Daily Piece

Yesterday, I was reminded that there are times when dealing with a stressful family situation becomes top priority over managing one’s diabetes.  The person with type 2 diabetes that I work with as their diabetes educator had a sudden family crisis which shifted their full focus to working through this crisis.  This made doing their doing diabetes self management activities impossible for a short period of time. Good news is that the person recognized this and is now back doing their daily diabetes self management activities.

Please share your thoughts and subscribe to receive my blogs.

#diabetes #life #crisis #management

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI.

 

Daily Piece

Yesterday, I had an interesting “ah-uh” moment in clinic.  A gentlemen with type 2 diabetes who I have been working with over the last few months in managing his blood sugar stated that he did not follow the directions on his insulin prescription label.  Rather, he was taking his bolus insulin the way he was counseled to take his bolus insulin prior to his working with me. Turns out the reason for his noctural hypoglycemia was the additional dose of bolus insulin that he was taking at bedtime in addition to his basal insulin dose. Lesson learned…always ask how a person is actually taking their medication.

Please share your thoughts and subscribe to receive my blogs.

#diabetes #insulin #dosing #lesson #learned

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI.

Unexpected Inspiration

The Encounter

While attending the AADE 2018 Annual Meeting in Baltimore, my husband and I were meeting colleagues for an early evening dinner before heading to a couple of evening events. It had been a long packed day with lots of networking and learning. I was ready for a little downtime to simply relax before the evening events began. I was a bit unsure of what to expect when eating at the hotel’s restaurant. As soon as I walked into the restaurant, I was relieved that my husband, friends and I were the only ones in the place.   No stress! Riley, the waiter, took our drink orders quickly. Over the process of Riley taking our order and bringing out food, the typical small talk conversations regarding professions and where we all were from naturally came up. Riley’s face lit up like it was Christmas morning when we all shared that we were diabetes educators. He sure had a story to tell!

Riley’s Story

Riley’s story began with his world being turned upside down a few years prior when he received his diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. He knew that he had family members with diabetes but this could not happen to him. He had always been very physically active in work. Prior to this diagnosis, he enjoyed cooking and eating all sorts of food with his favorite food being ribs. His family and friends always enjoyed his rich flavorful food creations. Diabetes was a game changer. He felt something had to change.

Riley’s Life Transformation

So Riley said he was determined he would figure out how to live life to its fullest even with diabetes. He identified that his first step was to figure how to change what types of food he was eating and how he was preparing his food. Unfortunately, he did not have a diabetes educator/specialist to collaborate with him in this change process. He did his own homework, and began to read food labels when grocery shopping. Riley began eating more vegetables (especially the non-starchy ones). His kitchen became an art studio where he transformed his recipes from unhealthy to healthy using lots of various spices, olive oil and new ingredients he had never used before. Before he realized it, he was living a radically healthier life all by making significant changes to his food ingredients, eating at home more often than eating out and, paying more attention to what food labels actually reveal. The added bonus! He lost about 30 pounds during this time.

Inspiration

Riley now wants to share his new approach to cooking and eating with friends, family and others in a cookbook. I strongly suspect that it will hit the shelves soon. Life is full of unexpected encounters with people who have powerful testimonies and stories that leave one inspired. Riley who happens to have type 2 diabetes inspired me through his transformation story. My only hope is that Riley will soon have the support of a diabetes educator/specialist to along his journey.   Keep your eyes open for the “Riley” you may unexpectantly meet .

Please share your thoughts and subscribe to receive my blogs.

#diabetes #inspiration #educator

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI.

Advocacy Update: Expanding Access to DSMT Act (H.R. 5768 and S. 3366)

Access to diabetes self management education and support is a real challenge for many Americans. Please read update from the American Association of Diabetes Educators below regarding very important legislation that increases access to this vital service for those living with diabetes. Don’t forget to contact your Senator and Representative. Your voice must be heard.

