Resources for people living with diabetes and their families

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

Download the DCOE
Patient Handbook 

Click on the following links for additional information

Diabetes Sick Day Guidelines & Checking for Ketones

Steps for people with diabetes to take during an illness.

COVID-19 and Diabetes

Coronavirus poses additional concerns to people living with diabetes and requires extra planning. Uncontrolled blood sugars may increase the risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19. 

Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar) Introduction

Keeping blood glucose within target range can delay or even prevent long-term health complications.

Checking Blood Sugar with a Glucose Meter

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. 

(En Español) Checking Blood Sugar with a Glucose Meter

Monitorear su nivel de azúcar en la sangre. Medir y registrar el nivel de glucosa en la sangre es una parte importante del manejo de la diabetes.

Blood Glucose Log

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

The A1c Test

Measures your average blood glucose level over the past three months. 

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

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

Hypoglycemia Questionnaire

Complete this form and bring it to your next care team appointment.

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)

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

Nutrition for Diabetes

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.

Low Carbohydrate Choices & Carb Counting

Learn about carb counting and see sample menus & food options. 

Introduction to Insulin & How to Inject Using a Syringe

Two videos explain how insulin works, the various types available, and how to properly inject insulin using a syringe. View and/or print our step-by-step info sheet explaining how to properly draw and inject insulin.

How to Use an Insulin Pen

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

(En Español) How to Use an Insulin Pen 

Cómo usar correctamente una pluma de insulina

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.     

Type 2 Diabetes Medication Guide

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 within target range can reduce the risk of serious health complications.

Alcohol and Diabetes

Learn how alcohol affects blood sugar

Driving with Diabetes

Traveling with Diabetes

Insulin Pump Failure Guidelines

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

Insulin Pump Troubleshooting: High Blood Glucose

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.

Preparing for Surgery or a Medical Procedure with Diabetes

When undergoing surgery or medical procedures (colonoscopy, etc.), there are important things to know including medication and/or insulin changes, clear liquid diet and insulin pump regulations in a hospital setting. 

Soft Food to Eat After Dental Surgery

These items are safe to enjoy following wisdom tooth removal, oral surgery or any significant dental work.

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.

Alert Day: Take the Risk Test

The 4th Tuesday in March is Diabetes Alert Day.

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.

Extreme Heat and Diabetes

Learn how hot weather affects blood sugar.

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!