Pumps

[No1DeadlyPoison]

Hey everyone!

I have been consider a pump on and off for the last few months, and I just do not know if it is for me or not. My diabetic nurse said I might be able to trial it, which I do not think is a bad idea. I have been injecting for 30 years, so that is all I have even known, so it would be a VERY big changeM for me.

I am just wanting to know for those of you with insulin pumps, whether you have been on them a long time or have just started using one. Which kind of pump do you use? how do you get on with it? Can it be annoying? How much does it get in the way? Have you ever caught it on something? (Like the door handle or door frame) Is it a lot of effort to have to set things up with it? What kind of pump do you think are better and would recommend). Does it get in the way of certain clothing being worn, so if you are wearing a tight all in one, does it stick out and be noticeable? (the last part is for the women here). I would really appreciate any advice, information or any websites where I can get more informed about them, I shall be going to see my diabetic nurse to talk about all of this too but I want to see what you all think from experience!


Happy Easter! I hope you have a great day!

Best wishes to everyone!
Becca x

 

[EllieM]

Hi @No1DeadlyPoison

I've been injecting since 1970 and using a pump for the last two of those years. My team first suggested a pump about 6 years ago, but at the time I was reluctant and so turned them down. I now wish I'd gone on one when they first suggested it because it has been a massive improvement in quality of life for me.

I was put on a pump because of both having issues with hypos and finding that I didn't get on that well with lantus. I now almost never get hypos and when I do they are easily fixed.

My understanding is that your pump choice will depend on what your hospital offers you. I was offered a medtronic or a tandem so I did lots of googling about both pumps and also spoke to reps from both pumps. In the end I chose a tandem because I already knew I got on well with its cgm and at the time medtronic had issues with theirs. There is no point in setting your heart on a specific pump until you know what your hospital has to offer, though.

I am using a tubed pump and the algorithm depends on me setting the right basal rates, though it does make adjustments for low and high bgs.

It's taken me a while to get used to it but am extremely happy with it now.

As a woman with a tubed pump I either stick it in a pocket or in my bra - I use 90cm tubes to give me extra scope. Some people wear pump belts round a thigh but I never found that very practical. I have leggings with pockets that I find ideal for my pump.

Does it get caught up? - very very rarely.

I love my pump.

Good luck with whatever you decide, but I found a pump life changing, and in a good way.

 

[No1DeadlyPoison]

Thankbyou so much for your reply it has been really helpful!

I have been pretty reluctant to go on a pump but I getting to a point where my levels are not getting better (I do also have other health issues that affect my diabetes) and I want to have children at some point so the next thing for me would be to try a pump.

I am on a long acting insulin, is that something that would still need to be done? If you know.
That is really good to know! I tend to get hypos early hours of the morning.

I have never heard of them pumps before, I have only really heard about the omnipod. What cgm do you have? I have the libre, i still do use a meter as I carb count but I find the meter and the libre can be off by quite a feel mmols at times. I have messaged my diabetic nurse to see when I can get an appointment and shall speak to them about it.

Can it be a faff with the settings on the one you have?

I have seen the belts you can get for them. I just worry about where I would put it because sometimes the clothing I wear is quite tight and I do not alway have pockets.

I am glad to know that it very very rarely gets caught, as with my libre that has been knocked off very many times as I am pretty clumsy!

I shall speak to my diabetic nurse and see what they think, what they have for choices and what not and see how it goes!

Thank you again for replying and helping me! I really appreciate it! Have a great bank holiday and take care!

 

[EllieM]

Hello again @No1DeadlyPoison

My understanding is that all pumps use bolus insulin only. (When I referred to basal rates I just meant the background amount of insulin that is pumped throughout the day and night, rather than amounts for food or correction doses.)

I use a dexcom not a libre and do find it inaccurate sometimes, usually near the start of a sensor session, so use a glucometer when I suspect that the reading may be out.

Honestly, my recommendation would be to give it a try. You can always go back to MDI if you hate it.