Diabetes and Endocrinology Center

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Diabetes and Endocrinology Center Patient Resources

Diabetes Resources

Diabetes Camps!   

The Diabetes and Endocrinology Center strongly encourages kids with diabetes to attend a diabetes camp!

Diabetes camps provide a safe and fun learning environment for children living with diabetes. While enjoying a complete camp experience, our participates learn diabetes management skills, make lifelong friends, gain self-confidence and motivate others who share their own unique experience.   The top premier diabetes camps include:

 

Sam Fuld Sports Camp

At Sam Fuld’s T1D Sports Camp, the message is simple. Kids living with T1D should never have to sit on the sidelines. Despite T1D, every kid can achieve their dreams in sports and in life. Sam Fuld’s T1D Sports Camp allows young athletes with T1D, ages 8 through 17, along with siblings or friends, to experience the joy and benefits of sports and physical activity in a safe environment, coached by successful athletes who “know T1D.” 

For made information visit Sam’s website at Sam Fuld’s T1D Camp

Florida Diabetes Camp

Florida Diabetes Camp Diabetes Camp is a wonderful way for young people with diabetes to connect with others, learn about diabetes self-management and have fun! The camp is staffed with healthcare professionals who are there to help young people with diabetes gain independence and self-confidence. There are several camps throughout the country. We encourage you to investigate the options and find the one that is best for you and your needs.  

For more information visit Florida Diabetes Camp and let the adventure begin!


Diabetes Education and Camping Association 

Every year, over 400 diabetes programs around the world offer real-life educational experiences for those directly—and indirectly—affected by diabetes including youth, young adults, and families.

To learn more visit Diabetes Education and Camping Association

 

Diabetes Disaster Resources

Please see the Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition for disaster response resources.


Diabetes Education Classes   

The USF Diabetes and Endocrinology Center education program is an American Diabetes Association accredited program designed to help you learn how to take charge of your diabetes. We offer a variety of group and individual education classes for patients and their families: 

  • Diabetes Self-Management Education (Type 1 Diabetes)
  • Diabetes Self-Management Education (Type 2 Diabetes)
  • Exploring Insulin Pumps (Offered in English and Spanish)
  • Insulin Pump Fundamentals

How do I sign up for class? Call the USF Scheduling Department at (813) 821-8011.

Are classes covered by insurance? Yes! Most insurance plans reimburse for diabetes education.

Please provide this Education Referral Form to your doctor or nurse practitioner prior to signing up for a class. Visit our Camps and Events page at Patient and Resources to learn more about our recommended camps for children and families with T1D. The camps are great way to have fun, learn and grow as a family living with T1D. 

For questions and further information about the program, please call the USF Diabetes and Endocrinology Center at (813) 821-8011.

Frequently Asked Questions


Whether you have been recently diagnosed or have been living with diabetes there are many questions on how to cope, thrive, and live an optimistic, healthy life with diabetes. The most common questions and sought after solutions concern: diet, medications, exercise and how to live with diabetes day to day.

Living with Diabetes 

Once diagnosed with Diabetes, can it ever go away?

Once diabetes is diagnosed it is very unlikely it will ever go away, unless it was brought on by a medication. In those who can lower blood sugar by changing food intake and exercising, it seems to go away, but as years go by, medications will most likely be necessary.

How does stress affect blood glucose?

In general, stress raises blood sugar levels. It is generally temporary. When people are under prolonged stress, they may be less likely to follow through on all the tasks involved in healthy diabetes management i.e.; (forget to check blood sugar, forget to take diabetes pills, or insulin, overeat for comfort).

Why do I have to test my blood – the doctor does a blood test when I see him?

Testing your own blood gives you feedback on what your blood sugars do at various times of day and how they react to your medications, exercise, food intake, etc. By testing your own blood, you help the medical provider make decisions to improve the glucose control and to decide if the medications are working properly.

Why do my feet feel tingly and numb? Is this from diabetes?

