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Pump advice

killtothis

Member
Messages
11
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi, guys/gals, not posted in a while but have recently being struggling with my BG control, so have been talking with my diabetic team and consultants, it seems the best option for me will be to move to an insulin pump.
I've been given 3 options which I can't remember off the top of my head, the lists in my wifes bag. But will update thread later, just wanted to post whilst it was fresh in my head.
I'm insulin dependent following a partial pancreaectomy under 2 years ago (have recently had full organ removed with an auto islet cell transplant). Currently using the Acu- Check expert monitor, but have previously used the Bayer Countour Next/USB, I'm easily adaptable to new systems tech wise, so don't necessarily need to keep to that manufacturer.
was just wondering what everyones recommendations were (I'll be reading other posts on the forum as well) but have only done the most basic research on them.
Ideally if I can come to a decision by Monday and then let the team know which one I'll be going with.
Thanks in advance.

edit: mistyped how long I've been diabetic, so edited that. thought it was coming up 3 years, it's been less than 2 ;/
 
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Have a look at INPUT as it has some great information & advice on insulin pumps:

http://www.inputdiabetes.org.uk/

Also @killtothis, the book Pumping Insulin is a must for anyone contemplating going on a pump or presently using one, whichever pump you choose I hope all goes well.
 
I googled all of them (well my 3 choices) and you will be shown all 3 you have to choose from, your DSN should tell you the pro,s and cons of the pumps, will you be using CGM now or in the near future?

As noblehead has said the book is a must read if going opnto a pump, I get to know if I get one soon and I have chose the one I want if it gets the go ahead.

There is alot of info on youtube aswell as the makers web pages

Good luck fella
 
Thanks guys, I'll definitely check out that book that you mentioned Noblehead, Gaz excuse my ignorance but what's CGM? (just shows I definitely need to research a bit more)
I've just found the literature I was given today and it seems my choices are Accu-Chek Insight, Mini Med 640G and the Animas Vibe. I've held demo versions of each in hand and didn't really feel any incline towards any in particular.
Sadly the demo versions weren't charged at the time so couldn't really play about with them, although I've been told that any questions or if I need to demo them I'm able to do so. (I've chosen to stay with the team that did the operation rather than move to a team closer to me)
Only problem being that I live an hour and a half away from my diabetes team, and as I'm still recovering from the op the journeys quite rough on me.
Although I know they're more than happy to answer my questions via phone or email.


edit: In regards to the Pumping Insulin book, I've found a few listed on Amazon, am I correct in thinking that the author is John Walsh? (just to clarify I'm looking at the correct book) and would anyone happen to know which version is the latest? I wouldn't want to look at out of date resources. If it's allowed on the forum if anyone can share a link to the latest revision that would be great (doesn't have to be the cheapest as long as it's current, would rather pay that bit extra. I want to do this properly)

also please excuse my ignorance or newbieness as we like to call it elsewhere on the 'net.
 
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My copy is the 2012 edition which on purchase 10 months ago was the latest edition (don't think its been updated since), if you have the book Think Like a Pancreas that too has some good information & advice on insulin pumps which will get you going until Pumping Insulin arrives.
 

Thanks mate, just ordered both.
 
killtothis said:
In regards to the Pumping Insulin book, I've found a few listed on Amazon
Click to expand...
Looking for the book on worldcat.org, it appears a new edition of the book has been released roughly every 6 years or so.

1989 - first edition
1994 - second edition
2000 - third edition
2006 - fourth edition
2012 - fifth edition
​
The most recent edition at this time is the 2012 so there might be another update around 2018 give or take a year. But who knows? It's been a long run for that book.
 
I have the 640g and love it -- but -- its my first pump so no comparison point. I also use the CGM function which is why I love it (for its suspend before low feature) -- without the sensors I would *guess* it's fairly similar to the other options you have... Good luck!
 
Hi!
I've been using the insulin pump for nearly 5 years I'm on my second pump as my first one broke about a month ago but got a replacement the next day.

I use the accu chek spirt combo which uses the same metre the expert. they blue tooth together I highly recommend it.

My son who has just been diagnosed at 17 months is going onto a pump on the 9th of December and he is also going onto the spirit combo!

Look into it. It's a fantastic pump. Never had an issue with it (well apart from that one where the piston broke. But I have had it over 4 years) lol.

Good luck hope I've helped.
 
Hey all,

This is good information, I don't know when I will have to go onto a pump but it may be soon, I'm hoping in the next couple of months.
I will also look at the site which was mentioned in another post. I am hoping to get a pump that will automatically check bg levels, automatically as opposed to using a separate machine.

I have been looking at some pumps briefly, and quite a few didn't have a canula insertion, is that normal?

Thanks.
 
I have just checked this site that was recommended by Noblehead, I just want to say thank you. I'm actually happy that I checked the site as it was informative.
 
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