My Bad Habits as a Diabetic!

[@Regentropfenwalzer]

Overeating for lows... Then having to bolus and being mad at myself- Why was this necessary?

[@alizasherman9596]

I do that too!! :)

[@chrisalbright85]

#4 I used to have that problem. Then I started doing a Temp Basal of 0% for an hour. Works much better!

[@CrystalVlog]

I'm a blood licker.

[@diabeticdork7159]

CrystalVlog same lol!! 😜

[@64novacaine]

I lick also

[@RoaringTidesOnline]

I usually don't bother checking my blood sugar when I feel low even though I know I should.

[@jessstuart7495]

My worst habit is overeating and not taking enough insulin for the extra carbs. It is a lot worse when I get tired (late night snacking) or stressed out from work.

[@samanthasalem78]

You are great!!! I watch all of your videos. You are such an inspiration for all diabetics.

[@InspiredwithVanessaB]

If you are looking into any other diabetics videos... check out mine!! Just starting, but lots more coming soon!! :) Ps- she does pretty much rule! :)

[@fleetwoodrepairs]

I have a 3 year old daughter that had T1D and so I'm the one who takes care of her and honestly I can relate too the first 2. With changing her pricker I change it a couple times a week. With the test strips they are everywhere, but recently started using a small empty water bottles I have one in her nightstand next to her bed and other on kitchen counter. She gets the same pump hooked up in 2 weeks, so I'm hoping I don't do the last 2. Love your videos they helped me pick her pump.

[@iroseland]

I think we are all surrounded by a cloud of test strips, and sharps parts... I used to just drop the uncovered needles in the drivers door pocket. ( I would do my morning shot on the way to work ) I knew not to pu my hand in there, and I was the only one who drove the car so I figured it would be ok. Then I got pulled over for a failed tail light and had to explain to the officer that yes its fine to search the car, but please be carful of the drivers door pocket. That resulted in more explaining.. Ok, there was also that one time my car was broken into, from what I saw it looked like the guy who broke in didnt look before he stuck his hand in there.. 8^)

[@christineboutin4971]

***** I do all all these too! Its a hassle following directions, especially finger sticking lol.I definitely can relate to the pump since I use one. I hate changing it at night when I am in relaxed mode. I usually end up changing it in the morning even if there is less than 30 units left or even 15. Too add to the list of bad habits, sometimes I leave the infusion set longer than three days( usually 4-5 days the most). Plus, I reuse the set of cartridges until my next order comes in. These supplies are not CHEAP at all.

[@skass1000]

I don't pump yet but I do ALL of the first 3!! Except I now have a system for used strips!! I take my lancet device out of the elastic loop that normally holds it & leave it free. In its place I put an EMPTY STRIP CANISTER. (May have to force it the 1st few times but) Voila! Convenient strip rubbish bin!! Now I change the 'rubbish' canister every time I finish a bottle of strips. No scattered mess! Just need to work on throwing the full ones out now...! **Danica, Hope this helps!**

[@jenniferruck1974]

Hi, I am a Type 1 Diabetic and I just wanted to say that I can totally relate to all of these habits! hahahahah. I was DYING of laughter through this video :). My two older brothers, my dad, and I all have Type 1 Diabetes so I have been around it all my life and have seen all these habits before. So good to know my family is not the only one who does these :) thank you so much for posting this! p.s. I used to wipe the blood from using the lancet onto the case, just like you! Then one day I decided to put a folded paper towel into the pocket and velcro it in… this way I can at least discard most of the blood when I feel the case is dirty hahahaha. That way you can take out the paper towel and wash the case if you need. :) hope this helps!!!

[@maxmustermann1455]

I scrape the blood drop off on the edge of the test strip. Ideal solution imho.

[@hurdit]

LOVE ur video and positive attitude with helping others. I'm 35/50 years with it and all your bad habits are fixable but the worst 1 is the blood smearing. That one can lead 2 infection n become serious. Love the test strip breadcrumbs. lol. Also watch the foods you eat and exercise daily/regularly. Don't eat anything white like rice, potato, pasta, sugar and salt. Not easy to do but you MAY even reverse the disease. You're still young and strong. Keep monitoring and don't forget to exercise.

[@mfarmer0811]

OMG!! I do all of those too!!! Especially the lancet, and the strips!!! I have a ton of strips in my bag where I keep my meter.

