Tuesday, May 5, 2020

May 11th Meeting: Closed-Loop Systems (via ZOOM)

San Diego Insulin Pumpers
Mutual Support - General Discussion - Expert Speakers All pumpers, companions, and friends welcome!

Don't miss the May 11th meeting of the San Diego Insulin Pumpers (via ZOOM)

THIS MONTH: Closed-Loop Systems
MEETING TIME: May 11th 7:00-8:30pm CHECK IN TIME 6:45pm
LOCATION: From the comfort of your home

THIS MONTH:  Tom will lead a discussion on Optimizing the Closed-Loop Pump. We look forward to Pumpers on the Medtronic 670, the Tandem Control IQ, and any other Loopers, to share their Pump system strengths/weaknesses and the behaviors they had to change in order to not get in ‘fights’ with the automation.

LAST MONTH:  The 1st ZOOM Pump club was attended by 14 Pumpers and was a great success! Most Pumpers are staying home and are ordering groceries online. Topics discussed included rotating sensors to avoid scar tissue from infusion sets. Upper arms and thighs are popular options. We also discussed charging devices for travel and power outages. Some Pumpers on Medicare are experiencing difficulties receiving Pump and CGM supplies. Suggestions for staying on top of supply orders:: Note on calendar when orders should be shipped. Call to confirm with supplier to prevent delays.

Tom's 2 minute tip: How to "Unstick" the guide needle on in G6 Inserter. Do not press inserter into skin as this can cause the needle to not retract after pushing inserter button. There is a very low-tech solution for releasing the needle. Use a wooden spoon and whack the Gray ridges area of the inserter with the spoon to release the needle.

ZOOM is available via Desktop, Laptop, Tablet and Smartphone. Select the largest screen size available for an optimal experience. An audio-only option is available for our meeting.

You can join the videoconference meeting Monday, May 11th from 6:45 pm by clicking the link below on your smartphone, tablet, or computer:

Instructions for Joining Our Zoom Meeting

https://sdinsulinpumpers.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=10bf3478ca168b1633b80832c&id=712c93cdba&e=7210f09b7c

Meeting ID: 834 8168 9911

Or call one of the dial-in phone numbers:
      +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
       +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
       +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 834 8168 9911 # #

If you need help setting up Zoom, Tom will be monitoring our group’s email during the meeting and can walk you through any trouble spots.  Email him at NorthCountyDiabetesGroup@gmail.com .

WE also STRONGLY encourage you to review the free video tutorials on the Zoom website.  Once logged in, go to:  Zoom Help Center > Getting Started > Training OR go to Resources > Video Tutorials.  There you will find information about Zoom Meetings and Webinars.

Zoom Meeting Etiquette

In order for everyone to be able to speak at the meeting:
1.  We will start with 2-3 minutes per person. We encourage you write down and prioritize what you would like to say: How you are coping, your stress levels, if you need supplies, etc.
2.  Tom will present his two-minute tip
3.  After introductions and the two-minute tip, we will then answer questions.  Because we have limited time, please limit your answers again to 3-5 minutes so we have enough time for the topic as some members have to leave at the stated end time.

Some members may be available after the meeting like before so you can get more clarification then.

We will MUTE those that interrupt! Side conversations can be held while someone is speaking via a text chat window. There is a feedback window on the bottom bar. Click on the Clap icon or Thumbs Up icon to give speaker feedback.  Depending on which method you use to join the meeting, the window may look different.

Bear with us; we are all learning. We will figure this out. We have tried to anticipate and mitigate problems that could arise.  We're sure there will still be some!!

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

April 13th Meeting: Open Discussion via ZOOM!!

San Diego Insulin Pumpers
Mutual Support - General Discussion - Expert Speakers
All pumpers, companions, and friends welcome!

April 13th meeting of the San Diego Insulin Pumpers via ZOOM

THIS MONTH: Open Discussion via ZOOM
MEETING TIME:  Monday April 13th 7:00-8:30pm CHECK IN TIME 6:45pm
LOCATION: From the comfort of your home

THIS MONTH:  Surviving the Coronavirus. As we shelter in place we will hold our Pumpers
Open Discussion meeting via ZOOM.
Pumper Tom has organized this wonderful opportunity for us to stay connected.