Feet feeling tingly and numb may be due to elevated blood sugars from diabetes affecting the nerves. Feet should be checked by a medical provider at each visit.

Did I do something to cause this diabetes?

People cannot cause their own diabetes. No one knows for sure what makes some people get diabetes and others not, but a person cannot cause diabetes. When will they find a cure? Researchers around the world are looking for a cure. Think of all the wonderful new things that have happened in the last 20 or 30 years that have helped people with illness or disease. We do not know when the cure will be found, but supporting research efforts by volunteering or donating is always helpful. USF is playing a key role in the prevention and hopefully the cure of diabetes through our research under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Krischer. If you would like to participate in research, check out the links on this site or let one of the diabetes center staff know about your interest.

Diet

Can I still eat sweets with diabetes?

Yes. Sweets in moderation can be enjoyed by people with diabetes. You just have to work them into your meal plan…not in addition to your normal meals! If you want a small serving of pie instead of mashed potatoes…OK!

How many carbohydrates per meal should I eat?

It varies by the individual’s age, size, and activity level. In general, adult women usually range from 45-60 grams of carbohydrate/meal. Men can range from 60-75 grams/meal. There are always exceptions, but these are safe starting points.

Is there a simple way to eat so I don’t have high blood sugars?

There is no simple solution to eating to avoid raising blood sugars. A dietitian who specializes in diabetes is the best person to work with, but there will be times when sugars are high no matter what you eat. The USF Health Diabetes and Endocrinology Center has a full time nutritionist on staff to address any and all questions regarding diet and nutrition.

Exercise

How does exercise affect blood glucose?

In general, the overall affect is that it lowers blood sugar. There can be an initial rise in blood sugar immediately after intense exercise, followed by a prolonged blood sugar lowering affect.

How often, how long, and what times of day should I exercise?


The best time is the time you will do it! 30-45 minutes of aerobic exercise, 5-7 days a week is a great goal. Some examples are swimming, walking, tennis, bike riding, and dancing. A minimum of 30-45 minutes, 3 days a week is recommended in those who have been given the OK by their physician. It is alright to break the exercise into 3 or 4 smaller 15-20 minute segments throughout the day. Remember to check your blood sugar then warm up, and cool down for 5-10 minutes. This will help you avoid sore or injured muscles.

Medication

Once you start diabetes medication, can you ever come off of it (and control diabetes with just diet and exercise)?

Some people are able to stop taking some diabetes medications if the blood sugars can be controlled by weight loss and increased activity. That should only be done with the medical provider’s guidance.

Will insulin make me gain weight?

Insulin should not make you gain weight, but when blood sugars are high, sugar (calories) is lost in the urine. As blood sugars come down closer to normal, those calories are no longer lost and can produce a small weight gain. Most people who consume the right amount of calories for their body’s needs, do not gain weight.

Will I have to stay on medication forever?

It is very likely that people with diabetes will stay on some kind of medication forever as diabetes at present is not curable.   

The USF Diabetes and Endocrinology Center is a clinical, academic, and research center. For more information on how to participate in our clinical research trials visit our clinical research tab. Please visit our friends at The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA)  for more information on community events and diabetes advocacy.




School Support


Sending your T1D child to school can be a worrisome, in anticipation that their needs may not met in a timely and necessary manor. There are organizations that help you work with your child’s school to ensure they get the help they need during a school day, and give you the confidence to know your child is safe at school.

American Diabetes Association Safe at School Campaign 

Unfortunately, in many schools, students are not able to effectively manage their disease in the classroom or in school-sponsored activities. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has long been involved in working to end discrimination against students with diabetes and help educate school personnel about how they can help meet the needs of students with diabetes. Visit diabetes.org/safeatschool  for more information.

Diabetes at School

Children with diabetes require medical care to remain healthy. The need for medical care does not end while the child is at school. The following information is designed to help children with diabetes and their parents ensure that they are able to care for their diabetes while at school. Visit childrenwithdiabetes.com for more information.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) understands the challenges associated adjusting to life with T1D, and offers an array of tools to help navigate the world with T1D for children and their parents. For a T1D tool kit visit typeonenation.org/resources/newly-diagnosed/t1d-toolkits/

See School Forms for school notification and accommodations.

