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Join us in delivering our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of people across the country. As a member of the team, you’ll play an integral role in improving our customers’ quality of life and redefining what’s possible in pharmacy. 

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Blog | Alto Pharmacy

At Alto, we strive to reduce the stress that comes with managing your diabetes however we can. As a pharmacy for all of your diabetes needs, we’re able to sync all of your medications and supplies into a single delivery every month. In fact, you might even be a little surprised by just how much is included in a diabetes delivery, so we put together a short overview of what’s inside the box.

What’s in Your Alto Pharmacy Diabetes Delivery

We recommend unpacking your full package upon delivery and making sure you have everything you need. Carefully check insulated wrappers or ice packs to make sure you don’t miss any medications or supplies, and promptly place any items marked “Refrigeration Needed” in your refrigerator.

A quick note on refrigeration: we understand how important it is that your medications and supplies arrive in good condition, and we use temperature controlled packaging to ensure that insulin is held at the right temperature while it’s on the way to you.

Depending on what your care team has prescribed, you’ll probably have many or all of the following in your Alto delivery:

Diabetes medications in the form of vials, pens, pills, tablets, or inhalation devices

Insulin pumps (small electronic devices that deliver doses of insulin at specific times - common brands include Omnipod®)

Blood glucose meters, test strips, and lancets (common brands include Accu-Chek® and OneTouch®)

Smart insulin pens (a method of insulin delivery that combines insulin and syringe into a single device - common brands include InPenTM)

Continuous glucose meters (CGMs) (a small electronic device that automatically collects glucose readings at regular intervals throughout the day - common brands include Dexcom® and Freestyle Libre®)

Supplies like needles or syringes will be packaged in their own bag with a label that explains their purpose.

Note: the specific medications and supplies you have for your injections and diabetes care may look different than what is displayed in these photos. If your physician has instructed you to use a specific device, supply or medication, always follow their instructions.

It’s important to practice safe disposal methods for your needles and other injection or testing supplies. 

Use your red sharps container to safely store your needles after use. Sharps should never be thrown loosely into the trash, in the toilet, or in the recycling bin. Sharps that retract after use or are very small should follow the same disposal method as all other sharps.

Alto does not accept returns of sharps containers - you can find a safe local disposal site here.

If you need a new sharps container, send us a message in the app, and we’ll add it to your next delivery.

We’re a one stop shop for all your diabetes management needs. In addition to auto refills and med syncing, we offer free, same-day delivery and automatic savings investigations. And our team of pharmacists is always here to answer your questions by phone or the Alto app. 

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

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.

A consistent lack of sleep can also affect your physical and mental health in the long term. Here's what you can do to improve your sleep hygiene.

How Sleep Affects Heart Health | Alto Pharmacy

If you’ve ever slept less than the CDC-recommended minimum of seven hours per night, you may have experienced short-term effects of sleep deprivation like forgetfulness, irritability, and an inability to focus. A consistent lack of sleep can also affect your physical and mental health in the long term. And just like diet choices and frequency of physical activity, your sleep habits are linked to your risk for heart disease.

Below, we explain more about how sleep affects heart health and what you can do to improve your sleep hygiene.

Sleep allows your body to recharge. As you enter a state of deep sleep, your heart rate slows down and your blood pressure drops. These physical changes give your heart a chance to recover from how hard it works when you’re awake.

When you don’t spend enough time in uninterrupted deep sleep, your heart doesn’t get the opportunity to rest. Research has found that chronic sleep deprivation and sleep disorders can contribute to numerous cardiovascular health issues including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a greater risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Cardiovascular health issues related to sleep

Over time, many sleepless nights can lead to higher baseline blood pressure levels during the day. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is among the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. If you experience consistent stress or if you have other risk factors for high blood pressure, you may be more likely to develop high blood pressure as a result of sleep deprivation.

Poor sleep may also contribute to these cardiovascular health issues:

Coronary artery disease occurs when cholesterol and other fatty material (collectively referred to as plaque) builds up in your arteries, making it harder for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. This accumulation of plaque is also called atherosclerosis.

