Type 1 Diabetes
A place for people with type 1 diabetes to discuss the day to days trials and ... more
pump or shots?
dgarner11 posted:
I've been using the pump for about 3 years. I have to say I like it much more than taking 6 needles a day.
Of course before all the fancy insulins I only took 2 shots a day, one in the morning and one at dinner, and you could combine the regular in the same syringe as the NPH.
Of course before all the fancy insulins I only took 2 shots a day, one in the morning and one at dinner, and you could combine the regular in the same syringe as the NPH.
14 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:pump or shots?I've been using the pump for about 3 years. I have to say I like it much more than taking 6 needles a day.<br /><br />Of course before all the fancy insulins I only took 2 shots a day, one in the morning and one at dinner, and you could combine the regular in the same syringe as the NPH.
feelinghigh responded:
I use an Insulin Pump. Minimed 522, pumping since 2006
MrsCora01 responded:
I used to have a Paradigm 515. I never upgraded to the 522 because I didn't like the cgms. Now that I have the new pancreas I keep my old pump in a drawer. It was almost exactly 5 years old when I got the transplant so it was at the end of it's life anyway. I had a lot of great times with that pump!
Cora
Cora
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?I used to have a Paradigm 515. I never upgraded to the 522 because I didn't like the cgms. Now that I have the new pancreas I keep my old pump in a drawer. It was almost exactly 5 years old when I got the transplant so it was at the end of it's life anyway. I had a lot of great times with that pump!<br /><br />Cora
arealgijoe responded:
Hi Dgarner...and Cora.....
Well Cora I FOUND you guys!!!!!!!!!!
I started with jsut NPH in the AM thne had to go to 2 R&N mixed shots a day myself. My Am shot mix was fixed and my evening dose was based on test-tape results.
About 3yrs ago I had to go to multiple shots a day, now usually 2 of lantus and 3 humalog (pen) pokes.
Last month my a1c was 5.6, so I CELEBRATED w/a pazckzi.......oops 350s to 390s but I gotter down , a little extra did it, the next day I was back on track.
GLAD to see you gals doing this, its NEEDED! While I am labeled as a T2, I am not quite a typical T2, nor typical T1 either. Sometimes I have a little natural insulin other times NONE..go figure?
Had pancreatitis when I was 14 (threatened shots n the hospital) but got better, again while in the Navy but got better again then after a sore throat another bouth of P-itis. With the formal MS dx recently they might re-visit my label??? Both MS adn DM-1 are considered autoimmune and ahving one increases risk of others.
Probably the best way to think of it is I am sometimes on a long honeymoon, then my Pancrease dries up and I become 100% shot dependednt for a couple years, then back to honeymoon mode.......I love the honeymoon mode, its a lot easier. problem is I never know when my body will switch gears, has happened literally overnight!
Well time to GoGo...this is very ahrd to read, espcialy with my new Fresnel prism lenses for the MS diplopia. I hope to get them ground into the lenses later this month, might help.
GOMER
Well Cora I FOUND you guys!!!!!!!!!!
I started with jsut NPH in the AM thne had to go to 2 R&N mixed shots a day myself. My Am shot mix was fixed and my evening dose was based on test-tape results.
About 3yrs ago I had to go to multiple shots a day, now usually 2 of lantus and 3 humalog (pen) pokes.
Last month my a1c was 5.6, so I CELEBRATED w/a pazckzi.......oops 350s to 390s but I gotter down , a little extra did it, the next day I was back on track.
GLAD to see you gals doing this, its NEEDED! While I am labeled as a T2, I am not quite a typical T2, nor typical T1 either. Sometimes I have a little natural insulin other times NONE..go figure?
Had pancreatitis when I was 14 (threatened shots n the hospital) but got better, again while in the Navy but got better again then after a sore throat another bouth of P-itis. With the formal MS dx recently they might re-visit my label??? Both MS adn DM-1 are considered autoimmune and ahving one increases risk of others.
Probably the best way to think of it is I am sometimes on a long honeymoon, then my Pancrease dries up and I become 100% shot dependednt for a couple years, then back to honeymoon mode.......I love the honeymoon mode, its a lot easier. problem is I never know when my body will switch gears, has happened literally overnight!
Well time to GoGo...this is very ahrd to read, espcialy with my new Fresnel prism lenses for the MS diplopia. I hope to get them ground into the lenses later this month, might help.
