i am starting on a pump in august and i would like to know from people who took lantus and switched to a pump the major differences and what to anticipate.
2006-06-23 21:14:58 · 7 answers · asked by yes i am cool! 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
I have type 1 diabetes and have been on a pump for over 4 years. I only go back to Lantus/shots if I don't have the funds to get the supplies (like now and because my insurance won't cover any diabetes supplies until July).
Before I got on the pump, my A1c levels were about 9 or 10 and I was on 4-6 shots a day, at least. I just couldn't control it and I was sick of living according to my shots, not according to my life. There were so many peaks and lows crossing each other that I was high one minute, and very low the next. I just couldn't control it.
Once I got on the pump, it took about a month for my body to adjust to it because now there was a steady flow going thru me, like a pancreas would do, rather than peaks and lows of insulin. You will go thru a class/training that will teach you alll you need to know, and you should probably have a book about insulin pumping to have for reference. I don't know how many times, when I first started out with the pump, my insulin pumping book saved me.
In your training, you will get a 'formula' to figure out how much insulin you will program the pump for your hourly (basal) rate (this is what pumps thru you 24/7) and a formula for figuring out how much to give for foods, high blood sugars, etc (bolus rate). When I am on the pump, I get 1.5 units per hour, which is 36 a day. Then when I eat or my blood sugar goes up, I have to bolus extra insulin as well. It takes practice to know how much to give for what foods, etc. You may have times that you give too much or too little. Don't worry, it happens. I still do that at times. That's why, when I am able, I want to get one from Animas that has a listing of hundreds of foods and how much carbs are in each serving and how much insulin should be given once every food you eat is picked.
As for the insert (needle that goes into your abdomen), it does feel different than a shot, but you get used to it in time. I love being on the pump and only having ONE needle prick a day instead of 4-6 shots or more a day!! When you first get on the pump, you will have to check your blood sugar at least 7 times a day and once or twice during the night (at least I did) so you can see how your body is adjusting to the pump and so the insulin rates can be adjusted, if needed. It is a pain to do this, but it is necessary.
As for filling the cartridge with the insulin, etc, it won't be long before you can do this, and changing the insert, in a few minutes time. The first few times may take a lot longer, tho, because it is new to you.
I wish you luck and definitely recommend the pump for anyone needing to take insulin!
2006-06-24 12:23:00 · answer #1 · answered by honey 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-09-15 22:21:39 · answer #2 · answered by Darwin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband is on the pump and I can tell you what I know and what he has told me. Being on the pump you get a constant flow of insulin meaning a very small amount is injected into you every half hour. With Lantus you take one shot that is to last you 24 hours and during that time the Lantus will peak and drop therefore it isn't a continuous flow. You will find you will have less highs and lows if you a good about checking your sugars and taking enough insulin for your meals. You won't have a sudden low because maybe your Lantus peaked at the same time you took insulin for a meal. My husband now wakes up with his glucose around 90 every morning rarely is it higher or lower than it should be. Good luck with the pump it has done a world of good for my husband (my husband has always strives for tight control but with the pump it has made it much easier).
2006-06-24 00:53:25 · answer #3 · answered by Courtney 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter started pump therapy in January. Before the pump, her bgl never stayed level and she was taking four shots a day. When she started training with the pump, it seemed like alot to remember, but it soon became just as natural as taking the shots. I remember the first time we had to change the insulin reservoir. We sat down at the table with the instruction manual and went step by step. It took almost 45 minutes. Now, she sits down and does everything herself, in just a few minutes.
According to her, the one thing that was different to get used to was the quick-set. It is a little bit of a different feeling than a needle, but again it becomes natural with time.
My first wish is that some day, there will be a total cure for diabetes; but until then, my second wish is that everyone could have a pump.
2006-06-24 03:04:46 · answer #4 · answered by Tracey B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ha Ha!
2006-06-23 21:26:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2006-06-23 21:18:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-03-22 05:22:04 · answer #7 · answered by Kristina 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