We see “expiry” dates on many medical items, and some of them are often treated with a little disdain. For example, lancets tend to last for aeons, and CGM sensors don’t stop working right when their expiry date passes. The Accu-Chek Spirit Combo pump has a few “features” many people seem to not be aware of, …
“Hard” or “soft” expiry dates: a Spirit Combo story Read More »
Cannulae (the plural form of “cannula”) are the tubes we stick into ourselves to infuse insulin from our pumps. They’re either made of steel or flexible teflon. Some go straight in (90˚) and are available in 6 or 9 mm lengths. Some are a lot longer. Today 6 mm is a common recommendation, although longer …
Pump cannulae and infusion sets: what are the differences? Read More »
The features of insulin pumps differ between models, but there are many similarities and it’s usually not too hard to change to a different model. But one subtle but confronting difference can be the way we can set a basal profile of insulin delivery. However adjusting to a new method is usually not a hard …
ATTD The last few days have shown us various exciting bits of technology from the Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) conference in Vienna. This is just a few of the highlights: Roche & open protocols In October last year the JDRF announced their Open Protocol Initiative, calling on equipment manufacturers to open up …
The above photo shows the retail boxes of reservoirs for three different insulin pumps. The size differences are quite noticeable! When packing for travel I’ll always take at least twice the consumables I need, separated into two packages. One set will be with me in my carry-on luggage, and one will probably be in checked …
Blood glucose meters are an essential tool for anyone with diabetes. Even those of us using Continuous Glucose Monitors need to manually check every now and then (e.g. to regularly calibrate the CGM). I’ve used many different meters over the years, but this isn’t going to be a history lesson. It’s more about some of today’s …