T1D all the time. We're making progress, both in treating the symptoms of the disease and in curing the disease itself.

If she's a student (or just a young person with diabetes, which she is) encourage her to find a students with diabetes chapter or college diabetes network chapter in her area. Having some support and some people to identify with might help her out. I know Students with Diabetes has annual meetings in Florida, which most participants report being useful.

You may also have her read some materials on avoiding diabetes burnout, including this website and this book.

Definitely, if you have any questions with it let me know! They have swabs and a dabber/applier versions on Amazon depending on your preference!

you can opsite as a 4"x3' roll: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SIQCRI, which is what i do and just cut out the center with this stamp: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017JIPZZU (fits perfectly for the g5)

I bought my last roll in mid 2015 and im only about a quarter way done.

If you use this punch tool with the tape, it cuts out a hole nearly the exact size of the sensor. I use it with a roll of opsite, it's awesome. Ek Tools Tag Punch Classic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017JIPZZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_XvRmxbHMQMP8V

And this one is great for backup supplies and travelling. I keep this loaded with a backup Dex sensor, a couple pods, lancet, pen needles, alcohol wipes etc.

When we decide to go away for a few days, I can just grab it and the backup insulin pens and bottles out of the fridge and I know I have everything I need in case of emergency.

Think Like a Pancreas: A Practical Guide to Managing Diabetes with Insulin http://amzn.com/1569244367

For used needles, I use two things when I'm out and about: a BD needle clipper and a sharps shaft. First I clip the needle from the pen needle; then I use the plastic piece that the pen needle comes packaged in to unscrew it from my pen; then I drop it into the sharps shaft. Once I get home, I put it in my usual sharps container (I've also included a link for that below in case you're looking for a good sharps container for home, too.)

​

Needle clipper: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VE6KB8/

Sharps shaft: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006AZZQG2

Home sharps container: https://www.amazon.com/BD-4332398307-Home-Sharps-Container/dp/B000SOP4UY/

Or for $30 you can get one of these and make your own. Ek Tools Tag Punch Classic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017JIPZZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_e9pnybRNBC2MF

I use omnipod/dexcom cgm paired with SkinTac

https://www.amazon.com/SIMPATCH-Adhesive-Freestyle-Enlite-Guardian/dp/B076N4RP4L/ref=sr_1_3?hvadid=78271492451999&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=simpatch&qid=1562542412&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Not sure how much stuff you guys need to carry, but I just got this, and like it. Fits meter, strips, lancer, insulin pens, needles, and a space for used sharps until they can be disposed of.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VPE1QG/

In case you haven't already ordered it, there's a new edition of the book here

Not sure how much has changed between editions.