Some research has found that a lack of sleep may contribute to atherosclerosis. This is partially due to the connection between sleep deprivation and hypertension, as high blood pressure strains your arteries. In addition, poor sleep can trigger chronic inflammation over time, which also contributes to the accumulation of plaque and the hardening of your arteries.

Chronic sleep deprivation may also increase your risk for a heart attack. One research study found that people who slept less than six hours per night had a 20% higher risk of a heart attack in comparison to those who got more sleep.

While your heart slows down when you are in a state of deep sleep, your heart rate and blood pressure can increase if you wake up suddenly. Over time, consistent sleep disruptions can put greater stress on your heart and contribute to your overall heart attack risk.

A stroke is a cardiac event in which blood flow to your brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. Because sleep deprivation can drive high blood pressure and plaque accumulation in your arteries — two leading risk factors for strokes — there is also a correlation between a lack of sleep and your risk of having a stroke.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body’s cells become resistant to insulin, and your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate levels of blood glucose. It develops gradually due to a mix of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Research has linked poor sleep to prediabetes, a health condition defined primarily by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but below the official range for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. If left untreated, prediabetes can progress into type 2 diabetes and lead to health complications in the long term, including cardiovascular issues.

If you already have diabetes, a lack of sleep or frequently interrupted sleep may also impact blood sugar management.

There are two primary sleep problems that can impact your long-term cardiovascular health: sleep apnea and insomnia.

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your airway is blocked during sleep, which causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time. It affects your oxygen levels while sleeping and may increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

Insomnia is when you have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep. Many individuals have experienced insomnia in the short-term, and the CDC estimates that 1 in 10 U.S. adults may experience chronic insomnia.

More than 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. report getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. The good news is there are steps you can take to improve your sleep hygiene. Start with the following:

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends.

Avoid use of electronic devices close to your bedtime.

Get plenty of natural light and stay physically active during the day, but avoid exercising close to bedtime.

Avoid consuming food or beverages close to bedtime, particularly caffeine, alcohol, and high-sugar or high-fat foods.

Keep your bedroom dark and quiet and maintain a comfortable temperature. 

Read our previous blog for strategies that can help you avoid stress-related sleep problems..

If you think you may have a sleep disorder, you should also consult with your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment, in addition to taking the actions above.

At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to protect your heart health and stay on top of cholesterol-lowering or blood pressure management medications.  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 through in-app secure messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

How Sleep Affects Heart Health & Tips for Better Sleep

From vigilant hand-washing to getting enough vitamin C and D, here are a few ways to give yourself an immunity boost in advance of cold and flu season.

How to Prepare for Cold and Flu Season

The leaves are turning and the days are getting shorter, which means it’s time to start preparing for cold and flu season. The flu — shorthand for influenza — is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that affect your nose, throat, and lungs. In the U.S. and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, flu cases typically ramp up toward the end of October and peak between December and February.

One reason the flu spreads more easily during the winter months is that cold air protects the virus as it travels through the air in the form of tiny droplets. The other main reason is that people socialize indoors more frequently, where it’s easier for the flu to spread when someone affected by the virus coughs or sneezes.

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to strengthen your immunity. From vigilant hand-washing to getting enough vitamin C and D, here are a few ways to give yourself an immunity boost in advance of cold and flu season.

The number one thing you can do to protect your health and that of your loved ones is to get an annual flu shot, which will prompt your immune system to create antibodies that will defend you against the flu. Medical experts recommend getting the vaccine each and every year. every year.

Keep in mind it can take up to two weeks for the antibodies to provide sufficient protection. Given that flu season often peaks around December, the best time to get vaccinated is during September and October, and ideally no later than the end of October.

The flu can cause more serious health problems for people over the age of 65 and individuals living with chronic conditions such as COPD or diabetes, so it’s even more important to be proactive about flu vaccination if you fall into one of these groups.

Good personal hygiene can lower your risk of getting the cold or flu and spreading it to others. Practice simple preventative measures like frequently washing your hands, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and keeping a healthy distance from anyone who isn’t feeling well.

