how effective is insulin pump?

Question

my daughter,13, is going through the term "honeymoon period" after diagnosis of diabetes type 1(may,2006), recently her sugar levels are going upwards than normal,ie. 7, i am thinking about insulin pump for her, is it a good idea or should i go for new device: inhaler?

Answer 1

I found out I was diabetic in 01/2006. I took a diabetic class and learned tons of information. The teachers daughter had Type 1 and had an insulin pump and said it was very effective. I don't have any info about the inhaler. Good luck.
jw

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

The pump is a great tool, but it is only that, a tool. It is only as helpful as the person using it.

The key here is proper education in pump usage. With that, the pump can improve her control long-term, and give her freedom to eat when she wants and sleep in, like normal teens.

Most companies will let you try the pump (with saline) prior to buying. Ask her diabetes care team to arrange this.

The "inhaler" was made primarily for Type 2 diabetics who *should* use insulin but are scared of injections. It was never really designed for Type 1's, does not replace their long acting injections, and also does not deliver precise enough doses for the average Type 1. Not to mention the long-term risks of lung damage and cancer.

Most pumps nowdays will "do the math" for you for carb and correction boluses. This will reduce the chance of lows. She can also disconnect for a short period of time (i.e. 1 hr) , and just bolus for any insulin missed. She can also go back to injections for a day or so if she wants. There really is no downside here in terms of control.

Answer 5

GET HER A PUMP!!!!! Ive been a diabetic since right after I turned 13 & am now 32. to be 33 this year....in ALL my years of being cursed w this crappy little disese, the last 2 1/2 with my pump have been the healthiest for me!!! My hemoglobin A1C is almost in control again, Im heathier, feel better on a more regular basis &honestly its MUCH better than shots n all that mess......its looks pretty much like a pager, so its small & doesnt really get in the way too much, WAY better than carring arounf syringes, insulin bottles & the rest of that mess.....not to mention the convience of only having to stick yourself once every 3-5 days versus severl times a day, less obvious too as you can get a remote to program your pump so it can be worn under clothes & programed without having to make a big ordeal out of it.....as per the nasal spray insulin, Im not totally sure but I think you may still have to do some injections & possibly be on oral meds for this to be totally effective for us Type 1's...give her all my sympathies but tell her NEVER let this get her down, its VERY hard but I honestly belive that w the pump it will be MUCH easier than when i was diaginosed......I have a Medtronics Minimed & its great it you have any questions or need any help feel free to eamil me from here & Ill help in any way that I can...I know what shes going thru & it sucks no matter what they try to tell you.......BEST OF LUCK to her & you, its gonna be a bit of a battle but you can overcome!!!! like I said feel free to contact me

Answer 6

At 13, get her the Insulin Pump. This in it's self is an exercise that all Juvenile Diabetic and Diabetics as well should learn, Receptiveness. The pump will make her count calories and Carbs and not miss a reading. This in it's self will bring the Blood Sugars Back to Normal. Check with your Doctor and let him help you decide if the Pumps the answer.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

I love the pump I got Diabetes when i was 9 they put me on the pump when I was 13 and I was so happy, I could literally eat anything I wanted and all I had to do was check my bg and bolus the correct amount and it was like nothing ever happend! And the insulin pumps they have now a days I have the new Medtronic MiniMed pump with a blue tooth system in it what that does is with a Blood Glucose test machine thats compatible with the pump you link them and everytime you check your sugar it sends the number to the pump and you put it threw and tell the pump if your eating anything and it tells you automaticly based on how you set it as to how much you should bolus! AND It makes it easier to find fellow brothers and sisters in public and a great conversation starter with other pumpers! It takes some getting use to but I know someone above me said you have to be smart and quick on your feet with it, mm I dont think you do its really simple to understand and if you have a Dietitian to help you with it, youll have it down in no time! Come be a Hybrid Cyborg Diabetic with the rest of us!!!! JOIN THE DARK SIDE!!!!! =P

Answer 9

First, does she want to get a pump, has she talked to anyone who has a pump, do you have a doctor that can explain what a pump is all about and how it works? If she talks to some people and wants to know what its like to wear a pump get her a yo-yo and tape the string to her belly and have her put the yo- yo in her pocket. Now she will have an idea what its like to wear a pump, when you go to the bathroom you have to deal with the yo-yo, when you get dressed you have to deal with the yo-yo, and when people ask about the yo-yo she will have to explain all about it. She will find that she has to sleep with the yo-yo and deal with the string when it gets pulled out at home, work, or school. This is a wonderful way for her to learn about the responsibility without having to pay for a $5,000 pump.

Second, does she want to keep her A1C low and is she willing to do the math that is needed to program the pump. Remember that she will have to program her insulin need every time she eats even when you are not around to help her.

Third, when she gets sexually active she will have to deal with sex and the pump. You have a port that the pump has to plug into and it does get in the way at times. I know that is not a problem now but she may ask about it and you will have to come up with an answer.

Fourth, she needs a team of doctors to keep her going with her illness. Her support team has to be able to understand the pump and how it works so they can give helpful hints, can your doctors do this?

Fifth, you will have to deal with your insurance company on getting the pump and getting the monthly supplies. The warranty for a pump is four years and then you have to fight the insurance company again.

Sixth, when you use the pump you have to rotate your sights. You can do the hips, stomach, butt, and in the chest area. The set stays in for 3 days and then you have to change again. There will be times when someone will have to help with the sites so it will be mom, dad, brothers and sisters, even friends. Is she will to let people poke around on her body?

I know that by now you are thinking that the pump is a pain but I am on my second pump and I love it. I would get an other pump in a heartbeat! THE PUMP WILL BE A BLESSING IN KEEP HER FROM ALL THE TERRIBLE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD TO FACE OVER THE 31 YEARS I HAVE BEEN A DIABETIC. TELL HER TO GO FOR IT! If she has any questions on the pump I would be more than glad to chat with her about it and I would want you to be there to listen. I have the new Mini-Med pump and both of you should check the brand out. Please e-mail me and let me know what happens, bye!

Answer 10

I'm not sure about the pump, not having one myself. However, I know that even with the inhaler, she will still have to take a shot. The inhaler is only for a fast acting (taken with meals), not a long acting (taken once a day).

Like someone else posted, does your daughter want this? Either way, I wish both of you the best of health. Always be there for her, she'll need any strength you can give her. It is not easy having diabetes, but you can overcome it. Always take control your life; do not let a disease or condition control it.