I’m interested in getting on a pump. I’m currently using tresiba and novolog. I’m a yoga teacher and I have my insulin requirements down to a science. If I don’t take novolog 2 hours prior to teaching or exercising, I don’t have lows. I’m a type 1.5, and I’ve only been diagnosed for four years, so this is still very new to me but this regimen works really well. Would I need to reduce my insulin requirements prior to exercise or class to reduce lows on a pump? About how long before exercise or class would I need to do this? I realize some of this is trial and error, but I thought I would ask anyway to see if any other active people have experience with this? Also, any preferences on pumps? I am thinking about Tandem with the new CGM because they seem to pair well together ( or at least that’s what the reps tell me).
I’ve been on the pump for nearly two years now and am also very active. I used to have very delayed lows while injecting insulin but with the pump my blood sugars are much more controlled. I had used trial and error for basal reductions, but I settled on reducing my basal by 25% 40 minutes before I run and for 1.5 hours after my run. I use the OmniPod and I cannot recommend this one enough! It is a wireless pump so while I’m exercising I do not need to have the actual pump with me - I keep it in the locker at the gym. The pump seriously changed my life (I’ve been diabetic for 25 years and have always been an athlete). Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions!
I’ve been pumping since 1996. It is quite helpful to reduce your basal rates by whatever you find works for you for a particular activity. that’s based on a number of things such as 1) expected duration, 2) intensity 3) amount of IOB, 4) types and amounts of foods recently eaten. The more you do the same thing, the more you’ll be able to nail down the correct reduced-basal setting.
Now for my personal choices. I will reduce my rate to 50% about 1 hour or more prior to a strenous hike such as a 900 foot elevation gain. I monitor my bg’s (I have a sensor) and if I see I’m getting below my comfort level, I SHUT OFF the pump. When I get to the top, again I’m monitoring my bg’s, I’ll often turn it back on to a 50% rate. As I get closer to finishing the hike, I’ll set it back to normal, if the temp basal rate hasn’t already timed out.
There is no “one size fits all” method to do this. Experience will help you find what works.
I’m staying out of the “which pump is best”. Too political. 
I too have only been diagnosed for 4 years and my insulin needs are minimal. I take ballet. I reduce my basal to .1 one hour prior and continuing through one hour after class. I take ballet in the morning so I also reduce my breakfast basal insulin by half. But it is just trial and error.
As far as the pump I used the Tandem X2 paired with the Dexcom G5. It’s so small and easy. I wear it in a small pocket that is in the back of my leggings most of the time for class. However, if my Dexcom is on my abdomen my body blocks the signal and the pump will not read the Dexcom. To alleviate that problem, I will stick the pump in my bra. (I thought it would be a problem there but it’s not.)
The pump seems overwhelming at first. I had a great Tandem trainer and she helped me set up a profile on my pump for ballet class. Then we made modifications as needed. You can put a profile on your pump for yoga and just switch to it on those days. No need to input changes every time.
The one thing you can depend on with Type 1 is that your treatment is going to change. So, I would suggest that learning HOW to interpret what your pump, CGM and BG are telling you about how you’re doing is crucial.
I went to my CDE and told him I wanted to work through what I do with my device info to adjust my basal insulin from midnight to three in the morning.
We worked on it a few days and I explained then that I was here to learn “how to fish” so I could do what we had just done together by myself in the future.
That will help you to be ready when it becomes clear that adjustment is needed. What made both the process and the ask easier was the fact that HE is Type 1 himself. He understands that we may be under a doctor’s supervision, but we’re doing most of the heavy lifting ourselves.
May I ask why you want to go on a pump when you are doing so good using Tresiba? I’m asking because I’m a long time pumper who switched to Tresiba.
I’m tired of taking 4-8 shots per day. I had good control on Lantus, too. I switched to Tresiba because I couldn’t afford my out of pocket cost for Lantus, but there is a manufacturer’s coupon through the makers of Tresiba that lowers the copay to $25 per box of 5 pens. It isn’t even listed as an approved insulin through my current insurance, so I’ll be switching back to Lantus starting in January. My circumstances have changed as well (better insurance), so I’m ready for a pump.
I think the key is to monitor and adjust. For intense a aerobic exercise, I lower my basal. I take a level 2 yoga class and don’t need a basal adjustment to stay in range. I have a tandem T:slim. Have had it for about a year and it has definitely improved my a1c and my life.
I understand the inconvenience of taking injections. I also have to remember to take them. I have Gastropersis so it is very hard to time the injections with any consistency. I was on the pump(s) I’ve had 3 brands) over 25 years and I do miss the convenience. I’m at the point of wanting to go back to pumping since I’m having a hard time lately stabilizing my sugars.
Good luck with dealing with your insurance. I do have to say, that I have a good insurance plan with my work or I couldn’t afford to be a diabetic. 