Pump therapy - yes or no?

[amyg288]

Hi first post on here

I am after some advice, guidance...discussions with those that understand about insulin pumps.

Last Jan my specialist told me he wanted to put me forward for pump therapy as my hba1c is high and always has been. I agreed and a year later I am finally....hopefully...getting it sorted, just need the Dr who said I needed it to say yes..again.

My question or questions really are:
What pump do you have and why did you have it?
How has it changed things for you?
How does it affect your day to day life?

Thank you
Xx

 

[CurlyJ!]

Pumps are great! They offer a lot more flexibility and are much more convenient than having to do injections!
I would highly recommend going on a pump if you can!

 

[himtoo]

hi there @amyg288
would you like me to move your thread to the insulin pump forum ?

i am on a pump so can answer as well

1 - omnipod -- i had a choice of this or animas vibe or medtronic 640

2 - has helped avoid dangerous lows and i almost never go high ( above 11 )

3 - much more flexibility -- i can go all day without eating ( not that i normally choose to -- - i am a late breakfast eater and the pump deffo helps avoid DP issues )

 

[amyg288]

Hi @himtoo yes please...probably a better place for it

Thank you. Im choosing between the omnipod and med 640.

 

[CurlyJ!]

hi there @amyg288
would you like me to move your thread to the insulin pump forum ?

i am on a pump so can answer as well

1 - omnipod -- i had a choice of this or animas vibe or medtronic 640

2 - has helped avoid dangerous lows and i almost never go high ( above 11 )

3 - much more flexibility -- i can go all day without eating ( not that i normally choose to -- - i am a late breakfast eater and the pump deffo helps avoid DP issues )

Hey Paul!

Is the omnipod good? Im due to go on it shortly

 

[himtoo]

Hi @himtoo yes please...probably a better place for it

Thank you. Im choosing between the omnipod and med 640.

only had an omnipod -- chose it for being tubeless , so no disconnect for a shower , and is waterproof for swimming

customer support is first class.

 

[tircoed]

I have had a Omnipod for the last 14 months i love it.

 

[RJS91]

Also, does the pump act much like an artificial pancreas, or is more like an automatic pen?

 

[himtoo]

I am looking into a pump myself. What sort of costs are there involved with using pumps? Also, with regards to preparing the area of application is there anything to keep an eye out for when reconnecting the pump? I've been on pens for basal bolus for the past 15 years, and the balancing act of controlling blood sugars has come to a head recently, especially as constant blood testing has become psychologically draining.

hi there @RJS91
welcome to the forum !

would you like me to create your own thread for you to explore the avenues involved ??

 

[Bluey1]

Also, does the pump act much like an artificial pancreas, or is more like an automatic pen?

The Medtronic 670g with CGM is an artificial pancreas. All other pumps are injectionless except 1 every 2 - 3 days and not automatic.
Get one of those cannula port thing from Medtronic,
Test with a strip and enter your level into an app with how many carbs you are about to eat
Inject into that special port thing and you have a poor mans insulin pump (you just didn't have to dial up the dose on the pen if you are on a pump).

The only advantage of a pump is if you are going low you can slow the basal, but most probably not in enough time to prevent a hypo. CGM is recommended to go with the pump and NOT the Libre, especially for the first few months, so that means finger jabs and blood. So as far as pain, Pens with Libre is the most pain free option, but most frustrating if you are trying for that flat line Nirvana.