Type 1 Omnipod going a bit haywire?

[fiveamp]

Hi

I have been using the omni pod for a few years now and on the whole it has been very successful.
But Since this new firm has taken over the ordering of the pods (no reflection to the firm) I have found that batches of pods have been performing quite erratically in my personal case. Some cease to function after 12-24 hours, others appear to give lower doses, than the pod it replaces when used in similar locations. Are they using cheaper components in the pod make up.

This year I have returned four boxes of pods because of the above comments or they have been faulty when used

I was just wondering if other forum users have had similar experiences or is it just me

And yes I do change locations of the pods but this problem is when used in same/similar location

Your thoughts and recommendations would be appreciated

 

[kitedoc]

Hi @fiveamp, I have been experiencing what may be a similar problem with a different pump.
But to clarify things further can I ask: how long have you been using insulin pumps (of any sort)?
And for how long have you been injecting insulin (in any way)? And what do you mean that the pods have been faulty?
And when you say they 'ceased to function' what happens exactly? Does 'perform erratically' mean that your BSLs tend to go up or down or both? And do any of them leak under the adhesive patch?
Best Wishes.

 

[fiveamp]

Hi Kitedoc

I am trying to get comments on the omnipod specifically. But to answer the above questions.
I have type 1 for 58 years and using the omnipod for 5 years so well experienced on insulin delivery.

The comment of performing erratically (see post) means that
1. The dose level from pod to pod varies when used on or near the same placement/site, this is changed on a regular basis.
I am on 1:1 carb ratio but insulin has to be increased to nearly double on occasions for the pod to work effectively or ratio's in between.
2. The pods fail to function eg stops working completely anything from 12 hours to say 65 hours (pod life cycle 72 hours)
This only shows when BG's goes very high, the pod does not emit it's warning buzzer for hours after the fault occurs this can be up to 6-10 hours day or night.

Please note this does not happen for all the pods in a box of 10 but the ratio of faulty pods per box has increased more than a person would expect. I used to get about 1 suspect pod per box now I would suggest that it is 4 or more per box

I raise the comment that this only seems to have occurred more frequently since the change to the ordering system, personally I suspect there has been a change manufacturing or component use in the pods make up. I do come from an Engineering background in manufacturing

 

[kitedoc]

Thank you @fiveamp. Congratulations on your 58 years on insulin.
My main reason for asking was that I have been experiencing variations in my BSLs and through a process of elimination have figured it relates to the cannula not reliably allowing insulin to flow into the subcutaneous tissue, even with steel cannulas.
The suggestion from the pump rep is that I may have scar tissue at the depth of the 6 mm cannula from 7 years on a pump and 52 years total on insulin injections, rotated but mostly in the abdomen area.
For me the trick is to choose sites outside the usual abdomen area and trial an 8 mm steel cannula.
I am not saying that is the cause of your troubles but just a thought to consider.
@Mel dCP is a relatively new Omnipod user but may have more directly relevant answers.

 

[LooperCat]

Morning! I’ve only had three pod failures in the five months I’ve been using them, there doesn’t seem to be a pattern to it, twice was on my left thigh, once on my arm. Delivery seems consistent no matter where I wear it, current one is on my left calf. It’s always been Insulet for me, as the change happened before I started using th system...

 

[fiveamp]

Hi and thank you for the comments

I can rule out the scar tissue effect (please see next sentence as this was an unused site) but the canula not going deep enough may be a reason to consider. The trouble is, there is nothing you can do about the cannula with regard to the omnipod as its spring loaded from the pod itself and once on that's it.

To give an example I have just replaced one that was below the belt line but above the buttocks on my right hand side, the first one worked fine but ceased functioning after 68 hours. The second pod placed near the same/similar area, results in needing to give myself 2.5 times more insulin that would normally be given. The placement area is relatively soft tissue and as stated above never been injected in or had pods on, the things that gets me is the frequency this seems to be happening.

Does any one else have any idea's that may help I am open to any suggestions

Thank you to all

 

[kitedoc]

A truly frustrating situation for you, @fiveamp.
I assume you have questioned the supply company and Omnipod manufacturers themselves about similar reports ?
Can you possibly persuade your GP or specialist to order an ultrasound directed at the under skin cannula site for situations where the pod seems to be failing or, more safely, where the insulin dosage has needed to be increased ?
A motivating factor to use is that unreliability of insulin delivery places you at higher risk of developing DKA.
Of course the ordering and timing of such imaging requires flexibility in the ultrasound appointment system and the presence of the pod on the skin does increase the challenge in obtaining good images.
Other thoughts: is there a different supplier of pods to trial? and trial of a different control unit ?
And more radically, loan/use of a different brand pump and system as you have clearly shown that the present situation is an unstable and unpredictable one. Please keep posting.
Where is Sherlock Holmes when you need him ??