Tag: Diabetes

Are You Ready for an Insulin Pump?

Are You Ready for an Insulin Pump?

April 04, 2022

Insulin pump therapy is a safe and simple way to achieve tight glucose control. Studies have shown better outcomes when using insulin pumps. And while it does allow for more flexibility in lifestyle and the potential to even out the wide blood sugar fluctuations that are often experienced when injecting insulin, it may not be the right choice for every person. But how do you know?

How Can an Insulin Pump Help Me?

The insulin pump gives you a constant drip of insulin all day long, similar to what a normal pancreas would do. This is called the basal rate. Basal insulin needs may vary throughout the day. Similar to the size to a pager, an insulin pump is battery-operated and can be programmed to meet your individual needs. If your basal rate is calculated correctly, you should be able to delay or even skip meal and still have a normal blood glucose levels. In response to a meal, a normal pancreas will secrete a bolus of insulin to match the glucose load resulting from that meal. With insulin pump therapy, you calculate how much insulin you will need based on the carbohydrate content of your meal.

For example, let’s assume you need one unit of insulin for every ten grams of carbohydrate you eat and your meal contains 60 grams of carbohydrates. You would divide 60 by 10 and get 6. Then you would program the pump to deliver a bolus of 6 units of insulin for that meal.

Only rapid-acting insulins are used in insulin pumps, which allow you to more closely mimic normal physiology. If you are interested in gaining tighter glucose control and more flexibility in your life-style, then insulin pump therapy may be right for you. View our full range of insulin pumps here.

Why Order From EHCS?

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Why Should I Use Edwards Health Care Services (EHCS)?

Since 1992, EHCS has been in the business of diabetes care and supplies offering a wide range of diabetes products, including glucose monitoring equipment, insulin pumps, testing and pump supplies. EHCS is committed to helping improve the quality of life for our customers living with diabetes by offering:

  • Order reminder program

  • Free nationwide delivery

  • Easy ordering by phone, web and email

  • Simple billing process

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What is V-Go Insulin Delivery?

What is V-Go Insulin Delivery?

April 04, 2022

V-Go is designed to fit easily into your life and help you manage diabetes by combining all of your insulin needs into one simple device you apply like a patch.

Designed to deliver insulin like your body does — gradually, during the day and night

What is V-Go?

Freedom to live without insulin pens or syringes.

Designed to replace both your long-acting basal insulin and your multiple mealtime insulin injections, V-Go delivers a continuous basal insulin rate over 24 hours that mimics the body’s natural approach to all-day-and-night blood sugar control. With a continuous, preset rate of fast-acting insulin along with convenient, on-demand dosing at mealtimes (bolus dosing). V-Go is designed to provide all of your insulin needs throughout the day. Studies have shown that V-Go provides better control of blood sugar levels than multiple daily insulin injections.1

V-Go provides insulin in two ways, similar to how your body provides insulin*. It provides a steady rate of background insulin over 24 hours and provides additional insulin at mealtimes without anyone knowing by discreetly clicking a button.

By using V-Go, you can live your life on the go without interrupting your day to gather supplies or look for a private place to give yourself an injection.

All you do is fill the device with insulin, clean the spot where you want to wear it, stick it on, and you’re set for 24 hours. It brought my A1c from 10.8 down to 6.0 in about 2 months. (Individual results may vary)

CLARK, AGE 65

Learn More About V-Go

Learn More

Ready to get started with V-Go insulin delivery?

If you have Type 2 diabetes and are taking multiple daily injections, the V-Go insulin delivery system may be the perfect solution for you. Our Diabetes Care team at our sister company, GEM Edwards Pharmacy, focuses on personalized care and will walk you through the entire process. Visit GEM Edwards Pharmacy or call 1.866.552.5522 to get started.

* Instructions for Patient Use
References: 1. Lajara R, Nikkel C. Poster presented at: the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research 22nd Annual International Meeting; May 2017; Boston, MA.

Important Risk Information
If regular adjustments or modifications to the basal rate of insulin are required in a 24-hour period, or if the amount of insulin used at meals requires adjustments of less than 2-Unit increments, use of the V-Go Wearable Insulin Delivery Device may result in hypoglycemia. The following conditions may occur during insulin therapy with V-Go: hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). Other adverse reactions associated with V-Go use include skin irritation from the adhesive pad or infections at the infusion site. V-Go should be removed before any magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing.

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V-Go Insulin Delivery Lets You Focus More on Living Your Life

V-Go Insulin Delivery Lets You Focus More on Living Your Life

April 04, 2022

If you have Type 2 diabetes and are taking multiple daily injections, the V-Go insulin delivery system may be the perfect solution for you.