ZOOM is available via Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, and Smartphone. Select the largest screen size available for an optimal experience. An audio-only option will be available.

You can join the videoconference meeting Monday, April 13 at 6:45 PM by copying and pasting the link below into the address bar* of your smartphone, tablet, or computer:

https://sdinsulinpumpers.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=10bf3478ca168b1633b80832c&id=7f6e8204ce&e=7210f09b7c

Meeting ID: 195 407 314

OR, for audio only, you can call in on any phone using any of these numbers:

   1-669-900-6833 US (San Jose),
   1-346-248-7799 US (Houston),
   or 1-929-205-6099 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 195 407 314 #

If you haven’t used Zoom before, drop in on Thursday, April 9 at 3 PM for a short "Dress Rehearsal" meeting. For this test meeting, copy and paste the link below into your address bar* :

https://sdinsulinpumpers.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=10bf3478ca168b1633b80832c&id=b384f4adbe&e=7210f09b7c

If you need help setting up Zoom, Tom will be monitoring his group’s email during the dress rehearsal and regular meeting and can walk you through any trouble spots. Email him at NorthCountyDiabetesGroup@gmail.com.

WE also STRONGLY encourage you to review the free video tutorials on the Zoom website.  Once logged in, go to:  Zoom Help Center > Getting Started > Training OR go to Resources > Video Tutorials. There you will find information about Zoom Meetings and Webinars.

*******************************************************************************
Zoom Meeting Agenda
In order for everyone to be able to speak at the April 13th meeting:
1.  We'll start with 2-3 minutes per person. We encourage you write down and prioritize what you
     would like to say: How you are coping, your stress levels, if you need supplies, etc.
2.  Tom will present his 2-minute tip.
3.  After introductions and the 2-minute tip, we will then answer questions brought up and other
     topics as time allows. Because we have limited time, please limit your answers to
     3-5 minutes.

Meeting Etiquette
Be respectful of person speaking—we will MUTE those that interrupt! Side conversations can be held while someone is speaking via a text chat window. There is a feedback window on the bottom bar. Click on the Clap icon or the Thumbs Up icon to give speaker feedback. Depending on which method you use to join the meeting, the window may look different.

Bear with us;  we are all learning. We will figure this out. We have tried to anticipate and mitigate problems that could arise. I'm sure there will still be some!!

LAST MONTH:  Veronica Diaz Lode (RD, CDE, San Diego Territory Manager, & Clinical Specialist) and Kristy Castillo (RN, CDE, & Type 1) gave a comprehensive overview on Tandem's Control IQ system. Control IQ, an advanced hybrid closed-loop technology, uses Dexcom G6 data to predict and control blood sugars. Control IQ improves time-in-range. Important note: Loss of CGM readings for over 20 minutes will stop Control IQ. Extended boluses will not be stopped—only basil. Tips from Kristy: Set High Alert on 160 to catch highs more quickly. Suspend insulin whenever disconnecting to not lose insulin corrections.

*An address bar is the text field near the top of a Web browser window that displays the URL of the current webpage.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Good Advice from the Diabetes Research Connection

While T1D‘s are not at a greater risk of contracting the disease, it is important to take precautionary measures.

These include measuring your blood glucose levels frequently and keeping them in the normal range. This will help ensure greater resistance and a faster recovery.

More frequent monitoring of ketones is critical, especially if your blood glucose is elevated due to sickness, cold therapeutics containing sugar or syrup, and inactivity.

Steroidal decongestants are also likely to increase your blood glucose levels. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may exhibit flu-like symptoms, which is why it is important to measure ketones with test strips available from your local pharmacy or online. Additional amounts of insulin may be required under these circumstances.

Contact your physician(s) immediately if you have been exposed to the virus or have symptoms.

Be sure to stock an adequate supply (a minimum of two weeks) of all your medications. For more advice managing T1D during this pandemic, please visit: https://www.jdrf.org/coronavirus/.

For the latest updates on the global impact of COVID-19 go to: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Everything's Cancelled!