[@faithziamba12]

I also have a problem with forgetting to change my lancets!! ugh I think I started to gravitate away from doing it as I got older and began to realize it took up a lot of time- which is not needed but I guess I am just lazy;) I do the wipe my bloody finger on the bag and yes test strips are everywhere for me as well!! haha I know the feeling of these disappointing habits girl!!

[@InspiredwithVanessaB]

hahaha... I think the lancet thing is a problem for EVERY diabetic!!! I think I change mine 2-5 times PER YEAR!!! hahaha....

[@ameral-karaki2047]

you cracked me up big time 😂😂😂 Thank you for your amazing attitude.

[@flyingfurball61]

I'm just like that... strips littered EVERYwhere, I love your tip about wiping on the case - eww but yeah, I like it, running out of insulin at the most inconvenient times... thank you for sharing :)

[@Marc-qs3ul]

I can definitely relate to most of these. One habit that i would like to stop, is that i dont clean my skin with an alcohol swab before putting in a new infusion set... Never had any issues or infections, but well, i should really do it...

[@kakorakr6149]

OMG--can identify with all except the wipe on case, but I use same piece of napkin over and over and over and just jam it back into my carry case. I have spent a lot of money buying regular insulin in a hurry because I forgot to put in full cartridge and then have to refill the same cartridge until I can get home.

[@SusanMillard]

Great video Danica...I just subscribed so you get one of those emails you like :) Anyway, I was just diagnosed with type 2 this past December. I was doing some research on the net about diabetes and came across your video on the diabetes awareness site...then followed you here. As for bad habits? I have a sharps container and my lancet I leave empty so I have to put a new one in every time....the test strips go in the same container. I am on metformin twice a day.

[@breedavis1345]

I share everyone of these bad habits, including wiping my blood in my meter case. sometimes ill put more insulin in my pump if i wait till its really late to change.

[@saltsullies]

This is great! I'm a teen and have had Type 1 Diabetes for 14 years. I don't have a pump currently, so only 1-3 really apply... But as for those three, right on. Haha. Thanks for your great attitude. There's another person who shares this lifestyle!!! Whaaat

[@puppylovur123]

I usually test in my bed so sometimes i will wake up in the morning and find test strips sticking to my back... its really gross

[@laraamaciel]

Hi Danica! Amazing videos! I shared the same bad habits! Hahah but I found a way to not forget to plug my pump again when I disconnect because of low blood sugar!! I had to come here to share! Haha I just set my pump to temporary basal in 0% for 1 hour or 30 min. When I wake up in the middle of the night with 70s or 80s, I do that too, so I don't have to get up to eat. hahah

[@ruthjones6943]

Test strip confetti is totally a diabetic thing. You open your testing kit and strips fly everywhere! lol.

[@tiffanyfahrig]

Just found your channel and have watched all if your videos today. I have some of the same bad habits! I don't know if wiping blood from your BG tests is still on your bad habits list, but I recently discovered from another lady a tip to solve that problem! She keeps her meter in a small wristlet/clutch and keeps a folded up paper towel to wipe her blood on. Genius! She also puts her used test strips in the fold of the paper towel and just changes it out every day. I've tried it for a few days now, and it works amazingly well! I've been T1D for 22 years, and have just now fixed this bad habit! Thought you might want to try it out! :)

[@kennedyscheller2754]

I do all of those habits except unplugging (because I have the omnipod, and disconnecting would be pretty difficult) and wiping the excess blood on meter case. I used to use the wipes but then I started to run out of wipes so now I just lick my finger. I have a habit of only pricking one finger ALL the time. My pinky on my left hand has like a perment scab xD

[@jamestnov41945]

Well done Danica. I change my Lancet once a day. I do keep Kleenex in business. I too hate doorknobs. I keep my pump on my belt loop with some tubing outside and it is that part that automatically attracts doorknobs. Spent strips, I forget how many times my wife has told me about finding them all over the house. Thank you Danica. It is always good knowing you are not alone.

[@annetterochon6629]

my 6 year old will be getting a animas ping within the next month I have been looking at alot of your video's... he is really excited, you have really helped him with what it is going to be like with the pump Thanks so much for posting such awesome videos keep up the good work..