V-Go is easy to use with a once-daily application and a few simple clicks, providing blood sugar control that fits your unpredictable everyday life.

Just fill, wear and go with V-Go!

Finally, simple, convenient all-day-and-night insulin delivery you apply once daily. With V-Go, you can have:

•  Improved blood sugar control as compared to prior use with multiple daily insulin shots 1

•  A treatment option you apply like a patch

•  No need for long-acting insulin

•  Insulin delivered the way your body is supposed to, gradually, day and night

When I have V-Go on, I truly forget that it’s there. (Individual results may vary)

Debbie, dropped A1C below 7

Learn More About V-Go

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Three simple steps to use V-Go

1. Fill V-Go: First, just fill the V-Go with fast-acting insulin. It takes less than a minute to prepare V-Go for 24-hour use.

2. Wear V-Go: V-Go can be worn in a variety of locations on the body, and the location can be changed based on preference or clothing choice each day.

3. And just GO! With the simple click of a button, you’ll be able to give yourself mealtime insulin whenever you need it. No more supplies and no more interruptions to your day. Now you can focus on your life and not your insulin.

Ready to get started with V-Go insulin delivery?

If you have Type 2 diabetes and are taking multiple daily injections, the V-Go insulin delivery system may be the perfect solution for you. Our Diabetes Care team at our sister company, GEM Edwards Pharmacy, focuses on personalized care and will walk you through the entire process. Visit GEM Edwards Pharmacy or call 1.866.552.5522 to get started.

* Instructions for Patient Use
References: 1. Lajara R, Nikkel C. Poster presented at: the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research 22nd Annual International Meeting; May 2017; Boston, MA.

Important Risk Information
If regular adjustments or modifications to the basal rate of insulin are required in a 24-hour period, or if the amount of insulin used at meals requires adjustments of less than 2-Unit increments, use of the V-Go Wearable Insulin Delivery Device may result in hypoglycemia. The following conditions may occur during insulin therapy with V-Go: hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). Other adverse reactions associated with V-Go use include skin irritation from the adhesive pad or infections at the infusion site. V-Go should be removed before any magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing.

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How does an insulin pump work?

How does an insulin pump work?

April 04, 2022

Your primary goal to successfully managing your diabetes, is getting your blood glucose levels within your defined range. Making good decisions and balancing your normal day-to-day activities is necessary to reduce diabetes complications. Using an insulin pump helps you manage your insulin levels while reducing the number of injections needed throughout the day.

how does an insulin pump work

Insulin pumps are small devices made to mimic the pancreas by delivering rapid insulin through a catheter placed under the skin. Through your insulin pump, basal insulin is delivered continuously keeping your blood glucose levels in range during the day. During meals, it is common for you or your insulin pump to give an extra dose of insulin, known as a bolus. This is done to cover the carbohydrate in each meal or snack.

If you have high blood glucose levels, you can treat this by taking an additional bolus to correct your levels.

 

Have you been approved for an insulin pump?

Apply Today

Where To Place Your Insulin Pump

Insulin pump therapy provides flexibility for your lifestyle while giving you greater control of your diabetes!

  • Delivers insulin accurately and often improves your A1C

  • Eliminates individual insulin injections

  • Allows flexibility about what and you eat, making diabetes management easier

  • Eliminates unpredictable effects of intermediate or long acting insulin

EHCS Works With Medicare, Medicaid, And Most Commercial Insurance Plans Nationwide! Still have questions, email us at dca@myehcs.com

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Hyperglycemia vs. Hypoglycemia

Hyperglycemia vs. Hypoglycemia

April 04, 2022

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can be a sign of diabetes onset, and it usually continues to occur on and off after you start treatment. On the other hand, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) occurs as the result of diabetes treatment, particularly related to insulin. It is important to know the symptoms for early treatment.

hyperglycemia vs. hypoglycemia symptoms

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose)

Hyperglycemia is when the body can’t use insulin properly or has too little insulin. This causes blood glucose to go above target range or higher than 160 mg/dL. It is important to know the symptoms and treatment options.

Treating Hyperglycemia

  • Be sure to drink plenty of water. It is recommended that you drink at least 8 glasses per day.

  • Ask yourself what may have caused high blood glucose/low blood glucose, and take action to correct it.

  • Try to determine if there is a pattern by checking your blood glucose.

hyperglycemia vs. hypoglycemia symptoms

hyperglycemia vs. hypoglycemia

Hypoclycemia (Low Blood Glucose)

Hypoglycemia is when your blood glucose level is less than 70 mg/dL or your blood glucose level goes below your individual target range.

