Category: Gadgets

I think I mentioned this when I bought it, but I found a really great little cooler/heater — they say holds 9 cans, perfect for putting insulin and fruit juice in when you’re out shopping or on a trip.

Amazon sells it for $79.99 — Fry’es had it for $39.99

Here’s the deal though.

If you live in Dallas, you would understand that the rudest, non-English speaking people work at the Frye’s on Northwest Highway. And they aren’t even cheaper though the store looks like it should be. (Okay, maybe an equally rude, non-English speaking group work at the Walmart at Midway and 635).

They just opened a Frye’s in Irving on 635. The only thing the same between the two stores is the name and logo. The people are nice, friendly and helpful.

Anyway, back to the cooler. There was a rebate on it. Nothing on the display, so I wasn’t expecting it, and was thrilled at the price as it was. Cashier insisted though, went and looked for it, and couldn’t find it. Frankly I was exhausted at that point, and again, didn’t really think it was happening.

Well to my amazement, I got a rebate form in the mail today! I have NEVER had anyone do that before. $10.00!

Ken — you brought up a good point about taking stuff. That’s one reason I picked the hotel I did — okay, Metrowerks (putting on the seminar), picked the hotel, but it’s the type I like.

But first things first — the gadget.

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This is good to know, since I use the Freestyle system

Diabetes In Control Dot Com. The weekly newsletter for medical professionals in Diabetes care.

And I already figured out the skin rubbing thing was a waste of time but conducting a few of my own experiments.

Glucerna Home

I really like the snack bars and haven’t touched a real candy bar since I started keeping plenty around. I keep a couple of boxes in my closet at school and here at the house. 140 calories and 23 grams of carbs. Not bad, and certainly better than your average snickers bar.

I am not sure about the shakes. I think they are too high in carbs and calories. I am interested in hearing other people’s opinions, but I think I have trouble controling my blood sugar after I’ve had one. They are 220 calories and 29 carbs.

However, I tried a meal replacement bar (Chocoloate Peanut) for breakfast this morning, and for a fast, breakfast it wasn’t bad. They could be crunchier, especially since they are peanut flavored. 220 calories, 32 grams of fat.

Ken mentioned the Glucowatch in a comment. I have been interested in it and got the brochures on it. It’s a technology that almost works

I’ve sat down and read the instructions, and you have to wear it for 2 hours, then calibrate it with a blood sugar meter and then it gives you as many as 10 readings per hour. If you are low, you still need to use a glucometer to verify the reading.

That just seems awkward. I haven’t seen if insurance will cover, but I figure it falls under durable equipment. Also don’t know if the mail order service will get the supplies.

My problems: you still have to use a regular glucometer, though you would be using it twice a day, maybe 3. So you are not decreasing copays, etc.

FYI: both the Therasense system and the Glucowatch determine sugar not based on blood, but on a fluid under your skin, thus the need to calibrate.

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For the sake of the people who have to handle your trash, get a sharps container for your lancelets and for your needles. Even non-insulin users should have a container for your lancelets.

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