Diabetes.Blog.com

1 - I've been on a Medtronics 712 pump for 19 months now. The first 6 months was consumed with just becoming familiar with operation and Doc defined basal/bolus amounts. The next 6 months was taken up with minor basal and bolus adjustment amounts. In the last 7 months, I have finally found the pump to fulfill it's promise of better BG regulation. I now have 6 different effective basal schedules and can more accurately bolus effectively. It's definitely an individual "art" since so many factors affect BG. Even though I have basic bolus amounts per carbs, I adust it depending on glycemic index and fat intake. Additionally the square wave and extended time bolus delivery can be beneficial under some circumstances.

It's definitely more flexible than shots, but it requires above average diligence and neuronal efficiency to adjust to it. Also, I have found it helpful to test BG at least 8 times/day if not even 10. The frequent testing helps fine tune pump operation. (Comment this)

2 - I've been pumping for almost 2 years now. Started with an Animas IR1000 and am now using the Animas IR1250.

I've been very successful on the pump. At first, using an Animas pump trainer getting basals and boluses set was difficult, but went to a really good endo and CDE who are not only good at spotting trends and knowing how to fix them, have been fabulous at teaching me the same.

Cuts out all the fasting, basal testing and the resulting stress.

However, you have to test a lot, log every thing, and get your data in one place so you can actually see the trends and put it all together -- EzManager software that comes with the Animas IR1200 is fabulous for that.

Wearing the pump isn't a problem at all. (Comment this)

3 - What about toddlers on pumps? Personally, I think it is a bad idea because they touch poopie and an absces in diabetic is not a great thing. But how can a child reasonably play? Where do you place the pump? what if it falls off, etc? I think the pump is great for a time where if the child's cognition is relatively good and they want it. I know it has changed people lives, and I think it is a good thing, but just not for a toddler. It makes no sense, especially since I feel comfortable drawing up the meds and she is on lantus, so she take no nighttimes NPH, which I think is a terrible thing for a toddler because of the severe peaks. Any thoughts? (Comment this)

4 - === Off-topic post ===
I just reviewed the results of the poll I posted on August 27, and saw that no one has found this blog via a recommendation from any health-care professional (yet).

Can I suggest that you might want to tell your doc or nurse that Diabetes.Blog.com exists... and they can/should look it over & mention it to their other patients with diabetes? (Comment this)

5 - === Off topic post ===
Please read Dubious comments at this blog

Thanks. (Comment this)

6 - been on the pump 6 years have paradigm and use novolog just started using symlin always hungry but my BGs has been better anyone using this combination

viv (Comment this)

7 - I am using a Deltec Cozmo insulin pump. I am a 35 year old male and have been a type 1 diabetic for 34 years. I have no complications so far. Living in Canada, I had the choice of only three pump companies to purchase a pump from: Medtronic, Animas, or Deltec. After having all three demonstated to me, I chose the Deltec Cozmo insulin pump. I believe it is the most intuitive pump to use. It's menus and warnings are in plain English, no weird codes or cryptic messages, and the pump is programable, so I can set it up the way I like it.

Although Medtronic was the first pump approved in Canada, and for some time was the only pump that Canadians could buy, I believe that the Deltec Cozmo is superior. If you are Canadian I strongly urge you to check out the Deltec Cozmo.

The support is excellent! I had a representative fly all the way from Calgary, Alberta to Vancouver,British Columbia to train my Diabetes Nurse Educator in using the pump. He also was there with my Diabetes Nurse Educator for my first day of pump training. I have his phone number in case of any questions I have. The customer service has been excellent! (Comment this)

8 - I am on the Minimed 715 pump and love it but am checking out the new "Omnipod" pump. Is anyone on it? I have had type 1 for 43 years, am 50 years old and disabled due to my diabetes. My last A1c was 5.5 but I am constantly trying for better control. Being "tethered" is not a hassle at any time and the flexability it gives me is wonderful, I highly recommend a pump to anyone. Have been pumping since 1996! A1c's from over 12 to 5.5, not too shabby either for an old lady! (Comment this)