Treating Hypoglycemia

With Hypoglycemia, consider the 15-15 rule: Eat 15 grams of glucose or simple carbohydrates, then wait 15 minutes and recheck glucose levels. If the level is still low, repeat.

  • Commonly used carbohydrates include glucose tablets, gel tubes, hard candies, 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, jelly, or 4 ounces of fruit juice/regular soda.

Always consult with your doctor or diabetes educator to review your testing results if you are not sure what to do.

Is a CGM right for you?

Learn More
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Diabetes Complications You Should Know

Diabetes Complications You Should Know

March 14, 2022

Diabetes can affect your entire body, and over many years, it can lead to complications. High blood glucose levels can damage your eyes, the nerves in your feet and legs, and your blood vessels. Keeping your blood glucose as close to normal as possible can lower your risk for complications. Getting regular check-ups help find complications early.

Insulin pumps are small devices made to mimic the pancreas by delivering rapid insulin through a catheter placed under the skin. Through your insulin pump, basal insulin is delivered continuously keeping your blood glucose levels in range during the day. During meals, it is common for you or your insulin pump to give an extra dose of insulin, known as a bolus. This is done to cover the carbohydrate in each meal or snack.

If you have high blood glucose levels, you can treat this by taking an additional bolus to correct your levels.

 

Feet/Legs

High blood glucose levels can cause damage to your nerves. This tends to happen most often in the feet or the legs, because these nerves are the longest in the body and the farthest from your spine. Because diabetes affects blood flow, sores or infections can take longer to heal. It’s always better to prevent problems than treating them.

Where To Place Your Insulin Pump

Insulin pump therapy provides flexibility for your lifestyle while giving you greater control of your diabetes!

  • Delivers insulin accurately and often improves your A1C

  • Eliminates individual insulin injections

  • Allows flexibility about what and you eat, making diabetes management easier

  • Eliminates unpredictable effects of intermediate or long acting insulin

EHCS Works With Medicare, Medicaid, And Most Commercial Insurance Plans Nationwide! Still have questions, email us at dca@myehcs.com

Have you been approved for an insulin pump?

Apply Today
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Improve Time in Range with Dexcom G6 CGM

Improve Time in Range with Dexcom G6 CGM

August 06, 2021

If you’re managing your diabetes with a blood glucose meter (BGM), you may think you have everything under control. But BGM only provides information about a single moment in time, leaving you without the ability to identify trends that can help you improve your “time in range” — the time you spend in your ideal blood glucose range.

Dexcom G6 CGM

Insulin pumps are small devices made to mimic the pancreas by delivering rapid insulin through a catheter placed under the skin. Through your insulin pump, basal insulin is delivered continuously keeping your blood glucose levels in range during the day. During meals, it is common for you or your insulin pump to give an extra dose of insulin, known as a bolus. This is done to cover the carbohydrate in each meal or snack.

If you have high blood glucose levels, you can treat this by taking an additional bolus to correct your levels.

 

Have you been approved for an insulin pump?

Apply Today
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Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy for Children: The MiniMed™ 770G System

Insulin Pump & CGM Therapy for Children: The MiniMed™ 770G System

July 29, 2021

The Medtronic MiniMed™ 770G insulin pump system is the technology that adapts to you! Approved for ages 2 and up, this new, FDA-approved system automatically adjusts background insulin every 5 minutes.** By using real-time glucose readings from the integrated Guardian Connect continuous monitoring system, the system determines the amount of insulin needed based on your body’s needs.

770g pump from medtronic, medtronic 770g

 

The Medtronic MiniMed™ 770G system combines insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The system is able to make adjustments to the amount of background insulin delivered based on your child’s needs, helping reduce highs and lows.*

This system also makes dinner time for your child incredibly easy! Enter the number of carbs that he/she will be eating, and the system will automatically calculate a mealtime insulin dose.

Multiple Features That Make Managing Your Child’s Diabetes Easier:

  • Smartguard™ Auto Mode helps prevent glucose highs and lows
  • MiniMed™ Mobile App allows your child to view his/her pump and CGM info on a smartphone
  • Carelink™ Connect App brings more peace of mind for parents

Learn How The MiniMed™ 770G Insulin Pump System Can Help Your Child Prevent Glucose Highs And Lows!

Have you been approved for an insulin pump?

