Insulin pumps and punting

[advent2016]

I've been offered an insulin pump. I've long worn a diabetes sensor (small disc on upper arm) without issue. But a pump involves catheters etc.

I imagine I can temporarily stop wearing it.

Does anyone here use a pump and can share their experience.

[DastardlyDick]

Not all Insulin pumps need a catheter - which one have you been offered?
The catheter free ones stick on like a huge nicotine patch.

[Doc Holliday]

I've been offered an insulin pump. I've long worn a diabetes sensor (small disc on upper arm) without issue. But a pump involves catheters etc.

I imagine I can temporarily stop wearing it.

Does anyone here use a pump and can share their experience.

No personal experience, but yes you can remove it if you wish, but normally an hour maximum. People choose different options.

You may have already read this? External Link/Members Only

More medically orientated here External Link/Members Only

In a punting situation you would be best to discuss with the SP to make sure she is happy. I think most would be OK?

Probably best not to remove though as while she may be OK with you using one, she may be less comfortable with you having a 'hyper'? 

[RandomGuy99]

Experienced SPs have probably encountered one before and will be fine with it. It's probably best to explain before the booking so the SP is aware.

[Doc Holliday]

Probably best not to remove though as while she may be OK with you using one, she may be less comfortable with you having a 'hypo'? 

Edit that should really have said 'hyper' although most diabetics will tend to become hypo during sexual activity and your insulin level may need adjusting accordingly. Diabetes is all about level monitoring.

[advent2016]

Edit that should really have said 'hyper' although most diabetics will tend to become hypo during sexual activity and your insulin level may need adjusting accordingly. Diabetes is all about level monitoring.

Short term "Hyper" don't cause me problems. The docs/online course talks about the dangers of Ketoacidosis due to the patient not taking any basal insulin.

Couldn't you as a "Forum helper" have gone back and edited your previous or is proper threading enforced?

Mine is the Medtronic 780 pump and Guardian sensors.

[advent2016]

Not all Insulin pumps need a catheter - which one have you been offered?
The catheter free ones stick on like a huge nicotine patch.

Medtronic Minimed 780G.

I wanted the Omnipod all in one, but they said my insulin requirement was too much.
My diabetes is a bit mad some days I need over 300 units in a day others 300 units lasts a week.


Hidden Image/Members Only

[Doc Holliday]

Couldn't you as a "Forum helper" have gone back and edited your previous or is proper threading enforced?

No Forum Helpers only have the same short time window as everyone else to edit their own posts. Only Mods/Admin can do so after that period has elapsed 

[advent2016]

I started this about a week ago and so far has been great. OK I've ripped of two cannulas on door furniture in the dark. Second sensor today. I'm using less insulin than MDI and have a mostly nice stable horizontal line. Still have to enter carbs. Easy at home, more difficult at all you can eat and drink buffet. I've had a couple of massages (reports soon) with the cannula stub and no problem.

Compared to my MDI sensor Libre that had 60 min warm up, these are 120 minute, but you can insert them early and then there is just a 10 minute warmup.

[RandomGuy99]

I started this about a week ago and so far has been great. OK I've ripped of two cannulas on door furniture in the dark. Second sensor today. I'm using less insulin than MDI and have a mostly nice stable horizontal line. Still have to enter carbs. Easy at home, more difficult at all you can eat and drink buffet. I've had a couple of massages (reports soon) with the cannula stub and no problem.

Compared to my MDI sensor Libre that had 60 min warm up, these are 120 minute, but you can insert them early and then there is just a 10 minute warmup.

Great to hear. Mind the door furniture! 

[daviemac]

No Forum Helpers only have the same short time window as everyone else to edit their own posts. Only Mods/Admin can do so after that period has elapsed 

Sorted.

[Jonestown]

My diabetes is a bit mad some days I need over 300 units in a day others 300 units lasts a week.

300 units, wow I bet your toes are curling after that. I find if BG goes up, plateaus and stubbornly refuses to come down despite insulin adjustment doses, switching to physical exertion often does the job, go to the gym, jog or a substantial power walk will knock it down. Then of course Sod’s Law says all the siloed insulin will kick in and you’re plummeting towards a hypo.

[advent2016]

Not all Insulin pumps need a catheter - which one have you been offered?
The catheter free ones stick on like a huge nicotine patch.

I use too much insulin for a Tandem at present though even after just a week I'm using about 30% less insulin than MDI before.

External Link/Members Only