Pumps in the UK - DAFNE Online

September 06, 2013 13:49

Anele46 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts

Hello all,
I'm going to see my Consultant in less than 2 weeks time and am going to ask about being put on a Pump and was wondering if anyone can recommend a particular one in the UK?
I have been chatting with VickyP who has the OmniPod which looks perfect as it is Tubeless but I'm not sure but this may not be available in the UK?
Is there a Tubeless pump available in the UK does anyone know?

Thanks in advance if anyone can assist Very Happy
Cheers,
Anele.

September 06, 2013 14:11

novorapidboi26 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Lanarkshire 1,819 posts

By wireless do you mean tubeless.......?

If so the omnipod is the one for you, and yes, I do believe it is available in the UK.......

My pump clinic does the Medtronic Minimed Veo, which comes in 2 models, one holding a larger reservoir for folk like me who need more due to my size....and a Roche model, so only 2 options, which I thought was crap, but they said it allowed them to be better equipped to train their patients only having 2 to learn about......

Does you consultant know your coming to talk about the pump........?

September 06, 2013 14:27

Anele46 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts

novorapidboi26 said:
By wireless do you mean tubeless.......?

If so the omnipod is the one for you, and yes, I do believe it is available in the UK.......

My pump clinic does the Medtronic Minimed Veo, which comes in 2 models, one holding a larger reservoir for folk like me who need more due to my size....and a Roche model, so only 2 options, which I thought was crap, but they said it allowed them to be better equipped to train their patients only having 2 to learn about......

Does you consultant know your coming to talk about the pump........?

Thanks Novorapidboi,
Yeah, sorry I meant tubeless Smile

The Omnipod sounds great but knowing my luck the Southern General doesn't offer that model Sad

I am not a "typical" Type 1 or Type 2. They thought I was Type 1 when I was first diagnosed in Feb 2010 but I never came out of my "Honeymoon" phase and have been on very small ratios of Novorapid and very little Lantus.

For the past month they have took me off my Insulin completely and have had me on Metformin but the side-affects are awful and my BGs haven't been the best hence I'm going back to see my consultant soon.
I'm gradually coming back off the Metformin and would prefer to go back on Insulin as although it could be difficult to manage sometimes with very small ratios and doses it still beats the heck out of the side-effects I experience with Metformin.
I've spoke to my DSN and talked about a Pump and she said that could be a very good option as it can deliver very small amounts of Insulin which may be the best solution for me which brought me to asking about which one is best Smile

Thanks for your advice, greatly appreciated Very Happy

September 06, 2013 14:33

novorapidboi26 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Lanarkshire 1,819 posts

You maybe a type 1.5, which is a type 1 that takes a very long time to manifest itself.........

Good luck when you ask for one........I got mine at the start of the year and this was down to funding from the government. Before the funding in Scotland at least, you would be very luck to be even having a conversation about insulin pumps........

The pump will be very good for your small insulin requirements.......

So, has the metformin helped in any way.........if your still producing insulin its good to hold on to that for as long as possible...........

Have you had any other tests to confirm that you are type 1, like the antibody test.....? [GAD]

September 06, 2013 14:48

Anele46 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts

novorapidboi26 said:
You maybe a type 1.5, which is a type 1 that takes a very long time to manifest itself.........

Good luck when you ask for one........I got mine at the start of the year and this was down to funding from the government. Before the funding in Scotland at least, you would be very luck to be even having a conversation about insulin pumps........

The pump will be very good for your small insulin requirements.......

So, has the metformin helped in any way.........if your still producing insulin its good to hold on to that for as long as possible...........

Have you had any other tests to confirm that you are type 1, like the antibody test.....? [GAD]

Yup that sounds like me Smile

1.5!

When I was at my annual DAFNE clinic a few months ago they were actively offering Pumps so I'm thinking it should be ok for me to get one.

