Infusion sets

As I was recently told due to experiencing fluctuations again with plastic sets..."if you are small (size 10/12 or under) and lean and no fat then plastic sets can kink and flex and block so they aren't recommended."

I am pretty much proof of this as almost 5 years ago I knew there was a problem with one type of plastic set. They did get withdrawn. This time round of using another plastic set because metal ones weren't available there has been wider fluctuations in levels consistently for time on the plastic ones. Have jyst gone to the new metal ones 2 days ago and back to stable bloods again.

I think size, activity and where you wear them has a lot to do with set choice. A bit like suck it and see.. As I know there will be size 10/12 people that get on fantastic with plastic sets... All choices have to be personal to you as the individual.

Its not just based on plastic or steel though. Its also down to length of the cannula. I'm 6mm steel. 8mm are again not good for me as I am lean, no fat. Consultant suggested 4mm but My manufacturer doesn't make them. Again there will be size 10/12's that will be using longer lengths...

I us Tenderlink 17/110mm on my pump with the old pump I'm on but the new insight pump I'm changing to in June accu-CHEK do a shorter tube length of 100 mm, the reason I use a longer needle is the opposite to donnellydogs I've got a bit of extra weight around my tum plus I've always used long needles from preference dont ask why just have, it's a preference that you choose, when you get your pump the box normally gives you a selection of goodies (including needles) and the pump companies will send you sAmples if asked

If changing sets though from plastic to metal or vice versa the pump companies do like you to have training if the sets are primed differently.

The old rapid d ones for accuchek used to be primed before putting them in to body so different to the plastic ones. So they like you to be trained first.

The new rapid d on the Insight pump are primed in your body. So anybody that has had these on the combo but going to an Insight must remember this....

And on the Insight you have also remember to change the cannula fill priming quantity as well if you change your set length or type. The plastic 6mm was supposedly 0.7 but for me that was giving me highs afterwards so I gave myself more 0.8... On the steel 6mms I think I had to change the cannula fill to 1 unit according to Accuchek info but have changed it to 1.1 as 1.0 caused me a high...

Accuchek Insight users have more to think about if you change type of set or length of set.

1m tubes are available with 6mm sets of any description. So I have to order 8mm and chuck the set that comes with it away!!! I could not use as everytime I would have to change the cannula fill and then change it back when I swopped it to the separate 6mm set... So every 8mm set that comes supplied with the tube is shamefully thrown away...

Janelle123 said:

Hi,

I have recently been approved for an insulin pump and need to choose an infusion set. Would you recommend a steel or plastic cannula?

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There is no way on earth we can recommend a cannula to you. Your DSN (Dumb silly nurse) needs to give you some samples to try whilst you are using the pump so you can find out what works for you.
Good luck.

@donnellysdogs...........How do the new Insight Rapid D tubes join together, is it still swivel connectors or is the tube connected directly on the set itself?

iHs said:

@donnellysdogs...........How do the new Insight Rapid D tubes join together, is it still swivel connectors or is the tube connected directly on the set itself?

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Uses same tube and connects direct to the set now. So eliminating airbubbles between the 2 connectors joining.

The one tube fits all. Just a shame they don't have 6mm sets with 100cm tubes at all. So got to order 8mm and throw them away!! Why on earth they have done this goodness knows. At least with the old rapid d's they did not come actually with the tubes...grumpy today aren't I!!!