Apply Today

* Refers to SmartGuard™ Auto Mode. Some user interaction required. Individual results may vary.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: MINIMED™ 770G SYSTEM WITH SMARTGUARD™ TECHNOLOGY

The MiniMed™ 770G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin (at user selectable rates) and administration of insulin boluses (in user selectable amounts) for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons two years of age and older requiring insulin as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed™ 770G System includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust delivery of basal insulin based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor glucose values (SG) and can suspend delivery of insulin when the SG value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values.

The Medtronic MiniMed™ 770G System consists of the following devices: MiniMed™ 770G Insulin Pump, the Guardian™ Link (3) Transmitter, the Guardian™ Sensor (3), one-press serter, the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter, and the Accu- Chek®Guide Test Strips. The system requires a prescription.

The Guardian™ Sensor (3) has not been evaluated and is not intended to be used directly for making therapy adjustments, but rather to provide an indication of when a fingerstick may be required. All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using a blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3).

All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3). Always check the pump display to ensure the glucose result shown agrees with the glucose results shown on the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter. Do not calibrate your CGM device or calculate a bolus using a blood glucose meter result taken from an alternative site. It is not recommended to calibrate your CGM device when sensor or blood glucose values are changing rapidly, e.g., following a meal or physical exercise.

WARNING: Do not use the MiniMed™ 770G system until appropriate training has been received from a healthcare professional. Training is essential to ensure the safe use of the MiniMed™ 770G system.

Pump therapy is not recommended for people whose vision or hearing does not allow recognition of pump signals and alarms. Pump therapy is not recommended for people who are unwilling or unable to maintain contact with their healthcare professional. The safety of the MiniMed™ 770G system has not been studied in pregnant women. For complete details of the system, including product and important safety information such as indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions associated with system and its components, please consult http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety- information#minimed-770g and the appropriate user guide at http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library. 

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Introducing the InPen Smart Insulin Pen

Introducing the InPen Smart Insulin Pen

May 04, 2021

If you like the simplicity of multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy, but want the intelligence of an insulin pump, look no further than the InPen smart insulin pen system.

Finally, you can have sophisticated diabetes technology that’s easy to use – and affordable!

inpen smart insulin pen, inpen from medtronic

The InPen from Medtronic is the first and only FDA-cleared smart insulin pen system that helps you take the right dose, at the right time. By tracking your diabetes data to a smart app via Bluetooth, the InPen system provides personalized recommendations that fundamentally change how you manage MDI. You can dose with the InPen and let the InPen app do the tracking and monitor your active insulin throughout the day.

As InPen user Allison said, “InPen is a game-changer for anyone on multiple daily injections. With help from InPen, I feel more in control of my diabetes because I am confident that I am administering the right doses. I can’t imagine MDI without InPen in my toolbox and highly recommend this to anyone.”

Approved for ages 7 and up, the InPen is compatible with the following short-acting insulins: Fiasp, Humalog, and Novolog cartridges (separate prescription required). You can also log your long-acting insulin doses in the InPen app and set up dose reminders to take your long-acting insulin.

How to get the InPen smart insulin pen

Available through GEM Edwards Pharmacy, most commercial insurance plans cover the InPen, and you may also qualify for other assistance, bringing the cost down to as little as $35 per prescribed pen. After we receive your application, our Diabetes Care team will review your coverage, determine the best way for you to receive InPen, and work with your doctor to get the prescription so we can ship InPen directly to your home!

 

Is InPen from Medtronic right for you?

Learn More

Click to view full InPen safety information

Indications for Use
InPen requires a prescription. It is a home-use reusable pen injector for single-patient use by people with diabetes under the supervision of an adult caregiver or by a patient age 7 and older for the self-injection of a desired dose of insulin. The pen injector is compatible with Lilly Humalog® U-100 3.0 mL cartridges, Novo Nordisk Novolog® U-100 3.0 mL cartridges, and Novo Nordisk Fiasp® U-100 3.0 mL cartridges and single-use detachable and disposable pen needles (not included). The pen injector allows the user to dial the desired dose from 0.5 to 30 units in one-half (1/2) unit increments.
The InPen dose calculator, a component of the InPen app, is indicated for the management of diabetes by people with diabetes under the supervision of an adult caregiver, or by a patient age 7 and older for calculating an insulin dose or carbohydrate intake based on user-entered data.
For an insulin dose based on the amount of carbohydrates, a healthcare professional must provide patient-specific target blood glucose, insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio, and insulin sensitivity parameters to be programmed into the software prior to use.
For an insulin dose based on fixed/variable meal sizes, a healthcare professional must provide patient-specific fixed doses/meal sizes to be programmed into the software prior to use.