9 - Hi Laura, I am impressed! You may be my new role model. I have had type I for about 33 years and am on a 515 Paradigm Minimed pump. I have seen a lot of improvement with its help. My last HgA1c was 6.4 and I am very happy with that, otherwise I get too many lows. I have not heard of the Omnipod. Where can I get more information? By the way, you are only as old as you think! Keep pumping! Gail. (Comment this)

10 - Boy you people sure dont make it easy to choose a pump manufacturer. I am currently on my to what I hope to be a little better quality of life, and am trying to decide on which pumping system to go with. Postings make the Cozmo and minimed sound A1. I'm guessing it will come down to the bells and whistles of the units. As far as attentiveness of the manufacturers, at this point in my search Minimed has had the most and beneficial interaction in my search. They have a strong committment to promotion and doing what it takes to help you in all aspects of getting started on the pump. If I choose minimed, I hope that same customer service stays after the check clears.
To Gail: Omnipods information can be found at www.insulet.com or www.omnipod.com.
 (Comment this)

11 - Advertisement

Some messages from our sponsor

(1) Please spend some time at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Be sure to tell your family, friends, support group, diabetes nurse educator, and your doctor about this website! (3) Read the disclaimer about Google ads (on the right-side sidebar on every page). (4) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (5) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

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Written by: Steph & Bill Quick at 2005/11/05 - 16:07:45

12 - I am on the Minimed 508 pump and taking symlin 15units 3 times a day. I have been pumping since 1995 but have a terrible time with post prandial sugars. I am hoping the symlin is going to help alleviate the extra highs. I too am looking forward to getting a new pump in March 06. I have considered the Paradigm by minimed, the cozmo, and the omnipod. My diabetes educator has a omnipod in her office to look at and boy is it simple, and small. I am stuck between something that can can take a normal luerlock reservoir or the possibility of integrated glucose sensor readings talking to the pump. Decisions, decisions. (Comment this)

13 - I am a T1 for 22 years. I am on the MM 715 and apart from a horrible training experience I had, I am greatful for having my pump. It is all in one word; FREEDOM!!!!
 (Comment this)

14 - I became diabetic at age 27 due to an internal abcess. Insulin shots did not stabilize me and have been on the pump now for 15 years. I have had both Medtronic and Animas. I prefer the Medtronic and luckily my insurance pays for Medtronic. If your insurance will pay, go with which ever pump you feel suits your needs the best. When I was on the Animas (4 years ago)I had a lot of problems with the reservoirs sticking. Of course, they may have come a long way since then.

The pump has given me lots of freedom and you do get used to wearing it after awhile. It has also given me a connection to some of my middle school students who are also on the pump. The questions they have are unbelievable! I'm glad I can be there to help guide them. I am also going to give them this blog as a resource.

If you are struggling with the pump, it does become easier. Fine tuning in the beginning takes time and a lot or finger pricks. Now, I test 4 times a day and any time I'm feeling "off". Still beats taking 6 shots a day. (Comment this)

15 - My husband and I are currently looking to get him the omnipod. We are currently trying to connect the Insulet company, which makes the omnipod, with our doctors office and are also in the process of trying to get my husband''s insurance co. to approve it. I''ll let you know if we get it or not. So far the Insulet co. has been very helpful. We are living near Charlotte, NC.
To look for info. go to www.myomnipod.com. Also go to www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_technology/insulin_pump_modles.php to look up comparisons of different types of pumps. You can also go to www.diabetesmine.com/2005/11/omnipoding.html to get some objective views about the omnipod. To read info. on how it works, go to www.diabetsin control.com/modelules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2680. I (Comment this)

16 - I am in my mid 60s, a female, and have had t1d since 1982. Have been on the MM 508 for 5 years this month and am in throes of decision about continuing with MM or switching to Cozmo. I have been happy with the MM. Does anyone know how often they put out new models? I hate the thought of buying now and having a new model come out in 6 months. It sounds like the Paradigm 715 has been around for a couple of years or more. MM offers an upgrade when a new one comes out but at the cost of $500 which is no small amount out of my pocket--as I am ready to retire. Thanks for any thoughts on my dilemma. (Comment this)

17 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

 (Comment this)

