I need help figuring out if I should stay on shots or go back to an insulin pump. I was on a Medtronic insulin pump for years until I came across the Omnipod. I liked the Omnipod because there was no tubing. I didn't like how bulky the pods were and I was getting a lot of errors and I would have to change the pod all the time. That wasted a lot of insulin! I finally got fed up with all the problems I was having with it so I went back on shots. I'm not sure if I should stay on shots or if going back to an insulin pump would be better. If I did go back to the pump, I have no idea what I would get. There is a lot of new technology out there and I have no idea where to start! Comments and opinions please?!
Hi Katie -
your profile says you have CGMS - is it Dexcom ? Are in the US ?
If so, I'd suggest you consider Animas, as they hope to have the Vibe available (pending FDA) within 6-12 months, which will be integrated with Dexcom G4.
There is also the new T-slim, to be integrated with Dexcom some time in the future.
Omnipod now has the smaller pods out, so you might want to reconsider that. But they have canceled plans to integrate with Dexcom.
There are also many discussions in the Insulin Pump group, and brand-specific groups - Minimed, Animas, T-slim, Roche, Omnipod, with users questions/experiences with the various pumps.
But the real question is for you. How are shots working for you ?? What do you expect to improve with a pump ? Do you need the flexibility of custom basal rates, temp basal for exercise/varying schedules, combo/extended boluses ? Are you happy with your A1C / control using MDI ?
I am in the US. Right now I have the Dexcom Seven plus. I'm sure I can upgrade soon. Your response is very helpful! Thank you!
Personally I have heard about lots of problems with the Omnipod and people that are reluctant to get pumps with tubing always say they adjust right away. I can't imagine going back to shots. I love my Ping (Animas).
I have Medtronic Minimed Revel. Depending on what your insulin needs are they have varying sizes of reservoirs which is helpful if you don't require a LOT of insulin. I demo'd the omnipod and just found it horribly bulky, and I'm personally glad I did't go for it, I hear a lot of stories regarding pod failures. Yes nothing is guaranteed, but after a year and half on my Minimed, I've only had one site failure and that very early in pumping and since then no problems. I don't think from my readings I would be as successful with Omnipod.