Tag: Diabetes Management

GEMCORE Starts Yearlong Celebration to Mark 30 Years

GEMCORE Starts Yearlong Celebration to Mark 30 Years

January 24, 2022

Today GEMCORE, a family of companies, starts its year-long celebration to recognize 30 years in business.

Throughout 2022, GEMCORE will share details on its rich history and recognize its team of dedicated employees through events and activities.

From humble beginnings in a family home to a 130,000-square-foot headquarters and seven branch locations, GEMCORE is now an industry leader in diabetes management solutions, providing supplies, medications, and health coaching to patients nationwide.

“To solve the problem of patient access to medical supplies, my parents, Ed and Toni Edwards, created a mail-order company out of their basement in 1992,” GEMCORE CEO Matt Edwards explained. “30 years later, we’re still in the mail-order business with a patient-first emphasis, and we’ve expanded well beyond and now have multiple business units. We can pack and ship everything from diabetes equipment, supplies, and medications directly to patients; we provide third-party logistics and wholesale medical supplies; and we have an entire business unit dedicated to counseling and educating patients on how to improve their health while living with chronic conditions.”

We are proud of our growth, of course, but it’s not about commercial success, it’s about improving the health of every person we touch.

– Matt Edwards, CEO

Devotion to the patient doesn’t diminish the importance of employees, according to Edwards. In the past few years, GEMCORE has been recognized for its dedication to its employees, customers, and industry partners through many awards, including the Weatherhead 100 Centurion Award, Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Company, and Top Workplace from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. These awards only tell part of the story.

“We are proud of our growth, of course, but it’s not about commercial success, it’s about improving the health of every person we touch,” Edwards said. “We are incredibly grateful to our 375 employees who made our mission theirs and who ultimately made us what we are today. Without their hard work, passion, and relentless drive, we never would have made it 30 years and counting!”

About GEMCORE

Headquartered in Hudson, Ohio, GEMCORE is a family of companies providing high quality, clinically proven, top branded medical products, medications, and innovative solutions from product fulfillment to home delivery. We work directly with patients, insurance plans, healthcare providers, manufacturers, and other partners to help lower operational costs, improve efficiencies, and increase profitability with cost-effective, results-driven solutions that ultimately improve patients’ lives. The family of companies includes Edwards Health Care Services, GemCare Wellness, GEMCO Medical, and Gem Edwards Pharmacy.

Learn more at www.gemcorehealth.com.

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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

From humble beginnings in a family home to a 130,000-square-foot headquarters and seven branch locations, GEMCORE is now an industry leader in diabetes management solutions, providing supplies, medications, and health coaching to patients nationwide.

“To solve the problem of patient access to medical supplies, my parents, Ed and Toni Edwards, created a mail-order company out of their basement in 1992,” GEMCORE CEO Matt Edwards explained. “30 years later, we’re still in the mail-order business with a patient-first emphasis, and we’ve expanded well beyond and now have multiple business units. We can pack and ship everything from diabetes equipment, supplies, and medications directly to patients; we provide third-party logistics and wholesale medical supplies; and we have an entire business unit dedicated to counseling and educating patients on how to improve their health while living with chronic conditions.”

Apply for a Dexcom G6 Today!

Apply Now
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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!

Apply for a Dexcom G6 Today!

Apply Now

* 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.

From humble beginnings in a family home to a 130,000-square-foot headquarters and seven branch locations, GEMCORE is now an industry leader in diabetes management solutions, providing supplies, medications, and health coaching to patients nationwide.

“To solve the problem of patient access to medical supplies, my parents, Ed and Toni Edwards, created a mail-order company out of their basement in 1992,” GEMCORE CEO Matt Edwards explained. “30 years later, we’re still in the mail-order business with a patient-first emphasis, and we’ve expanded well beyond and now have multiple business units. We can pack and ship everything from diabetes equipment, supplies, and medications directly to patients; we provide third-party logistics and wholesale medical supplies; and we have an entire business unit dedicated to counseling and educating patients on how to improve their health while living with chronic conditions.”

Insulin Injections

Insulin is a natural hormone typically created by your pancreas. Those with diabetes are given insulin because their body has stopped producing the hormone or it is not being used properly.

Several factors are considered prior to prescribing insulin:

  • Length of diabetes diagnosis

  • Blood glucose level

  • Other medications being taken

  • Overall health

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.

Apply for a Dexcom G6 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.

From humble beginnings in a family home to a 130,000-square-foot headquarters and seven branch locations, GEMCORE is now an industry leader in diabetes management solutions, providing supplies, medications, and health coaching to patients nationwide.

“To solve the problem of patient access to medical supplies, my parents, Ed and Toni Edwards, created a mail-order company out of their basement in 1992,” GEMCORE CEO Matt Edwards explained. “30 years later, we’re still in the mail-order business with a patient-first emphasis, and we’ve expanded well beyond and now have multiple business units. We can pack and ship everything from diabetes equipment, supplies, and medications directly to patients; we provide third-party logistics and wholesale medical supplies; and we have an entire business unit dedicated to counseling and educating patients on how to improve their health while living with chronic conditions.”