18 - I''m a Type 1 for 18 yrs. 35 yr old mom of 2 lovely n healthy kids (2.5 yr old boy and 8 mth girl :-))I just started pumping last week. Bought a Minimed 712. Hv been on 4-6 shots previously (Humalog and Lantus).HBA1C was not good after second baby arrived...7.4% so I decided to go on the pump. I find it very inconvenient though. Especially when it comes to dressing up. Hoping I can adjust... I am still very conscious of a cannula stuck in my body and my toddler can''t sit on my tummy and jump up and down that much anymore...I''ve been to the doc and so far I hv less spikes and bg is more stable. So clearly the pump is better for my health. I just hv one question to the experienced pump users. I''m using the paradigm quick set (6mm) at the moment.I find it hard to disconnect when I take my shower and also because it is more protuding, it hurt a bit today when I accidentaly tugged at it. I hv tried the sof-set (6mm) and it felt better. I''ve only just started using the quick-set today so I''m not sure. What do you Minimed Paradigm pumpers hv to say about the sof-set versus the quick set? which needle is more fine by the way? If I don''t hv insurance, how much does it cost to purchase a minimed 712 paradigm at full price? THANKS! (Comment this)

19 - I have used the quick set for 3 years so far and I prefer that one over all of the other sets. I too had the same reactions and some of the same painful experiences you had. I know that the pump alone if you had to pay out of pocket is somewhere in the ball park of $6000. I am in the process of changing providers because I have had many bad experiences with my Minimed pump; both customer service and product complications. In a 6 month period of time I had my letter of medical necessity letter lost three times by the company. Where is my personal information going to was my main question. Then in those three years on one aoocaion I was sent "supposedly" a newer better version of my infusion set without asking my permission, and that ended up being recalled. In addition to that I have had three faulty pumps that have malfunctioned; with one of the malfunctions inserting over 50 units of insulin into me at one time. That sent me straight the the emergency room to obtain glucose injections for about 5 hours after I managed to intake about 400 carbs already counteracting some of the insulin. They would not replace any insulin lost in the testing processes or offer to cover any of my medical expenses. Thank god for good military insurance. Everytime I have a problem the customer service person always makes me feel like I am stupid and everything is my fault, when in fact he is lacking knowledge. I have three Bachelor''s degrees and a Master''s degree and am in the business of talking to people; therefore I present myself very well and not in an ignorant or irate manner to receive such condescension. I have had diabetes for 21 years; half of that as a juvenile and the other half as an adult. I usually can tell my trainers what is needed; therefore, when I am in the process of my blood sugar being at about-2000 I don''t think that the advice I should have been given should have been to call the company when the incident happened and wait on hold for 30 or so minutes instead of going to the emergency room and then reporting the problem. (Comment this)

20 - I'm 37 yrs old and have been T-1 since 1976. I 've been on the pump for 10 yrs- Pradigm 515 now (this is my 3rd pump). I started Symlin injections 4 wks ago. I just heard about the Omnipod but found out it is not available in my area which is Orlando, Florida. Anyone know why it is limited to certain places? (Comment this)

21 - I've had a pump for 7 years -- I'm probably a LADA too, because my insulin dose remains low 20-30 units a day depending on what I eat.

What I like about the pump is that although I have to be careful to change sets on time, and make sure I don't run out of insulin, I don't have to worry about impromptu eating, whereas when I was on injections and then pens, if I left my pen in my purse, then I didn't want to go get it for mealtime at home, and when it was in its place by my bed, I didn't want to go get it when rushing out the door.

Even keeping track of meters is bad -- I have one in my purse, and one by my bed, but if I'm in the kitchen, I don't even want to go get one of my meters to test.

I can hardly wait for a real, continuous BG meter, especially if it talks to my pump, and micro-regulates my BGs.

Diabetes IS the pits, and I will admit to not coping entirely well with it, but on the other hand, I'm not the worst of the bunch either -- the pump helps a lot. (Comment this)

22 - Glad to have heard some of your responses to my earlier post. As of this coming Tuesday, I will share some of your gr8 experience with my new Medtronics 715. For me Medtronics has been awesome in my search (as well as your input). Medtronics from start to finish from the moment I made the commitment has been two weeks. They asked myself a few questions, contacted my Dr, got some other information and letter of necessity and my insurance company called today with the news. For those who may have issues with cost: I have insurance through Medical Mutual which has dropped all of their 100 have tos to get a pump (half of which, required their pre-approval. The old positive/negative. You know: you must do, but we wont approve it) . They now have very minimal requirements due to the positive benefits of the pump. Guess they figure its better to spend 4 or 5 Gs to avoid a 14G hospital stay form KDA. Medical Mutual also has a program I belong to called diabetes advantage. They call every other month, and ask questions about BG readings, Drs visit info (BP,Chol,A1C, etc...)As long as I follw their requirements, Im active in the program. With me being active in that, my pump, infusion sets,inserter, a continuous glucose meter and supplies 100% paid for. So check for additional benefits through your insurance company in regards to asthama, diabetes, etc.....

