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Diabetes is a complex and often misunderstood condition. One of the most important things you can do to manage or prevent it is to educate yourself about the facts. To help, we’ve debunked five common myths about type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Type 2 Diabetes

Myth: Weight is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the more common of the two main types of diabetes, develops gradually as the result of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. (Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that most commonly develops in childhood.) Obesity is one of the type 2 diabetes risk factors that many people are familiar with, and there are several misconceptions about the relationship between diabetes and weight.

While being overweight or obese may increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it is not the only risk factor. Frequency of physical activity, genetics, and age are also contributing factors. Many people who are overweight or obese do not develop diabetes, and people who are at a healthy weight may develop the condition.

Diabetes is characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar, or glucose, a source of energy that carbohydrates are converted into during the process of digestion. This often leads to the misconception that eating sugar can directly cause diabetes, which is not the case.

Still, if you have prediabetes, it is often recommended to consume soda, sports drinks, and other sweetened or sugary beverages in moderation, as they do not contain any fat or protein to balance their carbohydrate content.

Myth: People with diabetes have to eat a special diet

Any time you digest carbohydrates, in the form of food or drinks, your body turns those carbs into glucose, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. For those without diabetes, the body’s natural insulin response helps to balance blood sugar levels. However, for those with diabetes, insulin resistance keeps blood sugar at a higher level.

For this reason, it is important that individuals with both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are mindful of their carbohydrate intake. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot consume bread, potatoes, pasta, or other foods that are high in carbs. Recent studies have found that eating a diet with a good balance of carbs, protein, and fat can help with blood sugar management.

If you have prediabetes or diabetes, work with your provider to develop a healthy, balanced meal plan that you can consistently follow.

1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes, a health condition defined by higher than normal blood sugar levels that often precedes type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, prediabetes can lead to serious complications like heart disease and kidney damage.

While prediabetes is serious, it doesn’t need to result in diabetes. If you’ve received a diagnosis of prediabetes, work with your provider to prevent it from progressing into type 2 diabetes. Depending on your health history, that might mean increasing your physical activity, quitting smoking, or controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Myth: Taking insulin means you’re not managing your diabetes well

People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce any insulin on their own and rely on insulin therapy every day to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Treatment is more varied for type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance.

Some people with type 2 diabetes are able to manage their condition with lifestyle changes alone while others need to take oral diabetes medications like metformin or insulin.

If you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor recommends adding insulin therapy to your treatment plan, it does not mean you haven’t done a good job of managing your blood sugar. An individual’s type 2 diabetes treatment needs may change with time; the condition is progressive for many, and often, the body gradually becomes less able to produce insulin on its own. 

We’re specialists in treatment for type 2 diabetes, and whether you’re beginning oral medications or transitioning to insulin, Alto’s pharmacists are here to support you on your health journey.

Additionally, we make it as simple as possible to stay on track with treatment, with free, same-day delivery right to your doorstep, temperature controlled packaging, and savings investigations.

Reach out via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging to learn how Alto can be a partner in your diabetes care.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

A child’s diabetes care needs don’t stop during the school day, and starting a new school year or returning to the classroom after a diagnosis can be overwhelming for students and parents alike. Advanced planning and coordination with school staff can ease the transition and ensure that your child has everything they need to stay safe and healthy while at school. Below, we highlight the most important steps to take.

Managing Your Child’s Diabetes at School

To ensure effective management of your child’s diabetes during the school day, school staff should be informed of your child’s treatment plan as well as what to do in the event of a hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia emergency. There are two important plans to finalize and share with the school.

A diabetes medical management plan (DMMP) is the foundation of your child’s care regimen at school. It translates your endocrinologist’s recommendations into actionable items for your child’s school nurse, teacher, and other school staff members who are responsible for students.

A DMMP should cover every aspect of your child’s diabetes management, including the following. The American Diabetes Association has a detailed DMMP template that you can use as a starting point.

Insulin therapy needs, including the delivery device and timing of dosages and whether to contact you to adjust a dose

Important considerations for physical activities

Diabetes care needs — and the amount of support a child needs with them — evolve with time. Include information about your child’s self-care skills in your plan, clarifying specifically what support will be required from staff. Each school year, revisit your child’s DMMP with your endocrinologist and make updates if needed.

As you finalize your child’s treatment plan and your DMMP, consult with your endocrinologist about your insulin delivery device options. Many children find it convenient to use an insulin pump while at school, given the ease of use and automated timing of injections.

Insulin pens, which combine insulin and a syringe into a single device, also allow for faster and easier administration than syringes. (Some types of insulin pens are covered under pharmacy benefits — Alto may be able to help your child get started with these devices.)

