how long does it take to get control with pump?

[the_anticarb]

Well following my previous post when I said I was going to see about getting a pump as I am 28 weeks pregnant and having lots of lows, they have agreed to put me on a pump if I want to but they can't get it for a couple of weeks so the DSN said to have a think about it.

I'm a little worried because being pregnant I can't afford for my blood sugars to go out of control for even a short period of time, whilst I adapt to the pump.

How easy is it to transfer from basal-bolus injections to pump? Will I need to expect a lot of fluctuations in the beginning whilst they are working out the right dose /I am learning how to use it?

If I wasn't pregnant I wouldn't worry about it being a bit unstable to begin with but don't want to take any chances with the baby.

At least I know where I am with the injections, and don't mind injecting 10 times a day/correction doses etc whilst i am pregnant as it's not forever.

So am I better to stay with the injections than the pump? Or is it relatively easy to get good control wtih the pump and I should just go for it? I don't mind having a few lows but I get stressed out if my blood sugar is going high as that is not good for the baby- how easy is it to correct highs with the pump and is it any different to correcting highs with an injection of novo?

Cheers

 

[iHs]

Hi

It does take a while to get to grips with using a pump so in fairness I think about 6 months although most people feel okish with it because they no longer have really bad hypos. It's not the actual navigating around the menu system of the pump that causes problems, it's trying to set up your ideal basal rate for the day which involves lots of bg testing and some fasting and then figuring out an insulin to carb ratio for all the meals. Bolus insulin tends to make people more sensitive to the effect insulin has on their bg levels and sometimes just when you think that you're sorted, the weather temp can change, illness can upset the apple cart and the human body for some unknown reason also can just change its need for insulin. On bolus/basal this isn't as noticeable as people just inject xxxbasal insulin twice a day and xxxbolus insulin according to what ratio they feel they need to use.

If you haven't got long to go until you give birth you might be wise to stay as you are and just test a bit more frequently and eat some snacks to prevent the hypo feeling. But on saying all this, the fact that yr consultant has agreed that a pump will be of some benefit to you and will let you have one, means that you don't have to do a load of convincing so in that respect, I'd get one. You might be able to put it away in the drawer and get it out when the baby comes :wink: :lol: :lol:

 

[josie38]

Hi

As your consultant has recommended it i would say go for it. They will work out your basal rate for you and as you are pregnant they will monitor you so much better. They will detect any slight change in control and correct for it. If they have to change your basal rate then it will be done straight away and you will notice the difference. You may also find that you will need less correction doses and have fewer hypos. What is your HBA1C? Mine was 5.5 when i was pregnant first and 6.5 the second time. I know how you worry cuz i used to be the same about my BS. By the end of my pregnancies I was on 125u when normally it was 50u.

Also staying on the pump may help with the after effects you may experience because once you have had the baby you will go back to your normal doses which made my diabetes very erratic for 3 months. You will also be able to wear it if you have a natural birth.

You can use your novorapid in your pump and the pump is really easy to use. You will have to get used to having attached 24/7 and when you need your bolus you do a blood reading as normal, work out you carbs and put in the pump how much insulin you need and done.

Hope this helps and as i say they will monitor more closely until you have the baby.

Josie