Due to COVID-19, all diabetes-related meetings are cancelled. This includes our San Diego Insulin Pumpers, the TCOYD Spotlights, and the Joslyn 50-Year meeting—everything. Stay home and stay healthy!

The only rescheduled event we know of so far is the Joslyn 50-Year meeting. They plan to meet
26 July 2020 at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Registration is open.

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

March 9th Meeting: Tandem Control IQ

San Diego Insulin Pumpers
Mutual Support - General Discussion - Expert Speakers
All pumpers, companions, and friends welcome!
Don't Miss the March 9th meeting of the San Diego Insulin Pumpers!!!

THIS MONTH: Tandem Control IQ
MEETING TIME:  Monday March 9th 7:00-8:30pm
LOCATION:  Sharp Medical Facility
8695 Spectrum Centre Blvd, Room 186

THIS MONTH:  Veronica Diaz Lode RD, CDE, Territory Manager & Clinical Specialist San Diego will speak on Control IQ. Come learn all about Control IQ software and bring your questions.

LAST MONTH: OPEN DISCUSSION We had a 523 years of diabetes experience at last month's meeting. The conversation was divided between the Tandem Control IQ and  going down the memory lane of diabetes care from BG testing to early pumps. Also mentioned was the book Bright Spots and Landmines by Adam Brown.

Future programs, details of studies, and other diabetes information of interest will now appear on our website: sdinsulinpumpers.blogspot.com

Pre-Meeting Dinner (Souplantation): Several of us get together about 5:30 pm before each meeting for dinner and all are welcome! Anyone who would like a bite of dinner before the meeting can join us at the Souplantation Restaurant in Kearny Mesa, 7095 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard (just east of 805), 858-715-6824.

Please be ready to leave the restaurant by 6:45 pm and proceed to Sharp so that our speakers and non-dining members are not delayed.

As always, significant others and any friends and family supporters are always welcome at the meeting.  Our meetings are held the 2nd Monday of every month.

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Medtronic Pump Recall

WARNING

Medtronic has recalled the following insulin pump models:

Model 630G distributed in September 2016 to October 2019
Model 670G distributed in June 2017 to August 2019

The recall is due to the death of one pump user.

Friday, February 7, 2020

Februray 10th Meeting: Open Discussion

San Diego Insulin Pumpers
Mutual Support - General Discussion - Expert Speakers

All pumpers, companions, and friends welcome!
Don't Miss the FEBRUARY 10th meeting of the San Diego Insulin Pumpers!!!

THIS MONTH: Open Discussion
MEETING TIME:  Monday February 10h 7:00-8:30pm
LOCATION:  Sharp Medical Facility
8695 Spectrum Centre Blvd, Room 186

THIS MONTH:  OPEN DISCUSSION Bring your questions and concerns.

LAST MONTH:  OPEN DISCUSSION We had a full room of Pumpers at last month's meeting. There was a lot of diabetes experience in the room.

PLASE READ PAST THE FIRST PAGE TO LEARN ABOUT FUTURE PROGRAMS. Details of studies and other diabetes information of interest will now be on our website.

Pre-Meeting Dinner (Souplantation): Several of us get together about 5:30 pm before each meeting for dinner, and all are welcome! Anyone who would like a bite of dinner before the meeting can join us at the Souplantation Restaurant in Kearny Mesa, 7095 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard (just east of 805), 858-715-6824.

Please be ready to leave the restaurant by 6:45 pm and proceed to Sharp so that our speakers and non-dining members are not delayed.

As always, significant others and any friends and family supporters are always welcome at the meeting.  Our meetings are held the 2nd Monday of every month.


Check Out These Upcoming Events!

January 28th - March 17th: UC San Diego UCSD Design Lab Study
Click on the San Diego Research Studies link to the right for details.

February 13: North County Diabetes Support Group
Thursday, 7-9 PM
Tri-City Medical Center, 4002 Vista Way, Oceanside CA

April 19th: 50-Year Joslin Medalist Meeting and JDRF/Joslin Senior T1D Summit
Click on the San Diego Events Calendar link to the right for details.
This event will celebrate those folks who have had T1D for 50 years or more;
it will be held Sunday, April 19, 2020 in Los Angeles.