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!
TIPS & VIDEOS
for
Diabetes
Management
- Goal Setting
- Stress Management
- Diabetes at Work
- Travel Preparation
- Managing Illness
Carb Counting
Carbohydrate counting is a meal planning tool for people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes