Insulin Pumps

Hi guys.
I'm new to this site, but I wondered if any you are pump users?
I've had mine since Oct '09 and I just wondered how other people get on with their pumps?
Cheers, L.

Hi, I am new to the whole Daphne thing. I have been a Type 1 diabetic for 20 years and was really keen on the insulin pump but many people have put me off lately. How are you getting on with it?

hiya ive heard mixed things about the pump. But i am interested in learning how people have taken to them.

I started on the pump in January, and I love mine! It's not a magic gadget that suddenly makes everything easy, but it really does allow me to manage my diabetes better. I had problems with hypos and a pretty strong dawn phenomenon that lantus couldn't cope with. The pump allows me to fine tune my basal insulin to match my needs, and I can respond to changes in my routine much faster using the pump. It takes a bit of work, but if you're willing to put the effort in, then the pump is a fantastic tool for helping to control your diabetes.

That sounds pretty similar to me Angie, I had a lot of trouble with overnight hypo's and dawn rises etc etc, and the pump's been great.
It's a lot of wok but so worth it, and it makes life much more flexilble.
Nat, what have people said to put you off having a pump, if you don't mind me asking?

I did have some horrid overnight hypos now on split dose and in the heat reduced my evening dose right down but then have the very odd breakfast highs when I go to bed on target.

About the pump people have said that it takes so much more blood testing than without and I seem to be testing all the time don't think I could do any more. I went on the course to become less diabetic if you know what I mean i.e. eating what I want when I want which is sorted but I feel now I don't eat things and go places cause I don't want to upset the good results I've had. Other people have said that they find it uncomfortable and gets cut of at times in the night and on holiday they just wished they didn't have it!

I was testing 4 times a day before I started on the pump, and having to test more was a worry for me, but I reallly didn't have to do that many more.

In the early days, it was a case of doing some middle of the night one's to work out my overnight basal rates, beacuse of my overnight hypo's, but it wasn't too traumatic, and I'm back to 2-4 tests a day now. I'm lucky enough to have a great diabetes nursing team, who are fairly chilled out, which really helped.

I can't say as I've ever found wearing the pump uncomfortable, and I never even really notice that I'm wearing it, unless the wire snag's on something! Each to their own though, I can see some people wouldn't get on with it. For me, its worth the flexibility I now have.

As for not doing things/going places that you want to and not eating things that you want to, try not to think about it too much. You live with diabetes because you have to, but it should never stop you living your life and doing whatever it is you want to do. God, I sound like a counsellor!! Sorry, pep talk over! L.

I am a mother of 3 and working full time so I certainly do need the flexibility. Thing is even if I do want a pump whether I get one is another thing! I need a pep talk now and again as sometime I do get caught up in my own self pitty and I shouldn't cause as you say I live with it and not around it but it is still only early days and I am trying to lose some weight to so perhaps too much too soon! Thanks for the chat, when you don't have anybody to talk to about things and nobody can understand how it feels to be diabetic unless you are even if you live with someone who has it when they are telling you don't worry you can it and they are tucking into the cupboard full of carbs!!

Tell me about it, I've had it for 11 years, I don't know anybody with diabetes, and when I did the Dafne course it was a real eye opener to realise that lots of other people do live with it. Of course, I know other people have it, but talking to people really brought it home for me.

Getting a pump depends on your own personal circumstances, but I will say, that since having the pump, I've lost weight, which I put down to better control with my bloods, which in turn has given me more confidence.

Feel free to have a moan anytime, like you say, it makes a huge difference having somebody who understands it because they also live with it 24/7. Chin up, and keep smiling!

I have been diabetic for 38 years and have just been offered a pump but am really unsure about it.
I am very sensitive to insulin and 1 unit can make a huge difference. Have lost all warning signs of hypos and have been as low as 1.2 still standing but somewhat confused ,below 2 is a regular occurence and as I live on my own could be quite dangerous. I dont know why but my insulin /cp ratio changes from day to day. I work hard at trying to keep control but seem to be fighting a losing battle my HB is 8 at the moment and has rarely been much higher than that but this is only because of large swings in my blood sugars. I was told to run my blood sugars higher but this will end with nasty complications .
I have searched for information on the internet but seems very sketchy and mainly american based.
I have been told i would be getting a medtronic pump but cant find anything that usefull on the internet.
I am a bit of a techno phope have trouble with a mobile phone so god knows how i woold get on with something that is basically going to keep me alive .
Really want to know if they really are a lot better for maintaining a good and stable blood glucose.
At the moment I am just a little scared and very depressed