Resources for people living with diabetes and their families

The UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence care team will provide you with valuable handouts, tools and informational resources.  Here are some at your fingertips.

Download the UMass Memorial
Diabetes Center of Excellence
New Patient Introduction

Click on the following links for additional information

Diabetes Sick Day Guidelines

Steps for people with diabetes to take during an illness.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the imortance of being prepared for a sudden emergency or natural disaster. 

Importance of the Flu Shot

People living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of serious flu complications. This answers 5 Frequently Asked Questions about flu shots.

Checking Your Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar)

This video demonstrates how to check/test and record blood sugar levels, which is critical to managing diabetes. There are many glucometers on the market, otherwise known as blood sugar or blood glucose meters. 

Blood Glucose Log

Download this sheet to record your blood sugars and share the results with your care team.  
Descargar aquí en español. 

The A1c Test

The hemoglobin A1c test measures your average blood glucose level over the past three months. The goal for most people with diabetes is less than 7%, which is an estimated average glucose of 154 mg/dL. 

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

It's important to recognize signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to treat it.

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)

Understand possible causes of hyperglycemia as well as how to treat and prevent it.

Hypoglycemia Questionnaire

How do you manage low blood glucose? Complete this form and bring it to your next clinic appointment.

Diabetes and Nutrition

Healthy eating is key to keeping blood sugars within target range, but it's also one of the most difficult parts of diabetes management. Learn how different foods affect blood glucose.

Introduction to Insulin & How to Inject Insulin

These videos (presented by our pediatric diabetes care team) explain how insilun works, the various types available, and how to properly inject insulin using a syringe.   

How to Use an Insulin Pen

Watch as two of our nurse practitioners demonstrate and explain the proper way to use an insulin pen.

The Latest Insulin Pumps & Continuous Glucose Monitors

Learn about the latest technologies available to help manage diabetes.

Tips For Successful Diabetes Management

Even small behavioral changes can make a big difference. Learn to set S.M.A.R.T. goals to build confidence and improve your health.    

Type 2 Diabetes Medication Guide

This American Diabetes Association document explains medications for type 2 diabetes and more. 

Uploading Insulin Pump Data Prior to Appointments

Sharing insulin pump data in advance helps to maximize time spent with your care team. It also allows them to track patterns and make adjustments to your therapy if needed.

Preventing Complications from Diabetes

Keeping blood sugar levels, A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol in target ranges can reduce the risk of serious health complications in the future.

Alcohol and Diabetes

Important information about drinking alcoholic beverages when living with diabetes, including carbohydrate counts of popular beer, wine and spirits.

Traveling with Diabetes

Consider these tips before your next trip. 

Insulin Pump Failure Tips

Pumps sometimes fail. Do you have a plan in place? These tips will help.

Insulin Pump Troubleshooting

Be prepared for high blood sugars with these tips.

Preparing for Hospitalization with an Insulin Pump

It's important to properly prepare for hospitalizations when you use an insulin pump. Review this information before you go.

Guidelines for Diabetes Medication Adjustment Before Surgery or Procedures

When undergoing surgery or medical procedures (colonoscopy, etc.), there are important things to know about your medication and/or insulin. 

Managing Diabetes in Extreme Heat 

Hot weather can affect blood sugar and potentially cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

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 help people at the UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence.

Banting and Best Isolate Insulin 

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

The First Human Insulin Injection to Treat Diabetes

On January 23, 1922, 14-year-old Leonard Thompson became the first person to ever receive an insulin injection as a life-saving treatment for diabetes!