On August 22, Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) Act (S. 3366) in the U.S. Senate. This is the Senate companion to legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 10 by Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Diana DeGette (D-CO). AADE worked in collaboration with the Diabetes Advocacy Alliance and our Senate champions to introduce this important piece of legislation.

The Expanding Access to DSMT Act (H.R. 5768 and S. 3366) will reduce barriers and improve Medicare beneficiary access to DSMT services in the following ways:
-Allows the initial 10 hours of DSMT during the first year to remain available until fully utilized. If there’s a determination of medical necessity, then an additional 6 hours of training/ education may be added.
-Allows 6 hours of DSMT in subsequent years, up from 2 hours.
Removes the restriction related to coverage of DSMT and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services furnished on the same day.
Excludes DSMT services from Part B cost-sharing and deductible requirements.
-Permits physicians and qualified non-physician practitioners who are not directly involved in managing an individual’s diabetes to refer them for DSMT services. An example would be a specialist treating a comorbidity like gangrene or vision loss, or an emergency room doctor.
-Revises the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual to allow DSMT services to be furnished in a community-based location.
-Establishes a 2-year demonstration of virtual DSMT, potentially paving the way for future Medicare coverage of virtual DSMT services.

Click below to contact your Senator or Representative.
https://secure2.convio.net/aade/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=279
https://www.callmycongress.com/

Please share your thoughts and subscribe to receive my blogs.

#diabetes #educator #blogging

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI.

Blogging as a Diabetes Educator

About a year ago, I began my journey as a blogger. My desire was to give to those living with diabetes beyond my day to day responsibilities in a clinical and academic setting. Hence, Reece’s Pieces in a Diabetes World was born.  I am extremely grateful to Susan Weiner and Connie Brown-Riggs for their mentorship.

Do you have a desire to become a blogger with a focus on persons with diabetes or some particular aspect of diabetes? If so, below is a list of practical tips on how to get started.

  • Tap into your why for blogging (what is your passion or expertise?)
  • Find a mentor or experienced blogger
  • Schedule time to start your blog
  • Check out websites such as https://www.blogginbasics101.com/how-do-i-start-a blog which provides additional specifics on blog platform, web host and domain

Step out in faith and begin your blogging journey.

Please share your thoughts and subscribe to receive my blogs.

#diabetes #educator #blogging

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI.

Refreshed and Renewed

I have just returned from the AADE 2018 Annual Meeting.  As a diabetes educator/specialist, it is the ideal meeting to learn about the latest technologies, updates on clinical and self management resources, enhance my professional tool kit, network with educators and persons with diabetes as well as meet change agents (like Anna Norton, CEO of Diabetes Sisters, and Tom Karlya (aka Diabetes Dad)).  I am recharged and ready to be a driver for diabetes self management and clinical management, and support for persons living with diabetes.  Thanks so much to AADE for providing this great opportunity.  Also, thank you for the peer support community for having a larger than ever presence at AADE18.  No person with diabetes gets a day off so I am inspired to not take a day off from striving to support those living with diabetes.

#AADE18 #diabetes #educator #peer #support

Remembering Why!

Celebrating Papa
A couple of weeks ago my precious father in law quietly passed away at age 87. He was blessed with many full and enriching years of life. It was a fulfilling experience to meet so many of his life-long friends and extended family during his visitation and his funeral (I like to refer to it as a celebration of life). Through conversations with many of these friends and family, I had the opportunity to share about being a diabetes educator and, I found out several were familiar with- Reece’s Pieces in a Diabetes World blog, which I began last summer. As you can imagine, they had questions such as: Do you have diabetes? Why did you start a blog? as well as many other questions.

Papa’s death, along with the engaging conversations had with his friends of all ages, has prompted a time of reflection in my own life. I am intentionally taking the opportunity to reflect on my personal life – you know, the what’s and the why’s of my daily endeavors I commit my time and energy to. I’m even asking, why Reece’s Pieces in a Diabetes World?