Again, THANKS for your valued input (Comment this)

23 - I've been in contact with the Omnipod rep in Richmond Va. He is going to meet with my endo and me on March 16th. I'm taking the paperwork to my endo to complete during my appt on 02/23 so I can get insurance verification prior to meeting with the rep and actually seeing the Omnipod in person. I've read very good comments on it on different websites and the rep has been wearing it for 1 yr. The demand is so great they do not have enough trainers on it to cover all areas. I'm in WV and it is just now coming to this area due to my contact to Insulet and them hooking me up with the rep in VA. Check out comments and info by David Kliff in response to my questions on the Omnipod since he has been using it for several months. His site is Diabetes Real World. If you have any questions let me know and I'll try to answer them from discussion with the rep. Also please wish me luck in getting my insurance to cover the cost or at least some of the cost. (Comment this)

24 - hi all
I am a type 1 diabetic for 14 years, on a pump for 10 years. I started with the minimed 506 and now i have a 515. My A1C previous to the pump was in the 10's, and now my most recent A1C was 6.9%. I just started symlin in January and with the symlin my blood sugars have been even better. As a pumper I can not imagine going back to injection therapy. Pump therapy gave me my life back! I have two beautiful healthy children, and pump therapy made that possible as well. I am always amazed, with each new pump I get, at how far medicine has advanced. I am truly blessed!
Sarah (Comment this)

25 - I am a 6 year pumper currently utilizing Medtronic 715 technology. I have seen their sensor product and am certainly excited. Their reps all have the Guardian RT to show patients. Whenever meeting with Onmipod,Deltec, or Animas I like to ask them for any sensor information they may have. These companies have not yet been able to show me any clinicals. Without clinicals, they are nowhere close to gaining FDA approval. Medtronic Reps and patients in some cities are already wearing it! They are way behind Medtronic, who already has a sensor/pump in Europe and Canada.
Tom T- You should call Medtronic and let your local rep show you the near future before you are "teathered" to a sensorless product for the next 4 years. (Comment this)

26 - Sorry Tom T, I meant to send that advice to Debbie. (Comment this)

27 - That's ok Ragus
But I cant wait for the Guardian RT to be available in Ohio. "Listen to me", brand new to the pump, and wanting to advance to the next level.
Dont know why it's a selective distribution, but if you live in: Austin,Boston,Chicago,Houston,Minneapolis/St. Paul,San Antonio or Tampa please voice your opinions and experiences of the Guardian RT system.
Again, Medtronics has been A-1 top level as far as dealing with me. Which ever manufacturer all the posters/readers on this blog go with, may you enjoy a better quality of life that we once new or are presently experiencing as pumpers. (Comment this)

28 - Some messages from our sponsor:

(1) Please spend a few minutes at the Diabetes Monitor website (CLICK HERE) and read more about diabetes. (2) Also: if you haven't yet answered our polls to tell us more about yourself, we'd encourage you to please do so: How did you find this blog? Tell us about yourself! (3) Finally, if you like to answer polls, there are lots more at the Diabetes Monitor, at Polls. Many thanks, from Steph & Bill Quick

 

 (Comment this)

29 - I am currently shopping for a pump, and my search has come down to a choice between the Minimed and the Cozmo. Does anybody know if Cozmo has a plan where you can upgrade to new pump technology without having to pay the purchase price for a new pump? With all the buzz about continuous BG monitors, I don't want to be left out when the new technology is made widely available. Also, did anybody have a planned hospital stay when switching to the pump? A book I am reading mentions that some patients and/or doctors may desire a hospital stay for the first few days while on the pump... (Comment this)

30 - Sara,
I spent one night in the hospital to monitor my glucose and figure out basal rates. But that was 10 years ago. (Comment this)