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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Type 2 Diabetes Myths: Ten Things You Should Know

Type 2 Diabetes Myths: Ten Things You Should Know

August 01, 2020

There are a number of myths about diabetes that are commonly reported as facts.

Sometimes it’s tricky to separate fact from fiction. We’re here to help set the record straight.

Diabetes Skips A Generation

Not everyone who gets diabetes inherits it; you may have no relatives with diabetes or several. Diabetes doesn’t skip a generation, nor are you more likely to get it from your mother or father. Your genetics and your lifestyle contribute to your risk for diabetes.

Do Not Eat Carrots

Like all vegetables, carrots are carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are part of a healthy diet and give you the energy, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to function. All carbohydrates affect your blood sugar the same way, whether you are eating carbohydrates in bread, pasta, sugar, or vegetables. Three cups of uncooked and 1.5 cup of cooked carrots will raise your blood sugar the same as 1 slice of bread.

I Only Have Borderline Diabetes

There really is no such thing as borderline diabetes. You either have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or no diabetes. A fasting blood sugar greater than 126 mg/dL on more than one occasionis considered diabetes. A fasting blood sugar of 110-125 mg/dL on more than one occasion is considered pre-diabetes. Having prediabetes puts you at a heightened risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

You Can’t Prevent Getting Diabetes

We have learned recently that you can prevent diabetes at any age. In fact, losing a modest amount of weight (5-10% of your total weight), being moderately active (walking or doing other forms of exercise for 150 minutes per week) can delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Do Not Use Herbal or Natural Remedies for Diabetes

The most natural of remedies is eating a healthy diet and exercising. Medically proven information shows that both meal planning and physical activity help lower your blood sugar levels. Combining your prescribed medicines with a meal plan and physical activity is the best way to lower your levels. It is true that some herbal or other products can work against diabetes medications, raising your blood sugar. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if any of your medicines or health problems could be affected by herbal or natural remedies.

Insulin Causes Complications, Such as Amputations, Impotence, or Death

Some people who take insulin develop complications from diabetes, but the complications aren’t caused by insulin. Keeping your blood sugar near the normal range by taking a pill or using insulin, helps you live a long, healthy life. Many people believe that once you start taking insulin, you can never stop. While this used to be true, insulin on the market today is better than the past.

You Can’t Stop Taking Insulin

Some people with Type 2 diabetes are able to stop taking insulin if they lose weight, start exercising, or their physical and/or emotional stress becomes better.

Soak Your Feet in Vinegar Every Day

Many years ago, people with diabetes were told to soak their feet every day in vinegar. We know now that soaking with vinegar and other products can make your skin dry, causing cracks in the skin where bacteria can enter.

My Blood Sugar is Less than 250 – I am Fine!

Isn’t that “normal” for me? Not really. Your usual blood sugar isn’t the same as normal blood sugar. Just because your blood sugar is usually high or you don’t notice any symptoms, doesn’t’ necessarily mean your body isn’t affected by those levels.

My Children Won’t Get Diabetes Until They Are Adults

Unfortunately, more young people are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It is caused by a combination of being overweight, getting less exercise, and family genetics. You can help your children and grandchildren prevent diabetes by encouraging them to maintain a health weight and stay physically active.

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What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?

What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?

July 20, 2020

A CGM system is a small, wearable device that measures glucose levels throughout the day and night, providing measurements ever few minutes and creating trend lines 24/7. The device works by inserting a sensor under the skin, which is doable at home. The constant stream of information gives you vital information to use when making decisions about how to manage your blood sugar.

 

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

Apply for a Dexcom G6 Today!

Apply Now

CGMs We Carry

We carry many name brand CGMs. Select each cgm below to learn more.

* 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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Available Now: Dexcom G6 Covered by Medicare

Available Now: Dexcom G6 Covered by Medicare

July 06, 2019

Always know your glucose number and where it’s headed with The Dexcom G6® therapeutic continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) System! Now, this system is covered under Medicare for people with diabetes on intensive insulin therapy who meet the eligibility criteria.

dexcom g6 covered by medicare, dexcom cgm with medicare, dexcom g6 for beneficiaries

From humble beginnings in a family home to a 130,000-square-foot headquarters and seven branch locations, GEMCORE is now an industry leader in diabetes management solutions, providing supplies, medications, and health coaching to patients nationwide.

“To solve the problem of patient access to medical supplies, my parents, Ed and Toni Edwards, created a mail-order company out of their basement in 1992,” GEMCORE CEO Matt Edwards explained. “30 years later, we’re still in the mail-order business with a patient-first emphasis, and we’ve expanded well beyond and now have multiple business units. We can pack and ship everything from diabetes equipment, supplies, and medications directly to patients; we provide third-party logistics and wholesale medical supplies; and we have an entire business unit dedicated to counseling and educating patients on how to improve their health while living with chronic conditions.”

Apply for a Dexcom G6 Today!

Apply Now
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