GOMER
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?<b>Hi Dgarner...and Cora.....</b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>Well Cora I FOUND you guys!!!!!!!!!!</b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>I started with jsut NPH in the AM thne had to go to 2 R&N mixed shots a day myself. My Am shot mix was fixed and my evening dose was based on test-tape results.</b><br /><b>About 3yrs ago I had to go to multiple shots a day, now usually 2 of lantus and 3 humalog (pen) pokes. </b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>Last month my a1c was 5.6, so I CELEBRATED w/a pazckzi.......oops 350s to 390s but I gotter down , a little extra did it, the next day I was back on track.</b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>GLAD to see you gals doing this, its NEEDED! While I am labeled as a T2, I am not quite a typical T2, nor typical T1 either. Sometimes I have a little natural insulin other times NONE..go figure? </b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>Had pancreatitis when I was 14 (threatened shots n the hospital) but got better, again while in the Navy but got better again then after a sore throat another bouth of P-itis. With the formal MS dx recently they might re-visit my label??? Both MS adn DM-1 are considered autoimmune and ahving one increases risk of others. </b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>Probably the best way to think of it is I am sometimes on a long honeymoon, then my Pancrease dries up and I become 100% shot dependednt for a couple years, then back to honeymoon mode.......I love the honeymoon mode, its a lot easier. problem is I never know when my body will switch gears, has happened literally overnight! </b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>Well time to GoGo...this is very ahrd to read, espcialy with my new Fresnel prism lenses for the MS diplopia. I hope to get them ground into the lenses later this month, might help. </b><br /><b></b> <br /><b>GOMER <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"></b><br /><b></b>
Doug1128 responded:
Omnipod - the system has worked tremendously well. I was injecting 7 times daily with an average A1c of 8.8. After 3 years on the pump my average is 6.5. A very good system - discrete, waterproof, easy carb/bolus control. On the downside - a corporately ignorant and uncaring company, and the current cost, beyond the standard health insurance coverage, has become porhibitive.
Any suggestions from anyone?
Doug
Any suggestions from anyone?
Doug
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?Omnipod - the system has worked tremendously well. I was injecting 7 times daily with an average A1c of 8.8. After 3 years on the pump my average is 6.5. A very good system - discrete, waterproof, easy carb/bolus control. On the downside - a corporately ignorant and uncaring company, and the current cost, beyond the standard health insurance coverage, has become porhibitive.<br /> <br />Any suggestions from anyone?<br /> <br />Doug
wish I did Doug. Ive heard many wonderful things about the omnipod, but it is yet to become available in Canada.
As for insurance..hopefully someone American will ahve some advice for yuo there. I have a pretty standard drug plan (that costs me an arm and a leg every pay cheque) but I'm covered %100 on my pump supplies so it makes it worth the cost.
As for insurance..hopefully someone American will ahve some advice for yuo there. I have a pretty standard drug plan (that costs me an arm and a leg every pay cheque) but I'm covered %100 on my pump supplies so it makes it worth the cost.
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?wish I did Doug. Ive heard many wonderful things about the omnipod, but it is yet to become available in Canada.<br /><br />As for insurance..hopefully someone American will ahve some advice for yuo there. I have a pretty standard drug plan (that costs me an arm and a leg every pay cheque) but I'm covered %100 on my pump supplies so it makes it worth the cost.
Lizzy19641951 replied to dgarner11's response:
I'm a pumper with the Animas 1250. And I use the Dexcom 7 when I can afford to buy the sensors. The Dexcom has saved me from some bad lows since I am very hypo unaware. The pump has made life so much easier and living with diabetes so much more convenient.
Doug, I hope you can figure out someway to help with the cost of your supplies.
Doug, I hope you can figure out someway to help with the cost of your supplies.
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?I'm a pumper with the Animas 1250. And I use the Dexcom 7 when I can afford to buy the sensors. The Dexcom has saved me from some bad lows since I am very hypo unaware. The pump has made life so much easier and living with diabetes so much more convenient.<br /> <br />Doug, I hope you can figure out someway to help with the cost of your supplies.
Doug1128 replied to Lizzy19641951's response:
Hi Lizzy - thanks for the note. One of the reasons I explored a pump system was because I used to have lows often and without any significant warnings - and often just before the waking hours. Omnipod has reduced those occurences to nearly zero. Diabetes is all about control as you well know - but it also all comes down to costs. If worse comes to worse, there are always injections - not the best of alternatives, but still an alternative.
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?Hi Lizzy - thanks for the note. One of the reasons I explored a pump system was because I used to have lows often and without any significant warnings - and often just before the waking hours. Omnipod has reduced those occurences to nearly zero. Diabetes is all about control as you well know - but it also all comes down to costs. If worse comes to worse, there are always injections - not the best of alternatives, but still an alternative.
