My guy has type 1 diabetes, and is constantly checking his sugar and giving himself shots. (atleast 5 shots a day). He wants to get on an insulin pump, which is great if it works for him. do any of you use an insulin pump? or know someone who does? whatever info yu can supply would be greatly appreciated. thank you and blessed be.
2007-02-28 02:13:26 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
He should speak with his diabetes care professional to see if a pump would be beneficial.
The pump provides a small dose of insulin (0.005 ml) every 3 minutes.
2007-02-28 02:17:52 · answer #1 · answered by Chief BaggageSmasher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An insulin pump is another method of insulin delivery.
The pump goes to a small catheter which delivers insulin into abdominal fat.
The pump can be set to deliver a set amount of insulin (background dose). When he eats he will need to get the pump to give him more insulin.
He will still need to check his blood sugars the same amount as before, but will not need to give himself injections. He will need to insert the catheter into his abdominal fat. (The catheter goes in like a small needle).
Insulin pumps are very very expensive, so I hope for his sake that he has really good benefits.
They can be detached for swimming but need to be reattached when he gets out of the water.
MYAWADE: I CANNOT RESPOND TO YOUR E-MAIL! (Yahoo won't let me)
Anyways, I don't actually have a pump. I am a nurse and I spent some time working in a diabetes clinic.
For different pump features I would check the websites of drug companies.
I am in Canada, I am not sure about American Groups that sponsor pumps.
Pumps are expensive, they cost a few thousand dollars to buy as. The best way to find sources to help with the cost would be to talk to a social worker who works in a diabetes clinic.
Good luck!
2007-02-28 03:36:12 · answer #2 · answered by Laura H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm on an insulin pump. It has been wonderful for me. Your boyfriend sounds like he is diligent with his diabetes care, so he probably would be a good candidate for the pump. The pump is nice because instead of taking 5 shots a day, your boyfriend would only have to inject about once every three days to reconnect the pump. Anytime he wanted to eat something, all he needs to do is program that into his pump.
2007-02-28 02:31:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The insulin pump is one of the greatst things ever invented. There are a TON of things that are great about it!
1)Above all, your sugar levels are back to normal!
2)When you are sick, you dont have to make your self eat even if you dont want to
3)You can eat WHENEVER you want and you do not have to eat a certain amount
4)NO SHOTS! WHO DOESNT LOVE THAT?
5)It just makes you so much HAPPIER!
6)You can exercise without having to worry about your sugar dropping low because all you have to do is TAKE THE PUMP OFF!
7)It is kinda uncomfortable to sleep with one on, but you get used to it.
If he does get a pump, I would reccomend one of the MiniMed pumps. Every time minimed comes out with a new pump, they let you upgrade. I have a MiniMed 715. And MiniMed has a wide selection of infusion sets, so you can pick the one that's best for your body type!
I wish him luck on getting a pump! If he does, it will be one of the best decisions he will ever make!
2007-03-03 04:01:50 · answer #4 · answered by Katie! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had my pump about 6 years. It's no picnic, but MUCH easier than dealing with injections. I remember having to bring syringes and bottles with me all the time. The pump frees you of that. The most convenient thing has been being able to take smaller doses every time I eat something, which gives you great blood sugar control. It took some getting used to, but now I don't even think twice about it. The downsides...you can't really partake in any water activities, have to keep a close eye on it, and it's not cheap. The cannula you have to insert hurts a bit more than a shot...but you only have to do it once every 3 days or so. Definetely worth the troubles.
2007-03-03 15:02:14 · answer #5 · answered by preppy20 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have one, and it is amazing! It is so much easier to control your sugar on a pump because there is a constant flow of insulin which works better than long acting insulin. The new one that are coming out are even better because you can upload the information to a computer and chart your sugars and see any trends.
2007-02-28 03:33:35 · answer #6 · answered by heathermagoo13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend who has an insulin pump. It works really well for him. He wears it all the time and it keeps him regulated. The only problem is that it is extremely expensive.
2007-03-03 15:10:51 · answer #7 · answered by irishjayhawk25 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love mine! I was giving at least 4 shots a day and now to only have to re-attach a new catheter every three days is pretty cool.
And with mine, you just tell it your blood sugar and how many carbs you're gonna eat and it figures out how much insulin you need.
I think they're great!
2007-02-28 04:19:26 · answer #8 · answered by Katrina M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