I need help!

[elfar723]

I don't live in Uk and pumps have yet to be introduced here. When I suggested it, the nurses put the idea off by scaring me into thinking that if something happened, I d be taking a risk as they aren't trained. How many would risk trying the pump knowing you're flying solo?

 

[RuthW]

I don't live in Uk and pumps have yet to be introduced here. When I suggested it, the nurses put the idea off by scaring me into thinking that if something happened, I d be taking a risk as they aren't trained. How many would risk trying the pump knowing you're flying solo?

I live in Turkey, and I'm the only type 1 diabetic I know here, let alone the only one with a pump. (According to the Medtronic saleswoman there are about 500 people in Istanbul with a pump - out of 12,000,000 +). I had exactly the same problems as you with Lantus and Novorapid. I tried everything with the help of my consultant. Nothing worked, and when we started talking about switching to Levemir (which I now think would have worked better) I decided that since that was going to mean a minimum of five injections a day, I would give the pump a go.

Then I did a lot of reading and a lot of googling. I found this site, whose contributors have been extremely helpful, and through them learned about basal rate testing, how insulin:carb ratios can vary at different times through the day, how much the timing of boluses can affect my blood sugar, how to manage my bolus and basal rates for exercise and activity, and no doubt other points I have forgotten.

My HbA1c has gone from 9% to 6.4%. But I learned a lot. I am sure that things would have been better with Levemir/Novo too, but the pump is the ultimate for me.

I also ordered Pumping Insulin, and Think Like a Pancreas, and Diabetic Athlete's Handbook fromAmazon. And they allow me to look up anything I need when ever I need. Even before you go for a pump, or if you don't,you could benefit most from Think Like A Pancreas, I reckon.