You may also want to explore a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device for your child’s blood glucose monitoring needs. In contrast to traditional blood glucose meters (BGMs), which provide a single blood glucose reading by pricking a finger, CGMs automatically collect glucose readings regularly throughout the day. They can identify patterns that aren’t as easily captured by a traditional BGM and eliminate the need to step away for blood sugar readings. (Some CGMs give you the option of adding “followers,” so that you can alert your child’s provider and the school nurse to a potential emergency.)

504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP)

After your DMMP has been finalized, the next step is to draft a 504 plan or individualized education program (IEP). This plan takes all of the information about your child’s care needs from the DMMP and documents the school’s specific responsibilities.

If the school nurse will typically oversee your child’s care, a 504 plan should address who will step in if the nurse is unavailable. Account for after-school activities and events and field trips as well.

Share any relevant information with your child. For example, make sure they know who to go to for help with blood sugar testing or if they experience symptoms of low blood sugar.

This plan should be revisited each year and shared with anyone who will be responsible for your child during the school day or at school events. View the ADA’s template for a 504 plan.

Many staff members are integral to a child’s diabetes management during the school day: the school nurse, your child’s teacher, and administration, as well as the sponsors of extracurricular activities and nutrition service staff. Their knowledge of diabetes and level of comfort overseeing care may vary. In addition to distributing the DMMP and 504, consider asking your healthcare professional to lead a special training for key staff members.

Have one-on-one conversations as needed to get any information about school policies that impact your child’s diabetes. Here are some topics to cover with specific staff members.

Make sure that you, your child, and your child’s teacher are on the same page about each other’s needs. Ask about classroom rules and guidelines, such as what a student needs to do in order to leave the room — is it necessary to ask permission each time? Let the teacher know more about your child’s specific signs of hypoglycemia, as these vary by individual.

Many children with diabetes find it helpful to bring lunch to school, for carbohydrate counting purposes. If your child will eat meals in the cafeteria, request information about the menu and dietary guidelines from a member of the nutrition services team.

Participating in physical activities is both beneficial to your child’s diabetes management and important for their social life. Share any relevant information with the physical education instructor or another staff member to ensure that your child can safely participate.

Make sure your child’s school has all diabetes essentials on hand, including the following:

Blood glucose meter and extra batteries (include these as a backup even if your child uses a CGM)

Insulin and syringes or pens (include these as a backup even if your child uses a pump)

In addition, be sure that the school has the supplies needed to treat hypoglycemia in an emergency. Ideally, there will be one emergency kit in the nurse’s office and another in the classroom. Label it with your child’s name and include the following:

During your conversations with school staff, discuss a system for keeping track of supplies and notifying you when low.

Lastly, your child should wear a medical ID necklace or bracelet to school every day. This will ensure that they receive prompt and correct treatment in the event of an emergency.

A partner in your child’s diabetes care

Navigating your child’s diabetes diagnosis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner. At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to manage diabetes, with free same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our dedicated diabetes support team is here to ensure that you have all the information you need to follow the treatment plan your child’s doctor recommends.

Reach out any time by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or secure in-app messaging.

Cardiomyopathy refers to a variety of diseases of the heart muscle that affect the heart’s ability to carry out its pumping function. It is a progressive condition that can lead to other heart health issues including heart failure, but it can be managed through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, surgical procedures, and other types of treatment. Here’s what to know about causes, symptoms, and treatment options for the main types of cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy, Explained

Cardiomyopathy can be either acquired or inherited. While not all cases of cardiomyopathy have known causes, the following health factors or conditions have been linked to certain forms of cardiomyopathy.

A family health history of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest

Coronary artery disease or a history of a heart attack

Endocrine diseases including type 1 and type 2 diabetes and thyroid disorders

Diseases that weaken muscle tissue such as muscular dystrophy 

Cardiomyopathy symptoms vary by individual, and by the specific type of cardiomyopathy. The following signs often become more apparent as the condition progresses.

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, even while at rest

An irregular heartbeat, heart murmur, or heart palpitations

Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or briefly passing out

The most common type of cardiomyopathy and a leading cause for heart transplants, dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the left ventricle — one of the heart’s main pumping chambers — becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood to other organs as effectively as a healthy heart. It can affect individuals of all ages but is most common during middle age. Men are more likely than women to develop dilated cardiomyopathy. Coronary artery disease and heart attacks are common causes, but the condition may also stem from genetics. Those with dilated cardiomyopathy may face a greater risk for heart failure in the long term.

