Accu-chek combo

Diabetes Technology Insulin Pumps
1

Hi guys, I’m a New Zealander who spent seven years living in the U.K and have been back in NZ for two years now.

Just wondering if any of you have had a chance to check out the new Accu-chek combo pump and if you’ve got any feedback on it? It’s coming here later in the year and I’m thinking it could be a strong contender.

https://www.accu-chek.co.uk/gb/products/insulinpumps/combo.html

Cheers
Nic

2

I would love one but only got my pump last year so stuck with it until it dies. Let me know if you get a chance to try it!

3

Thanks Charlie! Will do.

4

Hi folks, just joined the UK Group. Have just been changed to the new Accu chek Combo. Only been on it a few weeks but so far it seems ok. I have severe hypos with no warnings as I have been type 1 for over 40 years. The combo can give a very small amount of insulin. It is rather clever as the hand set that comes with it enables you to control the pump without having to get it out, via bluetooth. I tdoes take alot of setting up and getting your brain into action. This hand held gadget does a basic blood test then you input your activity, carb intake etc, etc then it calculates amount of insulin needed and puts the insulin in all via the handset. Very technical but clever. Anyway early days yet. Please ask if you want any info and I will try to help.

5

Haha I have recnetly done a course on Carb counting etc because it is part of the criteria to get a pump but still been told i have to wait, even though i have been Carb counting for over 2 years (no help in the beginning but go home and experiment lol) anyway they told us a funny story of an old woman taking home the device (that she found) that is the external controller to control the TV and the girl with the pump couldnt do nothing with it until it was found, Funny story but one to consider lol.

6

I got mine in August this year. My first pump but I love it. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to grasp it but it is really easy once you start. The only problem I have had is a couple of bent cannulas in my behind but that is more than likely my fault and nothing to do with the actual pump. Like Jane said, you put your carbs, activity and sensitivity for that time block into it and it will tell you what insulin it thinks you should have. You can change it as well you don’t have to have what it says. It has a standard, extended and multiwave bolus to choose from. but the biggest benefit is you can hide it away in your clothes and just use the remote control for it. Love it.

7

Hi Donna

Great to hear, I think it looks like a really great pump. They’re not out here now til early next year and I’m looking forward to giving one a whirl.

8

Just been given the go ahead for pump therapy and this is the pump the hospital use, any tips before i start. i should be connected using saline on 11th feb. Bit anxious especially with regrad to how to sleep with it!!

9

If only they were cheaper… how much do pumps cost in the UK?

10

luckily its supplied on the good old NHS. I think they cost about £2500 but not total sure. I have to sign a contract to say i’ll have the pump for 6 months during which time i need to improve my Hb1Ac. Working shifts and doing on call from home is really screwing up my control.

11

Hi Jan,

I’ve never had trouble sleeping with it on. I just put it at the side of me in bed and that’s it. I don’t generally sleep with anything on and I find it does get a bit tangled up if I wear a night shirt or anything. That said, I have heard plenty of people say they have sewn a small pocket in their night time clothing for the pump and they don’t have a problem either. Wait and see how you get on. I promise you wont know you are wearing it!

Nic - I was told to put mine on the house insurance for £2600 which I think is average.

12

Thanks Donna and Jan… so does the NHS fund your pump consumables as well?

13

Hi Nic
Yes aren’t they kind!! The NHS does have its plus points and i think that we are lucky to have free prescriptions for everything.

Thanks for your reply Donna, just waiting now for delivery of the pump, loads of questions keeping popping up!

14

I am so waiting for this in the US!..
I like the Spirit, but its kinda like the black sheep of the pump market with integration and stuff…

15

It has arrived here in NZ and by all accounts it’s a great pump - I have a different pump now though - but next time!

16

I’ve got one :slight_smile: starting it on monday :slight_smile: so far, as I’m playing with it, it seems pretty awesome :slight_smile:

17

That is a funny story, but I have to point out that you can actually use the pump independently of the handset, so she wouldn;t really have been left unable to use it…thankfully!! :slight_smile:

18

Hi Jan, as you can tell by my username, I love the Combo! It’s so easy to use once you have the settings put in at the hospital. test your blood, enter the carbs and if there’s any excercise or whatever needed at the time. Then you just deliver! Soooo easy it has changed my life. I had another brand before and the customer service from Roche had been much much better. You’ll love it! If you’ve any questions I’d be happy to help. Good luck!!