The Metformin helped but couldn't cope with large CP intake and fatty foods so had to correct with QA.
My BGs have generally been very tight - my HbA1c has always been around 5-6 % which is extremely difficult for Type 1's but again that'll be because I'm not the norm Type 1.
I'm sure they did they did the Antibody test but I can't remeber what they said about that.
They ran other tests and can see that my Pancreas is still producing some Insulin but not enough to cover what I eat.
I also had the Synacthen test which came back negative and they sent blood tests to Exeter to test for rare Genetic forms of Diabetes but they all came back negative.
My diabetes is a strange one which constantly baffles my consultant but I'm not surprised as nothing is ever simple with me! lol Very Happy

September 06, 2013 14:53

novorapidboi26 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Lanarkshire 1,819 posts

Your describing type 2 symptoms..........I assume the amount you eat isn't t more than the average in take......?

If they done the test and have now said type 1 it must of shown some anti bodies to confirm they are attacking your beta cells....

September 06, 2013 15:37

Anele46 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts

novorapidboi26 said:
Your describing type 2 symptoms..........I assume the amount you eat isn't t more than the average in take......?

If they done the test and have now said type 1 it must of shown some anti bodies to confirm they are attacking your beta cells....

Thanks but my DSNs and consultant insist I am definitely not Type 2. They thought that when I was first diagnosed but they did tests and as my mum was a Type 1 also and tablets didn't work then they said I was Type 1.
When I wanted to start a family they let me do the DAFNE course and moved me from Humulin M3 to Novorapid and Lantus and was on 1:1 ratios with a split dose of 6U morn and night of Lantus.
Since I gave birth my Insulin requirements have dropped and was on 1U of QA to 5 CPs for breakfast then 1:1 for all other meals which then dropped to 0.75:1 for my meals and 0.5U of QA at breakfast hence they started going down the Metformin route.
I'm much happier on Insulin to be honest and feel better but I was willing to give Metformin a try but I really don't think it's for me as its really making me miserable with the side effects. That and I'm having to correct if I eat pasta or Chips or fatty foods like takeaway so I don't see the point?

September 06, 2013 18:09

Vickyp DAFNE Graduate
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust 137 posts

Anele, I am in the UK so omnipod is definitely available here! I happen to live in England, rather than Scotland as this is where work brought me! I know not all health authorities offer the same pumps, it all depends on funding...all you can do is ask them.
Like we discussed I am on tiny amounts of insulin, and not true type1 but the pump works great for me. I'm much happier on the pump, was willing to try without as consultant wanted to see what happens...to be honest I put pump back on yesterday and already feel better and that's with only 0.6u of basal, no bolus at breakfast (to see what happens but normally 1:72 ratio) and ratios of 1:52 (1u:52g) at lunch and 1:4 at tea...the ratios work differently on a pump! My Hba1c is currently 6.1%!

September 06, 2013 18:44

Anele46 DAFNE Graduate
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts

Vickyp said:
Anele, I am in the UK so omnipod is definitely available here! I happen to live in England, rather than Scotland as this is where work brought me! I know not all health authorities offer the same pumps, it all depends on funding...all you can do is ask them.
Like we discussed I am on tiny amounts of insulin, and not true type1 but the pump works great for me. I'm much happier on the pump, was willing to try without as consultant wanted to see what happens...to be honest I put pump back on yesterday and already feel better and that's with only 0.6u of basal, no bolus at breakfast (to see what happens but normally 1:72 ratio) and ratios of 1:52 (1u:52g) at lunch and 1:4 at tea...the ratios work differently on a pump! My Hba1c is currently 6.1%!