• Authorization for Administration of Medication
Hillsborough County
Pinellas County
Pasco County
Manatee County
Sarasota County
Polk County
Hernando County

• Severe Allergy / Life Threatening Medical Management Plan
Hillsborough County Pinellas County Pasco County Manatee County Sarasota County Polk County Hernando County

• Diabetes Medical Management Plan
   USF Diabetes Center School Form (accepted by most school districts)
Hillsborough County
Pinellas County

Pasco County
Manatee County 
Sarasota County
Polk County
Hernando County



Nutrition Basic Nutrition Guidelines for Diabetes

Eat three meals a day. At each meal, eat enough that you do not feel hungry at the end of the meal.

NO SECOND HELPINGS

Avoid snacking between meals. Snacking can lead to over eating and high blood sugars.
Check your blood sugars before you eat or snack.  Sometimes low symptoms are misleading.  It is best to know your number before eating.

A simple rule when serving your plate: 

  • Limit starches to ¼ of your plate.
  • Fill ½ your plate with colorful non starchy vegetables.
  • Meat should be only ¼ of your plate.
  • Be aware of fat …each teaspoon of fat has nearly 50 calories!
  • Don’t drink your calories, chew and swallow them! Eat fresh fruit rather than juice.
  • Be cautious with milk. Milk contains calories from sugar.

 

Glooko - For Use with Most Insulin Pumps CGMs and Meters

Please refer to the resources below to get started creating a Glooko account and connecting with our clinic. Our proconnect code is usfdiabetes.

In order to upload your device(s) you will need:

  • Smartphone, Computer or Laptop
  • Respective cord (if needed) to upload your device, if your device needs a cord to be uploaded that you do not have already, information on how to obtain a cord is found here

Training Resources

For additional resources and FAQs about the Glooko platform please visit support.glooko.com and select "'Personal Use"

 

Carelink - For Use with Medtronic Insulin Pumps, CGMs and Meters Only (770G, 670G, and PARADIGM)

Please refer to the resources below to get started creating a Carelink account and connecting with our clinic. Once an account is created and your device is uploaded please contact our office at 813-396-2580 or send an email to usfdiabetescenter@usf.edu stating your name and your newly created account credentials. Our clinic will then link your personal account to our clinic account in order to see uploaded information.

In order to upload your device you will need:

  • Computer or Laptop
  • CareLink USB or Contour Next Link Meter
  • No active temp basals, alarms, active bolus, low battery

Training Resources

For additional resources and FAQs about the Carelink platform please visit the Carelink website here.

 

Dexcom Clarity - For Use with Dexcom CGMs Only

Please refer to the instructions and resources below to get started creating a Dexcom Clarity account and connecting with our clinic. Please call 813-396-2580 or email usfdiabetescenter@usf.edu to request your individual share code that will be entered into your Dexcom Clarity profile.

Instructions for sharing and/or uploading your Dexcom

If using phone as the receiver

  1. Download Dexcom Clarity App to phone
  2. Once downloaded, select "Profile" at the bottom of the home screen
  3. Select "Authorize Sharing"
  4. Select "Accept Invitation"
  5. Enter in Individual Share Code generated by the clinic and Date of Birth then select "Continue"
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions and select USF Diabetes and Endocrinology Center

If using the Dexcom supplied receiver

  1. Login to https://clarity.dexcom.com/ under "Home Users"
  2. Once logged in, the home screen advises with three steps; Download the Dexcom Clarity Uploader, Follow the Instructions on Screen, Then Plug in the Dexcom Receiver and Upload to Your Account
  3. Lastly, after uploading please select "settings" at the top of the screen, then scroll down to the bottom of the page and select "Share Data with New Clinic" and enter the Individual Share Code generated by the clinic and Date of Birth, this will link the upload to our clinic and we will be bale to see any uploaded data whenever the receiver is uploaded

Training Resources:

For additional resources and FAQs about the Dexcom and the Dexcom CLARITY App please visit www.dexcom.com and select the "Products" tab.