One of the most common forms of genetic heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, often in the left ventricle. It affects individuals of all ages but often develops during childhood or early adulthood. There is a strong genetic component to this condition, and most affected individuals have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If you have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you may want to consult with your physician about genetic testing options. Some individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy develop an arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat.

The least common of the three main types of cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle stiffens and cannot fill with enough blood between heartbeats. It is most common in older age groups and often occurs as the result of another heart-related health condition such as amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, scleroderma, or sarcoidosis. Restrictive cardiomyopathy itself is not believed to be inherited, but many of the related conditions mentioned above have a genetic component.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia occurs when muscle in the right ventricle is replaced by fat or scar tissue, potentially leading to heart rhythm issues. It is a rare form of cardiomyopathy that often develops as the result of a genetic mutation and most commonly affects teens and young adults.

Cardiomyopathy treatment varies by individual. Your doctor may recommend a combination of medications, medical devices, or surgical procedures to control your cardiomyopathy symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.

Medications may be used to improve blood flow and the heart’s pumping function, lower blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and/or prevent blood clots. The following types of medications are commonly used in the treatment of cardiomyopathy.

Blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics

Heart rate controlling medications such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin (Digox®, Lanoxin®, and Digitek®)

Blood thinners and antiplatelet medications such as warfarin (Coumadin®) and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs)

Antiarrhythmic medications such as amiodarone (Pacerone®) and dronedarone (Multaq®)

If you are experiencing an arrhythmia as the result of cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend a device such as a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to help control your heartbeat. Other devices including a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be used to improve the heart’s pumping function and control blood flow.

Some individuals with cardiomyopathy need a non-surgical procedure to treat their condition or a related arrhythmia. Common procedures include a septal ablation, in which a portion of the thickened heart muscle is destroyed to allow for more blood flow, and a radiofrequency ablation, which targets a portion of abnormal heart tissue to address an abnormal heart rhythm. In more severe cases, open-heart surgery or a heart transplant may be required.

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is another aspect of managing cardiomyopathy, as lifestyle choices can affect the progression of the condition and the severity of symptoms. If you have cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend that you quit smoking (if applicable), limit your alcohol intake, plan a heart-healthy diet, and exercise more frequently. While inherited forms of cardiomyopathy cannot be prevented, these healthy habits can lower your risk for related health complications and help you experience an active life.

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to manage your risk for heart health issues and follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends. We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

Reach out any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

For many individuals, the journey of living with type 2 diabetes starts early. Once referred to as adult-onset diabetes due to its prevalence among middle-aged and older Americans, the condition has become more common in children, adolescents, and young adults, due in part to growing childhood obesity rates. While some aspects of type 2 diabetes management, like glucose monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices, are important for all age groups, other parts of treatment may change with time. Here’s a snapshot of what type 2 diabetes may look like at each stage of life and tips for living with the condition.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes at Any Age

All type 2 diabetes treatment plans include healthy eating, frequent physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring regardless of age. Depending on a child or adult’s blood sugar levels and overall health, they may also need diabetes medication or insulin therapy to supplement these lifestyle changes. In addition to insulin, two other diabetes medications may be used to treat type 2 diabetes during childhood: metformin, an oral medication, and liraglutide, an injectable medication.

Younger children will need assistance with blood sugar monitoring, and if your child takes insulin, they will also need help with insulin administration. It’s important that teachers or other school staff are able to provide support during school days. Make sure that someone at the school is prepared to administer glucagon if your child’s blood sugar falls below a healthy range (known as hypoglycemia).

Inform your child’s teacher and/or other school staff of your child’s type 2 diagnosis before classes begin. Be sure to discuss daily treatment needs like blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, or other medication needs, as well as how to spot the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has resources that can help you start these conversations.

Living with type 2 diabetes as a young child can be emotionally challenging. It often helps to build connections with other children who are on the same journey. Explore programming for children with type 2 diabetes, like the ADA’s summer camps.

If your child is overweight, their doctor may recommend that you focus on slowing weight gain rather than losing weight since they are still growing. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and look for simple but impactful changes, like swapping carbohydrate-rich foods for a snackable fruit or vegetable, or trading soft drinks and fruit juices for water.

Whether you’ve had type 2 diabetes since childhood or are newly diagnosed, living with the condition as a young adult requires you to take an active role in the management of your health. It’s important to build a relationship with a care team that you trust to avoid any gaps in your treatment. Depending on your treatment plan, you may also have to learn about the logistics of filling prescriptions, ordering diabetes supplies, and coordinating with your insurance company.

Taking on additional responsibilities and navigating life more independently doesn’t mean that you’re completely on your own in managing your diabetes. If parents or another relative previously helped you with blood sugar monitoring, scheduling doctor’s appointments, or other aspects of care, use them as a resource during this transitional period as you become more confident managing your health. You may also want to expand your support system by working with a certified diabetes educator or connecting with other young adults living with type 2 diabetes.

