Want to try pump

[ricki_simkins1985]

Hi fellow diabetics. I am type 1 diabetic and have to inject 5 times a day. I have always been interested in the pump but I don't know how to go about acquiring one. Is it only for certain diabetics or can any diabetic get one? Any help will be happily received.

 

[MelissaC]

Hi @ricki_simkins1985 I think you have to at least gone on the carb counting course before getting one, or that's what I was told! I've been on the course but trying to manage on injections at the moment. I'm in the same boat and wondering whether the pump would be better

 

[paulliljeros]

Hi @ricki_simkins1985 Welcome to the forum. How long have you been T1 and how is your control? There are no hard and fast rules, and a lot of it depends on having the right sponsorship from your HCP/DSN/Specialist. There is plenty of information on http://www.inputdiabetes.org.uk/alt-insulin-pumps/is-it-provided-by-the-nhs/ but just be sure to do it for the right reasons. There are many reasons to justify getting a pump, and many people seem to think its a quick, easy and care free way of stopping injections and/or blood tests, but its not so simple. You need to understand carb counting, and how to do correction doses and be willing to test, test and do more testing, if you want to reap the benefits. If you are OK with these things, then a pump will likely be the best decision you made, but for some people, it just doesn't work - we are after-all, individuals! If you do it right, it can be life changing.
There are a couple of books worth a read: Think Like a Pancreas and Sugar Surfing. Each bring the concepts of controlling blood sugars, and tie in with pumping (but also apply to MDI). If you do start seriously considering it, consider buying Pumping Insulin, as for many, this is the bible for both before and after you start pumping.

 

[genix]

Ricki it depends mostly on where you live because each country has different ways of paying for a pump. They cost roughly 8K-10K. I can only comment on Australia and here anyone with health insurance that has basic hospital cover can get a pump fully paid for with a signature from an Endocrinologist and or a Certified Diabetes Educator. You could of course also pay for one yourself but there will most likely be a much cheaper way . If you live in the US or UK you will have to wait for someone from there to tell you as I have no idea what the process is in those countries.