Pumps - Recent Threads

traveling?

Tracy — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 17:37:26 GMT

Just wondering if there is anything special I should know regarding airports and insulin pumps. I will be leaving on my first vacation since getting my pump and I hadn't really though about it until now. Thanks!

Nightime highs

Jennifer — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 02:05:44 GMT

I know everyone isn't doctors but I want to see what you guys think. Lately my son has been really high at nighttime. Do you think this is because of not enough insuiin with bedtime snack or basal rate needs to be increased? My son is 9 years old and he is on the pump. Usually if I give him a bolus about 3-4 am it will bring his bs down enough so he isn't quite so high at 7 am when he gets up.

I'm curious: how much insulin do folks go through in a typical day?

Elie — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 18:11:30 GMT

I just noticed I've been using about 30 units of Novolog a day. Is this high? Low? I weigh 170 pounds and am turning 24 tomorrow. Oh, and I'm male. I don't know what other factors matter. I exercise daily. Anyway, how much insulin do YOU use?

T-Slim Pump Life

EDE331 — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 16:21:13 GMT

Yesterday I had my appointment and was hooked up to my brand new Tandem T-Slim Pump! So far it's really easy to use. I am only on Saline right now next Monday I go "live" with the pump and I will be on Humalog with my fancy pump. I can see how this is already going to make my life easier. The T-Slim does the calculations for you, and the thought of not having to pull out a pad of paper whenever I need to cover what I eat is exciting. Also I am looking forward to not having to do daily injections. Just pressing a screen a few times is very appealing. This all so far seems great, I know that I could be in the bright happy glow of new diabetes goodies.

Does anyone ever get sick of being on the pump?

Pump info Pre-Pump

EDE331 — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:48:59 GMT

I was wondering if anyone could give me some information about the pump that you don't always read or hear about prior to getting the pump. I am 2 weeks away from going on the Tandem T-Slim! (Woo Hooo technology!) I have heard that the infusion sites can hurt, stop working etc. What else can happen on the pump? Also has anyone experienced weight loss or weight gain with the pump? What are some things that you love about the pump and perhaps what do you hate about the pump?

Any info that you can give me would be greatly appreciated!!

Emily

High sugars 4-5 hours after changing insertion site. Please Advice.

toomshum — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:57:35 GMT

Hi, My name is Toomshum and I recently joined the Pumps group.

I find that whenever I change my insertion site, my sugars shoot up to 300 and refuse to come down for 4 to 5 hours. Even corrections and higher boluses don't seem to work then, but show their compounded effect hours later. But after that, my bloodsugars stabilize and I don't have too much of problem for the next 3 days.

Has anyone else faced this problem? Please advice.

Medtronic

Chelsea — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:18:34 GMT

Hey guys!

So, I'm using a Medtornic pump, and I went to change my set today and had an issue with my resivor...I filled it with 300 units and was priming it...but It pushed about half the resivor out before the pump decided it was actually priming. This has happened with one of my previous Medtronic pumps, and I'm totally unhappy to see it happening yet again...I haven't even had this pump that long either...I'm not going to waste 150 units of insulin to prime a pump that just worries me about correct dosage now...Have any of you had this problem with your Medtronic before? If so, PLEASE get back with me and let me know what you had to do to fix it...

Thanks,

Chelsea

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Tyler Jo-Anne — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 01:04:47 GMT

HI EVERYONE,

I DON'T MEAN TO STICK MY NOSE INTO ANYONE'S BUSINESS, HOWEVER I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE COULD RECOMMEND INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT COVER YOUR PUMP(MINIMED, PING, OMNIPOD), SUPPLIES, INSULIN, ETC...

IF YOU COULD PLEASE SHARE, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT!!!

tslim?!!?

Cassie Bard — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 22:25:12 GMT

Hey guys,

I am 25 years old, married, trying to have a baby with fertility issues, and trying to keep my sugars under a 6.8 a1c.

I have had an insulin pump probably since I was 15 maybe 16 years old. I was on the old school minimed for a while, then went to deltec cozmo for 2 years, and have been back on the minimed probably for the last 6 years.

I tried the CGM-minimed version and HATED it! I had so many problems! I switched to dexcom ( seven plus) and waiting for my upgrade to the platinum in march :)

My question is!!!---- I saw a friend that had the TSLIM, anyone use it? anyone have any issues/pros/cons, anything? most of us are not users of this pump and I don't know many people with it. I was also thinking about switching to animas in case that near future comes when dexcom and animas finally join and make my life a lot better! or just stay with the minimed because that's what i am use to. I like the look of the TSLIM and definitely interested!!

