Diabetes Style Guide for Spring Thanks to years of research and modern technology, we've come a long way in understanding and treating diabetes. Despite how far we've come, the day-to-day management -- and all of the supplies that come with it -- can feel like a burden. If your medical supplies have ever made you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, you're not alone. Not only are there less invasive treatment options available today, there are also a plethora of diabetes lifestyle products out there to help you stay in control of your diabetes while your personal style shines through. We've put together a fashion show of diabetes lifestyle products -- jewelry, bags, pump pouches, sharps containers, clothing, and more -- inspired and created by real people living with diabetes. Whether you're shopping for yourself or a loved one, there's plenty of style to go around this spring. Check it out. T&J Design http://www.tandjdesign.com/index.html When her daughter Tynan was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is 2003, Joan Benz broke out the sewing machine and whipped up an insulin pump pouch that met her daughter’s comfort and fashion needs. After 3 years of making custom pump pouches for Tynan and friends, Joan launched T&J Design. Featured products: Horizontal pump pouches, vertical pump pouches, bedtime pump pouches, concealed pump pouches, totes and shoulder bags. There are plenty of design and fabric options but if you don’t find what you’re looking for, T&J will customize the perfect pouch for you! T&J also sells Doll Pouches that come with a miniature insulin pump. They are a wonderful way for a child to “share” diabetes with a trusted doll or stuffed animal — and they make great learning tools and toys for children living with type 1 diabetes.   Pump Wear Inc. http://www.pumpwearinc.com/index.php   Pump Wear products help “kids be kids” and let adults have fun. The online store offers a full line of diabetes awareness and support items as well as cases and clothing that promotes comfort, flexibility, and individuality. Featured products: Pump Paks, Pump Bands, Pump Pocket, Insulated Diabetes Bags, Diabetes Jewelry, Waterproof Cases, Gift Certificates, and more.   (NEXT)    

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Diabetes Style Guide for Spring, Continued Groovy Patches http://www.groovypatches.com/   Groovy Patches® was founded by Dina Klavon, a successful business woman, who after years of living with diabetes decided to wear an insulin pump. Once she began wearing the pump, she realized she felt bad about the bright, white, donut shaped pad that surrounds the injection site. She felt it looked unsightly and medical so she decided to colorize and personalize these pads — to give people a way to be proud to wear them — like displaying body art. Groovy Patches adhere to the sterile pad that surrounds the infusion set of an insulin pump, helping you reclaim your individuality and independence. One package of 12 patches costs $11.95. Plus, with summer right around the corner, these patches are the perfect accessory for trips to the beach. Angel Bear Pump Stuff http://www.angelbearpumpwear.com/ Three-year-old Ashley was diagnosed in 2003 with type 1 diabetes. She began using an insulin pump by the age of four. Her family was determined to keep her comfortably connected to an insulin pump 24/7, and after investigating all available options, her grandmother came up with her own version of comfortable fabric pump cases. These products are designed to make it easier and more fun for children to wear their insulin pumps. Featured products: Choose from dozens of Pump Cases or design your own, Toddler Pump Harness, Pump Pocket Clothes, Medical Alert Jewelry, Toy Insulin Pumps and Cases, as well as other diabetes supplies. Myabetic http://www.myabetic.com/ Determined not to let diabetes keep her from living the life of her dreams, professional dancer and teacher, Kyrra Richards, founded Myabetic to promote a positive attitude and healthy lifestyle. Myabetic offers fashionable and functional diabetes supply cases designed to accommodate everyday diabetes necessities while reflecting personal style. Featured products: Diabetes supply cases for men, women, and children. Wallet style, handbags, clutches, and more. Cooling Pouches (stylish, insulated cases to store insulin). Visit the dLife Store today to purchase Myabetic products at discounted prices! (NEXT)    

