I am considering an insulin pump and I am looking for some advise. Some of my history is: I am Type 2 diabetic, my A1C is 6.1, I take 4-5 injections of humalog per day averaging 45 units total and I inject 15 units of lantus per night. I am 6 ft. tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with very little body fat.
I am interested in which unit that you think would be best for my situation. Should I even be on a pump?
Thanks for your time and I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Jimmer
I recently went on the OmniPod – and am very happy. I was taking 4 injections a day – lantus and humalog. I use very little insulin, but am so happy to be on the OmniPod. I am very insulin sensitive and can administer very tiny doses, as well as temporarily change the basal setting to account for exercise. I have never been on a pump before. I am also thin and have had good luck with find spots of place the pod. It has taken some some time to get all the settings fine tuned, and I am would like a little tighter control. If you haven’t already, be sure to pick up a copy of Pumping Insulin by John Walsh. Before I decided to try the OmniPod, I talked to the sales rep and found that helpful. They can also contact your insurance company and let you know about coverage and cost to you. Hope this helps. Andrea
Jimmer,
I too recently started on Omnipod. I am T2 for last 20 years. The choice of pump or brand or if to go on one is a personal choice. If you are newly diagnosed, you may want to join a discussion/support group to talk to a lot of other diabetics to gather info. I agree with Andrea about the John Walsh book. The most important thing is do your homework. Pumps and supplies are expensive and meet different needs for each person. I chose Omnipod because I did not want tubing, but I was tired of multiple injections of Humalog/Lantus. I was on Deltec Cosmo for 4 years before and after injections. Give this plenty of thought and get lots of info!! Good luck. Hank
I am T1 for the last 5 years and a month back I switched to Omnipod after getting tired of multiple levemir and novolog injections. I did meet with reps from Minimed, Animas and Omnipod and also wore demo units for few days before deciding to go with Omnipod. I chose it because of the tubeless feature. I listed the pros and cons for each device before making the final call. After using the pump for a month, I wish I never go back to daily injections again. I can send you the document that I put together to compare the features of all 3 pumps…if I can find a way to send it to you. Good luck!
I think the Ping is a pretty good system, and the new Vibe looks to be even better. But, the lack of tubing and self-insertion are what sold me on the OmniPod.
In January 2011 I started on the Omnipod after 30 years of MDI. It was the first pump that I ever had and I love it. The tubeless feature is what sold me on it and how I sometimes I forget that I am wearing a pump. I know that you can request a demo pod and try it to see what you think. I have had great luck with it and recommend it (my personal opinion…I am not a doctor or medical professional…just a T1 diabetic). I wish you the best of luck in figuring out which pump is the best for you.
I am T1, been pumping for 18 years. I love the freedom of omnipod without being connected to a pump with a tubing. I had to adjust my basals with the Omnipod but got it right quickly. The self insertion is a great feature. I think you need to ask your CDE to try both. Most have a pod without insulin that you can wear for 3 days that gives you the idea. Most also have the other pumps that they may loan and it helps you make a more informed decision. My step son went from MDI to Ping and loves it and felt he wanted to get familiar with pumping before trying the Omnipod. We are both also on CGM and find it a requirement for good control. Just stick it out through the first few weeks and know you may need more or less insulin based on sites. Good luck.