Contraindications
The InPen system is not intended for anyone unable or unwilling to:
• Test blood glucose (BG) levels as recommended by a healthcare provider
• Maintain sufficient diabetes self-care skills
• Visit a healthcare provider regularly

InPen is not recommended for the blind or visually impaired without the assistance of a sighted individual trained to use it. Always carry a spare insulin delivery device in case your InPen is lost or damaged.

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What to Expect with an Insulin Pump

What to Expect with an Insulin Pump

January 04, 2021

An insulin pump is a great resource for improving life with diabetes, but it is still important to learn how your pump works and how to manage it while controlling your blood glucose.

When transitioning to an insulin pump, it is important to familiarize yourself with any changes by paying close attention to your levels and adjustments.

Adjusting to an Insulin Pump

You don’t need to be an overnight expert on your insulin pump; your healthcare team and Diabetes Care Advisor are here to assist with any questions. Use the information below as you begin to use an insulin pump. Still have questions?

Call us at 1-800-951-1725 or email us at dca@myehcs.com

What You’ll Need to Learn
  • Pump parts and features
  • Infusion sets
  • Caring for the insertion site
  • Adjusting insulin (basal/bolus)
  • Counting carbohydrates
  • Troubleshooting
  • Using syringes to prevent DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis)
Taking Insulin at Specific Times

Taking insulin at specific times throughout the day will not only help your body adjust, but also help it remember boluses, especially around meal times.

Traveling with an Insulin Pump

When traveling, bring extra pump supplies, syringes, and insulin in case you are unable to use your pump. It is always good to have a back up plan.

Watching the Foods You Eat

While using an insulin pump, when you eat, what you eat, and how much you eat are up to you. it may be a good idea to speak with a dietitian or healthcare provider about your diet when beginning to use an insulin pump.

Recording Blood Glucose Checks

Make a habit of recording your blood glucose checks, carbohydrate amounts, and correction doses. When talking with your healthcare provider, these records will help to adjust and address any areas of concern, if needed.

Turning off Your Pump

There may be times where you will need to turn off or remove your insulin pump. For an easy reminder to turn your pump back on, listen to the pump alarms or set a timer.

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What You Should Know About Diabetes Medications

What You Should Know About Diabetes Medications

November 12, 2020

You may need medication to control your blood glucose levels. It is important to take medications described by your physician and report any problems immediately. Please note, although you are taking medication, you still need to eat healthily, exercise regularly, and check your blood glucose levels each day.

Insulin pumps are small devices made to mimic the pancreas by delivering rapid insulin through a catheter placed under the skin. Through your insulin pump, basal insulin is delivered continuously keeping your blood glucose levels in range during the day. During meals, it is common for you or your insulin pump to give an extra dose of insulin, known as a bolus. This is done to cover the carbohydrate in each meal or snack.

If you have high blood glucose levels, you can treat this by taking an additional bolus to correct your levels.

 

Where To Place Your Insulin Pump

Insulin pump therapy provides flexibility for your lifestyle while giving you greater control of your diabetes!

  • Delivers insulin accurately and often improves your A1C

  • Eliminates individual insulin injections

  • Allows flexibility about what and you eat, making diabetes management easier

  • Eliminates unpredictable effects of intermediate or long acting insulin

You should speak with your physician before skipping or stopping your medication. Each diabetes pill works differently, so do not share your medication with others.

Have you been approved for an insulin pump?

Apply Today
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Know Your ABCs for Better Diabetes Management

Know Your ABCs for Better Diabetes Management

September 01, 2020

Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. By keeping your blood glucose close to normal levels, you can reduce your risk and/or avoid any potential life-threatening complication associated with diabetes.

The key is to know and understand your diabetes ABCs.

Insulin pumps are small devices made to mimic the pancreas by delivering rapid insulin through a catheter placed under the skin. Through your insulin pump, basal insulin is delivered continuously keeping your blood glucose levels in range during the day. During meals, it is common for you or your insulin pump to give an extra dose of insulin, known as a bolus. This is done to cover the carbohydrate in each meal or snack.

If you have high blood glucose levels, you can treat this by taking an additional bolus to correct your levels.

 

B is for Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood flow in your blood vessels. High blood pressure can make your heart work too hard and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, eye problems, and kidney disease.

Your blood pressure goal should be below 140/90 unless your doctor helps you set a different goal.

C is for Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your body’s cells. HDL (good) cholesterol can help to protect your health. LDL (bad) cholesterol can clog your blood vessels and lead to heart disease.

Ask your health care team what your cholesterol numbers should be.

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