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Medtronic Paradigm Veo Insulin Pump

Product Guide written by Diabetes Expert: Sue Marshall
Medtronic Paradigm Insulin Pump
Product:
Paradigm Veo Insulin Pump
Manufacturer:
Medtronic

The latest incarnation from Medtronic’s Paradigm range is the Veo System. This takes a leap forward by combining an insulin pump with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

The newest phase in diabetes technology, CGM gives readings every 5 minutes of glucose levels in body tissue.

Separate sensor and transmitter

The readings are provided by means of a separate sensor and transmitter.

If data transmitted from the sensor shows that your glucose levels have dropped below a certain number, say 4mmol/L, then the pump automatically suspends insulin delivery for up to two hours.

This is especially helpful for those diabetics with diminished hypo awareness – i.e. that they find themselves with low blood sugars with none of the normal warning signs (feeling shaky, sweating, confusion and irritability).

Funding from the NHS

Earlier in 2009 guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said that pumps can be funded by the NHS for certain patients with type 1 diabetes.

Comment from Diabetes Expert
 
Medtronic is one of the leaders in insulin infusion (i.e. pump) technology and is concurrently developing the other half of what diabetics need to run their diabetes best continuous glucose monitoring. Insulin going in; sugar readings coming out. These readings are a little less accurate than an actual blood test, as blood itself is the most up-to-date while body tissue glucose levels are about 10 minutes behind.

But the greater benefit of the CGM is that the 'continous' element means you get something like a video of what your body's sugar levels are, as opposed to the 'snapshot' that a blood test gives.

All information available on-screen so that at a glance you can see your glucose trends ' going up, or going down. Then you can decide to add in a little more or a little less insulin to get that all important Balance right. Sound all a little bit 'Bionic Man' but it is more evolution than revolution, sophisticated improvements on insulin injecting and blood testing and less painful, though the compromise is wearing the pump and sensor 24/7.

The Veo system comes in five colour options with a range of accessories and adhesive skins to cover the insulin pump which allow patients to personalise their device.
Sue Marshall
 

More Information: Medtronic Paradigm Insulin Pump

  • ACCESSORIES: Pump holders, belts and bags are available from Medtronic’s site.
  • DATA: CareLink Personal software allows you to download and view your data and reports at home and in clinic sharing info via email or PDF.
  • BATTERIES REQUIRED: AA batteries (supplied)
  • SUPPORT: 01923-212213
Your Comments
 
I'm currently about to choose a pump.. but which one? Which is the best? Please help :)
Posted by Michaelfromsouthafricalivinginsydney, Sydney on Friday, April 20, 2012
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Hello, I am taking insulin from today. 10 dose for 24 hour.
Posted by mohd331924, london on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
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Is it possible to tell me about the negative aspects of an insulin pump. I am currently using an Accu-chek pump but I cant control my sugar levels accurately.
Posted by tracey, Gauyeng, South Africa on Saturday, April 30, 2011
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I have been an insulin dependent diabetic for 45 years. I have brittle diabetes that has over the years been up and down. I would love to try the insulin pump as I have so much pain when I inject through fibromalgia. I have my doubts on the insertion of leaving the needle in my body, and fear of catching it on something. I would need to be able to easily use this devie as I cannot cope with complications. I have had early morning hypos, that are not aware of at times, then it's too late to get up to sort it out. Will this help me?
Posted by sharon nicholson, Dorset on Friday, April 29, 2011
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The pump and sensor has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. My A1C's have been a consistant 6.7 for the last year and a half. It does take some getting used to but once you have the hang of it you will never want to go back on a needle.
Posted by LuAnn, Taunton on Thursday, March 31, 2011
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I have type 2 diabetes and have been on insulin for the last 4 years but have a problem in that I have a true insulin allergy. My consultants have tried everything - even desensitization, which only lasted for a year as the main reactions are like horsefly bites on the skin and burning sensation on injecting. I can only tolerate 14 units at a time... would an insulin pump be suitable for me?
Posted by evelyn.p, bristol uk on Monday, May 24, 2010
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My 9 year old daughter used this pump for several months and we found it very difficult to master. The problems were: All functions are on the pump which is attached to the child which makes calculating does very difficult. The sensor has a very large needle and takes 2 hours to setup, its also can be very inacurate eg showing 3 when really 12 - we found we did far more tests keeping the sensor calibrated. We had many blockages which sent levels into the high 20s The canula lead is too long and can easily catch on furniture etc. The pump alarms when levels rise which is ok but also alarms when the drop back which can easily lead to over corrections. I found the pump worked correctly about 30% of the time the other 70% of the time it was a full time occupation and far too complex to use on a child
Posted by Malcolm Stubbs, Cumbria on Tuesday, May 04, 2010
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