Resources for people living with diabetes and their families

The UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence physicians, specialists, nurse practitioners, certified diabetes educators and nutritionists will provide you with valuable handouts, tools and resources.  Here are some at your fingertips...

Click on the following for additional information:

Importance of the Flu Shot

People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of serious flu complications. This answers five Frequently Asked Questions about flu shots.

Blood Glucose Log Sheet

Monitor your blood sugars and share the results with your care team.  
Descargar aquí en español. 

Hypoglycemia Questionnaire

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

Type 2 Diabetes Medication Guide

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

How to Use an Insulin Pen

This video demonstrates and explains the proper and safe way to use an insulin pen.

Sick Day Guidelines

Best practices for people with diabetes when you are sick.

Behavioral Tips For Successful Diabetes Management

Even small behavioral changes or a new environment can make a big difference. Learn to set SMART goals and prioritize them to build confidence and improve your health.    

Uploading Insulin Pump Data Prior to Appointments

Sharing your insulin pump data your care team helps to make the most of the time you spend with them. It also allows them to track patterns and make adjustments to your therapy if needed.

Preventing Complications

This PDF and worksheet helps you to prevent health problems caused by diabetes in the future.

Diabetes Self-Management Tips

These tips and videos will help you manage your blood sugar in various situations. 

Alcohol and Diabetes

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

Travelling with Diabetes

Important items to consider before your next trip. 

Emergency Preparedness Plan

This Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition PDF helps to ensure you are prepared for a natural disaster or emergency. 

Latest Insulin Pumps & Continuous Glucose Monitors

Learn about the most up-to-date pumps & CGMs available to help people living with diabetes control blood sugar.

Insulin Pump Failure Tips

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

Insulin Pump Therapy:  Troubleshooting when Blood Glucose is High

Be prepared for high blood sugars with these tips.

Preparing for Hospitalizations with an Insulin Pump

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

Patient Guidelines for Diabetes Medication Adjustment for Short Procedures

When undergoing surgery or another medical procedure (colonoscopy, etc.), here are important things to consider about your medication and/or insulin. 

Managing Diabetes in Extreme Heat 

Hot weather can affect blood sugar levels and potentially cause it to rise or fall, causing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Nurse Practitioners in Diabetes Care

Many people do not understand the role and capabilities of a Nurse Practitioner when it comes to diabetes care. Learn how they 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 hormone insulin for the 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 treatment for diabetes.