My son Braden was diagnosed in January and is on Insulin shots we are looking into getting him a pump but aren't sure what type to get. My son Adam who was diagnosed in 08 is on Animas Ping but he doesn't play as much sports as Braden does so we aren't really sure how good the Animas is with sports. We need a pump that can be great with sports because Braden plays 4 sports and is in dance class. We are also looking for a pump that isn't as noticeable because Braden is self concious. If anyone has any suggestions on a Pump that would be great!
Try a sample of the omnipod. He can wear it (just stuck to him-no insulin or needles) for a day or so and he can get the feel of it. Any pump is going to show, so it may take him some time to be mentally prepared. My daughter has the ping and we just got the pod so we really have both. She loves the pod because she feels "free". Since he was just diagnosed, he may not be ready but you can try a pod and borrow one of your other son's sites and stick it on with an empty tubing to place in his pocket, like he would with a real pump.
Anyway the pod has been hit a few times and it has not come off so far. My daughter cheers. When she practiced when on the ping, she would take it off for much of the practice... 2-4X wk for 2 hours each time, but that would contribute to high sugars eventhough we would bolus every hour. If your son is in 4 sports, that may be too much "off time". Good luck to you. There is no perfect solution.
Depends on your insurance. My insurance covers our strips for the PDM (for the Omnipod) 100%.