Make sure you understand how other health issues can affect diabetes. For example, the common cold or flu can impact your calorie intake and blood sugar levels, so it’s important to be prepared to manage other illnesses. Alcohol safety is also extra important when living with type 2 diabetes, as alcohol is a factor in your blood sugar levels. For those taking insulin, be mindful of how alcohol use affects insulin therapy.

Build a diabetes care team you trust. In addition to seeing a primary care physician for general health issues, search for an endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes treatment.

Familiarize yourself with all aspects of managing type 2 diabetes, from navigating health insurance to monitoring blood sugar. Consider working with a certified diabetes educator. These are healthcare professionals with extensive knowledge of the condition who can offer individualized support. You can also search for a diabetes education program.

Find opportunities to connect with other young adults learning how to manage type 2 diabetes, like the Beyond Type 2 community.

The progression of type 2 diabetes varies significantly by individual. While many individuals are just beginning the journey of living with the condition in their 30s or 40s, diabetes management may feel like second nature for those who were diagnosed at an earlier age. It’s also possible for a person’s treatment needs to evolve at this stage of life. If lifestyle changes and other medications are effective, you may be tapering off of insulin. Conversely, you may need to begin taking additional medications, such as insulin, in order to manage your diabetes even more effectively. As always, follow your care team’s recommendations for your specific needs.

Regardless of what type 2 diabetes looks like for you, one thing’s for certain: it’s important to stay on top of your care and put your health first even when life is at its busiest. Make sure there’s plenty of room in your calendar for physical activity and doctor’s appointments. If you take insulin, find the right delivery method for your schedule and lifestyle. Many people who work long days in a physical setting find insulin pumps and pens convenient as they eliminate the need to remember the timing of injections.

If you are considering starting a family, your doctor can help you plan to have a healthy pregnancy. Get clarity on your A1C targets — your average blood sugar levels over several months — and how long to maintain them before pregnancy. Once you become pregnant, make a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible to learn about any potential changes to your treatment plan.

Revisit your fitness routine, if needed, to find the right activities for your schedule. If you find it challenging to fit enough exercise into your life — ideally 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week — try to fit shorter bursts of physical activity into your day. 

If you take insulin, consult with your doctor about insulin delivery options to find the best fit for your needs.

Choose a diabetes pharmacy partner that simplifies your treatment. At Alto, we consolidate all of your medications and supplies into a single monthly delivery, and our mobile app can help you manage all of your diabetes needs in one place.

Preventative care and healthy lifestyle choices take on additional importance when you’re living with diabetes, which increases your risk for other chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and dementia.

Many older adults with diabetes also have high blood pressure, which is linked to a higher risk for strokes and heart attacks as well as vision and kidney function. Stay on top of key numbers like your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment. You may also want to ask your doctor about additional screenings related to your mental health or cognitive health, as older adults with diabetes are more likely to experience depression or cognitive impairment. (If caring for an older adult with diabetes, watch for the signs of depression and dementia.)

Stay current with vaccines, including the annual flu shot and the pneumonia vaccine. If you are unsure which vaccines you need, ask your doctor.

Ask your doctor about the recommended frequency of screenings for other health conditions, including cancer screenings and kidney function tests.

Find a loved one to help with insulin administration and recording blood sugar readings, if needed.

Managing diabetes is easier at any age with the right pharmacy partner by your side. The Alto app can help you manage all of your diabetes needs in one place, and our dedicated diabetes support team is here to offer guidance and make sure you have everything you need for your treatment.

Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881 to learn how we can support your diabetes care.

Vaccines — which were first developed in 1796 for smallpox and continue to evolve with new research and technology — build on your immune system’s natural function to protect you from serious diseases. Just like white blood cells and the other components of your immune system, vaccines help you develop immunity, but without the initial illness and risk of health complications. Here’s a look at how vaccines work.

The Science Behind Vaccines

Your immune system has a natural way of defending you from the viruses and bacteria that cause illness. As these germs multiply rapidly and infect your body, an army of white blood cells fights back, producing antibodies that attack the invaders.

The first time you are infected by a specific virus or bacteria, your immune system often cannot destroy the germ quickly enough to prevent you from becoming sick. After you’ve recovered, certain immune cells hold onto the memory of the infection. This allows them to mobilize quickly if they encounter the same germ again, preventing illness in the future. Immunity, your body’s resistance to certain types of infection, is the outcome of this process.