Why I Started
Over the last 13 years, empowering people and serving people with diabetes has been a significant driver in my professional life. Over the last several years, I have had the privilege to get to know personally some very innovative people living with diabetes. I’ve met many diabetes educators who have provided creative and engaging support for those individuals living with diabetes.

They’ve all taught me how to think “outside of the box” to have a greater impact on those living with diabetes. Last summer, I decided it was time for me to model what I had seen others do. Hence, Reece’s Pieces in a Diabetes World (RPDW) was born last summer with the mission to provide practical information about medications for those living with diabetes.

Tom, Papa’s Buddy
Back to Papa, he spent the last 10 months enjoying life in an independent assisted living center which created the perfect environment for support and new friendships. Papa hit off a great friendship with Tom and, they both enjoyed watching old movies together in the afternoon. I found Tom particularly interesting in his rich life experiences which included both military and business worlds.

Also, I learned that Tom has Type 2 diabetes; so naturally, I had a desire to learn more as to how I could possibly provide support and encouragement. Unfortunately, I was not afforded the opportunity. Sadly, Tom didn’t have any peer support or support from a diabetes educator in managing his diabetes. Tom quietly passed away just a few days after Papa passed. As in Tom’s case, managing diabetes is quite difficult when grieving the loss of a dear friend.

Pressing On
Once you put your passion into action in a meaningful way, a natural momentum is created. Experiencing challenging life events will inspire us to dig deep within our soul and question ourselves as to why and what we are doing with our time. Doing so will help us to determine what really matters each day of our life here on earth.

As I close out this blog, I pose these questions to you:
What do you do each day to impact the lives of others living with diabetes?
Why are these actions or activities important to you?
Who should you reach out to and offer your support to?

This blog is dedicated in memory of my father in law, Harold Reece.

Please share your thoughts.

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI. Check out Reece’s Daily Piece.

Metformin…. Is it a Wonder Drug?

Written by: Mandy Reece, PharmD, CDE; Freddi Mehlhorn, 2019 Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Georgia Campus School of Pharmacy; Dong Kim, 2019 Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate PCOM Georgia Campus School of Pharmacy

Meet Meg

Meg, 28 year old Caucasian female with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), phones me on a Friday afternoon around 4 pm as she curious as to learn more about metformin. She has an appointment on Monday morning with gynecologist to discuss increasing her odds of pregnancy in light of her having PCOS. She had heard from a few friends that metformin could assist with getting pregnant in presence of PCOS. She and her husband have been trying to conceive for eight months.

When is it helpful?

In PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinological disorder, comprised of both reproductive and metabolic characteristics. Approximately 88% of women with PCOS are either overweight or obese. Insulin resistance is widely recognized as a common feature of PCOS, independent of obesity. Whether the role of insulin resistance is directly related to PCOS or associated through obesity, it undoubtedly raises a clinical concern with providers and patients. Metformin was originally introduced in the management of PCOS to establish the extent to which hyperinsulinemia (increased circulating insulin levels) influences the development of the syndrome. Today, metformin works in PCOS by increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, therefore reducing circulating insulin levels. Other reported effects of metformin in PCOS include restoring ovulation, reducing weight, reducing circulating androgen levels, reducing risk of miscarriage, and reducing risk of gestational diabetes.

In Prediabetes
Patients at an increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are commonly characterized as having “prediabetes.” Prediabetes is defined as having a fasting plasma glucose of 100-125 mg/dL, a 2-hour post-prandial glucose of 140-199 mg/dL, or an A1C of 5.7-6.4%. While its use in prediabetes has not yet been approved by the FDA, recent guidelines recommend considering the use of Metformin to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in patients with prediabetes (especially those who are < 60-years-old, have a BMI > 35 kg/m2, or have a history of gestational diabetes). In the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial, Metformin was shown to reduce the risk of developing T2DM by 31% as compared to a placebo group.

In Type 2 Diabetes
Metformin is the preferred initial pharmacologic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is well established as an effective, safe, and inexpensive medication. Along with increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing the amount of glucose that the liver produces, metformin has also shown beneficial effects on lowering A1C, promoting weight loss, and reducing cardiovascular events and death. While Metformin may be used alone in the treatment of T2DM, it can also be used in combination with almost all other available agents for the treatment of T2DM.

Perfection Not Quite
Metformin overall has relatively few adverse effects which are gastrointestinal related. Diarrhea is the most common adverse effect that I see in practice. Practical tips for decreasing risk of diarrhea are starting with low dose (500 mg) and gradually increasing dose as well as using extended release (ER) product. Personally, I found taking a probiotic while also taking metformin to prevent diarrhea.

What to monitor?
While metformin is a safe drug with a strong track record, there are still a few lab values that must be monitored. In terms of renal (kidney) lab values, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) should be checked before starting metformin then at least annually or more often for those with at risk for renal impairment (i.e. senior adults). When eGFR is below 30 mL/min/1.73m2, metformin must be discontinued.

When on metformin for longer than a year, a slight risk for vitamin B12 deficiency exists. Therefore, it is advised to have vitamin B12 level checked. There are typically no symptoms associated with mild vitamin B12 deficiency. With more severe cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, the possible symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, vision loss and mood changes.

Back to Meg
Good news! Meg became pregnant after several months of metformin and additional infertility medication therapy. She was able to tolerate metformin without any side effects. She is now a mom to a healthy little boy, TJ.

Personal Note
I was diagnosed with prediabetes a couple of years ago due to extended lack of exercise following foot surgery and unhealthy eating. As a side note, I have always struggled with overeating and having a giant sweet tooth. I discussed with PCP about taking metformin and working on improving my lifestyle. I am thankful that increased physical activity, healthier eating and metformin returned my blood sugar to normal range. Today, I no longer have prediabetes.

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI. Check out Reece’s Daily Piece.

References
1. Lashen H. Role of metformin in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2010;1(3):117-128. doi:10.1177/2042018810380215.
2. Metformin for Prediabetes. JAMA. 2017;317(11):1171. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.17844
3. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2018. Diabetes Care 2018;41:S1-S141.

Prior Authorization…Getting Over the Hurdle!

Juan, a 34 year old male who has Type 1 diabetes and is on an insulin pump, calls me frustrated that he needs prior authorization (PA) for Humalog which did not require a PA last month. As it turns out, the formulary for his prescription medications changed in April. He is also frustrated because the last time he used another rapid acting insulin his blood sugars ran extremely high and very difficult to keep in range.

Frustration Ensues
In this world of ever changing drug formularies and health insurance challenges, keeping track of preferred medications and medications that require PAs is frustrating for everyone! That includes not only the patient, but also the pharmacist, medical office staff and prescriber. The process of prior authorization was initially implemented as cost savings tool. Yet it seems to have gone off rail at some point in the not so distant past.

So what transpires in the PA process?
In the PA process, the prescriber has to obtain approval from the health insurance company for payment coverage of the medication. The simplified overview of PA process is the following
• Prescriber sends prescription electronically to the pharmacy
• Prescription is processed by pharmacy staff and reviewed by the pharmacist and forwarded to the insurance company
• Notification of required PA is transmitted from insurance company to pharmacy
• Pharmacy communicates electronically to prescriber that PA is required
• Prescriber’s staff completes necessary documentation for PA
• Insurance company reviews and sends reply regarding PA

Minimizing the Challenge
So how can the frustration be minimized? Be informed about your formulary (a list of preferred drugs covered by your insurance plan) in terms of what medications are preferred as well as the cost of any deductibles and amount of copays. Compare the list of your current medications with those preferred by the formulary and note if PA is required. Keep in mind most formularies usually change at least once a year. Ask any formulary related questions to the human resources or benefits department at your employer. Formulary information may also be obtained at the website for your insurance plan.

