My husband has injected insulin for Type 1 Diabetes for the past 20 years. We have been talking about him switching to the pump, but is it really worth it after 20 years? I mean, can a grown man adjust well enough to that kind of change? Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
2007-06-22 22:36:40 · 7 answers · asked by argosaries 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
After 21 years as a type 1 diabetic, I finally got a pump, and quite honestly, I do not know how I ever got by without it. I was used to the injections, but my control is so much better now. I have way more energy. The flexibility the pump allows me is amazing. For the first time since I was a child, diet does not run my life. I can eat more if I want, or I can skip meals. I would absolutely recommend the pump to anyone. There was a period of adjustment to start with, but it was not unbearable, and well worth it.
2007-06-23 18:32:17 · answer #1 · answered by Tamarak 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, there really aren't any studies to say whether your husband in particular is going to like an insulin pump. I assume he's been treated with injectible insulin up to this point, and the pump is more convenient than that in many ways, you need to change the site every 2-3 days rather than giving yourself shots 4 times daily, it holds all of the insulin you should need for the day (provided you are careful about changing the cartridges), it probably gives better coverage (though I have no evidence for that, nor does any exist that I am aware of). However, it is a needle that is in you all the time, which can restrict activity somewhat, and the routine is somewhat different than it is to inject insulin.
The question you're asking is really very personal and changes from patient to patient. Insulin pumps are a good option for compliant type I diabetics, and if you husband wants one, then it may be a good option, beyond that, without ever having met him, I can't say much.
2007-06-23 03:36:53 · answer #2 · answered by The Doc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The pump is an excellent way to control diabetes. I was taking shots for about 5 years when I finally switched to the pump. I thought long and hard about it. I talked with my doctors, done research myself and asked questions from others that have the pump. I had good control over my sugar when I was doing injections but the control with the pump is even better. The pump also gives you a little more freedom about when you eat and what you eat. I was on different insulins when I injecting, and now with the pump, you only have one. It does take a littler adjustment, but it is worth it. Do your homework. Talk to your doctors about the advantages and the disadvantages to see if it fits into your lifestyle. It may or may not.
2007-06-23 05:50:10 · answer #3 · answered by Wanderer 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-22 06:24:00 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it could be a very good option possibility for your husband since the pump is giving a little bit of insulin throughout the day. Also, with the pump you can give an extra bolus (like the injections he takes now) if needed to help with certain foods.
If he considers the pump they will offer education classes to help him learn more how to take care of the unit.
You can request videos from some of the pump makers or ask his dr if they have some of those videos so that you can learn more about how they work.
We looked in to it when my mom was considering it because of what studies were showing with relation to helping Type 2 Diabetics that require insulin like she does.
2007-06-22 22:42:31 · answer #5 · answered by sokokl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My mind must be in the gutter because when I saw the title to this question I was thinking of a diffrent kind of Pump lol.
Anyway..I think if he has been doing injections for 20 years without any problems then why switch?
But I really don't know anything about the pump like are there any risks that the pump has that the injections don't and vice versa?
2007-06-22 22:47:28 · answer #6 · answered by Mom22 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My husband is diabetic and he has the insulin pump.He always had trouble with his sugars being to high but since he's been on the pump his sugars are alot better.Plus he has more freedom and doesn't have to inject himself.He only has to inject himself every 3-4 days when he has to change the site.He also doesn't have to worry about forgetting to give himself insulin as the pump gives him 2 units of insulin every hour.My husband loves the pump.
2007-06-22 23:33:30 · answer #7 · answered by melons0691 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