31 - ANTONIA,
I've been on the minimed pump for 10 yrs (diabetic for 30yrs since age 8) and I don't love the pump either. I have always used the Silhouettes which work well for me. And a good trick when you wear a dress is to buy Spanx at the department store. They're like a cross between bike shorts and panty hose and you can tuck the pump in the leg and it won't go anywhere. (Comment this)

32 - I'm 32 years old and have t1 diabetes since I was 9 years old. I'm finally going to go ahead and get a pump and wanted to hear what you guys thought of both the minimed 715 and the Cozmo. I am also one of the people that are wondering if the Cozmo comes with the upgradability package like the minimed 715.

Also, I'm a pretty active guy. I hunt, fish and do a lot of outdoor activities. If any of you do any of these things, could you let me know how the pumps hold up. (Comment this)

33 - This is to everyone considering a pump. I have been with Minimed for year. For a few years, I switched to a pump that is no longer available in the US but Minimed helped get me back to them by giving me so much credit from my old pump, that is cost me almost nothing. They will offer you upgrades within a certain period of time for a minimal out of pocket exepense. Their customer service has been top notch, replacing stuff that was defective and helping me with my insurance coverage. They have been in business for years is the one reason I went with Minimed. I have all the pumps available in my area but even my doctor and his office staff prefer the Minimed. The local rep met me at my doctor's office to show me the pump before I decided to get it because I wanted a hands on experience and he spent an hour with my husband and myself telling us the features of the 715 pump. It's not perfect but with the pump and now Symlin, my last A1c was 5.5, so holding strong and pumping now 10 years. For the first time on the pump, I did a 23 hour stay in the hospital to get it set up and make sure I was ok so not really an inpatient!
Good luck to everyone
Laura (Comment this)

34 - I live in the Detroit area and I am having a doctor in Chicago write me a script for the Guardian RT. I pick up the cost for a year at which time insurance will most likely cover it. Call and endocrinologist in one of those cities and get them to send you a script or go see them if necessary. I think it's worth the time! (Comment this)

35 - i just received notification that the omnipod is now available in georgia. i've read here a couple of people interested in this pump and wondered if you are currently using this pump. please let me know, as i have followed this since they first announced the release. i am very interested in the omnipod. thanks,

jill (Comment this)

36 - Hi there:
I'm reading alot of people talking about minimed and cozmo. I am in the process of purchasing a pump and animas is at the top of my list. Anyone have any thoughts.
Keary (Comment this)

37 - === off-topic comment ===
I recently received (and agree with) the following comment from a long-time reader:

It would have been so very helpful if we could have our diabetic history and current meds automated under our names each time so we could review quickly what medication each person is on, when they were diagnosed and what type Diabetes they have, when they started Byetta, etc., and eliminate the constant repetition of asking and answering. I understand from you that this is not possible in an automated way, so perhaps the blog contributors could be encouraged to voluntarily type under their comment each time as briefly as possible to assist us in responding in a more efficient manner? Thank you so much. (Comment this)

38 - Hi, I'm Sara. I've been t1 for 17 yrs. Started on the Minimed in Dec. I really love it. I could kick myself for waiting so long. I just am a little concerned about vacation in June. We go the Outer Banks in N.C.. It gets really hot, I'll be in and out of the ocean and the pool, and I am a little concered about how to deal with the pump during all of that. I'd love some tips or ideas anyone. This is my first summer pumping, and want everything to go ok. Thank you. (Comment this)

39 - I have been using the Medtronics 508 with U-500 insulin. urrently use 130-150 units per day with a Basil of 47.5. My problem has been my weight. When I was diagnosed with Diabetes back in 97 my weight was 180. Since going on insuilin 2 1/2 years ago my weight has skyrocketed to 350. My endo has decided to try adding Symlin to my rejament. Starting at 2 unit per meal for 4 days then increasing by 2 units every 2 day to a high of 20 units pre meal. I am worried after reading some of the posts about the extreme lows people have been having. I guess my main question would be ow long after eating might I see these lows. I work in a cleanroom enviroment and need to make special arrangementgs in case someting like this should happen. Any comments or recomendatons would be greatly appreciated. Also how detailed sould I be in my record keeping. I already record most everyting that enters my body. (Comment this)