Resolution
As it turns out, Juan’s provider and I worked together to get a PA submitted. It took about 72 hours for consent and now having the green light for the Humalog PA, I phoned the pharmacist to share the great news. Juan picked up his Humalog refill later that afternoon. A hurdle has been overcome for a person living with diabetes.

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI. Check out Reece’s Daily Piece.
#diabetes #PA #medications #afford #informed

Missed Opportunities in Step Therapy

Sandy

Sandy who has Type 2 diabetes goes to her local pharmacy to pick up her prescription for Trulicity®. Upon arriving at the pharmacy, it is explained to her by her pharmacist that her insurance company will not cover Trulicity® without her first “failing” on metformin, sulfonylurea (i.e. glipizide) and DPP-IV inhibitor (i.e. Januvia®). Sandy frantically phones me, her diabetes educator, in sheer frustration. After explaining to her why this has happened, I assure her that we will work through this so she can get the medication she needs approved by her insurance.

What is Step Therapy?

Step therapy is designed as a tool utilized by health insurance plans to contain costs through requiring patients to “try and fail” less expensive medications before receiving the most appropriate medication. Keep in mind these are medications that have been selected by the patient’s healthcare provider! Unfortunately, in reality very little oversight of step therapy exists. There is a lack of evidence showing “fail first” policies are effective or take into consideration adverse effects of insurance company’s preferred medications. Some of the common chronic disease states that are targeted for step therapy are diabetes, cancer, hypertension, HIV/AIDs, pain, rheumatoid arthritis and hepatitis C. The common challenges with step therapy is that the appeal process is lengthy, protocol guidelines are inconsistent, guidelines are not always based on the most current clinical and scientific data, and the inconsistent appeals process lacks appropriate healthcare professional leverage.

Missed Opportunities in Georgia

Numerous states have recently passed legislation that is designed to “reign in” step therapy. In 2018, the Georgia legislature – (my home state) during their annual session, introduced a bill sponsored by Representative Sharon Cooper HB 519, Step Therapy legislation. I must say that Rep Cooper is also the long term serving Chairwoman of Health and Human Services Committee who my husband served on the committee with during his time in the Georgia Legislature. He thought very highly of the Chairwoman Cooper and felt the bill was on its way to passage if she was personally carrying it.

HB 519 would limit step therapy and fail first protocols. Dorothy Leone-Glasser, who I consider a hard working stalwart, led the advocacy efforts for the bill. The diligent work of Chairwoman Cooper and Ms. Leone-Glasser paid off when HB 519 passed the House. Unfortunately, when the bill arrived in the Senate, a similar enthusiasm and passion for step therapy was lacking. The bill sat and sat in the Senate committee for several weeks. After a series of twists and turns, step therapy legislation language was placed into SB 325, which had not a thing to do with Step Therapy, but again unanimously passed the House. The fate of SB 325 ended in the Senate without passage vote. Unfortunately, during this session only the House understood the importance and impact of step therapy on those living with various chronic diseases – thank you Chairwoman Cooper! With diligent work, during the next session, I believe both the Georgia House and Senate will take action to cut through the red tape of step therapy and the insurance industry.

Most importantly – We go back to Sandy

Sandy had been taking metformin for a couple of years yet her hemoglobin A1c remained at 9%. She had sulfa allergy so she is unable to take sulfonylurea. Sandy was placed a DPP-IV inhibitor, which only lowered her hemoglobin A1c to 8.5%. After a couple of months, she was placed on GLP-1 receptor agonist. After a few months, she achieved an A1c of 7.2%. If, she had been placed on the GLP-1 agonist earlier, Sandy’s progress would be reported very differently than we are seeing today! It is worth noting that ….

Always share with me your thoughts and comments. Your story could be the next one shared!
Follow me on Twitter @ReecesPiecesDi, Facebook @ReecesPiecesDi and Instagram ReecesPiecesDI