Can I buy an insulin pump myself?

[Louwalker71]

I have been a diabetic for 15 years now. I did a IDAC course a couple of years ago and I have better control now than ever before and I have managed to lose about 3st!

I am now considering switching to an insulin pump but don't think I will qualify for one on the NHS so can I buy one and would I then be able to get the ongoing items (insulin, needles etc) on prescription?

Also does anyone know if any of the insulin pumps do continuous blood glucose monitoring/automatically alter the insulin dose or if that looks like it is coming soon!

 

[iHs]

Hello Lou

In answer to yr question above, yes you can buy your own pump but before you will be able to, you will need to get a letter from a diabetes consultant, dsn or gp who has some knowledge of insulin pump therapy and be willing to recommend you. Have you talked to a consultant about pump therapy? Many people now get pumps through PCT funding and they don't always have bad control before they get one.

The insulin, teststrips etc will be prescribed through yr gp but if you buy a pump, the infusion sets (approx £120 for box of 10) plus the cartridges will have to paid for by yourself. If a PCT funds, then the pump, sets and cartridges are paid for by the PCT.

Do you have a good job )?

 

[Louwalker71]

Thank you for that info. I have an appointment at the diabetic clinic on Monday so I wanted a bit of info to take with me.

It sounds like it will work out quite expensive for the ongoing costs - how often do you have to change the infusion sets?

 

[ebony321]

Hey lou,

I would rule out getting one funded by NHS before you look into funding one yourself.

You may be surprised to find pumps aren't just funded to those with hypo-awareness problems or those struggling with MDI.

Depending on which infusion set you use, steel one max 2 days and teflon ones max 3 days. I forgot and left a steel one if for 3 days, didnt do me much harm, just a bit sore.

If your going to ask at the clinic, be prepared to explain WHY you want a pump and WHY it would benefit you.. i was quizzed, and was clear a simple i want one wasn't good enough!.. do some research on pumps (if you haven't already) into which you like and what best suits you.

Pumps are ALOT of hard work, if your prepared for the hard slog in the beginning then go for it, it's changed my life for the better.

I hope all goes well monday

 

[jopar]

Yes you can selfund but pumps are prescription only.

I theory either your consultant or your GP can give you the prescription, but unless you have a very good GP who's willing to oversee/take responsiability for manage your pump then it's the consultant...

Pumps cost around £3,000 approx and last about 4 years (that's the warranty on them) the you'll looking at about £100-£150

I would take a look at this site www.input.me,uk here you will find all the information you need, the different pumps available, NICE guidelines etc They will also provide support and help if you have a reluctant PCT when it comes to pumps. Or if you decide to self fund..

 

[Louwalker71]

Thank you. I now have information ready for Monday. My GP is quite good too, he is the diabetic specialist at the surgery and I have quite a good rapport with him. I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[clarentina]

In my experience- if you want a pump and your consultant thinks you'd benefit, it's usually possible.
Best of luck!

Clare bear

 

[Louwalker71]

Well a good appointment with the DSN this morning. One I've never met before and she was great and as she was a diabetic herself using a pump so very knowledgeable.
My HBA1c was 8.3 so not great, we are adjusting some things and going to monitor it. What she has said is that if by changing things and trying to achieve better control I still don't manage it I may well be eligible for a pump.
I'm not 100% sure I want one so I'm going to work hard at getting everything better and then go from there!