So, I met with my endo today and she agreed that a pump would be a good option for me. I am going back in a few weeks to meet with the endo in the practice who does pumps. My control is really good right now, likely because I am still producing some insulin (dx with T1 several weeks ago). I’ve done a ton of research on this topic and have come down to the Minimed Revel and the Animas Ping. Leaning towards the Revel; while I don’t think I would use the CGM immediately, it’s nice to have the option, especially considering I want to get pregnant in the next 6-12 months.
Any insight as to which pump is better? I’m really looking for something that gives me ultimate flexibility around how insulin is delivered. For example, I tend to do intense workouts late at night, and this has made my blood sugars a bit wacky, especially before bedtime. I want something that will allow me the ability to adjust my basal rate on a daily basis. I also tend to eat many small meals throughout the day, something that has been challenging to do on MDI (I end up taking like 6-10 shots each day). I know the pump would really help with this. Do they all deliver dosages in the same increments?
Hello and good luck! Ihave used various pumps for the last 16 years - been diabetic for 52. Started out with the Disetronic; my endo talked me into acquiring a Mini-Med = Having it attached for a short time, the Medtronic Minimed, I accidentally splashed water on it and it shut down, sent me to the hospital with ketoacidosis - the first time in my life ever having gone through that! So, that pump was gone, gone, gone and never to return! Then Accu-Chek purchased Disetronic so I had to go on their machine and used the Spirit model for four years until the contract expired. Presently on the Animas Ping, my favorite feature is that it is waterproof. I like the Animas Ping. Having dealt with scar tissue, I recently changed from the 6mm inset to the 8mm inset and am doing well. Also looking forward to using a recently order Dexcom.
All in all, compare prices, features for your lifestyle, contract years and you will adjust fine!
So is the Revel not waterproof? I didn’t even think about that feature and that would definitely be important for me, because I spend a lot of time outdoors (camping, running, etc)
I got soaked in a downpour w/ my MM once and it still works like a year later. I have also taken showers with it on a chain around my neck although I try to keep my head/ neck in the way of the main shower.
Thanks, that’s good to know. We do a fair amount of camping and hiking in all kinds of weather, so I want to make sure whatever I get will withstand that kind of abuse. The endo’s office is trying to squeeze me in next week, but I may not be able to get back until the 25th to meet with the “pump endo.” Does anyone have any insight as to how long the whole process takes to get started? I have federal Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In my conversations with them, the only thing they require is a signed statement from my doc that the pump is medically necessary.
The Revel is a great pump…but since you brought up cgms, I have to tell you MM’s cgms leaves a lot to be desired. We used it for 3 years and recently went to Dex…night and day difference. I wouldn’t base my pump decision on integrated cgms.
Have you considered the Omnipod? It is waterproof and tubeless and great for people on the go. Just wondering. It’s been a super choice for us we love it (was on MM Revel prior to Omnipod).
All 3 pumps have the ability to adjust basal rates. You just use a temporary basal or a pattern to do this.
I did at trial with the MM CGM a few years ago and didn’t like it. It was bulky, hard to use, etc. I am now using the Dex and like it a LOT! It was super easy to use, too. I just went through the process of picking a pump, and was deciding between MM & Animas and ended up going with the Animas because of the CGM I wanted. (Animas & Dexcom are set to integrate w/ each sometime in the “near” future…whatever that means). I knew I wanted the Dexcom, and not the Minimed CGM. So, if a CGM is something you really are wanting to use later on, I would highly suggest factoring that into your decision. Maybe see if you can get your endo to get you on a trial of each? I know my endo’s office will lend you a CGM for a week to try out. Just something you might want to look into before you make your decision.
Yes, I did look into that, but to be honest, the rate of “pod failures” that I have read about has made me skeptical about it. I also am really loving the idea of a build in CGM, even if it is not entirely accurate. However, I am going to request info from Omnipod, as well as Animas and Minimed, so that I can be completely informed when I go back for my pump consultation. My endo was very supportive of me going on the pump. I’m very diligent (thus far) about managing my diabetes, and she said someone like me would do very well on the pump.