And yes, there is a “right way” to wash your hands when it comes to cold and flu prevention. The CDC recommends following the simple steps below to stay healthy and avoid spreading germs.

1. Wet your hands with warm or cold running water and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and beneath your nails. 

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. (Singing “Happy Birthday” twice is one option for timing yourself.)

Get a good night’s sleep and regular exercise

Your body is better prepared to defend against infectious diseases when it’s well-rested. Research has found that sleep can strengthen your T cells’ ability to help you fight infection. (T cells are a specific type of white blood cell and an important part of your immune system.)

To strengthen your immunity, aim for 7 to 9 hours every night. If you’re having difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night, there are some steps you can take to improve the quality of your sleep. Try to follow a consistent schedule: go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning, even on the weekends. And avoid consuming heavy meals or caffeine or using electronic devices close to your bedtime.

Staying physically active can also help you sleep better. In fact, exercise may boost your immunity in other ways, too, such as increasing your circulation, which helps white blood cells and antibodies travel to parts of your body where they’re needed. 

Studies have found that U.S. adults tend to exercise less during winter and fall than they do during spring and summer, so be sure that your calendar can still accommodate your fitness routine during the colder months. Whether you explore virtual workout classes or bundle up to brave the cold, aim for about 150 minutes of exercise a week or 30 minutes per day.

Your dietary choices can strengthen your immune system, not only during cold and flu season but all year round. 

Probiotics are tiny organisms that can help you maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your digestive system, which will also support your immune system. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir all contain live probiotics, as does greek yogurt. In addition, legumes like chickpeas and lentils contain prebiotics, a type of fiber consumed by probiotics which also contributes to a healthy digestive system.

Oranges, tomatoes, and spinach each offer up plenty of Vitamin C, a powerful nutrient with many health benefits, including the ability to boost immunity and fight inflammation.

You’re automatically exposed to Vitamin D — another crucial immunity-related nutrient — on hot, sunny days, but during winter, it’s extra important to add it to your diet. Sources of Vitamin D include egg yolks, mushrooms, canned tuna, and salmon, which also contains other immunity-boosting nutrients like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. There is evidence that taking Vitamin D daily can significantly lower your risk of getting sick with the cold or flu, and you may also consider taking Vitamin D supplements.

Lastly, if you’re feeling under the weather, be sure to drink 6-8 cups of water a day, as you can become dehydrated more easily when sick.

When you’re chronically stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol very frequently. Cortisol helps the body fight inflammation and infection, but its continual release can lessen its effectiveness as part of your immune system. 

Some degree of stress is inevitable, but there are healthy ways to keep it under control, like practicing meditation, exercising, and staying connected to family and friends. If stressors at work or at home feel difficult to manage, your primary care provider can help you find mental health resources. 

In addition, check out free mental health apps like What’s Up?, which helps you manage stress and negative thoughts through a therapy approach called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Insight Timer, which has a diverse library of free guided meditations.

We’re here to help you navigate this year’s cold and flu season

We hope that the immunity-boosting tips above will help you enjoy a healthy fall and winter. If you do develop flu symptoms, remember to keep others safe by staying home and reporting your symptoms to a doctor as soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours to reduce the severity and duration of your illness). And with a strong immune system, you’re likely to be on the mend in no time at all.

Many mild cases of the cold or flu can often be treated with rest and extra self-care, but if your doctor prescribes an antiviral medication, we’ll hand-deliver it to your door for free. 

Evidence suggests that gut health may also belong on the list of heart disease risk factors. Here’s what to know about the link between heart health and gut health, including steps you can take to maintain a balanced gut microbiome.

What to Know About the Heart and Gut Health Connection

Different factors can increase your chance of developing heart disease, like age, family history, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, among others. And now, evidence suggests that gut health may also belong on the list of heart disease risk factors.

There are trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other small, microscopic organisms called microbes housed in your digestive system. They are collectively referred to as the gut microbiome. In recent years, researchers have found that the gut microbiome affects more than your digestive health alone. Heart disease is one of several health conditions that may be at least partially fueled by an unhealthy balance of gut bacteria.

