Insulin pump??

Question

I'm a T1 diabetic nd thinkin of goin on the Insulin pump, {I'm already on the Injections!} What is it like? Our local diabetes website is http://diabetes.ie keepin in mind that my bloods are good and I'm a minor {under 16!}

Answer 1

I've been pumping for a few months now, with a Deltec Cozmo. You really can get great control, and it really can be very liberating, but like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it.

It takes a lot of work to get regulated on a pump (though once you do, it's easy), and you have to be willing to test a lot (think 6-8 times a day minimum).

You also have to be willing to have other people know you have diabetes, since other people will see the pump and you will probably have to test in public.

Once you get past the initial start up period, you can have great control and a more normal life on a pump.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I've been type I for 23 years. 19 of those on multiple daily injections and the past 4 on a Minimed insulin pump. First of all, let me tell you that going on the pump requires no less vigilance and maintenance than injections, perhaps even more. It is not an artificial pancreas which totally takes over care for you. The risk of having bg lows increases. That being said, I can safely say it has improved my glucose control. If used properly, the pump does closer mimic the natural pancreas, in that you can better customize the basal (background) streaming of insulin. It does give you a little more freedom to delay or skip meals, if that becomes necessary on occasion. If you play sports or swim, there are some considerations, but not necessarily an obstacle. My recommendation is that you attend a diabetes user group and talk to some current pumpers. Most are eager to talk about the subject. I've seen a few drop off the regimen, but most find it an advantage. Good luck.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I have been a pump user for about 5 years now. I really do love it, BUT and a big BUT it is! As you know even at the age of 16 you are responisable for your BS and you will have to check more offen (unles you can affors the new model that checks your BS for you) but it really is a freer feeling, you won't have to eat at the very exact time every day and you will feel different, I can't explain the feeling but its just you know you feel better getting the insulin every second of the day instead of one or even 4 bigs shots a day.
You having normal BS's is a very good thing this will tell the insurance company you are in control and want better control. Also being 16 is a good thing because with a pump your body won't have to work as hard and if you do any sports you can adjust the dose much easier that will shots. You will have to learn to use it corectly and to adjust it all the time and you will need to know the signs of infection because it is stuck in your tummy for up to 3 days at a time.
Good Luck

Answer 6

I had great control on shots, and my insurance still paid for it. Being a minor just means your parents need to approve it (not formally or anything big like that). Your doctor will have a paper to fill out with a checklist of approved reasons for having a pump. One of those reasons is interference with lifestyle. That's the one I got it on. (interference with lifestyle can mean anything from so many shots that you don't have time for anything else to your schedule gives you an erratic meal times.)

I absolutely love my pump. It takes about a week or so to get used to wearing it; and it is easier to go into DKA because if the insulin isn't being infused/absorbed for any reason, you don't have long acting insulin. However, that is rare in my experience. I've had 1 episode of confirmed DKA and 1 suspected (never went to the hospital for that one). I've been on the pump for 7 years, did shots for 2 years. Of note, both DKA was because I did not stay hydrated while being in the hot sun all day - not anything with the pump. I say if your parents will let you, and your doc will try to get it approved, go for it! It will take a day to train on it, but it's not that bad. The worst part is the first time things happen like first time changing the set on your own, first alarm going off, etc. Jus the same as first shot. I love it!

Answer 7

Well in my own experience, that is being a T1 diabetic for 19 years & having been on Medtronic Minimed for the last 2 yeas & 2 months Id have to say that Im healthier now than I ever have been in the past. My levels are much better & my Hemoglobin A1C has come down drastically. I swear by my pump & wish I had taken my Drs advice YEARS ago when it was suggested to me then......if you want ot contact me w any questions feel free

Answer 8

i discover the pump much less invasive than the insulin pen yet understand your opt to be unencumbered with the help of the tubing.It does no longer be super to leap interior the sea or pool with it the two. For myself, i did no longer like the pen because of the fact i grew to become into continuously left with palm sized bruises on my abdomen. i'm rather brittle so i choose distinctive injections for the time of the day. i in my view had human beings draw me aside to invite if my husband grew to become into hitting me! you won't have that style of bruising notwithstanding. the only different difficulty which would be troublesome is which you isn't waiting to leave the pen out on the sea coast because of the fact it nonetheless must be risk-free against severe warmth and mild-weight. given which you elect your meter , you will ought to hold a %. besides and you will basically use a frio bag. Have a competent summer season.

Answer 9

Hey i am too looking to go on the pump too.....it is a huge lifestlye change.....but if your blood sugars are good then it is not the end of the world if you dont get on it.....but good luck to you if you get it!!

Answer 10

You have to meet certain criteria to be approved for this if the insurance is paying for it. You need to make sure this is what you want and have someone educate you on the downside of it.