[@jlagrang5]

Instead of unplugging or suspending, you could do a temp basal of 0.00 unit/hr. It won't alarm as much (at least it doesn't on the minimed). The temp basal is nice because it will stop automatically.

[@daughteroftheking2020]

Oh my gosh! I thought I was the only one who wiped blood on their monitor case. Too funny! Now I feel better.

[@instrumentofworship]

Lol Nina

[@SusanMillard]

Forgot to mention my bad habits...don't want you thinking I have it all figured out with the sharps container ;) My bad habits right now are not controlling my carbs as well as I should and not timing my meals right...early days yet and I am still learning. :) Oh and I find it easier and handier to just stick my finger in my mouth while the meter does it's countdown thing. LOL Weird looks are not an issue but wouldn't care if I got weird looks - just me taking care of me. LOL

[@katk925]

Wait people change their lancet needles? I think I got a box of 100 when I was diagnosed like 10 years ago and I'm still on the same box... HAHAHAHA

[@victoriaw.5653]

katk925 I'm still using my original lancets from when I was diagnosed 14+ years ago. I try to remember to switch it out when I run out of test strips (50), but that usually doesn't happen so I use the same one for a few months.

[@maxmustermann1455]

Same... only 5 years tho.... but my box is still 3/4 full or so. Changing injection needles rarely too. Only change it when it ends up bend or I have to change the insulin cartridge in the pen anyway...

[@baileydiabetes3215]

same i got a box on christmas of 2016 when i was dignosed but i still havent opended it

[@maxmustermann1455]

you got diagnosed on christmas? Worst christmas gift ever, lol.

[@baileydiabetes3215]

yep hey will you subscribe to my youtube channel Max it will really help thanks

[@maddierichards8267]

My pump alarms at 20 units so I can literally go overnight without a set change. So sometimes when I have an early start at work I'll leave the house with 2 units left! I'm so happy I'm not the only person to do this. Good thing my pharmacy is in the same building!

[@lizboyd1920]

I've done all of these. But I have a spin off on #5. Late at night when I dont want to change my pump right before I go to bed, I have become a master at reconnecting a needle to my reservoir and drawing up more insulin, repriming my pump, and going to bed. :) If not I take a combo of lantus & novolog and call it a night. I'll deal with it in the morning.

[@candyaddict111]

Oh my gosh my test strips are everywhere too! Its like if I'm ever lost, you can find me because I guarantee you'll find some on the floor. My bad habits as a diabetic is pigging out when I go low. By the time I feel that I'm low, It means I'm either in my 60's or 50's and I freak out and rush to eat anything I can find. I know the whole "dealio" about eating 15 grams then check and whatnot, but I just stuff my face xD. Then after I feel better (and not dying lol) I check and bolus myself.

[@amandajenkins5880]

I know this comment was 5 years ago but I am the same way! Only I dont start feeling lows (if I even do at all) until maybe low 50s high 40s...

[@RandL1985]

I sometimes replace an empty (or almost empty!) reservoir with a full one without changing my site so I can change the site when it's more convenient for me.

[@dannisaurus]

Haha, this is great! I do #1 and #2 but the my main one that now seems to be a running joke in my family is that everyone knows where I've been from the trail of the little paper bits on the needles that get left anywhere and everywhere!

[@randommusicgrl115]

I do 4/5...I'm a blood licker(...vampire?) when I disconnected during a low...I fell asleep! However, I only woke up being around 240. I was shocked! My parents know I'm checking frequently when they start finding strips everywhere. I find them in (non-diabetic)friends' cars as well

[@kellisardella2987]

I totally thought you were going down the lick your finger route and when you said you just wipe it on your meter case, I lost it! I thought I was really the only one! What I do is I use an alcohol wipe to clean it every once in a blue moon. I think it's a common trait to not really change your lancet as often as you should. My bf usually reminds me to change mine every couple of months or so, otherwise I think I'd end up using it till its dull. I recently got the pump so I'm a little new to those habits but when I was injecting I used to chew on the back cap of the insulin needle. Idk kinda felt like the same sensation as chewing on the back of your pen, which I used to do all the time.