Great idea to get info from everyone. You can request a free trial of any of the pumps - it is a great way to see if a what works for you.
There is a learning curve to the Pod, we had failures at first but now we’ve got our system down and have been 2 months problem free. It’s not for everyone though.
I heard that the Enlite sensor is on its way to the US sometime later this year or next. It may be worth getting the Revel since the news on this CGM sensor is that it is very accurate. Check out what I read on TuDiabetes: Yes, it’s called the Enlite sensor and is supposed to have a 7 day …
I just ordered my One touch Ping. I decided to go with this one over the others because Animas says it’s waterproof up to 12 ft of water for 24 hours . I do a lot of swimming and outdoor sports so I thought this was the best option for me. After faxing in the application, I was approved for the pump the next day. It is set to be delivered on Tuesday. The whole process took three days for me, but I have United Healthcare and every insurance company differs. I researched pumps for about 6 months before I could make a decision. The best thing to do is educate yourself about each one that way you can make an educated decision from there. Good luck to you on your pump adventure!
I can only speak with my experience with Insulet for the OmniPod in January. I called my local rep (who may also be yours in DC? I’m in Frederick, MD…). He told me where to get the forms online. I sent them in and Insulet handled all the insurance. They called me back with my coverage and, once I agreed, shipped me the pump. It was at my door one week after I called the rep. I have BCBS through the state of MD, they have VERY good pump coverage and it was easy to show medical necessity. I know there are lots of BCBS options out there, I hope yours is as easy to navigate
btw, I wouldn’t even bother tyring to call BCBS yourself. I did at first to find out about coverage and the CS reps have no idea about anything. I got very confused and discouraged. Let the pump companies do it for you
Thanks so much. I have federal Blue Cross Blue Shield and my endo did not anticipate any issues with approval. She said it’s usually very fast. Once you receice the pump, how long before you are able to start using it? What is that whole process like? I’m assuming you have to meet with trainers and go through all that before the pump is made operational, right? How time consuming is that process?
I am not sure , if this is a concern for you : Medtronics 7…models have a larger reservoir …300 units versus the 5… models 176 units . Omnipod and Animas hold 200 units …in other words smaller reservoirs , than the larger MM model reservoir.
both my sons have the Animas and they love it (we do too). i cant remember if the smallest increment is .25 or .50. but they both are going through growth spurts and hormonal changes and it so easy to bolus for more or less and many times (although stacking insulin is never recommended). also they have absolutely the best customer service, always friendly, always there. The training nurse came to our house for both pumps set ups and was very knowledgeable. you can set up different basal that you can name (exercise, weekend, couch potoato, etc).
Good luck
I agree with this as well. I know some MM CGMS users who like the device, however, my personal expiences was unfavorable. It never seemed to give good results so after a year I tossed it. Ive been on the Dexcom for 6 months now and its brilliant. Almost always within 10mg of my actual BGs (accounted for by time delay) and really is an invaluable device. So, if a CGMS is weighing in the decision, IMHO, lean towards the Dex partner. Side note, Im a MM 722 user and have been on MM pumps for 8 years or more.
That’s good to know. Does the Minimed Revel allow for the programming of different basal rates? That is definitely something I’d like to have the option of controlling. I am very active, so when I exercise, my basal rate is going to be different than when I’m lounging around at home or something. One of the biggest issues I’m having with insulin is properly adjusting it for when I do different things…I always seem to run a bit higher than I’d like (upper 100s) or too low.
They are both really great pumps. I was on the MM 522 (previous model) now on the Ping and I liked them both. Ping is waterproof though and the MM was water resistant is what they called it. Not sure about the Revel. Good luck with your decision. Make sure you research it well b/c you are sort of stuck for atleast four years if not 5.
