This (the Medtronic “Pink" Paradigm Pump) is likely the model of pump I would be getting. It fits into a pocket or onto a belt. It’s actually not a needle, it’s a plastic shunt that is fitted into a patch that rests on your stomach or back. There are newer ones out there that are really breaking ground, like this one:
The Flex Pump sticks to your skin like a prosthetic leech. It connects wirelessly to a PDA-like device that controls its functions. It can also be paired with the Blood Glucose Tattoo, which utilizes nanotechnology to turn the tattoo from pink to yellow if the molecules latch onto glucose on the skin and in the bloodstream. There are some really cool advances in this technology, and I’m really interested to find out more about them.
Unfortunately, an insulin pump is $6800 and only good for four years. After that, it needs to be replaced. That would be a payment plan of $130 a month. I could lease a car for that. It’s insane. But it’s also my life. Since the pumps allow such precision control of your blood sugar, there are so many upsides to having one (less insulin, no finger-pricking or buying strips, periodic drip instead of a bolus...); The pros are overwhelming.
And I’ve also heard that Lantus contributes to weight gain. Many patients have opted to take Levemir instead, as it neither stings or causes weight gain. I’m truly, truly excited. I feel like I have a better mind about all of this, now. And that in and of itself is an amazing thing.
By the way, no idea if this is useful yet, but check out this site I found: Diabetes Advocacy. It may be helpful to people who need help with funding, etc. Also, don’t be afraid to run to your bank, or credit union (where you hold an account) and talk to a financial advisor. They may have some advice or resources for you in terms of filing taxes and returns, etc.
My current goal: My A1C. It’s terrible. I won’t even share it. However, it is my current goal to bring it down. I noticed that diabetics are really open about their A1C’s and equally as curious. Mine is simply embarrassing, but I’ve had diabetics today tell me theirs has been quite a bit higher. Regardless, I want it down by half.
K