Insulin pump

MarkHaZ123 · Aug 7, 2022

Over the last few months I have struggled with controlling my T1 diabetes like I normally do. I have been stressed for weeks which hasn't helped things so when I have had a check up at the hospital in the last week the doctor discussed if I'd ever thought about using a pump.

Iv been finding my bloods spike high and with my job as a bathroom fitter with the warmer weather my bloods drop rapidly especially if I work an extra hour or 2 at work.

Iv never really thought about the pump as I don't like the fact it is attached to a machine but iv seen you can get the patch pump now.

What are pumps like? Do they take much management etc.

I'm just fed up with it at the moment. Either high or low. I have random hypos at times now so maybe a pump can help stop this

I don't want something thats big and bulky that will get in the way especially with my job

Deleted member 527103 · Aug 8, 2022

I have had a pump for the last 7 years.
Like you, I was unsure about having something attached to me all the time.
My first pump was a tubey pump. It was fine. It was not too large and, despite everyone's concerns, I didn't catch the tube on door handles all the time or snag it in bed. Most of the time, it was clipped onto my belt or tucked into a pump belt. It was not large (smaller than a pack of cards). I am pretty active so had a couple of "events". When climbing it came unclipped and was dangling when I was up a steep overhang. It didn't pull out the cannula or get caught in the climbing rope. It just freaked out my belayer. The other time was when I was doing a flying trapeze. My pump was neatly hidden in my pump belt when I did a backflip dismount. The pump came out of the belt and wacked me on my hip. Apart from a bruise, I was fine and the pump was unaffected. Neither of these scenarios are "typical" scenarios so not a problem for most people, including a bathroom fitter.
My second pump is a patch pump. I prefer it because it is smaller and out of the way. But I have sensitive skin and more of my skin is attached to the glue on the pump. So not ideal.

Do pumps take much management? I guess there a few things to consider
- setting up. This can take a fe weeks to get right. But you should have assistance for it.
- changing sets. You have to fill the pump with insulin and change the cannula every 3 days. It takes 5 to 15 minutes each time. At first it is a bit fiddling but becomes second nature.
- understanding and using the features. You could attach your pump and leave it running. But you may want to suspend your basal when you work the extra couple of hours or use a different bolus profile when eating a pizza. This takes some getting used to but I find it is the true value of the pump.
- pumps fail. Not often but they do fail and you need to be able to manage when they do. This could mean changing your cannula when you least expected it or disconnecting completely and reverting back to insulin pens.

Regarding which pump, I recommend talking to your DSN and find out what they offer at your clinic. This varies greatly. Officially, I do not have an option of a patch pump, for example.

MarkHaZ123 · Aug 8, 2022

In Response said:
I have had a pump for the last 7 years.
Like you, I was unsure about having something attached to me all the time.
My first pump was a tubey pump. It was fine. It was not too large and, despite everyone's concerns, I didn't catch the tube on door handles all the time or snag it in bed. Most of the time, it was clipped onto my belt or tucked into a pump belt. It was not large (smaller than a pack of cards). I am pretty active so had a couple of "events". When climbing it came unclipped and was dangling when I was up a steep overhang. It didn't pull out the cannula or get caught in the climbing rope. It just freaked out my belayer. The other time was when I was doing a flying trapeze. My pump was neatly hidden in my pump belt when I did a backflip dismount. The pump came out of the belt and wacked me on my hip. Apart from a bruise, I was fine and the pump was unaffected. Neither of these scenarios are "typical" scenarios so not a problem for most people, including a bathroom fitter.
My second pump is a patch pump. I prefer it because it is smaller and out of the way. But I have sensitive skin and more of my skin is attached to the glue on the pump. So not ideal.

Do pumps take much management? I guess there a few things to consider
- setting up. This can take a fe weeks to get right. But you should have assistance for it.
- changing sets. You have to fill the pump with insulin and change the cannula every 3 days. It takes 5 to 15 minutes each time. At first it is a bit fiddling but becomes second nature.
- understanding and using the features. You could attach your pump and leave it running. But you may want to suspend your basal when you work the extra couple of hours or use a different bolus profile when eating a pizza. This takes some getting used to but I find it is the true value of the pump.
- pumps fail. Not often but they do fail and you need to be able to manage when they do. This could mean changing your cannula when you least expected it or disconnecting completely and reverting back to insulin pens.

Regarding which pump, I recommend talking to your DSN and find out what they offer at your clinic. This varies greatly. Officially, I do not have an option of a patch pump, for example.

Thank you. That's all good advice. I suppose with me and my work it's the worry of catching it when I'm laid under baths or removing everything.

I'd seen the patch pump and if I was to go for one I'd prefer something like this which doesn't have any extras on it.
I'm happy enough with changing things when needed so that's not an issue.

I was recommended the pump to think about as iv just been a bit all over the place lately. I'm less stressed this week than last week so il keep an eye on things and see if that helps it improve.

I suppose I should just go and speak to someone. My clinic now do a walk in session 11-1 every day so you don't need an appointment

smc4761 · Aug 20, 2022

After 37 years of being on MDI, I was eventually put on a pump, Medtronic 640, with the tube. Dont think I can go on patch ones as I take too much insulin per day

For the first 2 months or so I hated it mainly because my BG were all over the place. But trial and error in getting the correct doses, particularly the Basal dose and 4 years later I would not be without it.

It gives so much freedom to make minor adjustments up or down, my BG is the best it has ever been. Gone from having an Hba1c of around 70 down to 45

My suggestion would be to give it a go, but stick with it for a few months until you get the doseage correct and hopefully your control will be even better. Use Youtube as well as there are lots of fantastic type i out there on pumps who can give great advice

Insulin pump

MarkHaZ123

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Deleted member 527103

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MarkHaZ123

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smc4761

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Insulin pump

MarkHaZ123

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Deleted member 527103

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MarkHaZ123

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smc4761

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