 

Libreview - For Use with Freestyle Libre CGMs Only

Please refer to the instructions and resources below to get started creating a Libreview account and connecting with our clinic.

Instructions for sharing and/or uploading Freestyle Libre

If using phone as receiver:

1. Open Librelink app
2. Click on three lines in top left-hand corner of app
3. Select “Connected Apps” 
4. Select “Connect” to Libreview
5. Select “Connect to a Practice”
6. Enter in Practice ID “usfdiabetes” and click “Next”
7. Select “Connect” and “Done”

If using receiver supplied by Freestyle:

Creating a Libreview Account

  1. Sign Up:                                              
Go to www.libreview.com and click the “Sign Up” button. Select the radio button next to “LibreviewAccount” and click the continue button.
2. Enter Account Information:
Confirm your country of residence and accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Notice. Once you have completed your registration, you will be prompted to verify your email address.
3. Verify your Email:                           
After logging into your email and verifying your account, return to the Libreview email verification screen and click next. You will now be logged into your account.

Uploading your Libre Receiver: 

1. Log in to Libreview:                                                                                        
Go to www.libreview.com and type in your username and password. Click the Log In button to access your account.
2. Connect Device:                                                                                              
Connect one end of the cable to the glucose device and the other end of the cable to an open USB port on your computer using a cable that is compatible with your device.
3. Upload Glucose Data:                                                                                   
Click the Press to Begin Upload button.
4. Install Libreview Device Drivers if this is the first upload:              
If this is your first time uploading a glucose device to this computer, you will need to download the software that allows LibreView to gather data from your glucose device. You will be prompted to download the LibreView Device Drivers during the first upload. You can also click on the Download the LibreView Device Drivers link from the Upload screen to initiate the download. Click on the appropriate button that corresponds with your computer's Operating System. Next, follow the prompts to install the software.
5. View Reports:                                                                                                  
Once the Software is installed you can begin uploading your device and viewing reports.

Sharing your Data: 

1. Log In:
Log in to Account and navigate to “Account Settings” from the right navigation menu
2. Navigate to Account Settings:
Within “Account Settings” page click on the “My Practices” tab
3. Input Practice ID:
Input the Practice ID usfdiabetes and click “add”

For additional resources and FAQs about the Freestyle Libre please visit the website here. For additional resources and FAQs about Libreview please visit the website here.

 

Tandem T:Connect - For Use with Tandem Pumps Only

Please refer to the resources below to get started creating a T:Connect account and share with our clinic. Once an account is created and your device is uploaded please contact our office at 813-396-2580 or send an email to usfdiabetescenter@usf.edu stating your name and your newly created account credentials. Our clinic will then link your personal account to our clinic account in order to see uploaded information.

Training Resources:

For additional resources and FAQs about the Tandem T;Connect applications and devices please visit Tandem's website here.

 

Companion Medical InPen

Please refer to the resources below to learn how to generate and share InPen reports with our clinic. Please share reports via email and send the reports to usfdiabetescenter@usf.edu. Additionally, learn how to connect your InPen to Bluetooth capable meters and CGMs, such as the Dexcom.

Training Resources:

For additional resources and FAQs about the InPen device and the InPen App please visit the website here.

 

Online Blood Glucose Logbook - For Use if unable to upload blood glucose meter

Please fill out the below logbook if you are unable to download your blood glucose meter for any reason.

Please follow these steps to fill out the logbook and send back to the clinic:

  1. Open and download the logbook above
  2. Fill in the logbook and click "Submit Form" this should open up an email draft to send back the filled out logbook to us at usfdiabetescenter@usf.edu

If that does not work correctly, please

  1. Open and download the logbook above
  2. Fill in the logbook and save it to your computer
  3. Attach the saved logbook to an email and send to us at usfdiabetescenter@usf.edu