Anyone help me out on what to decide?!

Pump + Lantus?

BruceF — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 02:11:50 GMT

Hi All,

we have a nine year-old son who has had T1 for almost two years now and has been on the pump for about a year. In general he's doing quite well, with pretty good A1Cs (7.5-7.7), but I've been increasingly wondering whether we might try putting him on lantus as well as the pump. Every time I bring this up with a doc or DNE they look at me like I'm crazy. I'm wondering whether anyone here has ever tried such a thing? Here are the possible benefits:

1. He really doesn't like wearing the pump at night, and sometimes gets pretty upset and says he wants to go back to shots just so he can spend some time disconnected. It's a pretty big thing for him to carry around all the time (he's on the minimed). His nighttime basal is by far the lowest of the day (half what it is in the daytime), so if we could calibrate the lantus properly he could get enough to cover his overnight dosage but still take use the pump to have his basals change at other times of day when he needs higher ones.

2. He is a crazy-active soccer (and other sports) player who uses every once of energy in his being when he plays. We disconnect him to play games and have to try to guess how much of a bolus to give him to cover his missed basal for the 30 minute halves. Having a baseline of lantus in him should mean that we can disconnect him for stretches of activity without worrying so much about him spiking, or giving him too much of a bolus to cover his missed basal and having him go low. The same thing would go for swimming and showering and bathing, etc....

3. We find that as we get close to 48 hours the pump will at some point stop being effective, presumably because the site has absorbed as much insulin as it's going to and he will start skyrocketing. We try to head this off by changing his infusion set before the full two days are up, but we don't always make it in time (e.g. when it's in the middle of the school day). We could change him every day, but I don't think that's fair to him. With the lantus in him his end-of-set highs would not be so dramatic.

It would of course mean an extra shot a day, but before we were on the pump we used to give him lantus when he was asleep, so I kind of think the upsides outweigh the downsides (although our doc and DNE don't agree). Anyway, it doesn't seem like *that* crazy an idea, so I'm wondering if someone else has tried it or considered it.

thanks,

Bruce

scar tissue

CherylZ — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 20:13:18 GMT

Has anyone had an issue around scar tissue? I've been on a Minimed pump for about ten years now, and they suggested it as a possible reason for unexplained highs.

bLOG

Ashley — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 21:08:18 GMT

Hey there. My name is Ashley. I have been Type 1 Diabetic for 4 years now. I have a blog that normally revolves around diabetic topics and I would love if you would read some of my posts and give me some feedback. Also, I am asking for suggestions for topics! What do you want to hear about?! :) Please leave comments.

Here is the link to the blog: www.iamjuvenated.blogspot.com

i have an awesome blog about my insulin pump!!

Pump vs Injections- Help!

KanakKats — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 18:53:46 GMT

I've been a type1 diabetic for the last thirteen years, ie for all but three years of my life. And since I've joined Typeonenation, I can't help but notice how many people favor the pump over insulin injections, so it sort of got me thinking.

My control with injections is hardly satisfactory, although if truth is to be told, its not like I try very hard, anyway. A1c's are usually around 7-7.5 and cases of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are fairly common ( hypoglycemia around thrice a week, blood sugar readings going down to as low as 30 mg/dl and hyperglycemia almost every third day, readings going up to 300 or so. )

Also, I'm fed up of the injections. Four injections a day, what with having to monitor readings and accordingly adjust doses, I daresay, gets on my nerves at times.

So I've been considering the pump as an alternative (based solely, however, on the positive reactions I'm seeing from users). I have nearly NO idea about it. Could anyone throw some light on it? How it works, the mechanics, the effect on readings, the effect on lifestyle, and of course, the effect on overall control? Basically, am in need of an introduction to the functioning of pumps and users' responses.

changing infusion sites?

daisy — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 20:25:56 GMT

Lately I've been thinking on changing infusion sets, but not sure to which one? I'm currently using the Quick Inserter 6mm ,not sure if its only me but sometimes it hurts a lot more then other times. I use an ice pack to kind of num the insertion site, but sometimes it hurts a lot! and other times I dont even feel it. I also been wanting to change the sites on where I put it, since I've only been using my stomach and my abdomen I know I can insert in on my thighs, arms or even on my back, but I'm terrified!! I think its because I have only been inserting in on my stomach that I've gotten comfortable wearing it there. Also its because I'am thin and really dont have much body fat. This came to my decision of changing to a more less pain infusion set that will work for me. Do you guys ave any helpful ideas on which infusion sites I can use. It will be great to get feed back from other fellow pump users that have gone through this same situation. Thanks!!

