I'm getting ready to ask my doctor about putting me on a pump. I'm clueless on all pumps and how they work. Does anyone have any information for me on the best and easiest pump for a new user?
All pumps have different features, Laura, and it really depends on what appeals to you. I don't think anyone could really tell you that one pump is the best or easiest for new users. I would read more about the major pumps on the market, mini-med, animas, omnipod and the new t-slim and see what features appeal to you. Perhaps your endo office has some you can try. You can also go to the groups for those pumps and see what users are saying. I think it's good to, in general know what pumps are about before you invest in one. Most of us are very glad we switched to a pump, but they have their own sets of issues. There is also quite a learning curve with pumps, so prepare for perhaps a few weeks before things come into line. It helps if you are used to tweaking your own numbers.
Also, if your A1C is too high, a pump is not an instant easy solution. You still need to know your I:C, ISF and figure your basal rates. You need to count carbs and test on a regular basis. If you don't have those skills down, a pump won't help you. But if you do your homework and then get the pump of your choice, a pump can change your life! Finally, I highly recommend the book Pumping Insulin by John Walsh. Good luck!
I want to second Zoe's point that pumps are largely a matter of "taste". Some people don't like tubes, some could care less. I have a very low tolerance for bad sites and sets and therefore, decided against Omnipod which (at least when I started pumping about 5 years ago) had a reputation for more site failures
You might also look at your insurance coverage to see which pumps your company will cover with the least out of pocket. That might not be the only consideration but it should be at least one consideration.
Maurie
It all depends on your preference, skin type, insulin needs, insurance. There is lots of information out there. Ask questions, lots of questions, check out customer service. Most likely you will keeping it for 4 years. A bit of advice. If you are split between A tubed pump and omnipod, depending on your coverage get the tubed pump first and if you need too upgrade to the onmipod. When I switched, I was able to pay $300 for the upgrade kit, and my insurance took care of the pods like pump supplies. Your milage may vary.
Check this link for one of the best comparisons I've seen of the common pumps.
Integrated diabetes pump compare Link
And this is a 'detailed' Basic Guide on diabetes and insulin pumps, provided by Medtronics/Minimed. But other than the pump specifics, most of it applies to any pump you choose. You can skim it and focus on the parts about the pump, and get an idea of how insulin is delivered, and basal/bolus insulin is determined.
Five years ago my endocrinologist was retiring. After researching the other endo docs in my city, i settled on a guy that was amazing. He introduced me to the Medtronics pump and CGM (continuous glucose monitoring). I was a bit reluctant, but he convinced me i didn't have much to lose. His office staff included an educator, and he monitored the readings weekly for the first few weeks (using a software upload) with no additional costs for office visits or charges to the insurance company. My A1C improved sightly (it's been fairly consistent over 40 years), however the variability between my highs and lows improved tremendously and I am using 25% less insulin. I think the constant feedback from the CGM helped me with that, and research shows reduced variability is a very important variable.
From my experience, my success with the pump had a great deal to do with the helpfulness of the doctor and his staff.
I will also mention that while i have had personal success with the Medtronics pump/cgm over the last 5 years, Medtronics recently upgraded me to their Model 530g with a new CGM system (Enlite). The pump is fine, but i'm having a tough time getting valid readings with the new CGM. I'm in the processing of researching the cause and see other folks who were upgraded and having similar problems(read more here).
I thank you all for your replies..I will do my homework and spend some time with my diabetes educator..thank you all
I'm kinda researching similarly to the OP , that first link seems really informational, slightly out of date (doesn't have the 530g factored in, but might not be incredibly different than the minimed there so I don't know if that matters lol) but good. I'm kinda zeroing in on the Medtronic minimed or Animas ping. I will be talking to my endo next month about it so we'll see what I can do about this.
Gezunt, my suggestion is to go and join the Minimed Paradigm Insulin pump users group. There is a thread that speaks of the 530 g and Enlite sensors. Good Info. I am going to the MM sponsored group training next week and will start the
530 g/Enlite combo then .
Laura, you are right to go and research. Medtronic/Minimed has great customer service, that is one of the primary reasons that I have stayed with their products for all 10 years that I have been pumping.
God bless,
Brunetta