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.

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.

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

It’s important to keep blood glucose within the recommended target range determined by your diabetes care team. Doing so can delay or even prevent long-term complications caused by diabetes.

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 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.

Hypoglycemia Questionnaire

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

Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)

Understand possible causes of hyperglycemia 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

People living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes must keep track of carbohydrates in meals. Carb counting helps to keep blood glucose levels within target range. Learn about carb counting and see sample menus and food options. 

Introduction to Insulin & How to Inject Using a Syringe

Two videos (presented by our pediatric diabetes care team) 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 as two of our 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. 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.

Traveling with Diabetes

Consider these tips before your next trip.

Alcohol and Diabetes

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

Driving with Diabetes

Properly managing diabetes while driving is important to keep you and other drivers safe.

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. 

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.

Extreme Heat and Diabetes

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

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!