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Calling all insulin-dependent diabetics and anyone else who takes shots...

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Posted 8/5/2007 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
I just thought I'd tell everyone about this product I saw at my endocrinologist's office, called the I-Port.  It's for people who take shots.  For those of you familiar with insulin pump infusion sets, it's a lot like those.  You inject it once every three days using a needle, but then you pull the needle out and all that's left under your skin is a soft cannula, with a port on top of the skin.  Then for the next three days you can inject your insulin (or symlin, or byetta, or whatever) into the port, instead of having to give yourself multiple injections under the skin.

I'm currently on an insulin pump, so this doesn't affect me, but I thought those of you on daily injections might want to know.  I wish to God they had had this device for the first thirteen years I was diabetic and on shots...it would have saved me a hell of a lot of pain.   

Posted 8/7/2007 1:52 PM (GMT 0)

Most Byetta users use or at least should be using 31g pen needles. These 8mm pen needles are soooooo tiny that unless you are near a nerve bundle, you really can't feel them go in.  This being said, I can't see any reason to leave a canula in my belly or thigh for repeated injections! (that to me seems more uncomfortable than the 31g needle).

And as a prior insulin user, again I used 28 and 31g needles, albiet a tad longer, that were of no consequence when it came to injection discomfort, so again, Im not sure I see the need for a canula. (now for a type 1 user with 4-8 injections per day, this might be the ticket)

scool Warren
Posted 8/7/2007 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Nope, not for me either. Being Type 1 brings enough baggage without adding a canula as well. I can live with the needles perfectly happily. In fact if it was up to me, I'd be putting more time and energy into research into continuous blood glucose monitoring. Now that really would be the best thing since sliced bread. Wait a minute, what's the low carb version of that cliche?

All the best,

fergusc
Posted 8/9/2007 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
This time of year in Michigan it's the best thing since sliced zucchini. (Music starts playing...) They're here, they're there, they're everywhere!... So BEWARE!!! If any of you were dumb enough to plant these extra terrestrial 'pod people' machines... well then you know what I'm talking about. I promise to never plant them again!!! They can take over your whole yard and climb into the neighbor's yard as well!
Posted 8/11/2007 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
I inject 5-7 times a day and I would not consider this thing. I can't imagine that much insulin all going into the same spot! I mean, one of the important things to do with multiple daily injections is to ever be changing the injection site! Nope, not for me.

I think this devise might be better suited to those having to take things like hormone injections (ever seen those needles?!), or cortisone injections, etc., but, not so much for diabetics. Just my opinion :-)

Kris
Posted 8/24/2007 10:44 AM (GMT 0)
Actually it isn't the insulin going in that is the reason you move around. It is the injection itself. The i-port is sort of a halfway between a pump and shots. They are a really good thing for kids, who don't like taking the shots and aren't quite ready for a pump. Since I am on a pump, I can assure you that a cannula is not uncomfortable at all. I don't feel the cannula in me at all. I often forget where it is. The insertion of the infusion set actually hurts less than the shots too. I think the i-port is a great option for people who can't afford a pump or are afraid of the needles. I wouldn't bother with it for one or two shots a day though. And one drawback is that the only thing you are gaining is less injections, where with a pump you are able to more fine tune your control.
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