Insulin Pump Questions and Answers
Introduction
Please find all your Insulin Pump related questions here. If you have a question, or topic you would like us to include on this site, then please send us an email.
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Am I a good candidate for an insulin pump?
I love my Omnipod, here's why...
Diabetic for 11 years now (Type 2), and is now insulin dependant...
In August 2009 I will have been on the Omnipod for 1 year...
I've had diabetes for 25 years...am now 63. My glucose scores average around 7.1-7.3. Lately, I feel I've become more brittle. Despite eating as I usually do, sometimes my scores go through the roof. Just this morning for example, after eating the same breakfast I always do (handfull of unsweetened shredded wheat + 1/2 banana), my score 3 hours later was over 300 (usually, it's 115 or so). I also have occasional hypoglycemic episodes, some of them where I lose motor muscle control and the ability to think clearly.
I'm very active. I cycle hard 4 - 5 times a week, doing 20 miles in about 70 minutes. I also play a lot of golf (often walking the 18 holes), with lots of time on the driving range.
Like everyone else I guess, I occasionally cheat...and steal a piece of chocolate or buttered white bread as a snack. But on the whole, I think I'm well above average in diet control.
I use lantus and humolog now. Given what I've told you, I would be interested in whether you think I'm a good candidate for a insulin pump. I'm especially concerned about it's ability to factor in my exercise binges...days when I cycle and days when I don't. Jeff
AHello Jeff,
Insulin pumps are specifically designed to cope with events like exercise,
missed or delayed meals. The aim of an insulin pump is to fit around your
lifestyle, not make you fit into its program.
We think you are probably a great candidate for a pump, as long as the expense is acceptable to you, unless you can claim through medical insurance, the initial cost can be quite high, a few thousand dollars perhaps.
To help you keep track of how you are doing, we really like the new OneTouch Ultra Smart glucose meter that is also a log book. If you do start on a pump, it could be worth using it whilst you get to know how to set up your pump. Even if you don't pump, we still recommend it!
For general information on Insulin pumps, visit this page. For a review of some of the most popular pumps on the market, try our review section. Do let us know how you get on!
Best wishes
The DiabetesRevealed Team
Q
With regards to Insulets Omnipod, it is terrific! Both my husband and daughter's HbA1c are coming down. This device offers features that promote and support good control. Here is why.
First, there is no tubing. This is one less variable to have to take into consideration when there are high numbers.
Second, The pod is not visible to anyone and not in the way when dressing. Also, It is painless to change the site. This is very good because my daughter was going 4-5 days with out changing her site. She doesn't mind if she has to change it. She has better care and her numbers are in better control.
We are all looking forward to even better control. I wanted to share this information with others so they are aware of the options available to them.
Thank you
Linda
Hello Linda,
Thank you for feedback on this new product, we look forward to hearing more and how your daughter and husband's A1c figures are improving.
Best wishes
The DiabetesRevealed Team
Q
My husband (52) has been a Diabetic for 11 years now (Type 2), and is now insulin dependant. He is having a terrible time keeping his sugar levels regular.
He has many highs and many lows in spite of Diabetic classes, doctor
instructions, etc. He can range between 32 to 600 and any given time.
Would he be a good candidate for an insulin pump?
At this point, he is getting so desperate, he's losing hope.
Thank you,
Kay
A
Hello Kay,
Absolutely! It is so vital to keep your glucose levels stable and as low as safely possible to avoid long term complications, as I am sure you are both aware.
Poorly controlled diabetes as you describe can lead to a downward spiral due to the complications, such as loss of sex drive and impotence for instance. It can get very depressing for many and you are right to investigate a pump. Next step is to speak to your diabetic health professionals.
The only reason NOT to have a pump is usually the cost. If you can afford one, or your insurance covers one, go for it! We would expect his glucose levels to stablise quickly and his life to improve.
Best wishes
The DiabetesRevealed Team
Q
In August 2009 I will have been on the Pod for 1 year. It was not love at first sight. I even wrote a letter to return the entire thing. It was the size of the Pod that I saw as too large to put on my body.
I had been on the Medtronic Mini Med Pump and didn’t like the tethered thing either and didn’t like that you had to unplug before you went swimming! So the rep with Omni Pod sent me a email and said she would like to have one chance at letting someone come and set me up and at least try it before I gave up on it. I agreed to do it. I am SO glad that I did.
The Omni Pod is the best! No tethering no removing the pod before I go in the pool and really the Pod is not that big.. in fact I wear it on the back of my arm sometimes and people have asked me if it is a reflector. I work out at a local gym and take a Cycle class and I guess people that ride on the streets do have reflectors that they stick on the back of their arms so people can see them,… anyway I love my Omni Pod! MY AIC went from 6.7 to 6.3.
Just wanted to share my story!
A
Hello Corinne,
Thank you for sending in your story. The Omnipod is so different from other insulin pumps, its good to hear personal feedback.
Best wishes
The DiabetesRevealed Team
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