[@iplaytheawesome]

For the not throwing strips away habit, I keep a snaplock plastic sandwich bag with my meter so I can put my used strips in there and throw them out later... much more convenient. :)

[@danielalathey6547]

Yeah I also have test strips all over the place they seem to just stocked up and pile up quite quick but that's my only issue and I don't always change my lancets either so you are not the only one

[@marikate8]

Haha wow I do all of these things too :p Btw I really like your channel your vids are very helpful! :)

[@linnbjornfoth5511]

All same for me! Except with wiping off the blood, but I usually lick it off so, not much better ;)

[@Crystallinesonic]

OMG. I do the same thing!! For all five bad habits!

[@isabellaclaire9991]

I always wipe excess blood on my meter holder thing and I always put the test strips in the pocket of my meter.

[@Christheatheist1]

I go about three pokes before I change my lancet. I also drop those test strips but lately I've been carrying around an empty strip bottle to keep them in. I mark it with a piece of tape. Those pouches are washable so it's not all that gross :) I put my pump on 10% basal rate when I have a low and I time it for one hour. That covers my butt! But yeah, I'm guilty of all of the above LOL! Great video :)

[@skass1000]

Sorry, just in case that isn't clear, I have two strip canisters in the kit, one with nice, shiny, new, unused strips, and one with all the grotty, bloodied used ones. I simply get a new strip and test as usual, but then put the used strip straight into the 'rubbish' canister. Once I run out of 'new' strips, the 'rubbish' one is full, so I just throw it out and move the now empty one down...

[@GamerXboxone6685]

I am new to the pump.. Enjoy your videos.. I am on a Medtronic pump.. I forget to check my blood suger or keep my pump on me..

[@andydurbin8309]

Hey Danica, you should totally change the Lancet every single times because you don't want to risk hepatitis I used to have that same bad habit but I got scared so I change it every single time

[@MightyTurtleburger]

I have issues with test strips too!! I feel like Hansel or Grettle wherever I go leaving a trail of strips!!!!!!!

[@Alyssayarborough01]

Lol!! I don't change my lancets or throw away my strips either. Do you like your pump?

[@carolynhernandez5214]

I used to be JUST like you, leaving a trail of strips behind me everywhere I went!!! My parents finally got fed up so the told me every time I fill up a water bottle with them, I would get a prize. that worked for awhile, but I came up with the solution and have stuck with it ever since! Here is the PERFECT SOLUTION TO YOUR BAD HABIT: when you use the last strip in a bottle, don't throw the bottle away, keep in in your kit right next to the little bottle slot. This empty bottle now acts as the perfect portable strip trashcan. It is right there and sanitary. Best yet, you only have 1 thing to throw away! And you will always remember to toss it when you run out of strips and get a new empty bottle!

[@amandajenkins5880]

I just started doing that!

[@madisond.4062]

I do every one of those things.I am a sound sleeper, so of I fall asleep at like 10:00, and my pump alarms for ten units, I don't hear it to change it. So when I wake up, I'm like,300. I take my pump off when I shower so, if I leave it in the bathroom and go somewhere, I won't notice and I'll be super high.

[@megan.butterworth]

get a barrel pricker

[@Lookimadeachannel]

No.3 i do a version of. I occasionally lick the blood but normally, I blot it on the back of my hand so there's a spot of blood on my hand. It's kinda gross but whenever you wash your hands, the blood comes off. With my pump, I know you are supposed you change it every 3 days but sometimes I leave it to the morning of the fourth day before changing it which is quite bad really.

[@kathrynaldstadt5898]

I do exactly #3 too! I have the OMNI pod case so the padding on the case is much larger but its COVERED with blood. ER MAG GHERD

[@cherylgray3152]

Haha, I do most of those too, Danica. Except, I lick the blood which is probably more gross. I try not to do this as I've been given some weird looks. Also, recently started using Accucheck mobile which doesn't have any strips so no more littering - yah!

[@Morgan-jg1le]

I do all of those except the last one

[@rhonaetarno6608]

I have had a habit of not changing my lancets after checking my blood sugar, I have to say I have gotten better with it. One bad habit I have that's close to putting off changing my site when I'm suppose to is putting it off until the next day I've even gone two days past the three.

[@ThisOne3moChick]

I change my lancets like once a month or a week... and my doctor told me I'm supposed to change every time I test my blood sugar.. I also have a crap load of test strips around my house from not throwing them away. I got called gross for wiping my blood on my case so now I do it on the lining of my pockets. or under my belt.

