It is my observation that while the Omnipod works for 72 hours, it appears that the insulin (Apidra) loses effectiveness during the last 24 hrs and I often run pretty high then. I haven't thoroughly documented this but intend to soon. It has come to my attention in researching this problem that both Apidra & Humalog indicate that the insulin in a pump reservoir should be discarded and replaced every 48 hours. This disconnect creates a problem with insurances and increases the cost of using Omnipod effectively by 1/3. Do you Omnipod users have some feedback about how long the insulin in your "reservoir" is effective? Which insulin seems to get the best overall results? I'm contemplating trying Novolog which appears to have a longer "life span", similar onset rate, peaks faster than Apidra but slower than Humalog. Expected duration for Novolog is 3-5 hours, Humalog 2-4 hours (max <5 hrs), Apidra 3-4 hours. What about "tails" on the three? Thanks for any insight you can give me.
Really good question. I've been seriously thinking about switching to Apidra from Novolog. I haven't noticed any isssue with Novolog losing potency under any number of circumstances. It seems very stable.
Why are you thinking of switching?
I have been on the Pod since 12/1/11. I use the Apidra because it is totally free thru April, 2012. (Google 'free apidra' for the info) I was wondering about it's effectiveness in light of the hot showers I love. Does anyone know if the hot shower would affect the insulin? They say you can wear the pump in the shower or hot tub but what about the water temps? There isn't a way to take off a pod then put it back on is there? Thanks all.
I have used apidra in my pods since I started wearing them 3 years ago. I have not noticed a loss in effectiveness. I train for triathlons and cycling races in Oklahoma heat in the summer and I've not noticed any significant loss or degradation while wearing it. However that doesn't mean it hasn't happened ;)
From my experience w/ Novolog in the past, I'd say that it is probably more stable than the Apidra. I have noticed it loses some effectiveness if I leave the bottle out for usage throughout the month. For this reason, I leave all my insulin in the frig all the time, including my "open" bottle, just to make sure, and only pull it out to let it come to room temp for pod switches, and then back into the frig it goes.
I’ve used all three in my pump and switch often. depending on what I can get for what prices an what my insurance covers etc. I haven’t really noticed a difference with any of them. but maybe because I’m not hardcore looking into it and a lot of things effect my highs seeing as I’m a stressed out college student. I don’t have many highs and my a1c is below 7. I’m happy.
My Apidra works fine for the full 80 hours (the few times that the 200 units is enough to get me through that). Have you been on other pumps? I know some people find that their sites have problems after 48 hours no matter what pump/insulin they use. I have also used Humalog with my Pods and it worked fine as well. I switched to Apidra when my insurance stopped allowing Humalog.
I use Novolog and have no experience with other brands but I sometimes notice highs towards the end of my 3 days. I always figured it was due to a diminished absorption at the spot, but I'm just guessing. I switch to taking shots if it gets bad. It's interesting that it's only my boluses that don't seem to be working, once I get it down it seems to stay steady on the basal. I always keep my current bottle with me (as I would my Novolog pen) but it may get exposed to higher heat sometimes. Never wore it in a hot tub but I take hot showers.
Ellie, while Insulet says that showers and even baths are fine (the water is not hot enough or you're not in it long enough to affect the insulin) they do recommend staying out of hot tubs. If I'm going to be around a hot tub I generally wear the pod on my arm and make sure that my shoulders stay above the water most of the time. You can not take it off and put it back on. The insertion mechanism is a one time device, once it comes off there's no way to get the cannula back in. I do take fairly hot showers and have never noticed a problem with the insulin.
Thanks Rebecca. I have only used my stomach for my pods. I can't figure out how you'd see to put it on your arm or see if the cannula is in. I only have a dog no mate or kid to peek at it. LOL. Very reassuring about the showers.
I use a mirror any time I'm doing a pod switch. I can do it w/o one, but I much pref to see where I'm sticking it on my arm or my lower back/side. If the canula is pointing "up" (towards the shoulder) on my arm placement, I can usually see it thorugh the window. If it's anywhere else, I just take my own word for it being in there (if I feel it go in and see my BGs continue to be in line, then I'm good to go). But, I agree that w/o someone else there to verify it (as much as your dog probably wants to help you ;) it's hard to really know if you have an issue or if it's alright...
I've read where people are having more success controlling post-meal BGs because of the faster action of Apidra.
Yes she would help if she could. Be nice if she wasn't trying to bump them off cuddling on my lap.
I thought the pod had to be facing down. Gravity?
nope, up or down works fine! I was trained to just make sure that the canula goes with the muscle grain (as opposed to perpendicular to the muscle grain).
pods can face any way you want (although I'd agree w/ Kate that it works best if you go "w/ the grain" of the muscle in areas like the arms).
I've just printed out the info on all the analog insulins and they all say that the insulin should not be exposed to > 98.6 degrees or normal body temperatures. I've seen somewhere that the pod should not be in water >104 degrees.
We don't have any issues with Apidra going 72 hours (or more)...
have you thought about checking with your endo to see if they would write an rx for pod changes every 2 days, we were having issues before and i believe i asked insulet if that was a possibility and they said yes, we use novolog and used to have third day issues and highs after pod changes, i make sure i put in at least 25 more units than we will need if it is really running low we have had issues and a temp basal increase or a good bolus with a pod change have helped with highs after changes good luck, this was a good question to put out there as i was wondering if aprida may be a better alternative to novolog! best wishes amy
I have no problem with Novolog lasting the full 3 days in the pod and I keep the open vial with me in case of pod failure (and I need to use a syringe before I replace the pod). With pens I had no problem with Novolog being out all month. On the pump I use up the vial before the month is up.
On New Years eve I did wear my pod (on my abdomen) in a jacuzzi which was probably at 110-120F or so for about 30 minutes. It seemed to have no effect on the insulin (and the pod stayed on just fine).
I use Humalog and have had highs the night before pod changes and the day after. I have had to increase Temp. Basil the night before and the morning after pod changes, and give an extra unit after the pod change.
I do know that after back surgeries, I get great relief sitting in my hot tub. The only way I can do that is when my pod is placed on my arm and I keep it above the water. In those instances, I have no problem. It isn't the water that causes the problem, but the heat.That beats the "never" of the other pumps.