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The Question

09/15/08 12:49 PM

"Looking to pump Type 1 for one yr,Im 48 and have good control but would like even more control"
Asked By: katlutmulloy  
Category: Type 1

Background Info Hide
Lots of pumps on the market can't make my mind

Expert Answers (2)

09/15/08 08:45 PM

Making a decision on use of an insulin pump is a big step which can be overwhelming. Insulin pump therapy, however, allows for a great deal of freedom in the management of diabetes. It has been my privilege to help people initiate pump therapy within days or weeks of diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes, and the control they achieve is incredible. . . as they generally continue to produce some of their own insulin and the pump allows for minute adjustments that are not available by injection. Research in the area of Type 1 Diabetes also indicates that excellent control of blood glucose during the honeymoon period can help protect remaining beta cell function. As for the RIGHT PUMP? There is no perfect pump for everybody. If you are highly sensitive to insulin the Animas Pump is a great choice, as it is the only pump that delivers basal insulin in1000th of a unit increments. . . which can make a significant difference, and their recently released One Touch PING allows you to program and deliver a bolus from your meter. If you are serious about CGM and believe you can afford it or get your insurance company to cover it, the Medtronic is presently the only pump that communicates directly with a CGM sensor. . . Another decision altogether! The Deltec Cozmo is the most customizable of pumps, with the ability to automatically adjust basal rates and insulin ratios, by day of the week, in addition to some very nice reminders and alerts. For a side by side comparison of the available pumps, check out the link below. . . but be sure to check out the manufacturers websites as well!
Answered By: Claire Blum
Accreditations: RN, CDE
Sources Show
10/07/08 03:36 AM

Dear katlutmulloy: I recommend meeting with a Certified Pump Trainer (many Certified Diabetes Educators are also certified on the different pumps available) and having her show you the different models available. You can then "play" with the different pumps, see how they feel, how easy they are to read, how the button functions work, how the reservoirs and tubing are filled, even how they feel clipped to your belt or waistband, etc. Before (or after) you look them over, go to the different websites and read up on the different features and last but not least, check with your insurance company to see if any or all brands are covered. A saline start, where a pump is loaned to you to wear for a few days with saline rather than pumping insulin can give you a more clear idea of how well you and the pump you've chosen may get along. Different pumps/different features. Briefly, consider the following: ACCUCHECK SPIRIT- has the option of blackberry-type device to communicate information to your pump. ANIMAS - has a very well lit, easy-to-read screen and a built in Carbohydrate list of foods and a Freestyle meter attaches to it for two-in-one convenience. MEDTRONIC - has an Ultra Link meter which beams BG readings into the pump for easy conversion into correction boluses. It also has a RealTime continuous glucose sensor available as an option (extra expense) which displays glucose readings from interstitial fluid right on the face of the pump. OMNIPOD - works without tubing. The pod holds the insulin and IS the pump - but is controlled from a hand held device. They all have their pros and cons, but are definitely worth taking the time to investigate. Also, should you find yourself less than satisfied with your pump, generally a 30-60 day return policy is honored. Happy Pumping! (I love it!)
Answered By: Anne Carroll
Accreditations: RN, CDE
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Community Answers (1)

10/31/08 01:00 PM

I've been a Type 1 diabetic for over 46 1/2 years and just last March started using the pump. There are obstacles to overcome, but the "range" programmed in the pump by your doctor is the way the "Bolus Wizard" calculates the amount of meal bolus you need to take, and it is VERY accurate, providing you count the carbs you're about to eat exactly. It usually increases/decreases the amount by as much as 2 full units, and just depend on it's accuracy. It's also good that, even when you don't have the glucometer link with you, you can enter the amount of carbs in the meal, then test ASAP to confirm your dose.
Answered By: rhese
FLAG
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