[@Lemonz1989]

I forget that I unplug and forget to refill my pump before bed too. :P But that blood habit... Ew! xD Lol I buy the cheapest folded paper tissues I can find, and then cut them along the folds with scissors to get neat little squares (around 2 by 2 inches) that I keep with my blood sugar device. That way I can wipe the blood off my finger and then twist the paper around the bloody strip so I don't get blood on anything if I have to store the strip for later disposal. :) My doctor said I had to change my lancet after every test, because a lancet becomes "twisted" at the tip after a single use and can cause scar tissue if used too often. Because of this I get approved 3650 lancets a year, so I can test 10 times a day with a new lancet every time. I usually don't test that often, but no one says I have to use all 3600. :)

[@aceofspades253]

I too am not a fan of wiping blood anywhere, but then again I am a bit OCD... My only reason for using lancets or syringes more than once is for cost. My biggest bad habit is wanting to throw the person in line at the pharmacy who has to pay 2.00 for a co-pay through the wall for having to "charge it" and then I have to pay 200.00 or more in cash for mine...

[@elles3701]

You are definitely not alone! I can relate to all of these. But also, if I don't wipe my excess blood on my meter case, I will wipe it on the inside of my shirt sleeve.

[@phebemaple9812]

Sometimes when I'm watching a movie or I'm busy and my pump is out of insulin and starts alarming I take it to my room cover it in blankets so I dont hear it. And deal with it a couple hours later.

[@1971texas]

@DiabeticDanica “nice support group” you would think so sadly my brother and sister were in their 20s when they were diagnosed with type 1 and are set in their ways and were not as blessed with the help and knowledge I received and my mother has type 2 mostly self inflicted and we live far away from them

[@kennedyscheller2754]

If you have an old test strip bottle you can always put that in your purse and then put the used strips in it... :)

[@jenniferirwin7404]

im from canada and do most of those bad habits as well!

[@cassiebellcupcake]

I do all of those! except for #4

[@randommusicgrl115]

Oh here's another pump related one- I'll forget to finish the new cartridge setup, and I'll go to bolus never having finished loading and filling my tubing/ cannula

[@alizasherman9596]

I do the 3, and the last one!! (5) Last week I was re-arranging my room and I found piles and piles of strips behind my bed!! :)

[@beccawillis6176]

I'm guilty of everything but #4, especially with changing my lancet needles (im so bad with that). Ive left my strips so many places and my mom thinks thats so strange, I'll have to show her your video :)

[@randompokkadots]

my friend who is a diabetic, when she finishes a box of tic-tacs, she uses the box (empty) to put her test strips in. that whay she doesn't throw handfuls of strips away she just throws the box of strips away.

[@jennifer76ist]

My likes to bend his test strips in half. I find em every where! I tell him throw em away but he plays with em instead. I find it annoying lol. Love ur you tube videos I'm always trying to learn more so I can help my son be more healthier. He was diagnosed at 6 yrs old now he's 11. He's not on a pump but I'm considering a pump for him. Enjoy ur videos thank u

[@RTPTechGuy]

I decided to rewatch this video to see if I have developed any bad habits since being on the pump and yes I have...I have adopted the not changing lancing needle and saving my strips. However, I have also developed one where I suspend (for whatever reason) and then I forget to unsuspend...fortunately the pump beeps at me but if I am driving, I cannot always hear it with the music up :-(

[@LinzFancher]

i literally do all of those!

[@crazybaby161]

I have been diabetic for 12 years now and i to have strips everywhere! everyone always thinks it so gross but its just so normal to me. weird i know but they are everywhere ive even found them in other cities ive been in the same spot where i was. i also never change my lancet until i find it not working due to dullness. and the waiting to change a pump site. gulity as charged too! As for the access blood i usually wipe it on my jeans (gross i know but its convient) or put it in my mouth. lol

[@avgeekaeronautical3931]

Yes! All 5 of those. Also when the insulins low and its late or something, rather than changing the whole thing I just refill the insulin until the site stops working... lol

[@MissNyK16]

I do all of those!! Haha relieved that I am not the only one

[@michaelmto]

Jeez Danica...you're my diabetic nerd translator but the low bg disconnect one really disappoints me. It's so much easier to simply do the temp basal rate on the pump. Turn it to off for whatever increment you choose...half our, 1 hour, 1.5 hours...and it comes back on when the period you choose ends...it's SO much easier.