To understand how vaccines work, it’s helpful to know how your immune system naturally fights an infection. B-lymphocyte white blood cells produce blood proteins called antibodies, which attack antigens — the part of the invading germ that triggers an immune response. T-lymphocyte white blood cells attack already infected cells in the body. After the infection has ended, a few T-lymphocytes, or memory cells, remain to ensure a fast immune response should the same germ reappear.

Vaccines imitate infections, triggering the process of building immunity to a specific disease without causing illness. Your immune system responds to these imitation infections the same way it would to an actual infection. Detecting antigens from the vaccine, your immune system produces antibodies and T-lymphocyte cells. The imitation infection leaves your body with T-lymphocyte memory cells and B-lymphocytes, which will know how to quickly fight that antigen in the future. This prevents you from becoming sick if you are exposed to the virus or bacteria that cause the disease.

It typically takes several weeks for your body to produce T-lymphocyte and B-lymphocyte cells in response to a vaccine, which is why in most cases you will not immediately develop immunity. This means that you could become infected with a disease and develop symptoms shortly after vaccination, so it’s important to take necessary precautions until you become fully immune to the virus or bacteria. The healthcare professional administering your vaccine will inform you of the anticipated timeline for immunity.

Sometimes the imitation infection created by a vaccine causes mild symptoms such as a fever. These side effects are normal and indicate that your body is building immunity.

While all vaccines arrive at the end result of immunity, there are several paths for getting there. When deciding which type of vaccine to create for a disease, researchers consider a variety of factors, including the immune system’s response to the germ that causes the disease, the population likely to receive the vaccine, and the regions of the world where it will be used. These are the seven types of vaccines commonly used in the U.S.

Live vaccines use a weakened version of the living virus or bacteria that causes a disease. They are most similar to the natural infection and produce long-lasting immunity. The weakened form of the germ does not lead to serious disease, like that caused by the wild form of the germ, for most individuals with strong immune systems. However, live vaccines aren’t safe for those who are immunocompromised, including children undergoing cancer treatment. Examples of live vaccines include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the chickenpox vaccine.

Inactivated vaccines are produced by inactivating, or killing, the germ that causes a disease. Examples include the polio, hepatitis A, and flu vaccines. They don’t provide as strong of immunity as live vaccines, so additional doses, also referred to as booster shots, are often needed for ongoing protection.

Toxoid vaccines target a toxin, a harmful substance produced by a germ, rather than the entire germ itself. They contain a weakened version of the toxin to be targeted called a toxoid, which teaches your immune system how to fight off the natural toxin. Similar to the germs used in live vaccines, toxoids are weakened to a point where they do not cause illness. These vaccines are used to prevent diseases caused by toxin-producing bacteria such as diphtheria and tetanus.

Subunit vaccines use portions of a virus or bacteria called subunits rather than the entire germ. Vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, or whooping cough, are combined into the DTaP vaccine. The pertussis component is a subunit vaccine.

Conjugate vaccines fight a specific type of bacteria whose antigens are more difficult for a child’s immune system to detect due to their outer coating. The vaccines link the coating to stronger antigens that the immune system can more easily respond to. Like subunit vaccines, these vaccines are more targeted and only use part of the germ. Examples of conjugate vaccines include the haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine.

Viral vector vaccines produce immunity to a virus by using a modified version of a different virus to deliver instructions to your immune cells. The modified version of the other virus is referred to as a vector virus. Recent Ebola vaccines have used this technology, and the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is also a viral vector vaccine.

mRNA vaccines help your body produce a protein that triggers an immune response and the development of antibodies. This technology was used to create the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

Read ‘What the COVID-19 Vaccine Means for Those With HIV’

All vaccines in the United States require approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are held to rigorous safety and effectiveness standards. The vaccine approval process starts with lab tests, which may take years in some cases. The FDA analyzes the results to determine if the vaccine should be tested with people. If the vaccine moves forward, the next step is clinical trials where the vaccine is tested on volunteers.

Clinical trials typically begin with a smaller group of 20 to 100 volunteers before including thousands more. The trials gather information about vaccine safety, the typical immune response, and dosing. If any safety concerns emerge during this stage, the FDA must address them before it can authorize the vaccine.

Vaccine manufacturers are required to continuously monitor vaccine safety after approval and test every batch produced to ensure effectiveness, quality, and purity. These test results are reviewed by the FDA, which also conducts an inspection of the factory where the vaccine was produced. If you experience severe side effects after vaccination, contact your healthcare provider so that they can report potential concerns to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s vaccine monitoring database.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were developed and approved more quickly than a typical vaccine given the urgent nature of the pandemic. This expedited timeline was made possible by significant investment from governments and companies in the vaccine development process and decades of research on mRNA vaccine technology. These vaccines were as thoroughly vetted for quality and safety as any other vaccine.

