Resources

Knowledge
is power

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when an individual’s blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is the body’s main source of energy and comes from the food we eat. Insulin, a protein hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into cells to be used for energy. In individuals with diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough, or any, insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. In which case, glucose stays in the blood and doesn’t reach the body’s cells.

Over time, having too much glucose in the blood can cause serious health problems like ketoacidosis or organ failure. Although diabetes has no cure, individuals can take steps to manage their diabetes and stay healthy.

Juvenile diabetes patient checking his blood glucose levels at home using a glaucometer and lancet

What are the types of diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is the result of the body not producing insulin on its own. Taking insulin is necessary for survival, to move glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is an impairment in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel; even though insulin is produced naturally, the body’s cells have stopped responding well to it.

Signs & Symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes is the first step of avoiding hospitalization or death due to diabetes related complications. Though diabetes is typically diagnosed in children, a person can develop these symptoms at any point in their life. Stay aware of your body and if you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor to have your blood sugar tested immediately.

Daily Diabetes
Medical Supplies

Along with medication and doctors visits, individuals with diabetes find themselves in need of a wide variety of medical supplies to properly monitor and control their blood sugar. Each child or young adult is directed by an Endocrinologist to manage their diabetes through a tailored regimented treatment plan, so devices and use may vary.

Insulin Pen

A reusable or disposable device to which a disposable needle is attached, used for injecting a desired dose of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Pen Needles

Pen needles are disposable needles used with insulin pens to inject insulin several times daily. A new pen needle is needed with each injection.

Lancets

Lancets are used to draw a micro blood sample to test an individual’s blood glucose level. A new lancet is needed with each stick of the finger several times daily.

Glucagon Emergency Pen

Glucagon emergency pens are used for the emergency injection of glucagon in case of severe diabetic hypoglycemia.

Insulin Vials

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas by the islets of Langerhans, which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. Medical insulin is prescribed to individuals with diabetes since their bodies do not naturally regulate blood sugar.

Syringes

A medical device that is used to inject insulin into the body.

Insulin Pumps

An insulin pump is a small battery-operated device that can be worn on a belt or put in a pocket, it’s connected to a narrow plastic tube that’s inserted just under the skin and taped in place. People who use the pump program it to deliver insulin continuously throughout the day and to release extra doses of insulin to handle rises in blood sugar (after eating, for example).

Blood Glucose Meters

A blood glucose meter is a small, portable machine that’s used to measure how much glucose is in the blood.

Continuous Glucose Monitors & Sensors

A CGM is a small compact sensor inserted into the abdomen or arm, allowing it to take glucose readings in the fluid that surrounds cells in the body throughout the day and night.

Glucose tablets

Glucose tablets are chewable sugar tablets used by people with diabetes to raise their blood sugar quickly when it drops dangerously low.

Ketone test strips

Ketone test strips are thin plastic strips with a small reactive pad at the end that detects ketone presence in urine.

Glucose test strips

Glucose test strips are used with Blood Glucose Meters to measure blood glucose levels via finger pricks.

Patient Resources

JDRF.org | The JDRF is a hub of information to find support, community and ways to join the fight to end T1D.

The Diabetes App.com | The Diabetes App is a free social networking app dedicated to educating and empowering the diabetic community. On DMP, users can connect and receive community support from people with the same type of diabetes, lifestyle, and experiences. They also have access to reliable advice from professionals with a broad range of specialties, including endocrinologists, physicians, and dieticians.

TheCollegeDiabetesNetwork.org | The College Diabetes Network (CDN) is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is singularly focused on providing young adults with T1D the peer connections they value, and expert resources they need, to successfully manage the challenging transition to independence at college and beyond.

Togetherhood.org | The Togetherhood initiative is anchored by a group of non-profit agencies whose vision is to leverage services within, and beyond, the building that they collaboratively occupy in Collier County and serve pockets of the community whose needs are high in our areas of focus.

Diabetes.org | The American Diabetes Association’s mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

TopazCanine.org | Topaz Assistance Dogs aim to empower individuals with disabilities by providing safety and independence through partnership with skilled Assistance Dogs.

TouchedByType1.org | The D-Box is meant to assist those dealing with a new diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes and is therefore available for those who have been diagnosed in the last year.

Diabetesdisasterresponse.org | Tools and tips to help you stay healthy during a disaster emergency.

Nationwidechildrens.org | Diabetes Calculator for Kids

PrescriptionHope.com | If eligible, Prescription Hope can get your brand name prescription medication at the set price of $50 per month for each medication.

SimpleFill.com | Simplefill is a full-service prescription assistance program devoted to helping under- and uninsured Americans attain medications they need to live well.

WellRx.com | Find Rx discounts at over 65000 pharmacies nationwide. Compare drug prices, get refill reminders and interaction alerts using free medication tools.

GoodRx.com | Find free coupons and save up to 80% off prescriptions at your local pharmacy.

Abbott Patient Assistance | The Abbott Patient Assistance Foundation provides Abbott medicines at no cost to patients experiencing financial difficulties.

BD Patient Assistance | BD offers insulin syringes, pen needles, disposal products and injection support products that help people of all ages and body types comfortably manage their diabetes.

RxAssist.org | RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of patient assistance programs, as well as practical tools, news, and articles so that health care professionals and patients can find the information they need.

LillyCares.com | Lilly Cares is a nonprofit charitable organization that provides prescribed Lilly medications for free for up to 12 months to qualifying U.S. patients.

SanofiPatientConnection.com | Sanofi Patient Connection is a program to help connect you at no cost to the medications and resources you need.

NeedyMeds.org | NeedyMeds is a non-profit organization and a great resource for people to turn to in order to get information about a wide range of patient assistance programs.

JJPAF.org | The Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF) is an independent, non-profit organization that is committed to helping eligible patients without insurance coverage receive prescription products donated by Johnson & Johnson operating companies.

TRxAccess.org | The Together Rx Access Card gives eligible individuals and families without prescription drug coverage access to immediate savings on brand-name and generic prescription products at their neighborhood pharmacies.

Dexcom.com | The Dexcom Patient Assistance Program will be available to current  US  customers who have lost their health insurance coverage as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HealthCare.gov | You have through August 15, 2021 to enroll in or change your Health Insurance Marketplace® plan due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency.

GetInsulin.org | Getinsulin.org can connect diabetics in the United States to insulin access and affordability options that match your unique circumstances.

ADW Diabetes | ADW Diabetes is your trusted source for diabetes supplies, health and wellness goods, and pet health supplies. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, ADW diabetes is dedicated to making sure that your needs are met by providing you with access to top brands at affordable prices.

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