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Any tips on Insulin Pumps?

AlexB

Member
Messages
8
Location
Kent
Type of diabetes
Other
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I have MODY Diabetes (genetic) and have been diagnosed for 23 years. I am about to go onto an insulin pump to get better control as i have quite a lot of damage to my eyes that i am seen at Moorefields for. Having had a pre-assessment meeting today with the nurse we have narrowed it down to either Accu-Check, Animas or Medtronic as i need minute doses of insulin as i am exquisitely sensative to it.

Does anyone have any tips or anecdotes about these pumps? I don't know anyone who has a pump to ask!
 
I tried the accu CHEK combo for six months after using a D-TRON plus for 13 years but you had to load the cartridge which I couldn't see properly and the screen and colour had set were a problem the d-tron obviously wasn't as high tech but I was use to the clicks etc and it used pen fill cartridges which was brilliant, I don't know if the combo uses them now there was a rumour . I've got 274 days till I get a new pump so I'll weigh up my options nearer the time but good for you getting a pump the best thing since sliced bread in my opinion
 
I have the Medtronic. If it's minute doses you're looking for then it certainly gives that! Bolus is in increments as low as 0.025 if you want (I use that!) and the temporary basal rates go down in 1% increments which I find useful.

I can't comment on other pumps as I've only tried this one
 
Accuchek new pump will be phenomenal with small doses getting 15minute slots and 0.01 per hour. After 1 unit an hour the dose will be 0.02 increments.
It also has a brilliant design of a remote control and very easy to use.
It will eventually have preloaded cartridges of insulin.

Downside... If CGM wanted it has to be a standalone one, not integrated to pump. Not available from accuchek.


I would if considering an accuchek one, hold off for the new one...
 

ooo ok. She did say that if i chose the Accu-Chek one she will ask to see if I can upgrade to the new 'Insight' pump. It's due to come out jan/Feb 15 apparently but Moorefields are saying i really need to get on a pump a week last Thursday ideally!! (so to speak)
 
Hi AlexB

I use a Medtronic Veo and only have a small amount of sight in one eye due to proliferative retinopathy. It is great for small insulin basal rates as my daily requirements are relatively low.

I find filling the reservoir quite a challenge to ensure there are no air bubbles present and use a magnifying screen to make sure I have got rid of them all. The screen has black numbers and letters on a grey background so not the best contrast with poor sight but it does have a backlight which helps to improve contrast, I would say using a pump has saved my life and I'm sure which ever model and make you choose will help you enormously. Good luck with it.
 

Thanks you. It's the 0.025 doses i'll ned as well!
 
I use a Medtronic Veo and only have a small amount of sight in one eye due to proliferative retinopathy. It is great for small insulin basal rates as my daily requirements are relatively low.

I find filling the reservoir quite a challenge to ensure there are no air bubbles present and use a magnifying screen to make sure I have got rid of them all. The screen has black numbers and letters on a grey background so not the best contrast with poor sight but it does have a backlight which helps to improve contrast, I would say using a pump has saved my life and I'm sure which ever model and make you choose will help you enormously. Good luck with it.

I'm glad I'm not the only one flowerpot who had these problems
 
If you have eye damage then the screen is the most important thing for you. Animas screen is coloured and the contrast can be changed to suit your needs. Smallest basal is 0.025 unit per hour.
 
Agree with screen colour and size...very important. However with the new roche pump has a great remote control... If you can see 6 large icons on an iPhone etc, you would find the remote brilliant. The pump only has to be pressed when changing cartridge or priming. All other times you just use the remote. 0.01 rates are brilliant too, and with the new 1/4hrly basal slots this will be absolutely brilliant.
 
That sounds brilliant I can work my iPhone fairly well with my bionic super thick glasses so I live in hope.
"Bit off subject" how do you copy someone's message and quote it on top of a new one that your creating on an iPhone 5c I've tried everything I'm at a loss I think that's the problem I had earlier in ask a question ? Thanks
 
I have the Vibe and although I found the setting of basal rates easyish, the screen display is ok indoors but not too good outside even with the contrast level turned right up. The entry fields are small so you have to keep a close eye on the sctoll buttons not going past the correct bg or carb amount. The cartridges are not that essy to fill as the internal plunger is a bit stiff and xometimes the blue clip on grip comes out so you have to insert it again. Getting rid of air bubble is easy though which is not so with the Combo.

If the Combo had the ability to pair up with cgm, then I would hsve stayed with Accu chek and not swopped to a Vibe but at the end of the day, all pumps do the same job so best advice I can give is go have a look at them and see them working. Ive met a few pumpers who are young and most seem to have the Combo and appear to be happy with it.
 
I am partially sighted and the Vibe is the only screen I can manage, especially in dimly lit areas. My sight ruled out other brands for me. The animas is fab though
 
You click on their forum name at the top of their post. It says quote as one of the options. Select quote and it loads up a new message quoting that person...
 
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