Many vaccines are received during childhood, like the polio, chickenpox, and MMR vaccines, but there are others you may need as an adult. The CDC recommends the zoster vaccine, which prevents shingles, for adults ages 50 and older and the pneumonia vaccine for those over 65. Other vaccines may be recommended based on additional factors including job or school requirements, travel, and health conditions. Check in with your doctor about which vaccines you need.

The CDC also recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. New versions of flu vaccines are developed annually in anticipation of circulating flu virus strains, so health experts recommend getting one every year to prepare for cold and flu season. It’s especially important to be proactive about flu vaccination if you are over the age of 65 or have a chronic condition such as COPD or diabetes.

For detailed vaccine recommendations by age group, reference the CDC’s recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents and adults.

At Alto, a pharmacist is your partner in health. If you take medication, we will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to make your medications as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up. 

Reach out any time through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

There are 1.6 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes, including about 200,000 young people under 20 and 1.4 million adults aged 20 years old and older. Here is a high-level guide to living with type 1 diabetes at any age.

How to Live with Type 1 Diabetes at Any Age

There are 1.6 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes, including about 200,000 young people under 20 and 1.4 million adults aged 20 years old and older. While type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed during childhood or adolescence (it was once referred to as juvenile diabetes), a diagnosis can come at any age 

Living with type 1 diabetes is a lifelong journey, and insulin therapy and blood glucose monitoring will remain constant. Some aspects of diabetes management, though, apply only to certain age groups, like coordinating with school staff about a child’s type 1 diabetes care plan or prioritizing heart disease prevention as you get older (more about that later).

Below, we’ve highlighted  things to be mindful of with type 1 diabetes treatment for various age groups. This is intended to be a high-level guide to living with type 1 diabetes at any age, and your diabetes care team (or your child’s) will help you develop an individualized treatment plan with recommendations for insulin dosage, blood sugar targets, and blood sugar monitoring frequency.

Type 1 diabetes and children: blood sugar monitoring at school

Individuals with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce any insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas which helps convert sugar, or glucose, into energy. Getting started with insulin therapy is one of the first steps after a type 1 diagnosis, and is an important part of living with type 1 diabetes at any age. Daily insulin therapy, along with blood sugar monitoring and meal planning, allows people with type 1 diabetes to maintain healthy and consistent blood sugar levels.

While the goal of insulin therapy is to keep your blood sugar levels as steady as possible throughout the day, fluctuations are natural. Checking blood sugar levels several times each day allows you to stay within a healthy range. Younger children with type 1 diabetes will need help with both insulin administration and blood sugar monitoring, and during the school day you may need teachers and other school staff to provide support. It’s also important that someone at the school understands how to administer glucagon if your child’s blood sugar falls too low (known as hypoglycemia).

Here are some steps you can take to simplify your child’s treatment needs and make sure you’re prepared for an emergency.

Communicate with your child’s teacher and/or other school staff before classes begin to make sure they’re aware of your child’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis. 

Discuss daily treatment needs like blood sugar monitoring and insulin therapy as well as potential complications that may arise, like low blood sugar, and how to spot the signs and symptoms.

You may also want to consider an insulin pump. They have become increasingly common in diabetes treatment, especially with children, due to their convenience, ease of use, and automated timing of insulin injections 

The American Diabetes Association has resources that you can share with school staff to help them understand how to support your child’s diabetes care plan. And the JDRF has a back to school checklist, which includes all the information your child’s teachers should know.

Read our previous blog to learn more about managing your child’s type 1 diabetes.

Teens and young adults: managing diabetes away from home

Learning how to navigate life with greater independence and less structure as you enter your late teens and twenties often takes on additional importance if you have type 1 diabetes. You may now be responsible for aspects of your own diabetes treatment that parents or other adults previously helped with.

For many young adults living with type 1 diabetes, this transitional period requires learning about the logistical aspects of diabetes care, like filling prescriptions, ordering supplies, and scheduling appointments. And whether you’re living far from home or nearby, it may be time to find a new doctor, as many young adults switch from seeing a pediatrician to an adult healthcare provider around the ages of 18 - 21.

To avoid any gaps in your diabetes treatment, plan ahead and work with your pediatrician and your support system, including your parents or other relatives, to create a plan for finding an adult healthcare provider. Make sure that you also have the information you need to stay on track with your diabetes management, like how to navigate health insurance, or how to use diabetes supplies like a continuous glucose monitoring device (CGM)  or insulin pump. 

