Tips And Tricks For Holiday Season Prep

Along with the lines wrapping around airports and shopping malls on the days before and after Thanksgiving, did you know that it is during this season that we see some of the highest call-volume days on the 24-Hour HelpLine? So as you prepare with buying a turkey, turducken or tofurky (whatever that means) and contemplate which spandex waistband pants to wear, we prepare our call center representatives for the front lines on our phone lines!

My job on the Customer Experience Excellence Team is to work behind the scenes with the 24-Hour HelpLine Team on proactive communication. What would customers (people like me) need to know during a specific phase in their diabetes experience or a season in the year? And how can we answer the questions we know you may be wondering, so if you don’t want to call us you don’t have to?

This role is perfect for me because I always said I was a loyal Medtronic customer because of their service, but I am one of those people who hates to call and would rather find out my information elsewhere! So here are some tips and website links to prepare for Thanksgiving with diabetes and your insulin pump, (I’m taking notes too!)

1. Keep an eye on your blood glucose and don’t let it get too high.

Enjoy the yummy holiday meals, but consider visiting our website and talking to your healthcare provider about using a Dual Wave or Square Wave bolus for any high-fat meals.

2. Have your pump settings documented, just in case!

If you’re travelling, take note of our travel resources like the travel checklist, travel loaner program and airport security information.

3. Make sure you have the right pump accessory (like a belt clip or pump case) for your holiday get-up.

For some reason it seems it’s always when we’re travelling or wearing that special holiday dress that we wonder how we can get more creative than putting our pumps in our pockets.

4. Make sure you have plenty of supplies.

Including test strips since you’ll want to check your blood more often if you’re having variations in your diet and schedule.

And my last tip; which is my personal favorite…

5. Eat a piece of pie to celebrate – if you are able to (one piece, not five), and bolus accordingly!

With these helpful resources in the back of your mind, be safe and enjoy this special time of year with those who matter to you most.

Do you have any tips you would like to share on diabetes during the holidays?

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

– Medtronic Diabetes insulin infusion pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and associated components are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with the risks associated with the use of these systems.
– Successful operation of the insulin infusion pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems requires adequate vision and hearing to recognize alerts and alarms.

Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps

– Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform a minimum of four blood glucose tests per day.
– Insulin pumps use rapid-acting insulin. If your insulin delivery is interrupted for any reason, you must be prepared to replace the missed insulin immediately.

Medtronic Diabetes Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems

– The information provided by CGM systems is intended to supplement, not replace, blood glucose information obtained using a home glucose meter. A confirmatory fingerstick is required prior to treatment.
– Insertion of a glucose sensor may cause bleeding or irritation at the insertion site. Consult a physician immediately if you experience significant pain or if you suspect that the site is infected.

Please visit http://www.minimed.com/importantsafetyinformation for complete safety information.

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