Favorite Things Friday: Pump Peelz

One Friday per month, I’ll write about my favorite diabetes products. These items make the cut because they’re functional, fashionable, or fun – but usually, all three at once!

It never occurred to me that a product could make my diabetes supplies look pretty. But a couple years ago, when I noticed more and more members of the DOC talking about “Pump Peelz” on social media, I knew I had to check out the brand myself and see what the buzz was about.

Instantly, I learned why people love Pump Peelz so much: They create stickers that are designed to fit a wide variety of diabetes meters, glucose monitors, and insulin pumps. The stickers themselves come in all sorts of patterns and colors, and you can even make your own unique design using the tool featured on their website.

You might be wondering why someone with T1D wants to bother with decorating their pump or meter; after all, diabetes devices aren’t supposed to be glamorous. They have a sole purpose and that’s to help with diabetes care and management.

But there are so many aspects of diabetes that are just not fun. Between daily finger pokes, shots, doctor’s appointments, and more, I don’t think I need to spell it out for you: diabetes sucks. So that’s exactly why something like Pump Peelz is great – it injects a little personality and style into the most mundane objects.

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My Pump Peelz have even resulted in others feeling comfortable enough to ask me about “that thing” I’m wearing on my body. This might make some people cringe, but I’ve welcomed these opportunities as ways for me to explain diabetes to other people. Usually, I’m able to help defeat some stigma about T1D and in return, others are receptive to what I have to say and ask thoughtful questions. Plus, stickers that feature some of my favorite characters, like Minnie Mouse, act as great icebreakers when I’m around small children. Instead of being afraid by the scary medical device attached to my body, they tend to show genuine curiosity and admiration for my taste in cartoons.

Pump Peelz makes skins for all sorts of diabetes devices, styles, and occasions. Check out their website to see what they’ve got in stock!

Favorite Things Friday: Myabetic

One Friday per month, I’ll write about my favorite diabetes products. These items make the cut because they’re functional, fashionable, or fun – but usually, all three at once!

I can’t think of a better brand than Myabetic to kick off Favorite Things Friday. I was first introduced to their products about two years ago, when I happened across a giveaway they were hosting on Twitter. I was curious about what kind of products I might be able to win, so I visited their website to learn more.

And holy crap, it was like coming across the holy grail of cute diabetes bags. I saw a variety of wallets and purses that were designed specifically to hold a number of diabetes supplies. Each pouch and pocket within the cases had a purpose and could fit many different kinds of important gear that PWD need to tote around on a daily basis.

Immediately, I entered the giveaway, knowing that my chances of winning were slim but it couldn’t hurt to try. And wouldn’t you know it, I actually was randomly selected to choose any product I wanted from the site!

It was a tough decision, but I chose the Banting Diabetes Wallet as my prize because it was sleek and would coordinate well with my purses. Plus, the name of the item was a little shout-out to one of the men responsible for discovering insulin nearly 100 years ago.

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The Banting Diabetes Wallet holds my meter, test strips, lancing device, glucose tablets, spare needles, batteries, medical tape, and so much more.

Ever since winning my wallet, I’ve gone on to add other items from the Myabetic lineup to my collection, including a cross-body bag and an armband that can hold my CGM and PDM when I’m in the middle of a workout. Myabetic has also recently expanded on their offerings, and they now offer a one-of-a-kind backpack made for PWD. It’s absolutely adorable and comes in several shades (personally, I’m partial to the pink frost hue – so pretty!).

The bottom line is, I couldn’t recommend Myabetic more for any PWD who wants to keep their diabetes supplies organized in a fashion-forward way. Be sure to visit their website to check out their full array of products!