Diabetes Information & Resources for Self-Management

The Diabetes Center of Excellence (DCOE) care team will provide you with valuable handouts, tools and informational resources. Below are some at your fingertips.

UMass Memorial
Diabetes Center of Excellence
Patient Handbook 

Click on the following links to learn more

• Sick Day Guidelines & Checking for Ketones

• Physical Activity 

• Type 2 Diabetes Medication Guide

• Preventing Complications from Diabetes

• Importance of the Flu Shot with Diabetes

• COVID-19 and Diabetes Care

BLOOD GLUCOSE

• All About Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar)

• How to Use a Blood Glucose Meter

• Blood Glucose Log

HEALTHY EATING & NUTRITION

• Diabetes and Nutrition

• Carbohydrate Counting & Low Carb Food Choices

• Candy Carbohydrate Counts

INSULIN

• Intro to Insulin & Injecting with a Syringe

• How to Use an Insulin Pen

INSULIN PUMPS

• Introduction to Insulin Pump Therapy Guide

• Insulin Pump Comparison Chart

• The Latest Insulin Pumps & Continuous Glucose Monitors

• Uploading Insulin Pump Data Prior to Appointments

• Insulin Pump Failure Guidelines

• Insulin Pump Troubleshooting: High Blood Glucose

PREPARING FOR HOSPITALIZATIONS OR PROCEDURES

• Preparing for Hospitalization with an Insulin Pump

• Preparing for Surgery or a Medical Procedure with Diabetes

• Soft Food to Eat After Dental Surgery

MORE DIABETES TOPICS

• Diabetes Sick Days & Vaccinations 

• Extreme Heat & Blood Sugar

• Alcohol & Blood Sugar Guide

• Diabetes Foot Care

• Driving with Diabetes

• Traveling with Diabetes Checklist

Nurse Practitioners in Diabetes Care

Many people don't understand the role and capabilities of a nurse practitioner when it comes to diabetes care. Learn how NPs care for people at the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence.

Banting and Best Isolate Insulin - 1921 

July 27, 1921, Dr. Frederick Banting and Charles Best successfully isolated the insulin hormone for the very first time.

First Human Insulin Injection to Treat Diabetes

January 11, 1922, 14-year-old Leonard Thompson became the first person to ever receive an insulin injection as a life-saving treatment for diabetes.