Diabetes Type 2 Support Group

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not make efficient use of it. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert food into glucose, a sugar that the body uses for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose can accumulate in the blood, and can cause serious health problems such as heart disease and strokes and organ damage...

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Endocrine System
/ Diabetes Type 2 Support Group

Insulin Pump

sweetnettie
sweetnettie
Does anyone have an insulin pump. I am one who hates needles and sticking herself. Finger prick is not so bad, but when it comes to sticking my self, I'm all over the place. I'm on Levemir (slow acting insulin). My doctor just added Humalog a fast acting insulin to take. Saw the endocrinologist last thursday and he stated I need to take about 90 units a day, 45 levemir and 15 fast acting after each meal. He also gave me the option of an insulin pump (omnipod) or an Insulin patch.
mzizgayle
mzizgayle
my brother has one and I knew a girl from the another group who had the omnipod and was very pleased with it once she got the hang of it and what needs to be done.

Sit down and have a good talk with your doctor regarding and do some research so you can be prepared if you choose to go this way
jpf777777
jpf777777
I had used an Animus pump for many years and it is much better then using syringes. The only injection is when you insert the cannula which connects to the tube that goes to the pump.

It will take you awhile to get use to the settings and how to use it. Once you have that down pat I think you would find it a better solution. Keep in mind that a pump is used for fast acting insulin like Humalog or Novalog.

If used properly you may find that you do not use as much as you had in the past.

I no longer take insulin. My Endocrinologist said that I was only the second person that she has seen that was able to get off of insulin after taking it for 8+ years.

Hope that helped.

Doc
deleted_user
deleted_user
I too am curious about the insulin pump. I take 30 units on 70/30 3x a day and constantly am pricking finger 4-6 times a day. I finally got accepted for insurance and will be seeing a few specialists ie. diabetic specialist and edocranologist. My Dr. stated that she has quite a few orders lined up for appointments. I have a rather large mass on the the left side of my neck and after a CT scan found out that it is wrapped around my carotid arteries and need surgery to get it out. So no i am wondering whether it is the diabetes or this mass that is cause my random double vision/blurred vision and "spinning world". I am also in Metformin. To me this is just the beginning of seeing other Drs. I have been seeing my general practician for 2 years. so I will let you know. I am told i am a good candidate for the pump.
jpf777777
jpf777777
Quick pump 101.

Your nurse/pa will set a basil rate for you. This rate will be given to you automatically at set times during the day. You will be instructed how to change this if needed.

As for the bolus, this is the amount of insulin you will give yourself as needed. There are several ways that it calculates this for you. The one I used was to enter in my current blood glucose reading and the amount of carbohydrates I plan to consume. It will give you the suggested amount of insulin to administer.

One other point is that most pumps come with a glucometer that communicates with the pump to transfer information. This information can be downloaded to a PC to produce reports that you can bring to your doctor when you go.

Bolus insulin can be given as needed like a you would normally. This is available but not recommended. Also watch out for lows at first while you get used to the pump.

Doc