The good news? This is a heart disease risk factor you definitely have control over. Here’s what to know about the link between heart health and gut health, including steps you can take to maintain a balanced gut microbiome.

Metabolites and your cardiovascular system

During the digestive process, microbes produce substances called metabolites. One of these substances in particular, trimethylamine (TMA), is linked to your risk for cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions like diabetes.

TMA forms when the bacteria and other organisms within the gut microbiome consume choline, a nutrient contained in red meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. The liver then converts TMA into a substance called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). 

The medical community has identified a connection between high levels of TMAO in your blood and deposits of cholesterol, blood-clotting material, and other substances in your arteries. These substances are collectively referred to as plaque, and its accumulation in your arteries is referred to as atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

A 2017 analysis of several studies on the connection between TMAO blood levels and cardiovascular health found a correlation between elevated TMAO levels and serious cardiovascular issues. In the studies, researchers looked at people from different categories of health conditions in multiple countries, like individuals with and without diabetes, and individuals with and without chronic heart failure. 

Each group included individuals with various TMAO levels. The results showed that people with the highest levels of TMAO were 62% more likely to experience serious cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes. The link appeared to be independent of other key risk factors for heart disease like diabetes and obesity.

In addition to the findings about TMAO, researchers have also identified a link between gut health and inflammation (redness, warmth, and swelling around tissues and joints). Inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to an injury, but when it persists after the healing process and becomes chronic inflammation, it can lead to an ongoing high white blood cell count.  

Over time, this elevated level of white blood cells can affect other organs including your heart, lungs, and kidneys, which may influence your risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions like diabetes.

The majority of the body’s inflammatory cells are stored in tissues in your gut, and researchers have found that an inflamed gut can trigger inflammation elsewhere in your body. Certain gut bacteria produce substances that enter your bloodstream and create inflammation in every part of the body that they travel through. This inflammation in the walls of your blood vessels can eventually lead to atherosclerosis.

Researchers are still learning about the gut microbiome’s influence on your risk for various health conditions. One thing they do know for sure is that a healthy gut microbiome is an important component of your overall health, and there are simple steps you can take to maintain a balanced digestive system.

A balanced diet is a great starting point for better gut health. Start by limiting foods that are processed or high in sugar or fat — particularly cookies, sugary drinks, salty snacks, and frozen foods — as these can lead to increased inflammation. Opt for fiber-rich foods like beans, peas, bananas, and asparagus; fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, miso, and kefir; and collagen-rich or collagen-boosting foods like salmon, mushrooms, and egg whites.

Staying physically active and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can also improve your gut health. Looking for a fitness routine that fits your schedule and health needs? Aim for about 150 minutes a week or 30 minutes per day. Explore different activities until you find the one that’s right for you — whether virtually or in person.

Over the long term, stress can lead to many physical and mental health problems, including digestive issues. Staying physically active reduces stress, so you’re already tackling this risk factor simply by working out regularly.

Beyond exercise, check out Insight Timer, an app that offers free guided meditations or Moodfit, a free mood-tracking app. And since there’s an established link between stress and high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, these small actions can benefit several aspects of your health at once!

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

October is American Pharmacist Month, a time to celebrate the critical role that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play within healthcare.

Celebrating American Pharmacist Month At Alto

October just might be our favorite month of the year, and for a good reason: it’s American Pharmacist Month, a time to celebrate the critical role that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play within healthcare.

Pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, seeing people 5 to 8 times more frequently per year than primary care providers. And as such, they are integral to your overall health and well-being. 

You may not realize all the responsibilities that a pharmacist’s role encompasses. In addition to filling your prescriptions, they also educate on medication usage, advocate for changes that improve care, and problem solve clinical, ethical, managerial, economic, and legal compliance issues, becoming a trusted resource to the individuals they care for. Extensive training and education are required to enter the profession: a pharmacist must earn a doctorate in Pharmacy and complete state-specific licensing requirements before becoming licensed to practice pharmacy.

