Ive just read about an insulin pump Can someone please expalin more?

Question

If its what I think it is I think I may need it b/c I always haave a very high BSL. Even nowe it is 16.2 and why are the amounts Im reading different from mine.E.G Ive been reading where levels are in triple figures and numbers like 700 and 680, but my glucometer readings are just in the teens ie 16.5...Is the readings different from country to country I live in Australia.......Maybe Im just not understanding my diabetes too well

Answer 1

It is possible to give a patient a little device which pumps insulin (we have been doing it with pain relief and antibiotic medications for a long while now) and is delivered into a subcut needle (usually a butterfly needle/cannula type set up) and this can deliever a constant dose of insulin over the 24 hour period. Very important for type I diabetics.

A similar effect can now be had with a new(ish) insulin on the market called glargine (or Lantus). Talk it over with your doctor.

The troubles with pumps are: if it pumps too little or too much (malfunction/battery run down/etc), butterfly site infection in the skin, making sure your pump syringe change over is okay, etc.

The trouble with glargine is: if you get too much of it in the first place you can't take it out (a- your doctor should know to avoid this and b- you may just have to have lots of dextrose for a while until it wears off), but otherwise it's just like any other long acting insulin (like protophane etc)

I think your doctor will opt for glargine cos it's a better solution generally.

Answer 2

I have a pump I love/hate it.
Look at the website minimed.com, they now have a patch that will record your BS every 5 minutes with the pump.
It sure sounds like the readings are different from here in America if it is a 16 here you are dead. ours run between 60-110 for a normal BS mine tends to run high 210-600. but 600 in hospital time.
Anyway a insulin pump is a pump & tubing that gives a continus suppy of insulin 24/7. you will need to change the tubing every 2-3 days and refill the insulin every day, you will need to check your BS any where from 4-8 times a day and push a button for a bolus at meals. getting continuest dose of insulin makes you feel different... better... healthier....
Check into the website but there are other pumps to. You can also check out webmd.com and search for insulin pumps

PS I disagree with the others here, This web site is a great way to start your reseach into any subject. just don't let this be the only place you look. .

Answer 3

Yes different countries use different measurements. My son has the insulin pump he is 11 and has had it since he was 8. It has given him a more normal life and much more freedom. The pump gives a constant trickle a basal and when you eat you give a injection called a bolus. You put a catheter in once every three days so it is like one shot every three verses the 12 we did. It depends on how much insulin you use how often you refill it. My son fills his every 3-4 days. Highly recommend the pump. You can contact Anamis, Smith Medical whomever makes a pump and ask for info they will send videos and such for free. Also contact doctors in hospitals see if they are doing any studies on insulin pumps. My son had been out of control no matter what we did and within 3 weeks we were finally within target for the first time in 8 years.

Answer 4

2 measurements for BG: mg/dL (norm is 70-99) and mmol/L (don't know the norms- in USA)

Pump is a fabulous idea for anyone who can check 4-6 times a day. It takes some training and a bit of getting used to, but it is a miracle in treatment of diabetes. Basically, it has a programmed rate of delivery for your basal insulin (amount to keep you alive). When you need more (meal or high BG) you program a bolus. (program meaning punch a few buttons). Uses short acting insulin only (humalog, novolog, apidra). No more multiple daily injections. Not tied to a schedule; eat when where what you want. help narrow the peaks and valleys for tighter control. I Highly reccommend it.

Answer 5

Ok, well let's just say that when it comes to diabetes and your health, there is no point in asking questions on here. Everyone's diabetes is different, and the only one who can help you is your Doctor. As far as I know, an insulin pump is something that is permanently attached to your body, injecting insulin at a constant rate. But as I said Speak To Your Doctor.!!!

Also, my partner's family is nearly all diabetic, and the doctor's have told them that the ideal measurement is between 4 and 8.

Answer 6

I have an insulin pump and it has it's ups and downs but I do like it better than taking injections 6 or 7 times a day. There is a new pump just released and you can check it out at minimed or medtronic.com. medtronic called me yesterday. all you have to do is enter your info and someone will call you. the new pump even checks your bgl for you every 5 min.

Answer 7

Go to website: www.mendosa.com. He is a diabetic and has a monthly newsletter. The site has lots of information on various pumps and other devices.

Answer 8

If your specialist is like ours, all you have to do is call and they will be glad to answer all questions. When my grandson was diagnosed, there were times when we would have to call ten times in one day. You must not be afraid to call those who you got the pump from. You are playing with fire if you do not get professional help.