would it help in stopping the blood sugar ups and downs and all related negative symptoms like feeling thursty, strange mouth odour, general weakness etc...?
2006-08-28 08:04:09 · 8 answers · asked by chaichi 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
First off, even without the pump, diabetics may still continue to eat refined sugar if they want, as long as they count it into their meal plan.
The pump definitely helps with the swinging sugars. I have far fewer lows and less severe lows than when I was on shots. I still have swings, but they are not as bad usually as on shots. Occasionally, I still don't feel "normal", but I am able to do things more normally, like eating what when and where I want. I still have to give insulin, and I still have to count my food, but if I decide I want more, I can have more. I highly recommend the pump.
2006-08-28 08:57:43 · answer #1 · answered by J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first person obviously doesn't know what she is talking about but I am sure you already know that :)!
As for the pump my husband has now been on it for almost a year. He was VERY reluctant about getting it and I am not sure what actually swayed him in the end. But it has been the best thing he has done for his health. Before the pump he would have problems with morning highs and maybe once a week would wake with an unexplained low or high. Since the pump he has not woken a single time with elevated sugars or dropping he also wakes every morning with a blood sugar reading of 85-110. During the day he rarely has problem with his levels either because the pump gives you such great control. I can say now that my husband no longer has the huge swings in glucose levels he no longer has the "strange mouth odor" that you mentioned. My husband has always tried to maintain tight control of his diabetes and the pump has made this goal easy and possible.
Best of Luck!
2006-08-28 11:43:25 · answer #2 · answered by Courtney 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, two people suggesting diet to someone who is insulin dependant. Amazing.
Anyways, to answer your question, I would love to say "Yes!" but honestly, the answer is no. The pump needs to be looked at as what it is- a glorified insulin delivery device. A really good, convienant, accurate insulin delivery device, but still just an insulin delivery device.
That being said, I have been pumping for 4 months. And I love it. It's way better than multiple daily injections.
I can eat what I want, when I want. I can exercise spontaneously using temp rates to avoid lows. I can sleep in, and I have super tight control on my blood sugars.
But I still have type 1 diabetes. My pancreas still doesn't make insulin. I still go high and I still go low. I still have to crate diabetes supplies around (meter, backup syringe, vial of insulin, glucagon, glucose, extra set). I still have bad days, though they are a lot fewer and further between on the pump.
All in all, you get what you put into it. If you go into pumping with a good attitue and learn all you can, I do believe you can lead a full, successful life on the pump.
2006-08-28 16:36:28 · answer #3 · answered by blondy2061h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ive been on the pump for four years now. It has good and bad points to it just like anything else. It has made me feel allot less self-conscious about taking my insulin in front of people but you still have to test your blood sugar.. As long as you work with your doctors you can limit you highs and lows but like Blondie said you still have them. Its nice only changing you set every three days rather than take many shots daily though. The only thing that is a bit hard to get used to is adjusting your clothing to have a place to clip the pump to but either way it doesn't have all the answers either way your still diabetic your just a more life living one after getting a pump.
2006-08-29 10:10:12 · answer #4 · answered by Charity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I answered your other question about insulin pumps and hope you have realized since posting this question, that diabetics ARE normal people....we are not invalids or freaks. The pump will definitely help lower blood sugars which in turn will help with the other side effects you mentioned.
2006-08-29 13:06:50 · answer #5 · answered by johannabnny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know too much about insulin pumps, except that they help you out in regards to regulating your sugar levels,etc.
I would suggest you see a nutritionist, I saw one and have not had to even take insulin yet, although I have glucophage.
the best thing to do is to eat 6 small meals a day rather than the traditional three, which will also help to control and keep your sugar levels steady. Since I have started to do this, it's amazing the difference it has made. good luck!
2006-08-28 11:41:28 · answer #6 · answered by nkmeeds 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is a big help. Anything that improves your health will help you feel more like a "normal" person. Unfortunately you will always have to worry and be more careful than other people. You can and will live a normal life though.
2006-08-30 13:11:13 · answer #7 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would help but you have to follow a strict diet and exercise regimen when you are diabetic. that alone will help with the problems you listed.
In other words if you get the pump you still should not eat sugar or products with refined sugar
2006-08-28 08:13:59 · answer #8 · answered by angie devine 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