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Type 1 on insulin pump - anybody else?

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Posted 4/11/2006 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
I just found this website and am new here.  I've been Type 1 for 34 years.  Diagnosed at age 17.  Nobody else in the family has it.  After years and years of multiple shots, I was put on the insulin pump a few years ago.  It's made quite a difference and really freed me from eating on a strict schedule and waking up at a certain time.  Helps when traveling, too.  I don't have the extreme low blood sugars that I was having before but still have some highs.  That's my own fault because I still don't always eat right.  The problem I have now is the 10 lbs. to lose syndrome.  Actually, after this winter, it's more like 15.  Is there any diet product out there to help diabetics lost weight?  On the Slim-Fast idea?
Posted 4/12/2006 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Dear marina,
My husband has been on the pump for many years and it has been a real blessing. It makes his diabetes so much easier to control although he still has to adjust (even basil rates) especially in the nicer weather when he is more active. Have you considered or do you do any routine exercise? I have been trying to persuade my hubby to try this and he has been walking for about 10min. a day-soon to be gradually increased. Also, why not take a good look at what you are eating and determine how to cut back or substitute some things for lower calorie options?His biggest sin is peanut butter but it gives him a terrific boost when he is planning higher than ususal activity level. He can handle the calories in the nicer weather when he is more active, but in the winter he has to cut back. I would talk to the doctor first and ask for advice. Sometimes even tweaking your inulin rates can help with this.
Posted 4/12/2006 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Marina,
I'm so excited to know about your experience going on the pump after 30+ years of Type 1. I see a number of kids on it (at my doctor's office) but I don't think I've seen an adult with one. I take Lantus (which my endo once referred to as "the poor man's pump" which I thought was pretty funny) . Lantus (which doesn't peak) has made a big difference in my life because I haven't had a severe insulin reaction in over a year. My A1cs could be better though. I think exercise is my downfall. I'm busy -- but that's not the same thing as getting the old heart rate up for 40 minutes/day which is what my doctor prescribes. Since you like to eat (me, too!) maybe exercise is one of the keys for us, eh? Do tell us more about your pump!! What do you think are the pros and the cons? What basal insulin do you use?
Posted 4/13/2006 12:43 PM (GMT 0)

In reply to the pros and cons of the pump, I think the only con I have is a purely female one of where to put it!  They have a strap that goes around your thigh but I feel it slips down no matter how I adjust it.  The one around your waist gives a kind of bulge to your form.  There's one that works with your bra somehow but I couldn't figure it out.  They have one that clips onto your belt but I very rarely wear a belt because I don't tuck things in.  So I cut off the little holder bag that came with the leg strap because the little bag seals with velcro so the pump won't fall out.  Then I put it in the front of my bra which means you have to be careful what style bra you buy so there's enough fabric there to hold the pump in.  The things we women go through!  But the pros definitely outweigh that little con.  Oh, and another con but along the same lilne.  Because of the insertion site of the pump and the pump itself, I now wear a tankini style bathing suit which hides it very well as opposed to a one-piece that shows the lumps and bumps.

I have two basal settings.  I'm on .6 from 4 am to 12 am.  Then it switches to .7.  Seems to be working.  And I definitely agree about the exercise.  Always a downfall for me.  I'm got to get on the treadmill and start walking.  I've paid more attention the last couple of weeks to what I'm eating and have cut back and have lost 3 lbs. in two weeks.  Slowly but surely is the key I'm told.

I was on the Lantus before the pump and it worked pretty well for me, too.  But the doctor felt I was a prime candidate for the pump and I have a lot less low blood sugars now.  Glad the Lantus is working for you.  Sorry this was so long.  Hope everybody keep in touch with me.

Posted 4/13/2006 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, Marina. Sounds like the pump is working well for you, and that figuring out where to put it is one of the more challenging things. Are there only certain types of insulin that work in the pump? I've been reading about this new Levemir insulin from Novo and it isn't for use in the pump. I'm assuming Lantus isn't suitable for the pump, either?
Congrats, by the way on those 3 pounds! I too have a treadmill -- which is undoubtedly going to rust if I don't get on it pretty soon!
Posted 4/18/2006 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
Sunday - they recommended that I use Novolog for the pump. I haven't weighed myself again but tonight's another day on the treadmill.  I try to only do it 3 times a week because I started out every day and was getting pains in my shin so I'm staggering it.  Slowly but surely.
Posted 6/27/2006 11:17 AM (GMT 0)
I've been an insulin dependent diabetic for 43 years. about 13-15 years ago I went on "the Pump". The pump has been a real life saver for the worst symptoms a diabetic can face. It delayed my need for lazer surgery due to retinopathy until the last 3 yrs. Just now starting to experience neuropathy. Knock wood, no kidney problems yet or heart symptoms. I have been able to live my life more normally then ever. I can sleep in, delay meals, travel around the world, adjust for those wild carbohydrates days. Being a woman and finding a comfortable place to put the pump, has me resorting to looking only for clothes that have side pockets.  I was one of the few individuals to try out pumps when they first came on the market. Have been thru several manufacturers, but trust Mini-Med the most.  I AM A TRUE SUPPORTER OF INULIN PUMPS!!!!!      
Posted 6/27/2006 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
Wendy Cat,

Welcome to the diabetes forum. Thanks for your written support of the pump. We have quite a few peeps who are considering it and to have positive posts really helps them in their quests. If you or any other pump diabetics would consider sending me your email addresses I would appreciate it. We often get pump questions from prospective candidates and I can't always get ahold of a 'pump authority' to answer them. You may email me at jeannie143 at gmail dot com. I write my address this way to prevent the spam robots from getting ahold of it. Also, if you post your email addy in your profile it is protected from spam robots.

Glad to make a new friend, but not for the reason of diabetes...
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