Hi Vicky,
I'm so Sorry, I don't know why I thought you lived outside the UK, I misread where you were. I'm sorry Sad

Nappy brain strikes again Sad

As you say it must be down to your local healthcare authority and funding.
I will ask them, all they can say is no so it's worth an ask Smile

Thanks very much Vicky x

September 06, 2013 18:53

Vickyp DAFNE Graduate
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust 137 posts

No problem. My consultant wanted me to get the Medtronic as it has a cgm, but I asked for omnipod and gave him my reasons and he was happy with that. Generally omnipod is used for children but 6 other adults were at training with me!
Hope it works out for you
X

September 06, 2013 13:49 Anele46 DAFNE Graduate NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts	Hello all, I'm going to see my Consultant in less than 2 weeks time and am going to ask about being put on a Pump and was wondering if anyone can recommend a particular one in the UK? I have been chatting with VickyP who has the OmniPod which looks perfect as it is Tubeless but I'm not sure but this may not be available in the UK? Is there a Tubeless pump available in the UK does anyone know? Thanks in advance if anyone can assist Cheers, Anele.
September 06, 2013 14:11 novorapidboi26 DAFNE Graduate NHS Lanarkshire 1,819 posts	By wireless do you mean tubeless.......? If so the omnipod is the one for you, and yes, I do believe it is available in the UK....... My pump clinic does the Medtronic Minimed Veo, which comes in 2 models, one holding a larger reservoir for folk like me who need more due to my size....and a Roche model, so only 2 options, which I thought was crap, but they said it allowed them to be better equipped to train their patients only having 2 to learn about...... Does you consultant know your coming to talk about the pump........?
September 06, 2013 14:27 Anele46 DAFNE Graduate NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts	novorapidboi26 said: By wireless do you mean tubeless.......? If so the omnipod is the one for you, and yes, I do believe it is available in the UK....... My pump clinic does the Medtronic Minimed Veo, which comes in 2 models, one holding a larger reservoir for folk like me who need more due to my size....and a Roche model, so only 2 options, which I thought was crap, but they said it allowed them to be better equipped to train their patients only having 2 to learn about...... Does you consultant know your coming to talk about the pump........? Thanks Novorapidboi, Yeah, sorry I meant tubeless The Omnipod sounds great but knowing my luck the Southern General doesn't offer that model I am not a "typical" Type 1 or Type 2. They thought I was Type 1 when I was first diagnosed in Feb 2010 but I never came out of my "Honeymoon" phase and have been on very small ratios of Novorapid and very little Lantus. For the past month they have took me off my Insulin completely and have had me on Metformin but the side-affects are awful and my BGs haven't been the best hence I'm going back to see my consultant soon. I'm gradually coming back off the Metformin and would prefer to go back on Insulin as although it could be difficult to manage sometimes with very small ratios and doses it still beats the heck out of the side-effects I experience with Metformin. I've spoke to my DSN and talked about a Pump and she said that could be a very good option as it can deliver very small amounts of Insulin which may be the best solution for me which brought me to asking about which one is best Thanks for your advice, greatly appreciated
September 06, 2013 14:33 novorapidboi26 DAFNE Graduate NHS Lanarkshire 1,819 posts	You maybe a type 1.5, which is a type 1 that takes a very long time to manifest itself......... Good luck when you ask for one........I got mine at the start of the year and this was down to funding from the government. Before the funding in Scotland at least, you would be very luck to be even having a conversation about insulin pumps........ The pump will be very good for your small insulin requirements....... So, has the metformin helped in any way.........if your still producing insulin its good to hold on to that for as long as possible........... Have you had any other tests to confirm that you are type 1, like the antibody test.....? [GAD]