Thanks for the reply - I continue to stay in contact with my insurance provider hoping that they will come up with some sort of exception - but I am not holding my breath.
Omnipod - again, it has done wonders and is very user friendly - corporate attitude is a tradeoff but acceptible. I am also in the process of checking out Solo - a new product not yet in US distribution. It looks like a step up from Omnipod and I have started a dialogue with them.
Omnipod - again, it has done wonders and is very user friendly - corporate attitude is a tradeoff but acceptible. I am also in the process of checking out Solo - a new product not yet in US distribution. It looks like a step up from Omnipod and I have started a dialogue with them.
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?Thanks for the reply - I continue to stay in contact with my insurance provider hoping that they will come up with some sort of exception - but I am not holding my breath.<br /> <br />Omnipod - again, it has done wonders and is very user friendly - corporate attitude is a tradeoff but acceptible. I am also in the process of checking out Solo - a new product not yet in US distribution. It looks like a step up from Omnipod and I have started a dialogue with them.
Sugar_Free responded:
Hi everyone!!!
I've been on the pump since... 2002 I think... yes, it was in 2002 because I was a sophomore in high school when I first got on it. I was using a bright blue paradigm 515
Then I upgraded twice after that. I upgraded to a pump that looked just like my paradigm 522 but it didn't work with a CGM. I use the OneTouch UltraLink glucose monitor and it's so great that my meter sends my BG readings to my pump so I wouldn't have to plug in my readings into my pump all the time. Then I upgraded again to a pretty purple-colored 522 pump so I could use the CGM.
The pump is great. It's like an outside pancreas. The only problem I have with it is that I always accidentally hit it everyone because I am so active and I move around all the time.
But before the pump, I first started out using the Regular and NPH insulin. That was back in 1994. Then a few years later I switched from that to the Lantus and the Humolog. I hated lugging around handfuls of syringes and vials of insulin. Sometimes I didn't carry enough that I had to come back home from wherever I was to get more.
I think the pump is great because you get more of an accurate insulin dosage. The pump calculates how much insulin to give you after punching in how many carbs you are going to eat AND it also factors in you blood sugar reading. It's really hard to inject 3.2 units of insulin lol
I've been on the pump since... 2002 I think... yes, it was in 2002 because I was a sophomore in high school when I first got on it. I was using a bright blue paradigm 515
Then I upgraded twice after that. I upgraded to a pump that looked just like my paradigm 522 but it didn't work with a CGM. I use the OneTouch UltraLink glucose monitor and it's so great that my meter sends my BG readings to my pump so I wouldn't have to plug in my readings into my pump all the time. Then I upgraded again to a pretty purple-colored 522 pump so I could use the CGM.The pump is great. It's like an outside pancreas. The only problem I have with it is that I always accidentally hit it everyone because I am so active and I move around all the time.
But before the pump, I first started out using the Regular and NPH insulin. That was back in 1994. Then a few years later I switched from that to the Lantus and the Humolog. I hated lugging around handfuls of syringes and vials of insulin. Sometimes I didn't carry enough that I had to come back home from wherever I was to get more.
I think the pump is great because you get more of an accurate insulin dosage. The pump calculates how much insulin to give you after punching in how many carbs you are going to eat AND it also factors in you blood sugar reading. It's really hard to inject 3.2 units of insulin lol
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?Hi everyone!!!<br /><br />I've been on the pump since... 2002 I think... yes, it was in 2002 because I was a sophomore in high school when I first got on it. I was using a bright blue paradigm 515 <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/grin.gif" align="top" border="0"> Then I upgraded twice after that. I upgraded to a pump that looked just like my paradigm 522 but it didn't work with a CGM. I use the OneTouch UltraLink glucose monitor and it's so great that my meter sends my BG readings to my pump so I wouldn't have to plug in my readings into my pump all the time. Then I upgraded again to a pretty purple-colored 522 pump so I could use the CGM.<br /><br />The pump is great. It's like an outside pancreas. The only problem I have with it is that I always accidentally hit it everyone because I am so active and I move around all the time.<br /><br />But before the pump, I first started out using the Regular and NPH insulin. That was back in 1994. Then a few years later I switched from that to the Lantus and the Humolog. I hated lugging around handfuls of syringes and vials of insulin. Sometimes I didn't carry enough that I had to come back home from wherever I was to get more. <br /><br />I think the pump is great because you get more of an accurate insulin dosage. The pump calculates how much insulin to give you after punching in how many carbs you are going to eat AND it also factors in you blood sugar reading. It's really hard to inject 3.2 units of insulin lol <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
great job how did you find a donor and where ? who is the doctor that helped you? thank you
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?great job how did you find a donor and where ? who is the doctor that helped you? thank you
Hi Kylie. My cousin gave me the kidney and the pancreas was from a deceased donor. I had my transplant at U of Minnesota/Fairview in Minneapolis. There are quite a number of transplant centers that now do pancreas transplants. A simple google search can tell you if the transplant centers in your area do them. The bottom line though is that they don't do it unless you already have significant complications of the diabetes.