It’s understandable if other challenges related to your diabetes care needs arise for the first time during this stage of life. For many young adults, there’s a learning curve with handling other illnesses when you’re away from home. For example, the flu can become more complicated if you have diabetes, since it may affect your calorie intake, which in turn may affect your blood sugar levels. Once you’ve found a primary care provider, ask them about additional steps to take when you’re sick, like checking your blood sugar levels more frequently or consuming carbohydrate-rich soft food and liquids .

It’s also important to understand how alcohol use can interact with insulin therapy and affect your blood sugar levels. Ask your doctor for recommendations about drinking safely when living with type 1 diabetes, and be honest with them about your alcohol consumption so that they can best address your individual health needs.

You may also benefit from working with a certified diabetes educator during the transition from your teens to adulthood. A diabetes educator is a healthcare professional with extensive knowledge of diabetes who has been certified to coach individuals living with the condition. They can make sure you have all the necessary information to successfully manage your diabetes.

Maintaining a balanced life with type 1 diabetes

It may feel like life has only gotten faster during your late twenties and into your thirties and forties. However, staying on track with your diabetes management is as important as ever — and for some individuals, you may be first learning of your type 1 diabetes diagnosis during this busy time.

A common challenge of living with type 1 diabetes in adulthood is fitting daily treatment needs into a busy schedule. If you work long days in a physical setting, it may feel inconvenient to take insulin and check your blood sugar while on the job. You may find that an insulin pump is a good option for you since you won’t have to worry about remembering the timing of your injections.

Ultimately, deciding how much of your health situation to share with an employer is a personal choice, but at least one person should be prepared to offer support in the event of an emergency if you work on site. Make sure they know the signs of low blood sugar, how to administer emergency glucagon, and where you keep your supplies.

If you are a woman living with type 1 diabetes and considering starting a family, sharing your family planning goals with your primary care physician can help you have a healthy pregnancy. Your A1C levels — your average blood sugar levels over a period of two to three months, which your doctor will check periodically during your regular visits — are even more important in the months before pregnancy. This is because your blood sugar levels can impact the development of your baby’s organs during the first 8 to 12 weeks of your pregnancy.

Ask your doctor to clarify your A1C goals and how long to maintain them before pregnancy. And once you find out you are pregnant, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to find out if you need to make any changes to your treatment.

Your risk for many conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and dementia all increase as you age. When living with type 1 diabetes, preventative care and healthy lifestyle choices are even more important, as many aging-related health risks intersect with potential diabetes-related complications.

Men and women living with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart disease than those without the condition. High blood pressure is common in older adults with diabetes, which can lead to a greater risk for strokes and heart attacks and may also affect your vision and kidney function.

It’s important to keep track of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment, which may include lifestyle changes and medications. And depending on your overall health, you may need a loved one’s support with managing certain aspects of your diabetes care, like administering insulin and recording blood sugar readings.

Living with diabetes at any age is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner. At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to manage your diabetes, with free same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app. And our dedicated diabetes support team is here to ensure that you have all the information you need to follow through on your individualized treatment plan.

Reach out any time by phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

Despite the initial challenges of a type 1 diagnosis, managing your child’s diabetes does get easier. Here’s an overview of the information you need to manage your child’s diagnosis.

How to Manage Your Child’s Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

Your child’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis affects the entire family. As a parent, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed as you get up to speed on their treatment plan, including insulin therapy,  blood glucose testing, and coordinating with your insurance provider.

“There’s so much information thrown at you right away, and we didn’t know what we didn’t know,” shared Lucinda, a Partnership Manager at Alto whose 5-year-old son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year. “Insurance coverage is particularly complicated with diabetes, even for someone who works in healthcare like me, because you’re dealing with so many medications and supplies that aren’t commonly prescribed.”

Despite the initial challenges of a type 1 diagnosis, managing your child’s diabetes does get easier. By staying on top of daily blood sugar management and surrounding your family with a strong support system, your child will be able to have a healthy, active life — and you will be able to find some peace of mind. Here’s an overview of the information you need to manage your child’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly destroys the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells. Your body needs insulin to properly convert a simple sugar known as glucose into energy. Without insulin, blood sugar levels rise in people with type 1 diabetes, which can cause life-threatening health complications if untreated.

While type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed in adults, the majority of cases develop during childhood (the condition was once referred to as juvenile diabetes). In some cases, symptoms appear in children less than a year old.

Blood sugar levels typically rise very quickly as the condition develops. Some of the common initial symptoms of type 1 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, weight loss, and fatigue. Your child may feel very sick within two to three weeks following the onset of the condition.

