Hi Everyone. We're in the process of obtaining an insulin pump for our Daughter who is 8. At first I choose the newly released Accu-Chek Combo. It has some features that I'm fond of, but I'm being scared off by some trainers from the hospital that say it's very complicated and not at all intuitive, that the basil dose doesn't go low enough, that you can't perform a correction without the meter, and finally one child was outfitted with one, and the bluetooth communication between the meter and the pump failed 3 times in the first day. I know this is a new pump, but does anyone have any information on the Accu-Chek Combo? My next choice would be the Animus Ping. But I feel that if it's a five year engagement we should get the latest tech, then again if it's not good tech then it doesn't really matter. Any info, or advice would be greatly appreciated.
I am not a big believer in having the latest technology, as I am having technology that works. Having said that, there is a lot of buzz about the T-slim and the Accu-Chek pumps. Both new to the market, and have a lot of bells ans whistles on them that make them attractive. Were it me choosing a pump, I wouldn't choose either, because of some things that are either not yet completed, not yet approved, or not yet reliable. For example, there is not tracking software approved for then T-Slim, and I am not fond of having to recharge the pump daily,versus changing a AA battery once each month.
Having said that, I use an Animas Ping. I like the software, the ease of operation, and the fail-safes built into its program. It meters down to .25 unit administered, which works well for me. I like the food dictionary and the nice colour screen that works well for my eyes. (My eyes are old!) The meter and the pump communicate nicely with each other. The Dexcom 4 is supposed to be coming soon, with a pump interface and upgrade at a very reasonable price. Customer service is decent, training and support are superb, and the machine is easy to fill/service and the infusion sets that were recommended for me work well. Please understand that I am old.
Something to keep in mind, your daughter, now eight will be a young teenager when that pump will need to be replaced. Her insulin needs are going to change dramatically in the next few years, while using that pump. With the Ping, it is very easy to adjust basals and Insulin/carb ratios. The Ping is waterproof, durable, and can be decorated to her liking.
Were this me, I would go with proven tech, and let the new pumps run their course for next time. The last thing you need is a hardware problem just before her first Choir concert.
I agree, me personally I'd go with something more proven and reliable, versus the latest tech gadget. The tslim is nice looking, but my concern is how durable is it, how well it can withstand a drop, and also I like the fact I can just drop a new battery into my pump and keep going. Not have to recharge the thing like my cell phone on a daily basis. I have Medtronic Minimed Revel and I love mine. But as far as slim or accu check. Im holding off on those for a bit.
If you're liking the fact that you can control it from the meter consider looking at the Omnipod. I am on the Omnipod currently and I love it! No tubing!! From what I can see it is very similar to the Accu-Chek it just doesn't have it's own screen. everything is from the meter. and it only holds 200 units but that is enough for me :)
I've bounced my Minimed a few times, forgetting I dont have it clipped to something and go to stand up...there it goes, I could just imagine if my pump had a screen like my iPhone.
Thank You all. This is very helpful. At first I didn't realize how new and unproven the Accu-check was, but the more I discover the more wary I become. I can't do the Omnipod, my insurance doesn't cover it. I'm thinking I'm going to go with the Ping. I'm going to have another conversation with the Accu-Check people and with my Endo (who is a fan of the Accu-Check), but I feel strongly that the point about going with something tried and true in this instance is correct. Thank You all again for your time and honest input.
Accu-check is not new nor unproven, it has years of experience in Europe. It's not new technology either.
I have never heard of bluetooth problems.
That said, what you write is correct. It's worse defect are the must-use the integrated glucometer (it's a good glucometer, but it can't keep up with next 5 years improvements) and it's not much fine (as others) basal increments.
It has a lot of functions, it's very much configurable put with "power" you take complexity.
Here in Europe I would consider it only because of its remote, but you have omnipod or Animas Ping for it, I think they are better expecially for a child.
For childs here in Europe Animas Vibe is gaining popularity because of its Dexcom G4 and being water proof, but it has not a remote. It's coming in the USA, you could think about it.
I think yes you should get your Endo's input, But pumping is very individualized, and it doesn't matter what your Endo is a big fan of, this is an expensive piece of equipment you are going to have for the next 4-5 years and YOU and YOUR DAUGHTER need to be happy and comfortable with what you choose. Best advice is see if you can get some demo's to play with, or if they will let you trial any particular pump with saline, so you can get a good feel for how it works, and what if feels like.
Also remember that Animas currently has an upgrade program in place. If you buy an Animas Ping you will have the option of upgrading to a newer model Animas for $99. Animas will be releasing an Animas/Dexcom pump most likely within a year or less. It will be a variation on the Animas Vibe which is already being sold in Europe.
Animas is an excellent pump for children because of the small increment of bolus amounts and the small basal amounts allowed.
I am all for technological advancements, but when dealing with small children, I say you stick with what's proven and reliable. If I had a T1 kid, I would only consider two pumps right now - the Animas Ping and the Minimed Revel.
Both the Ping and the Revel have many similar features and have been used extensively in the pediatric population. I am a little more partial to Minimed for a few reasons, but I don't think you can go wrong with the Ping either.
The MM Revel has an integrated CGM; the CGM is NOT as good as dexcom's but a lot of people like the integration of the two devices (so you're not carrying around more stuff). Animas will be integrating their pump with Dexom in the future, and I believe they have an upgrade program for when this happens (so if you get a pump now, you can upgrade when the new one comes out for a small fee).
In terms of reliability and consistency, the MM Revel cannot be beat. They have been on the market the longest and MM just makes a solid product. When selecting my pump, I wanted something time-tested. I wanted to know that my pump wasn't going to break down in the middle of the woods when camping or while traveling. My pump has certainly withstood a lot of wear and tear and it keeps on ticking.
Remember that devices can and will fail. With pumping, you have to remain diligent because kids can go into DKA very fast.
With kids, you also need to have small basal dosing because their insulin needs can be quite small. The Revel and Ping both allow for very small basal and bolus rates (0.025).
Thank you for this. It's a good perspective. I knew it had been around for a while in Europe. I'm very happy to have a "local" perspective on it. The face that the basal can't dose as low as the others is a serious problem to be, and the fact that you can't dispense a correction from the device itself is also troublesome. I'm very much leaning toward the Animus at this time. I also am happy to know that an upgrade is coming, and Animus has a good affordable program for upgrading your device. Thanks Again.
