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Am I better off with a pump?

C

Cheyhutchingsxx

Newbie
Messages
4
Location
Plymouth
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi guuuuys. So I've been diabetic for 9 years now only been on novorapid for about 5/6 years before that was on the mixed syringey nasty stuff. But I've heard a lot of good things about the pump but also some bad and just wanted to know people's views on it? I've spoke to my nurse about it and he says that it's worth it but they're obvs going to big it up so I just really wanna know if it will help and improve my diabetes?
 
Hi, I have just switched to a pump after 29 years of injections. I'm only two weeks in, but so far am really pleased with it. For the first time in I don't know how long, I have been waking up with readings in single digits. I like the lack of injections and the flexibility. Whilst I am testing a lot at the moment to get all my settings right, it's totally been worth it. I don't find it's a nuisance to wear but that's a personal thing, it's not for everyone. I don't know how I'll find it longer term but I don't imagine I will start to dislike it. In fact at the moment the thought of going back to a single dose of long acting is horrible as I know it would mean losing the massive improvements I've managed to make with my morning readings. So I would say it's worth a try if you don't mind being attached to the pump ☺
 
I've been injecting for 27 years and moved to a pump 2 weeks ago. The flexibility and control are so much better. I've reduced my standard deviation dramatically and am maintaining much better control.
 
Cheyhutchingsxx said:
I just really wanna know if it will help and improve my diabetes?
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This question gets asked again and again and again in the #DOC (Diabetes Online Community) as though there really is an answer to it that people can come back with. :rolleyes:

But in truth it turns out to be a very personal choice. Frankly it can be more personal than I ever expected it to be based on my own experience. So the only one who can actually answer your question is you and the only way I think you can answer it is by trying it. Can you arrange some sort of a trial use period? I think you'd want at least a week but a month (or more) would be better.

Then again, perhaps this just isn't done. The UK seems to treat going on the pump with a lot of training & funding pomp & circumstance. I had a markedly different starting experience but that was not quite 20 years ago and in the U.S. so I'm not sure what is done or how it is done anywhere any longer. :eek:;)

If you provide more detail about what good or bad you've heard about using a pump then people can try to address that and give you more to consider. As for my opinion, well if I didn't like it but kept using it for 20 years then I really am a masochist, no? :confused:
 
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I've been Type1 for over 53 years and on a pump for 5 months,my answer to you is,why did I not get one when I was first diagnosed in the "BAD" old days. Tim2000s has answered the rest.
 
Cheyhutchingsxx said:
Hi guuuuys. So I've been diabetic for 9 years now only been on novorapid for about 5/6 years before that was on the mixed syringey nasty stuff. But I've heard a lot of good things about the pump but also some bad and just wanted to know people's views on it? I've spoke to my nurse about it and he says that it's worth it but they're obvs going to big it up so I just really wanna know if it will help and improve my diabetes?
Click to expand...

You only get out of a pump what you put in. So yes your diabetes management will improve if you use the pump correctly. If you use it as a plug and play then nope you wont get anywhere with it.
 
its worth it yes, but it requires effort, more than that put in with a basal/bolus injectable regime......

if your already pro active and right into your dose adjustment then there is a good chance you will be able to get one.....and more importantly, be successful with it......

straight away you should see a drop in total daily dose due to the fine tuned basal rates and increased efficiency.....that in itself is a bonus....
 
All I would say @Cheyhutchingsxx is to read-up as much as possible on insulin pumps and decide then if one would suit you best over MDI.

I've been pumping insulin for the last 8 months and have to say its been life-changing, the bolusing options available and not having to inject (I did have some lipo problems previously) have made it all worthwhile, I was on injections for 33 years beforehand and was a little nervous and apprehensive before the change-over but pleased I made the decision to go for one.
 
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