I'm new to the Omnipod, and have some questions....
Has anyone had problems with their BG values creeping a bit up by/on the 3rd day. Is this just a common issue with pumps?
Also, are people having problems with occlusions (or insulin going bad) using Apidra? If I switch, what should I switch to?
It’s likely the apidra. The instructions for using apidra state when using in a pump, the site should be changed every 48 hours. Your doctor should be able to write your prescription to switch the pump site every two days.
I’ve tried Apidra, Novolog, and Humalog in the pod and had higher #s on the 3rd day with all (fewer with Novolog versus the others). I chalk it up to trauma to the tissue when my #s creep up. I’ve noticed area with less fatty tissue have more issues w/ 3rd day high BS.
I still use good ol' Humilog, but my Doc recommends 48 hours as a norm for changing pods. He sees a lot of problems after the 48 hour mark, not just BG readings.
Also, keep in mind that you can program multiple day long basal programs. So in theory you could have a "3rd day" basal program to help with the higher readings...
Switching every 2 days isn't a solution for me because that increases the cost by 50%. Yeah, I could got with 3 basals or simply toss in a temporary basal increase for days 2 and 3, but I'd wager the changes aren't going to be consistent.
I have used Apidra in my pods since I started back in 2009. I have never had an issue and I almost always try to push my pod to the 80-hour mark. I think it's a case of YMMV.
I don't usually have higher numbers on my 3rd day, but my son, who is 8, does frequently (we're both on Humalog). If he's creeping into low 200's, I do a temp plus 20 for the remainder of the pod . If he's running mid 200's or higher, I do plus 40. It usually will make the pod last the last day (but you also have to increase for the number of carbs you are eating, add a bit for correction, etc). It's not ideal (and to be honest, I've never asked our dr if this is a good idea...).
Hi all, I’m new to the group. I saw your discussion and used to have similar issues. I’m from Canada so we are just about to switch over to the new pods but i did a lot of personal research before choosing my pump. This might help. There are 2 small holes in the adhesive pad on either side of the opening where the canula is. If they stretch in any way the opening and the canula move slightly and small amounts of insulin leak. Especially by the third day. I apply liquid bandage to the holes, the pod behind the holes on the back of the adhesive pad and the opening perimeter to anchor it down to my skin. I press firmly on pod for a minute to dry before inserting canula or tape while drying to ensure the opening is tight against my skin. You can reapply if it becomes loose around pad or holes and reapply to remove easily. Had no issues since. Hope it helps. I use Humalog right to 80 hours. It took a lot of testing to figure out the issue but made night and day difference in A1C after 3 months of new procedure.
Caleb has had this issue and I've written about it here.
Although I remain confident that Apidra breaks down more quickly and has some impact on our experience requiring us to change Caleb's Pods more frequently, I have found this to be less of an issue with the new Pods and feel it may have to do with the point that Izza raises. There is less mobility with the new Pods.
Even with the little extra step i would not trade my tubeless world. I love my pods. I’m a fixer by nature.
Oh so true that we are all different. I place pods on my arms right in the muscle and have great absorption right from the start. As for third day elevated readings I started with Humalog tried Apidra, liked the Apidra as it was the quick one but died on my third day. Switched to Novolog and all is well. As for the pod movement I tape mine down to start with and by day three it is still attached but when I remove it the Omni pod adhesive at the cannula is often shredded and sugars are still doing fine. One thought, look at the plunger area on the pod you remove and see if you have bubbles in there. Bubbles are not good. As I said we are all different so good luck Scott and good for you for trying to fix your problem as I am not sure the health care folks could. Michael
We have bs tweaking up in the last 12 hours with Apidra, we turn up basal for those last 12 hours or so,
But how do you explain you got those problems after switching from humalog to apidra? It should point to an insulin issue, not a pod one...
That's a good tip, Izza. I've been using my SkinPrep pad over the pod adhesive, but haven't really focused on those two holes. I'll have to start remembering to do that!