Animas Vibe + Dexcom or MiniMed 640G + Freestyle Libre

I'm about to go on a pump for the first time. I have to choose between three pumps, the Medtronic
MiniMed 640G ,
Animas Vibe,
Accu-Check Insight,

The pumps seems to be pretty much the same but each seems to have its advantages so any help in choosing would be appreciated. Some information about me:- I'm early 60s, Type 1 for 40 years. The main reason I want a pump is to prevent hypos when I exercise. I absolutely LOVE the ability to constantly monitor BG level so I'm going that way too. I am hypo-aware and don't consider the 'auto-hypo-early-warning' to be important to me.
What is more important to me is the capacity. I use around 85 units per day which means I would need to refill the Minimed once per three days (3ml) and the Animas once per two days (2ml). This all but rules out the Accucheck.
However, the big advantage of the Amimas is that I will get a free Dexcom CGM starter kit (transmitter + 4 pack of sensors) for free. This means I'll have 3 months free CGM, then the cost will be around 360 - 690 per year. Using the Freestyle Libre costs 350 for the first three months, then 650 per year fixed. These figures are based on continuous testing for the first three months and thereafter wearing sensors 50% of the time. Medtronic's own CGM is horrendously expensive and out of the question for me.
Any advice I can get to help me choose would be gratefully received. In particular, can I refill the pump without changing the Infusion set? If so, would probably swing me to the Animas. I've been trawling the Internet for days and can't find much to help me choose between these two pumps .

Thanks in Advance for any and all advice.

Steve

Yes, quite sure. After getting funding approval for the pump, I went to a Pump Demo last week. The Medtronic people had nothing at all in the way of CGM 'inducements' but their pump had been recommended as possibly the most suitable because of its 3ml tank. I went over it a couple of times with the Animas rep (a tall Canadian guy) to be clear that Animas are currently offering a free transmitter with their pump and a 4-pack of sensors for the Dexcom CGM system. That's about three months continuous supply. Once I'm 'pumped-up, I'm estimating that I'll want the first three months continuous testing whilst I suss it all out, then use it maybe 50% of the time (two weeks on, two week off.)

There were other plusses and minuses I could see for all the pumps but all were very minor compared to these two issues (tank-size and CGM saving.) Quite honestly, I can't see how anyone can afford the Medtronic CGM system. I'm quite happy with the Animas audible early hypo warning and have no use for the Medtronic auto-shut off.

There was no rep from Abbot (for the Freestyle Libre) which is a shame. That system looks really good to me and will be my choice if I go for the Medtronic pump. Escpecially now that they are freely available, just 3-5 days delivery accoriing to their order page.

We had limited time with the pumps though and whilst they all seemed fairly similar, I couldn't look into and consider all the features, etc. I was hoping someone here could point some out for me.

Steve

One direct question (for each pump) :-
If I go for an unexpected workout (cycling, e.g.) can I stop the pump pumping for the duration?

CarbsRok said:

Erm no point in stopping the pump whilst you work out as you set your basal a couple of hours before it's needed. IE, cut the basal a couple of hours before you exercise.

Best thing you can do is buy pumping insulin by John Walsh. (amazon)
Sensors are not accurate so you can not make any clinical decision on the readings they also lag behind your blood sugar by about 20 mins.

If I were you I would email Animas and get it in writing from them that they offer a starter kit with the pump.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. My 'workouts are often 3-6 hours steady and this is when I go hypo unless I take lots of carbs (say, 60 gms and more.) Since you mention 'cut the basal', can I assume this means yes, I can stop the pump, then restart it later without removing or disconnecting bits? Would that be for both pumps?

I bought that book and read the first 13 chapters as suggested but frankly, there's a lot of information in there to digest! Also, a search of the pdf cannot find any mention of either of these pumps. The manufacturers, yes but no mention of what models they are talking about and I don't think the 640G was around when the book was written. This is also a problem with the Internet; most of the specific information is out of date.

I'm bothered about not being able to use the information from the CGS to make any decisions . This would be a deal-breaker for me - money for nothing!

Good idea about emailing Animas. I'll do it tonight and report there reply, see if there's any catches!

Thanks again,

Steve

Good luck with the op and thanks again for the input.
I did look at the runsweet website a year or so ago but didn't see anything of interest. I think I'll look again (time permitting!)

dancer said:

I've been waiting almost 6 months for the Freestyle Libre, so I certainly wouldn't say it's freely available!

Click to expand...

Thanks, I just called Abbot about this and they say they have no idea when these will be available for new customers. It looks like their 3-5 days delivery is only for existing customers. Ah well,..... :-(

I called Abbot (0500 467 466, a free number) and put my name down on the waiting list. I then received the email copied below. In order to order from their site, I think you need an account and new accounts are not being created at the moment. Frankly, since this has been going on for so long ( dancer has been on the waiting list for 6 months), it looks like they have little interest (or capability?) in getting things going again. It doesn't look like the Freestyle Libre is an option for the foreseeable future.

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Thank you for your interest in the FreeStyle Libre system and for supplying your e-mail address.

Since launch, we have experienced extremely high demand for our product. Our main focus at this time is to ensure we meet the needs of our existing customers who currently use the FreeStyle Libre system to monitor their glucose levels.

Unfortunately, this means we cannot accept orders from new customers at this time. However, we can confirm you have been placed in a first come, first served queue. Once you reach the front of the queue, we will contact you with an invitation to purchase the FreeStyle Libre system. We recognise the inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your continued patience.
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