At many traditional retail pharmacies, each pharmacist is expected to tackle a broad assortment of tasks that often leave them feeling overwhelmed and stressed, like managing transactions for customers, answering questions about where non-pharmacy items are stocked, and contacting insurance companies on top of ensuring prescriptions are dispensed properly and safely. At Alto, however, pharmacists align with one of several practice areas — fulfillment, customer care, and onboarding — so that they are able to focus on specific aspects of pharmacist practice and deliver exceptional care to Alto’s customers.

Fulfillment pharmacists are responsible for inventory management, medication preparation, physical quality checks, and dispensing, all to make sure the right medication arrives at your door, on schedule. Our customer care pharmacists review prescriptions for accuracy and for potential complications with other medications on file; provide individualized consultations on dosing, side effects and other concerns; and partner with healthcare providers on clinical recommendations. And our onboarding pharmacists — a relatively new role at Alto — are a bridge to an individual's broader team, supporting healthcare providers and ensuring continuity of care between prescriber and pharmacy.

“At Alto, we are proud of our customer-focused services and forward-thinking means of providing those services,” shares Ashley Lee, Onboarding Pharmacist. “Being a pharmacist at Alto gives me the unique opportunity to not only practice patient care, but also to design it to be meaningful to as many individuals in need as possible. The innovation never stops here at Alto.”

How Alto pharmacists serve our communities

There’s no shortage of opportunities for a pharmacist to support an individual with their medication needs or to be a partner in their health journey alongside their doctor’s office, family and other support networks. Here are just a few of the many roles that Alto pharmacists fulfill.

Literally. Our pharmacists are educators who mentor other pharmacists-in-training. Sandra Aziz, Pharmacy Compliance Program and Training Manager, is responsible for training new Pharmacy Managers and Supervisors at our dispensing sites, ensuring they have the resources needed to be effective managers and to oversee their pharmacy location’s compliance program and daily operations.

Sandra also manages our internship programs for pharmacy students. Alto offers an immersive 10-week Pharmacy Operations Management summer internship program for eligible students at Howard University’s School of Pharmacy (HUCOP). The program provides an opportunity to gain a breadth of experience across clinical pharmacy care, operations, and business development. Students also have the opportunity to actively influence Alto’s software development and implement ideas that further preventative healthcare and pharmacist involvement in community health.

Sandra also launched our Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) programs, which allow students from pharmacy schools across the country to select Alto as a practice site. While at Alto, they are exposed to highly skilled and entrepreneurial pharmacists, engineers, and operations experts with whom they can partner to challenge, reinvent, and improve pharmacy. 

“It’s been really rewarding to see more pharmacy students expressing interest in our programs,” Sandra said. “We have a rare opportunity to give students an experiential learning experience that you won’t find at any other pharmacy. At Alto, our pharmacists work cross-functionally across operations, engineering, and design to build a better, more intuitive community pharmacy from the ground up. We focus on challenges faced by patients, providers, and payers, and find solutions that optimize experience, transparency, and health outcomes.”

Read our previous post, 'From Pharmacist to Professor: Sandra Aziz Spotlight'.

They’re also here to teach you! Our pharmacists are happy to chat on the phone for however long you need to offer individualized support. Many customers use these one-on-one consultations to learn how to give themselves injections as part of fertility treatment or diabetes management or to confirm special storage or dosing instructions, but our pharmacists are happy to share their expertise on any question related to your prescriptions or health needs.

For example, did you know that our pharmacists are experts on managing side effects? As a bridge between you and your doctor, our pharmacists review all of your current medications to identify any potential symptoms or medication interactions, and they’re available to talk through any questions or concerns.

Lawmakers in several states have recognized the accessibility of pharmacists and their potential to play an even larger role in healthcare, specifically in the HIV prevention space. California became the first state to allow pharmacists to prescribe HIV prevention medication like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in 2019, and Colorado became the second in November 2020. 

“As healthcare providers in the community, there is a big opportunity for us as pharmacists to play a critical role in HIV prevention and help increase accessibility to medications like PrEP and PEP,” explains Susan Sun, Specialty Pharmacist. “It’s been wonderful to see growing recognition of a pharmacist’s impact even outside of the healthcare community, and the recent legislation that allows pharmacists to prescribe in some states is just a start. It’s a privilege for pharmacists to be a part of these exciting changes and make HIV prevention easier for others.”