Insulin therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for type 1 diabetes. Since individuals with type 1 diabetes don’t produce any insulin at all, they need to take insulin every day to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Insulin is most commonly administered with a syringe, but additional methods of delivery include insulin pumps and pens. There are five main types of insulin categorized by how quickly they work and how long they last: rapid-acting, regular or short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting, and ultra long-acting. 

It’s important to work with your child’s healthcare provider to find the right insulin dosage, as taking too much or too little can cause rapid changes in blood glucose levels. Many people with diabetes need to take a combination of rapid or short-acting and long-acting insulins throughout the day. This best replicates the natural actions of a normally functioning pancreas, which releases a continual supply of insulin with additional bursts when you eat.

Read our previous blog to learn more about getting started with insulin therapy.

The goal of insulin therapy is to keep your child’s blood sugar in a healthy range. For people without diabetes, a typical blood sugar range is 70 to 125 mg/dL when fasting. People with diabetes should typically try to stay between 70 to 180 mg/dL. 

Your child’s healthcare provider will let you know what your child’s blood sugar target range is. Individual blood sugar targets will vary depending on factors like age, physical activity, and the severity of the condition. It will likely change as your child grows.

Daily testing is the only way to ensure that your child’s blood sugar is within their target range. It will also offer insight into how food and physical activity affect your child’s blood sugar levels throughout the day.

As with insulin therapy, checking your child’s blood sugar using a blood glucose meter will become routine. You will likely need to check and record your child’s blood sugar several times throughout the day, including before meals and snacks, before and after exercise, and before bed. Logging results from blood sugar tests is very important for noticing patterns and determining if any adjustments to your child’s treatment are necessary. Apps like Glucose and mySugr are helpful tools that allow you to identify trends over time.

Your doctor will advise you on your child’s individual needs with blood sugar monitoring. You may have to check their blood sugar levels more frequently when they are sick, if their routine changes, or if they start a new medication. A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device, which measures blood sugar every few minutes through a temporary or implanted sensor inserted under the skin, is helpful for individuals who need to monitor blood sugar levels more closely. Consult with your child’s healthcare provider about whether or not a CGM device is appropriate.

Carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels more than any other nutrient, so monitoring how many carbs your child consumes every day is another important aspect of blood sugar management.

Advanced meal planning is important, as your child’s daily insulin dosage is based on their insulin-to-carb ratio. They should be able to eat a variety of foods so long as you carefully plan out meals and spread their carb intake throughout the day.

Your child’s healthcare provider can help you determine your child’s target carb ratio. While this is a healthy baseline to aim for, blood sugar naturally fluctuates throughout the day. There may be times when additional carbs are needed to treat low blood sugar, or when extra insulin is required to bring high blood sugar levels down.

By no means should a type 1 diabetes diagnosis prevent your child from staying active. In fact, exercise offers individuals with type 1 diabetes additional benefits like lowering blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. 

However, exercise may sometimes cause a drop in blood sugar levels, so it’s important to check blood sugar levels beforehand. Stock up on carbohydrate-rich snacks such as dried fruits, trail mix, or granola bars to treat low blood sugar, keeping in mind that physical activity is often more unplanned and spontaneous with children and adolescents than it is with adults. 

The American Diabetes Association recommends giving 5-15 grams of carbs, depending on your child’s age and weight, for every 30 minutes of sustained physical activity in tandem with frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Low blood sugar is also known as hypoglycemia. For many individuals with diabetes, hypoglycemia occurs when their blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dL. However, diabetes treatment plans are individualized, and your child may have a different blood sugar target range, so be sure to consult with your child’s physician.

There are many reasons why blood sugar may fall, including not eating enough, exercising too much, taking too much insulin, or not taking insulin at the right time. Initial signs of hypoglycemia include feeling sweaty, shaky, and hungry. As blood sugar drops further, additional symptoms include feeling weak, having difficulty walking or seeing clearly, getting disoriented, and having seizures.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, check their blood sugar and treat immediately with fast-acting sources of glucose, including fruit snacks, juice boxes, glucose tabs, or glucose gels. In cases of severe hypoglycemia — 55 mg/dL or less for many individuals with diabetes — glucagon can be used to restore blood sugar.

On the other end of the spectrum, a blood sugar of 180 mg/dL or higher is usually considered hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. It frequently occurs when too little insulin is taken for the amount of carbs consumed, but factors like illness, stress, and hormonal changes can also lead to hyperglycemia. Common signs include extreme thirst, frequent urination, or increased hunger.

If you notice any of these hyperglycemia symptoms in your child, check their blood sugar levels and follow the treatment plan your doctor has recommended, which may include a dose of rapid acting insulin, water, or other carbohydrate-free beverages.

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