So you are able to have the insulin last on your body for 7 days?
I use an old Medtronic MiniMed 722 pump; it uses a 300-unit reservoir. I use this pump as part of Loop, an automated hybrid insulin dosing system.
For almost all of my time infusing insulin via a pump, since 1987, I changed my infusion site, tubing and reservoir cartridge all at the same time, usually every three days. Once I started using the 722 with the 300-unit cartridge I became aware that other users of this pump who filled their cartrdige full with 300 units of insulin and only changed their cartridge when the reservoir emptied.
This meant adopting separate change schedules for the cartridge/tubing and the infusion site with the cannula. My typical cartridge usually lasts about 8 days and I have used it as long as 12 days. I have never noticed a problem with insulin potency for these use durations.
I do live in a temperate climate at 45 degrees North latitude (Portland, Oregon). People who live in the tropics may not be able to use this tactic. I have spent up to a month at a time, however, in Hawaii and still used my insulin cartridge for 8-12 days without fading potency. I use Apidra insulin.
I stuck with this practice since limiting the more frequent required pump supply changes to the infusion site/cannula only made these changes simpler and it did make my life easier without any treatment degradation.
It also quickly gave me with a several year supply of cartridges accumulated under a âchange every three daysâ order. I havenât ordered any new cartridges in a couple of years. I have zero financial motivation to do this as Medicare + supplement pays for these supplies at 100%. The big motivation for me is the reduction of diabetes burden.
Medical standards donât support cartridge use beyond three days and they also warn against using Apidra insulin. I usually follow medical standards but Iâve concluded, for me, they just donât apply and I appreciate the reduced workload.
In summary, I change my cartridge and pump tubing every 8 days while I change my cannula/infusion site every three days. I have not noticed any insulin degradation over several years. I track my glucose performance with a CGM and follow it every day. As always, your mileage may vary.
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I live in Los Angeles.
I change my cartridge and my set every 3 days. I only load as much as I need for 3 days. Usually 200 units, which I use about 150.
Most of the year itâs too hot to keep it longer. I suppose I could extend it now that itâs getting cooler, but I donât see the point really.
On my tandem and on my old Medtronic, you could refill them if you needed to.
I havenât had any problems. Blood glucose levels are just as stable on day 7 as day 1. I try to avoid going beyond 6 days, but sometimes I go 7.
Jane