September 06, 2013 14:48 Anele46 DAFNE Graduate NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts	novorapidboi26 said: You maybe a type 1.5, which is a type 1 that takes a very long time to manifest itself......... Good luck when you ask for one........I got mine at the start of the year and this was down to funding from the government. Before the funding in Scotland at least, you would be very luck to be even having a conversation about insulin pumps........ The pump will be very good for your small insulin requirements....... So, has the metformin helped in any way.........if your still producing insulin its good to hold on to that for as long as possible........... Have you had any other tests to confirm that you are type 1, like the antibody test.....? [GAD] Yup that sounds like me 1.5! When I was at my annual DAFNE clinic a few months ago they were actively offering Pumps so I'm thinking it should be ok for me to get one. The Metformin helped but couldn't cope with large CP intake and fatty foods so had to correct with QA. My BGs have generally been very tight - my HbA1c has always been around 5-6 % which is extremely difficult for Type 1's but again that'll be because I'm not the norm Type 1. I'm sure they did they did the Antibody test but I can't remeber what they said about that. They ran other tests and can see that my Pancreas is still producing some Insulin but not enough to cover what I eat. I also had the Synacthen test which came back negative and they sent blood tests to Exeter to test for rare Genetic forms of Diabetes but they all came back negative. My diabetes is a strange one which constantly baffles my consultant but I'm not surprised as nothing is ever simple with me! lol
September 06, 2013 14:53 novorapidboi26 DAFNE Graduate NHS Lanarkshire 1,819 posts	Your describing type 2 symptoms..........I assume the amount you eat isn't t more than the average in take......? If they done the test and have now said type 1 it must of shown some anti bodies to confirm they are attacking your beta cells....
September 06, 2013 15:37 Anele46 DAFNE Graduate NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts	novorapidboi26 said: Your describing type 2 symptoms..........I assume the amount you eat isn't t more than the average in take......? If they done the test and have now said type 1 it must of shown some anti bodies to confirm they are attacking your beta cells.... Thanks but my DSNs and consultant insist I am definitely not Type 2. They thought that when I was first diagnosed but they did tests and as my mum was a Type 1 also and tablets didn't work then they said I was Type 1. When I wanted to start a family they let me do the DAFNE course and moved me from Humulin M3 to Novorapid and Lantus and was on 1:1 ratios with a split dose of 6U morn and night of Lantus. Since I gave birth my Insulin requirements have dropped and was on 1U of QA to 5 CPs for breakfast then 1:1 for all other meals which then dropped to 0.75:1 for my meals and 0.5U of QA at breakfast hence they started going down the Metformin route. I'm much happier on Insulin to be honest and feel better but I was willing to give Metformin a try but I really don't think it's for me as its really making me miserable with the side effects. That and I'm having to correct if I eat pasta or Chips or fatty foods like takeaway so I don't see the point?
September 06, 2013 18:09 Vickyp DAFNE Graduate County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust 137 posts	Anele, I am in the UK so omnipod is definitely available here! I happen to live in England, rather than Scotland as this is where work brought me! I know not all health authorities offer the same pumps, it all depends on funding...all you can do is ask them. Like we discussed I am on tiny amounts of insulin, and not true type1 but the pump works great for me. I'm much happier on the pump, was willing to try without as consultant wanted to see what happens...to be honest I put pump back on yesterday and already feel better and that's with only 0.6u of basal, no bolus at breakfast (to see what happens but normally 1:72 ratio) and ratios of 1:52 (1u:52g) at lunch and 1:4 at tea...the ratios work differently on a pump! My Hba1c is currently 6.1%!
September 06, 2013 18:44 Anele46 DAFNE Graduate NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 109 posts	Vickyp said: Anele, I am in the UK so omnipod is definitely available here! I happen to live in England, rather than Scotland as this is where work brought me! I know not all health authorities offer the same pumps, it all depends on funding...all you can do is ask them. Like we discussed I am on tiny amounts of insulin, and not true type1 but the pump works great for me. I'm much happier on the pump, was willing to try without as consultant wanted to see what happens...to be honest I put pump back on yesterday and already feel better and that's with only 0.6u of basal, no bolus at breakfast (to see what happens but normally 1:72 ratio) and ratios of 1:52 (1u:52g) at lunch and 1:4 at tea...the ratios work differently on a pump! My Hba1c is currently 6.1%! Hi Vicky, I'm so Sorry, I don't know why I thought you lived outside the UK, I misread where you were. I'm sorry Nappy brain strikes again As you say it must be down to your local healthcare authority and funding. I will ask them, all they can say is no so it's worth an ask Thanks very much Vicky x
September 06, 2013 18:53 Vickyp DAFNE Graduate County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust 137 posts	No problem. My consultant wanted me to get the Medtronic as it has a cgm, but I asked for omnipod and gave him my reasons and he was happy with that. Generally omnipod is used for children but 6 other adults were at training with me! Hope it works out for you X