Cora
Cora
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?Hi Kylie. My cousin gave me the kidney and the pancreas was from a deceased donor. I had my transplant at U of Minnesota/Fairview in Minneapolis. There are quite a number of transplant centers that now do pancreas transplants. A simple google search can tell you if the transplant centers in your area do them. The bottom line though is that they don't do it unless you already have significant complications of the diabetes.<br /><br />Cora
Doug1128 responded:
I've been on a pump for 3 years - I just received a letter from my Endo endorsing my use of the pump for insurance purposes - the Omnipod - limited coverage only. Prior to pumping I was injecting 6-7 times daily and, after 35 years, I was suffering the usual side effects of Type 1 - a BK amp, bypass surgery and so on.
According to the letter; when I first saw the Endo 3 years ago my A1c was 9% (remember, inject 7 times daily) - after beginning the pump system the A1c immediately dropped to 7.5 - toaday it is averaging 6.5. That alone says everything about pumping, but along with that I have been able to virtually eliminate the extreme lows that would develop several times weekly.
Also - the absolute freedom of not having to use a syringe - amazing.
The caveat here is you must continue monitoring the blood sugar with finger sticks - it is still crucial for ultimate control. Also, diligence with carb counting is a must - but these are small compared to the control that a pump offers.
Doug
According to the letter; when I first saw the Endo 3 years ago my A1c was 9% (remember, inject 7 times daily) - after beginning the pump system the A1c immediately dropped to 7.5 - toaday it is averaging 6.5. That alone says everything about pumping, but along with that I have been able to virtually eliminate the extreme lows that would develop several times weekly.
Also - the absolute freedom of not having to use a syringe - amazing.
The caveat here is you must continue monitoring the blood sugar with finger sticks - it is still crucial for ultimate control. Also, diligence with carb counting is a must - but these are small compared to the control that a pump offers.
Doug
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?I've been on a pump for 3 years - I just received a letter from my Endo endorsing my use of the pump for insurance purposes - the Omnipod - limited coverage only. Prior to pumping I was injecting 6-7 times daily and, after 35 years, I was suffering the usual side effects of Type 1 - a BK amp, bypass surgery and so on.<br /> <br />According to the letter; when I first saw the Endo 3 years ago my A1c was 9% (remember, inject 7 times daily) - after beginning the pump system the A1c immediately dropped to 7.5 - toaday it is averaging 6.5. That alone says everything about pumping, but along with that I have been able to virtually eliminate the extreme lows that would develop several times weekly.<br /> <br />Also - the absolute freedom of not having to use a syringe - amazing.<br /> <br />The caveat here is you must continue monitoring the blood sugar with finger sticks - it is still crucial for ultimate control. Also, diligence with carb counting is a must - but these are small compared to the control that a pump offers.<br /> <br />Doug
Lizzy19641951 replied to Doug1128's response:
Hi Doug, glad to hear that you can get some coverage for your pump! I guess some is better than none. I am so thankful for my insurance coverage.
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?Hi Doug, glad to hear that you can get some coverage for your pump! I guess some is better than none. I am so thankful for my insurance coverage.
Hi Doug.Dont give the pump all the credit. While the pump is an excellent tool, you won't get good control unless you put in a ton of work yourself. And obviously you have dont that. Congrats on the excellent a1c and I am really happy that you are getting better coverage.
Cora
Cora
Report This| Share this:pump or shots?Hi Doug.Dont give the pump all the credit. While the pump is an excellent tool, you won't get good control unless you put in a ton of work yourself. And obviously you have dont that. Congrats on the excellent a1c and I am really happy that you are getting better coverage.<br /><br />Cora
Spotlight: Member Stories
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in September, 1972. I wear a Cozmo insulin pump and a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor. To calibrate my Dexcom...More
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other Member Communities
- Dieting Club: 10 - 25 Lbs Member Community Share Your Tips and Support!
- Caregiving Member Community The Support and Understanding You Need!
- Parenting Friends Talking Member Community Get Support from Members Like You!
-
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.