Any ideas on using a CGM with a Pump, having 2 attachments to your skin, vs. just 1?
We are considering a CGM with a Pump or CGM with just staying on shots.
Even with the CGM and shots, you still have to carry around the device that collects your BG readings from the CGM. Only thing you don't need is the attached pump which you replace with MDI.
I had a lot of trepidation when I went to a pump--attached, 24/7, etc. But it changed my life. I no longer have the hard and fast schedule of long acting insulin; I am not taking 7 injections per day, carrying around insulin pens, syringes, etc.; my A1Cs are so perfect they make me blush....
My advice--if you want the CGM, also seriously consider the pump. They are made to work together. You get used to the attachment pretty fast, and there will be a lot more freedom, even with the attachments.
Thanks for your reply even though it wasn't my post! I am currently on MDI-getting a pump and CGM in the next couple of weeks. I am also very nervous about having 2 devices, but I look forward to the positive changes they can bring!
Hey Spock,
which pump and cgm system did you go with?
My advice, get a CGM first. It allows you to get used to being connected to something 24/7 and see if it is something you can handle. It also makes transitioning to a pump much easier because setting up basal rates is far simpler when you can see how your blood sugar moves throughout the day. You can see if you have dawn phenomenon and see what that pasta meal does. It makes it visual rather than intuitive which for me was the key to getting under better control.
Short answer: get them both. Why? Because it gives you options. I was doing MDI for a while with no CGM. Then I got the CGM and it really helped me fine tune my regimen. I then got a pump (Omnipod), and that came with all sorts of additional conveniences too.
I travel a lot for work and the CGM and pump make a big difference. There are a lot of variables I cannot control - time zones, meals, irregular exercise, etc.
Sometimes, however, I get fed up with all these things stuck to me. When I'm home I take a break from them and switch back to MDI and no CGM. I have all my supplies within reach and follow a very predictable meal/exercise regimen that gives me a low risk of surprise highs and lows.
This way I get to enjoy the best of all approaches and hopefully never burn out on any one.
I'd seriously consider just starting with the cgm. Plenty of people (myself included, thankfully) maintain normal A1Cs with MDI. With such evenly absorbed insulins as Lantus and Levemir, you only need to carry around a single vial or pen (fast acting) and you can gain equivalent control to a pumper without all the pump paraphernalia, costs and changes. Having the CGM, though, is a most valuable addition to keep you informed of your glucose trends! Knowing where your blood sugar is and where it is heading is worth so much more to long-term control and health than the mere 'convenience' of being able to dial in your doses. Your cgm will allow you to track how both boluses and basal rates are affecting you. If you try the CGM and are not too annoyed wearing the hardware, then you can always add a pump later. I wish you good luck and perseverance with whatever choice you make!
Bob,
Thanks, I am leaning towards the Dexcom. I have 2 diabetics that I manage, my daughters, tighter control now will prevent future health issues.
Curt