In honor of American Pharmacist Month, we’d like to say a big and heartfelt thank you to our incredible team of 175+ pharmacists. Each of you plays a critical role in the wellbeing of our customers, the strength of our provider relationships and the quality of our service — we’re grateful for your hard work all year long. 

Here are just a few of the faces responsible for providing exceptional pharmacist care at Alto!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.

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.

Diabetes educators are healthcare professionals with extensive knowledge of diabetes who have been certified to coach individuals living with the condition. Read on to learn more about how they can help with your diabetes treament.

What Does a Diabetes Educator Do and How Can They Help You?

Diabetes management involves a lot of information — about diet, exercise, medications, blood sugar monitoring, and other components of treatment. Some of this information may be new, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed if you or your child has been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. That’s why there are diabetes educators — specialized healthcare professionals — who are here to offer support at every step of the way.

Diabetes educators are healthcare professionals with extensive knowledge of diabetes who have been certified to coach individuals living with the condition. Their credentials — which are awarded by a national certification organization called the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education — must be renewed every five years. This ensures that they are familiar with the latest breakthroughs in treatment, including any updates in insulin therapy or supplies and medications.

They’re here to help you learn how to administer insulin and use diabetes supplies like glucose meters and continuous glucose monitoring devices to monitor your blood sugar. They can also help with insurance navigation, support programs, and connecting you with others living with diabetes. Additionally, diabetes educators can address lifestyle questions about the daily challenges of living with diabetes, such as “how can I design a meal plan that’s right for me?” and “should I take any precautions when exercising?” to help you feel informed about your diagnosis. 

In addition to helping make day-to-day life with diabetes more manageable, research has found that a diabetes education program can lower your risk for diabetes-related health complications like kidney damage. 

Beyond providing relevant information about your diabetes diagnosis, a diabetes educator can help you make lifestyle changes to strengthen your health. They meet each of their clients where they are to develop an individualized diabetes management plan.

A diabetes education program is most effective when it addresses specific goals. The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) has identified several key areas of diabetes care that a diabetes educator’s work can focus on, including the following:

Healthy, balanced eating is a big component of managing your diabetes, as carbohydrate intake is one of several factors that affect your blood sugar levels, along with physical activity and insulin. However, having diabetes doesn’t mean that you have to give up your favorite meals altogether. A diabetes educator can help you understand which foods to limit and guide you in meal planning to spread your carb intake throughout the day.

In addition to the overall health benefits of exercise, like strengthening heart function and lowering stress, physical activity helps individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes maintain a healthy weight and manage blood sugar levels.

It’s much easier to achieve your fitness goals when they are clearly defined, and your diabetes educator is here to help bring specificity to your exercise plan. Since the key to sticking with a fitness routine is choosing activities you actually enjoy, your diabetes educator will help you find a moderate-intensity workout that you can see yourself doing three or four days a week (swimming, jogging, brisk walking, and dancing are a few options.) Remember that it’s okay to take it slow when starting out and build your way up to more intensity.

Keeping track of your blood sugar levels is a critical part of your diabetes management plan, as the goal of insulin therapy is to keep your blood glucose levels in a healthy range. By regularly monitoring your blood sugar, you will be able to understand the effectiveness of your medications and determine if you need to make any changes. This can also offer insight into how diet and physical activity affect your blood sugar levels throughout the day.

In addition to helping you get comfortable with your blood sugar monitoring devices, a diabetes educator will help you find your preferred system for logging blood sugar levels, whether it’s an app like mySugr, Health2Sync, or Diabetes Connect, or a physical notebook. They can also work with you on understanding how additional factors like food intake, physical activity, and stress levels impact blood sugar.

There are a variety of available diabetes medications, and each person’s needs are different. Individuals with type 1 diabetes take insulin every day to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Some individuals with type 2 diabetes take insulin as well, while others take oral or injectable medication to help their bodies use insulin more effectively. 