Finally considering a pump!

Angel — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:33:58 GMT

My son Joe is 11 and was dx March of 2010, up until yesterday he would not even talk about a pump, but he is starting to come around and reconsider. So I am trying to gather some information as to what one works best and what are the pros and cons? He is a very active 11 yr, plays soccer, basketball and likes to swim. Any advise you could give would be great.

Thanks

really wanting a pump

Asha Pecher — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:16:16 GMT

i really want a pump, but having a really hard time getting my A1C down in the ammount of time required. i have another 3 months to bring it down. and i want it down to about an 8. honestly, to embaressed to say my current level:( pretty much, i just would like tips on how to balance teen life, and being able to meet the requirments asap!! thanks:)

My Pump!!

AlexisMarie — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 21:40:32 GMT

So after 2 weeks of playing phone tag with the Medtronic representative... my pump is FINALLY on its way here :) By Tuesday I will have my pump :)))

Leaking Sites

Rebecca — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:52:49 GMT

Hi, Lately I've been having problems with my pump site leaking insulin. For a while I thought it was the tubing getting a hole in it (I'm on the angled set so the thin tubing that goes in me is exposed a little bit) but then today I gave a bolus and saw it leaking around the site. The insulin was going into my stomach and then coming out around the tubing. This site has only been in two days. I was wondering if anyone else had ever had this problem and what they did, I'm kind of stumped. Thanks =)

Infusion site falls off

Shandra — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:57:13 GMT

My daughter has been on a medtronic paradigm veo for a few months now, along with the mio infusion set. With this last batch of infusion sets, her site has been "falling" off, usually a day sooner than we are supposed to change it. It's like it loses all of the adhesive a day early, and we will literally find it hanging from the tube. She usually wears it on her belly, but occasionally on her flank. We have never had this problem before. It was a bit of a rough day because it fell off during the night. As a result, we have been battling high sugars and ketones today. Both have settled down now, but I was wondering if anyone else has had this happen. Is it possible to have a box of infusion sets that just aren't as sticky as usual?

Is there a way to put the site on my arm by myself?

Elie — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:42:10 GMT

I use the Silhouette infusion sets. I have to get someone to help me. But I might be living alone soon and was wondering what I'm going to do.

Diabetes bag

Nbee03 — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 01:31:59 GMT

I'm looking to get a new bag to carry my diabetes supplies while im on the go. But, I cannot find one that fits my needs. I use an insulin pump and need enough space to hold the inset and cartridge. I also do not want a big bag. Do any of y'all know of a good, durable bag to hold all of my diabetes supplies?

Pump Upgrades? help please!

Steph — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:07:20 GMT

I saw a post about this a while ago, but now I cant find it, so I'll start a new one.. Are pump upgrades really necessary? because I'm eligible for a new one next month but it will be my first chance for an upgrade. Do I really need a new one? Are you supposed to get one when it is possible or is it only if you want one? I really have grown to love my Minimed but I'm nervous that if I keep it too long, it may start getting glitches or something..

First week...

Nbee03 — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 01:04:34 GMT

Hi, I am starting on the one touch ping onion a few weeks. I was told by one of my friends that the first week will be horrible. I was told that my blood sugars will be high and low all of the time. Is this true?

Variable insulin effectiveness and nonlinearities

BruceF — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:14:07 GMT

the other day our son had a high carb breakfast (60 grams) and he when we tested him a 2.5 hours later he was on the edge of going low with a large amount (for him) of active insulin. This got me thinking about insulin effectiveness and how it works. His carb ratio changes pretty dramatically over that time period, from about 11 at 9:30 when he ate, to 17 or so by 11:30 or 12. My question is was the tail of the bolus that we gave at 9:30 but was acting at 11:30 acting with the reduced effectiveness of the earlier morning or the increased effectiveness of the 11:30 timeframe? If the latter, which I assume is the case, it implies that the whole notion of a carb ratio doesn't really work, and that in particular large boluses have a nonlinearity to them since more of the bolus will be working later in the day (when presumably the insulin is more effective). Are people accounting for this?

thanks

Bruce

Why does my sugar always sky rocket when the site's on my stomach?

Elie — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:01:50 GMT

There's no occlusion. The site looks completely fine. This happens frequently. I try to avoid my stomach, but I don't want to overuse my legs and arms... Why is this happening to me? Am I the only one? What can I do to remedy the situation? Thanks in advance to the dozens of people who will no doubt come to my aid.