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Forms of glucose monitoring & insulin pumps

M

Mungobean

Well-Known Member
Messages
88
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi, I am newly diagnosed with T 1, but I have been using the Libre system since March. Have people tried the Libre and Dexcom and have a preference? My consultant thinks I might benefit from a pump, but is there a better type to ask for? Would I get any say in the matter? I was reading about the Omnipod system and it looked less invasive to me than a traditional pump. Has anyone used it, and if so, what are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.
 
It will depend entirely what your hospital/clinic offers, some can offer a choice as far as I can see from posts in these forums, mine however it was one pump if you couldn't persuade them you needed one that worked with sensors, or one if you could (you needed a very very good reason for this - very few got this option afaik), otherwise nothing
 
Pumps are rationed in the NHS and as a newbie you may need to demonstrate that you understand how to manage your bgs using finger pricks and insulin pens plus carb counting. For example have you been on a DAFNE (carb counting and bolusing cours) yet? This is a hoop you normally need to jump through!
If you can show that you can do this and yet still struggle with hypos and erratic controls they may apply for funding. Depending on where you live there will be different options such as Medtronic, Tandem , Omnipod - most people stick to their brand so you may be better off chatting to the pump nurse who will be more familiar with all options.
In my ccg I've been allowed access to the Dexcom with Tandem Control IQ system which has got me to my lowest HBA1c ever (48 down from average in high 50s) because the pump talks to my sensor every 5 minutes and adjusts my basal insulin or stops it completely. It works well but can't overcome bad eating so isn't a silver bullet. I get best results by going low carb.
The FSL with a pump can still make a massive difference to your life as it allows for much more flexible dosing and often has a bolus calculation feature to take into account factors such as exercise, stress and how much insulin is on board already.
You can get a free sample for 2 weeks from Abbot if you are impatient to give the FSL a try which would hopefully help your consultant approve you for the prescription. The consultants really do want to help as they know the tech works but are constrained by the bean counters!
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
 
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