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Diabetes Style Guide for Spring, Continued aDorn Designs http://www.adorndesigns.com/index.php   Owner of aDorn Designs, Jennifer Adorn — someone who has lived with diabetes since 1992 — was frustrated with the boring medical bags that look like first aid kits. She wanted to be prepared for anything while making sure that style and fashion were at the forefront of her disease. Featured products: Diabetic Bag, Diabetic Handbag, Diabetic Supply Case, and Diabetic Pouch. Skidaddle Bags, Inc. https://www.skidaddlebags.com/ Maria Lester launched Skidaddle Bags in 2007 to allow people with diabetes to express their love of fashion and make their life with diabetes a little more colorful. The products include bags for men and women and come in a variety of styles including: Hipster, Messenger, Clutch, Meter Bag, and Smart Pack. You can also purchase gift cards. MEDICAL ALERT JEWELRY LifeWear http://www.mylifewear.com/aboutLifeWear.htm After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 23, Christopher Smith decided to find a medical alert bracelet that he could wear for his safety without giving up his style. After an exhaustive search for something edgy and cool, he had a piece designed that fit his fashion taste. After many complements and lots of interest from other people with diabetes, he created LifeWear. LifeWear medical ID bracelets are customizable fashion pieces with vital information engraved on the ID plate to alert paramedics of a medical condition. The bracelets are handcrafted from 100% genuine leather. Featured products: Men’s and women’s medical ID bracelets, silver ID plates, and Fashionable Medical Bags. Lauren’s Hope http://www.laurenshope.com/ Lauren Philips is an active young woman with diabetes who refused to wear a medical ID bracelet because she found them ugly and didn’t want to draw attention to her illness. Now, instead of wearing a plain medical bracelet that announces her illness, Lauren is wearing a fashion forward medical alert bracelet that combines multi-colored crystals, sterling silver beads and an unobtrusive emergency medical ID tag. And so can you.  

      Lauren’s Hope has products available for men, women, and children of all ages. They offer several types of medical identification including: medical ID bracelets, necklaces, waterproof   Page  3  

and adjustable bracelets, diabetic driver and diabetes passenger stickers, medical identification luggage tags, temporary medical ID tattoos, medical ID ankle bracelets, custom engraved medical ID tags and much more. They even have medical ID tags for the puppy living with diabetes! This company donates a portion of their profit to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, so you can feel extra good about making a purchase. Creative Medical ID http://www.creativemedicalid.com/about Medical identification jewelry you’ll love to wear that will keep you safe in a medical emergency. Browse the online catalog of feminine and classic to hip and trendy jewelry for women, men, boys and girls. Creative Medical ID aims to bring you quality at affordable prices, using genuine Swarovski crystals, pearls and beads from all over the world. Each purchase comes with free engraving, a complementary Medical Emerency Wallet Card, and a free Organza Jewelry pouch, perfect for gift giving or keeping for yourself. Speaking of gifts, check out their gift wrap, resizing, and repairs services — and their 90-day guarantee. CLOTHING Café Press http://shop.cafepress.ca/diabetes Sick of everybody taking your diabetes so seriously? Check out these hilarious diabetes T-shirts and trinkets for some comic relief. Not only will you get a good laugh, you’ll also spread awareness about living with diabetes. METERS Meter Skins These days everybody seems to be personalizing cell phones with covers and cases that make a fashion statement — so why not do the same with your blood glucose monitor? Check with the manufacturer of your device to see what products they offer. For example, Fifty50 Pharmacy offers kid-cool meter skins that come in a variety of designs. Some companies might even have bonus offers — if you register your SoloV2 meter online, you will get a free meter skin in the color of your choosing. SHARPS CONTAINERS Stick Me Designs http://www.stickmedesigns.com/shop/index.php During her seventh month of pregnancy, founder and designer of Stick Me Designs, Rickina Velte, was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. After finally accepting this part of her pregnancy, she realized that this too could be turned into something positive in her life. Stick Me Designs brings style to people living with diabetes, which requires constant monitoring and testing. Medical necessity never needs to be medically boring again!  

      Featured products: Bio Flips are handcrafted, portable, and safe disposal companions that are perfect for discarding used sharps and test strips while you’re on the run. They are custom made   Page  4  

to fit your style and slender enough to fit in pockets and purses. When your Flip is full, simply remove the top and dump. SHOES Drew Shoes http://www.drewshoe.com/diabetic-shoes.aspx Foot care is an important part of diabetes management. Special shoes and shoe inserts (i.e., orthotics) can be made to fit softly around your sore feet or feet that have changed shape. These special shoes help protect your feet. Medicare and other health insurance programs may pay for special shoes if your doctor recommends them. Check out Drew Shoes, the leading provider of diabetic shoes on the market, for shoes that combine the best of function and style. Not everyone needs to purchase “diabetic shoes,” but everyone should buy shoes that are the best possible match to the shape of their feet. There are no standards in shoe sizing, so here are some simple shoe shopping points to remember: • Allow 3/8-1/2 inch between the end of the longest toe and the shoe. • When standing, the shoe should not be skin tight over the ball of the foot. • Shoes should be comfortable when you put them on – don’t expect them to break in and stretch to fit your foot. • Find shoes with cushioned/comfortable insoles and soles if possible. • Go shopping later in the day, as feet tend to swell during the day and it's best to be fitted while they are in that state.

   

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