Author: drmandyreece1

Well, time for the fresh beginnings of a new year and decade. The last decade was exciting times for diabetes medication and technology advancements, and peer support for those living with diabetes. I can not begin to wrap my mind around the advancements in diabetes that we will see in this new decade. My wish for each of you is to break free from the stigma and guilt of diabetes, and to live rich full lives achieving your greatest dreams. One practical tip in closing is to join a peer support community in 2020. Since my prediabetes recently came back, I will be joining Diabetes Sisters – yes, it is for women with prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The struggle is real, and don’t do it alone.

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#Happy #New #Year #2020 #Peer #Support

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When it comes to a healthy heart, our cholesterol (lipid) numbers matter in a major way. FDA’s recent approval of icosapent ethyl as adjunctive therapy to lower risk for heart (cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes) in adults with elevated triglyceride levels (150 mg/dL or higher) and established heart (cardiovascular) disease or diabetes with 2 or more risk factors for heart disease (i.e. body mass index of 25% or greater, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, family history).

So why is this a big deal? This is the first FDA approved drug to reduce cardiovascular risk among adults with elevated triglyceride level as add on to maximally tolerated statin medication. Now we have another medication in our tool kit for reducing risk for cardiovascular event.

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-use-drug-reduce-risk-cardiovascular-events-certain-adult-patient-groups

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#FDA #Vascepa #CV #Event #Risk #Reduction

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FDA’s approval of Tandem’s Control-IQ, automated insulin delivery (AID) system, is game changer. Why? It is the first insulin dosing software to win fast approval by FDA “interoperability” approval pathway. The interoperable automated glycemic controller device automatically adjusts insulin delivery by connecting to an alternate controlled enabled pump (ACE pump) and integrated continuous glucose monitor (iCGM). Automated insulin dosing (AID) system typically consists of pump, CGM and software to control system of compatible devices. With regards to Tandem, Control-IQ combines Tandem’s t:slim X2 insulin pump, Dexcom G6 CGM and algorithm built into the pump to give automatic bolus doses and adjust basal insulin delivery.

New Tandem pumps with advanced hybrid closed loop algorithm Control-IQ will ship by end of January 2020.

https://www.tandemdiabetes.com/products/t-slim-x2-insulin-pump/control-iq

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-first-interoperable-automated-insulin-dosing-controller-designed-allow-more-choices

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#FDA #Control-IQ #Interoperability #Tandem

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The time arrives that you are eligible for Medicare. You have your Medicare Part A and B so you are good to go. Right? Not so fast. Medicare Part A covers hospitalization. Medication Part B your outpatient office visits, certain vaccines (i.e. flu and pneumococcal), durable medical supplies (i.e. blood glucose testing supplies, insulin pumps and supplies (must meet certain criteria to qualify), continuous glucose monitors (must meet certain criteria to qualify).

What about your prescription medications? Well, Medicare Part D covers prescription medications and certain vaccines (i.e. shingles). Another option for prescription drug coverage is a Medicare Advantage Plan (combines Medicare Part A, B and prescription drug coverage). Well if this is not confusing enough, there are specific annual enrollment periods for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans. Below is a link that provides more details on the open enrollment period. Bottom line Medicare Part A and B will not cover your prescription medications.

https://www.medicareresources.org/faqs/when-is-the-next-medicare-open-enrollment-period/

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#Medicare #prescription #drug #coverage

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When it comes to our health, nutrition is medicine so it is imperative that we consider the food and beverages that we consume. The holiday season is so challenging in navigating our food and beverage choices as much temptation exist to over indulge and make lots of unhealthy food choices. Below are some wonderful tips to help you navigate your way through holiday parties.

1. Make physical activity a top priority the day of the party. Be intentional! Schedule an “appointment” for this vital physical activity.
2. Avoid arriving at the party hungry.  We all know what happens if we are hungry at a party, we overindulge.  Eat a small meal or snack of protein and non-starchy vegetables before going to party.
3. Check out all your food options before putting any food on your plate. Consider which foods are worth eating and which foods can be skipped – stick with your decision.
4. If after the first bite, you realize that you do not enjoy the food item, leave it on your plate.  Remember, you do not have to be a member of the clean plate club.
5. Select your non starchy veggies first (they will fill you up) (i.e., broccoli, baby carrots, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, cauliflower). Keep the dip to very small spoonful.  Think of “touching” the food in the sauce vs “dipping”!
6. Eat sweet treats, chips, crackers and cheese in moderation.  Avoid eating while fixing your plate rather take time to sit down and enjoy your food. 
7. Keeping some distance between yourself and the food will prevent you from grazing. 
8. Moderating alcohol is key (one drink for a woman and possibly two for men).  Sipping on a glass of water or mineral water is a great alternative. Often, simply having the glass of water in your hand will ward off the desire for additional alcohol or food.
9. Focus your time at the party on catching up with friends and making new connections.

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#holiday #party #tips #navigating

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Insulin glargine (Toujeo) is now FDA approved for children ages 6 and older with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Previously, Toujeo was indicated for people ages 18 and older with type 1 and 2 diabetes. To learn more about the results EDITION JUNIOR trial, please click below.

https://www.biospace.com/article/fda-approves-sanofi-s-toujeo-for-pediatric-diabetes/

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#pediatrics #diabetes #Toujeo

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Have you heard of the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing? If not, it is important to learn about this vital campaign. The price of prescription medications has risen at exponential rates over the last several years. This campaign addresses the unsustainable price for medications. To learn more, please click below.

https://www.csrxp.org/news-updates/

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#DrugPrices #diabetes #advocacy

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) no longer recommends routine administration of pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) in adults aged 65 and older. Rather, adults aged 65 and older are advised to engage with their healthcare provider in shared clinical decision making regarding PCV-13.

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/hcp/PCV13-adults.html

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#PCV13 #ACIP #Immunizations

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Did you know that it is a misconception that insulin must always be in the refrigerator or on ice? The truth is prior to first use an insulin vial or pen should be kept in the refrigerator. However, once it is opened and used, it can be kept a room temperature. So if you are going out to eat with friends or family, simply slide your insulin pen into your pocket or purse. Don’t miss out on fun outings simply because of insulin.

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#insulin #storage #misconception

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Thanksgiving, annual day of giving thanks, is fast upon us. Many of us enjoy a meal with friends and family during Thanksgiving. Below are some practical tips to help you successfully navigate and enjoy this delicious meal.

If you are guest at a friend’s or family member’s home offer to bring a healthy dish with you so that you know you will be having at least one healthy option. 

If you are hosting the meal, clear the table after an adequate period of time and put away the food to avoid the temptation of guests grazing. 

If you are cooking, limit the sampling (or quality assurance, as I call it) of foods.

Make sure to have breakfast and snack earlier during the day to avoid any temptation to overindulge. 

Check out all of your food options first.  Consider how many servings of carbohydrates that you will select. One strategy is to take small spoonful’s of each food, or limiting your carbohydrates (i.e. potatoes, stuffing, dressing, rolls, desserts, rice) to two or three modest portions. Consider which carbohydrates that you truly want to eat.

Selecting fruits (in moderation) and non-starchy vegetables served raw, grilled or steamed are good options.  Limit the creams, butter, sauces and gravies.

Drink only low calorie beverages, water and unsweetened beverages. Limit alcohol to no more than one drink for women and potentially two drinks for men.

Allow yourself to have some of your favorite treats in moderation, eating them slowly and savoring each bite.

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#Thanksgiving #meal #tips

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