Hi, I am a type 1 diabetic and 18 years old, I just got diagnosed a year ago. I was wondering if I should buy a pump, some worries are that I am pretty active in sports: Rugby, lots of exercise, and I am thinking about maybe going into MMA (mixed martial arts). Would it be more of a help or a burden with the pump? By the way I take Novolog and lantus. I'm pretty sure that my blood last time i went in was at 7.5.
2006-08-29 14:46:46 · 5 answers · asked by Meh 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
It would not be a burden at all. Actually, it would make your life easier. I know two sisters whom are very active and they wear insulin pump and they said they wouldn't have it any other way.
2006-08-29 14:49:12 · answer #1 · answered by Pinolera 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been diabetic for about 16 years now. Haven't had the pump but am thinking about it myself. With you A1C at 7.5 your control is not that bad. A pump does allow you better control but you need to take into account that often insurance companies require testing atleast 4 times daily (I'd imagine you may be doing this already). I'd recommend checking out Minimed. This company is the closest to having a tester linked to a pump to basically mimic a working pancreas. Don't get your hopes up as I was told similar things when I first was diagnosed. My current doctor, nurse, and fill-in for the doctor all recommend this company. Over the years they've always been recommended.
No matter what I might recommend checking with your doctor about you Novolog. The Lantus allows for good control because of low peaks but the Humalog is a very fast acting insulin. Often patients will take insulin after eating. It starts in less than 5 minutes. Might be a good change to allow you to live as close as possible to the fashion you did before being diagnosed.
Good luck with your decision.
2006-08-29 14:54:40 · answer #2 · answered by hendrickst 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a type 1 insulin dependant diabetic and have been for 16 years. I started on the insulin pump back in 2000. Since then, I have started back into ALL fitness adventures. I don't worry as much as I did before my pump. I would feel fine one minute & crash the next on 70/30 insulin. I had a 7 lb 9 oz baby 21 months ago (healthy as a horse). I currently use a Minimed Medtronic model 712 and use only Humalog insulin. So if you are a committed and dedicated person who loves taking care of yourself by checking your blood sugar 8 or more times a day and learning how to count carbs I'd say, "yeah your a good candidate." Your diabetes doctor will have to say your dedicated also in order to get one. What kind of insurance do you have? Can you afford it? It cost me five times more than conventional therapy, but I love mine. My Ha1c has not been over 7% in over 6 years!! Good luck.
2006-08-29 17:01:11 · answer #3 · answered by dedicateddoby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed at 17, got my pump at 19. Best thing I ever did. I am not very active with sports, but any time I have played street hockey, or gone skating, the pump has never gotten in the way or been a burden. Also, the pump can help get your A1c down below 7. I highly reccomend the pump! (Personally, I prefer the minimed Paradigm series, but there are a few others out there)
Oh, and if you decide for the pump, and your doc won't prescribe it (There are docs who don't like the pump), get a new doc!
2006-08-30 01:03:03 · answer #4 · answered by J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I went on the pump in 1998, Disetronic gave me a pocket carbohydrate counting guide courtesy of a Detroit Lions Linebacker who used and recommended the pump.
2006-09-01 01:01:18 · answer #5 · answered by jax1962 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