I've been lurking for a few weeks and decided to join and post, since everyone here seems very friendly.
I've managed my type 1 diabetes for 17 years through MDI. Highs are a problem for me, and I’m hoping to achieve tighter control by starting on a pump late this year or early next.
I’ve done a lot of reading and am fairly confident that the Animas Ping is the best choice for me. That’s the problem, actually…I might be a little too confident! Intellectually, I know that there are benefits and drawbacks to all pumps, but emotionally, I’m getting giddy about the Ping. I’m glad to have that enthusiasm, but I don’t want it to cloud my judgment. Which brings me to my question…
Is there anything you wish you knew before you started on the Ping, or on any pump in general? My hope is that your comments will give me a more complete, realistic view of the Ping and of pumping overall.
I’m in the process of switching from MDI to pump and I was told to have your A1C at 8% and yet I can’t reach that since I have the same issue as you do with highs. I am currently looking at all of my options before picking a pump. If you know that the ping will be the best for you, good luck!!! I’ve heard a lot about the ping.
ive had MM 522 for about 5 years MM 512 for about 3 years before that and im about to get my Ping… The only drawback i can really see is that its attatched to you and a wire but thats a small price to pay for control and no needles… Good luck with the Ping tho it really is a top notch pump hence why im getting one… Also do a search on youtube for “animas ping” and you will find reviews and all that stuff its very useful!
Hi! I just started on the Ping, but I’ve been pumping for 9 yrs. I was on MDI for 1 year before pumping. I looooove pumping and would never want to go back to MDI. I think you will find that you have a lot more flexibility with pumping. You will still have highs and lows on the pump. One thing you should be prepared for is that it usually takes a bit of time to really see and feel the benefits of pump therapy. Take your time at the beginning and basal test until you know that your basals are set properly. This is will be extremely helpful in the long run. It may take a good month or two of getting your settings perfected but it will prevent a lot of unnecessary frustration in the long run. Check out John Walsh’s book Pumping Insulin before you start–it will help you really understand the mechanics of pumping. Good luck!!! Keep up updated!
Thanks, Amanda! I expect that the pump will be challenging, but I think the ability to manage dawn phenomenon and post-meal spikes more effectively (but not perfectly!) will be worth it.
What do you think of the Ping so far? Are you seeing any advantages or disadvantages relative to your previous pump(s)?
Honestly the advancement of the Ping as compared to the MM… Its like the Blackberry Vs iPhone… The iPhones moving with times Blackberry is just staying still lol MMs only thing that they have is the intergrated CGMS but honestly and i have it i cant standddd it! its just not made great design wise and the accuracy is subpar and it tests every 20 minutes as where the Dexcom is more accurate and a lotttt easier to get in your skin and tests every 5 minutes… plus the Ping uses One Touch strips which i swear by and it has a food database and you can control everything from the meter which is a major plus if your like me and wear your pump on your thigh and stuff
I was on MDI for 12 1/2 years before I started the Ping 4 months ago. I love it! I was giddy at first, like you, excited to make the change, hopeful that my control would improve, etc., and so far it has been a very positive experience. A few weeks before my start date, I did get really nervous and I feared I was making the wrong choice (not the Ping, but the pump in general).
I asked for help on TuDiabetes before my start date because I was so nervous, and everyone was so kind and reassuring. So, my advice would be not to worry too much if you feel over-confident or if you lack confidence. It’ll be all right in the end.
And no, there is nothing about the Ping that made me wish I chose a different pump. I like the meter remote a lot (it was the deciding factor for me), the low basal rates, the security of knowing it’s waterproof, the colour screen, and the technical support. I am very happy with my decision, and I hope you will be, too.
I started using the Ping in June after 26 1/2 years MDI. I am really happy with my choice in pumps. The only thing that I can say that I wish I had read about before getting it (I actually read it in the Animas group while it was being shipped) that the screen is hard to see when you are out in the sun. Although it is not that much trouble, it can be annoying. I don’t have that same problem with the Dexcom.
I started with the Minimed522. It worked great until it was in the fall. I deer hunt and am out in the extreme cold in New England. I had problems with a tubed pump. I switched to the Omnipod about one year ago. Last fall I had no problems. The pod was under all of my cold weather clothing… It was fantastic.
It was extremely cold and my basal rate is only 0.10 per hour during the day, so the insulin does not move very fast thru the tubing. The tubing holds about 6 units of insulin. It was exposed to the cold of 9 degrees for way too long.
Yea im not either thats why i got this version of the Ping now if they intergrate it in the future i will upgrade but regardless its still a amazing piece of hardware!