In addition, some people with diabetes also take blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications to lower their risk of diabetes-related complications. A diabetes educator can help you understand the purpose of these medications, walk you through insulin injections, and help you manage side effects.

It’s important to speak with your doctor before making any changes to your medication timing or dosages. Your diabetes educator can be a great resource in helping you determine if you need to discuss any potential medication adjustments with your doctor.

Diabetes affects you both physically and emotionally, and it’s important to take care of your mental health in addition to staying on track with medications and blood sugar monitoring. In fact, feeling emotionally balanced while living with diabetes will strengthen your physical well-being too, as too much stress may increase your blood glucose levels.

To help you find your preferred coping strategies, a diabetes educator will generally steer you away from unhealthy habits — drinking, smoking, and withdrawing from social connections — and guide you toward healthier ones like meditating, journaling, and building a support network. It also helps to go easy on yourself as you work towards fitness goals and celebrate small wins.

Insurance coverage for diabetes education programs

Diabetes education programs are covered by Medicare and most private health insurers. However, a formal referral from your doctor is often required to get coverage. In addition, your diabetes education program must meet certain standards set by the U.S. Department of Health.

The ADCES has a map to help you search for an accredited diabetes education program near you.

We’re here to support your diabetes care plan

Just like your diabetes educator and other members of your support team, Alto will be here to help you manage your diabetes diagnosis. In fact, many diabetes educators, who understand how important it is to have a reliable diabetes pharmacy partner, refer their patients to us.

"When I refer patients to Alto, it's one thing they don't have to worry about."

We make it simple to follow your diabetes treatment plan, with proper packaging of temperature-controlled medications and free same-day delivery right to your doorstep. We’ll also tackle any insurance-related legwork too to ensure that you get the medication and supplies you need at the best possible price.

Insulin pumps have become increasingly widespread in diabetes treatment in recent years due to their convenience and ease of use. Read on for more information about these devices.

The Role of Insulin Pumps in Diabetes Treatment

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes involve complications with the body’s production of insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas that converts sugar into energy. People living with type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin at all, so they have to take insulin every day to keep their blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

Insulin therapy may also play a role in managing type 2 diabetes, since individuals with the condition do not produce a sufficient amount of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. However, some individuals with early-stage type 2 diabetes are able to manage their blood sugar with other medications and healthy lifestyle habits — make sure to consult with your doctor on the best course of treatment given your needs.

There are several methods available for delivering insulin into the body, including syringes,  insulin pumps, and pens. Insulin pumps have become increasingly widespread in diabetes treatment in recent years due to their convenience and ease of use.

There are a variety of insulin pump options to choose from. Read on for more information about these devices.

What is an insulin pump and how does it work?

An insulin pump is a small electronic device that delivers doses of insulin at specific times. It mimics the activities of a normally functioning pancreas by delivering small, continuous doses of insulin throughout the day and surges of insulin while you eat. You set the schedule, and it is easy to make adjustments if your dosage changes or if you eat or exercise more than usual on any given day.

While an insulin pump’s consistent delivery of insulin is effective in keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range, it is still important to check your blood sugar throughout the day using either a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Some newer insulin pumps are connected to a CGM, which allows for both automated glucose monitoring and insulin delivery.

Many people who use insulin pumps find them to be more convenient than insulin injections, particularly while on the go. Insulin pumps offer the flexibility to work, socialize, or engage in just about any other activity without stepping aside to give yourself an insulin injection. And their automated, adjustable delivery makes it simple to maintain healthy blood sugar levels: not only do you not have to worry about missing a dose, but you can easily add, remove or modify a dose depending on your calorie intake and level of physical activity.

Most insulin pumps are designed to store dosing data, so you and your doctor’s office will have easy access to details about your insulin regimen should you need to make any adjustments to your treatment plan. 

Depending on the type of insulin pump you have, the device may be able to streamline other aspects of diabetes management. In addition to the automated blood sugar readings offered by CGM-connected pumps, some pumps have tools to help with carbohydrate counting. (Monitoring how many carbohydrates you consume is an important aspect of diabetes management as they increase your blood sugar, and your daily insulin dosage depends on your insulin-to-carb ratio.)

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