[@davidellison3448]

I do all three!

[@gandul66]

Thank you very much for this video got to see it my daughter and she got some bad habits also, Hope that she can do much better after watching your video, she's only 11. thank gmoreno

[@humaBLOG]

Yeah! I pretty much have ALL the same habits! lol Also I used to wipe blood on the test bag but i recently put a kleenex in the pocket that is "supposed" to be used for the log book and wipe my finger on that

[@oliverpringle7135]

I have a tupaware counter were I leave everything in, easy than those blue wallet's . I only change my test needle when it's blunt and put's a hole bigger than I need in my finger.

[@annetterochon6629]

OH my goodness the first 3 are so me well, not me but my 6 year old I always forget to change the lancets and those test strips are everywhere, they fall out of my van it is so funny we go places and I can tell that we have been there before cause I will see a test strip on the ground...lol and I just know it is from us..... And as for the blood on the meter case ever time he does that I keep saying would you quit doing that I guess he isn't the only one that does that!!! good to know :)

[@stunthumb]

4 to 10 checks a day! - What are you, a pin cushion! Hell, I should check more, I rarely check my glucose more than twice a day. My worst habit is probably not checking enough, or checking when I know my glucose is fine. One tip, is to get one of those buckets of sweets with a decent lid, and cut a hole in the top, then have that beside your insulin stuff as a sin bin - much easier to empty that when it gets full. I don't like putting my used needles in the bin.

[@Lookimadeachannel]

I check a minimum of 10 times a day. Yesterday I checked 16

[@sophieminz1345]

Oh my gosh! I have type one diabetes too and I do #3. :) My friends are used to it by now but everyone else still shudders.

[@christinnewcomb3112]

I find my self finding my strips everywhere. I'm my purse, in my bed, my car, my meter holder. I found one at the gas station on the ground but I'm not sure it's mine. I just got my pump and changed to the meter that communicates with my pump.

[@bongoboy231]

@Susan Millard it is different being type 2

[@kristamarks9782]

Have u ever put a video about how many times you check your blood a day and have you ever showed them how u check your blood sugar

[@christybassett7529]

My name is Tate. I'm 6 I also leave test strips everywhere I'm glad that I'm not the only one.

[@xanScorp]

There's even a meme about the lancet concept. It seems only the newly diagnosed change it every time...after a bit, everyone comes to the realization that that is expensive.

[@swiftytina]

I used to find test strips outside my locker at school and like in the cafeteria!

[@christinamingo6031]

okay i have had Type one since i was eight which is 14 years. the first three bad habits i also have them thought i was the only one

[@craigbeard147]

I always throw them away now, but like you, found them all over. Now, in case I am in public when I check my blood sugar, in my case I have an empty strip container, and I put all my used strips in there.

[@JohnModified]

I have the exact same habits for 1 through 3. I don't own a pump I use pens. One bad habit I have is, laying down to go to bed and just before falling asleep and realizing I have to get up and take my long acting because i forgot...

[@EponineWannabe1]

I always have test strips laying around. I have an app on my phone where i log in my meals and my bolus etc. sometimes i'll forget to put in a log until like seven hours later. And then its such a hassle to remember what i ate, what my levels were, how many carbs was it etc.

[@kourtneywest-sanders4225]

i share bad habits 1-3 and #5 with ya lol!! My other bad habits are forgetting to plug bck in after showering, under correcting lows whn i dnt check it and forgetting to bolus for coffee creamer, uggghh i love tht I.D. caramel macchiato!!!! ;-D

[@roberthutchins4395]

Hey I was recently diagnosed with type 1 and I have a question. When I give my Humalog in my stomach, it always hurts after like 3 seconds of the needle being in me. I thought it might just be the insulin being forced in me but I don't know.

[@punkkybrewwster]

I used to do the first one, but then my diabetes team showed me a super magnified picture of a lancet that was used after two times, then after six times.. scared me out of it! Have you ever seen that??

[@williamburke1882]

Yeah I don't change the lancet thingys either.

[@saadm2963]

In addition to yours but the blood one and the pump one , My worst tow things that i do regularly are not changing the needles of the pens i use until they are done so i use one for each pen , second one is that while i am studying or watching something at night i dont take my insulin before i sleep