40 - James, I've been t-1 for 30 years, on pump for 10 years, and on Symlin for 4 months. While I've never been overweight, I still lost 13.5 lbs since starting the Symlin. Mostly from the nausea that won't go away. But it appears I'm a rare case as most people don't have it long, if at all. I can't take the Symlin if my sugar is not over 100 or it will hit 50 in no time flat. After I eat ,I check my blood sugar every 15 minutes and don't take a bolus for food until it's over 100. Sometimes that's 2 hrs! Then I Use a dual wave to spread it over another 2 hrs. or so. My dr. hasn't decided whether this is slowing my digestion down too much so she lowered my Symlin to 7 units from the usual max 10 units for t-1. At 20 units are you a t-2 on a pump? (Comment this)

41 - hi all! gonna try this again. i have contacted a customer service rep about the omnipod and gave her my endocrinologists name and number. last night a sales person called and said he would be at my endo's office on wednesday and go over the product and leave samples etc. also he is suppose to mail be a "dummy" pod for me to examine and "play" with. anyways, i've been interested in this product before it's release and it now has been released down here in georgia. has anyone else pursued this product? would be interested to know what, if anything, anyone has found out about it. thanks. (Comment this)

42 - Need your opinion. I was diagnosed in 2004 - treated with oral meds and now on insulin (T-1LADA). I began using insulin in March, I am having difficulty getting my dosing right, I had a long bout of hypos (with severe headaches) in the beginning due to sensitivity to the insulin - and with now lower Lantus doses my BS is to high even on a 1:15 carb ratio. At my Endo appt last week, she recommended a pump, which will allow tighter, more consistent dosing.

After a bit of research, I am very intimidated by the thought of a pump. I work full time+ and have 3 teenage kids + have busy volunteer activities. I understand that there is more work involved with pump management. Being new to insulin, I am still new to injections. Does this seem too soon to everyone? I asked my Endo if I should have more experience with injections first, but she said she has put others on pumps this soon. I see that many of the posts above have been typeIs for years before converting to the pump.

Just looking for opinions.

Thanks. Shari (Comment this)

43 - I have been on the Omnipod a little over a week now. If you would like to ask me questions about it you may email me at: snowhite3754@hotmail.com and I'll try and answer your questions. Also you may want to look at the following website with articles and comments by another Omnipod user, http://diabetesrealworld.com/categories/Insulin%20Pumps.aspx (Comment this)

44 - I am a type 2, for 8 years, on an insulin pump. I went on Novolog about 3 years ago. Whem I got up to 4 injections a day, my endo mentioned a pump to me. Fortunately, my insurance covered 80% of the cost. I've been on the pump 15 months now. About 6 months ago my endo started mentioning Symlin to me and told me to research it on internet. I haven't gone on Symlin yet because I didn't want to start injections again after going on the pump to be free of injections. But, it has been so difficult to lose weight that I am ready to go on Symlin and just hope that I will lose weight. After Hurricane Katrina I gained 20 pounds from MRE's and stress eating. I've lost 14 of those pounds, but it's been difficult. I am now doing water aerobics one hour at a time 5 times a week. And I don't think I'd be losing any weight if it weren't for the intense exercise. I am interested in hearing any comments on Symlin. (Comment this)

45 - In reference to my comments I just posted, I know this is not a Symlin forum, but I was hoping to get comments from those on pumps and their experiences starting Symlin. (Comment this)

46 - Shirley,
I'm T-1 for 30 yrs, on pump for 10 yrs, and on Symlin for 5 mos. I've lost 15 lbs. on Symlin but a lot of that was because of the nausea. Most people don't get it that bad, but, as it was explained to me, my body hasn't seen amlin in 30 yrs so it was a shock. The Symlin also takes away my appetite, making it easy to push away from the table. I wasn't overweight to start and am now in a size 4 which is fine with me! But I almost gave up on the Symlin because it is very hard to figure out. The square wave bolus is neccesary for me and a lot of blood sugar checks (about 12 a day). Check out the Symlin discussion forum if you haven't yet. Good luck! (Comment this)

47 - Hi all,

I have been a LADA T1 since 1986. I have been taking Levemir twice a day (6U) and NovoLog 1:15 carb ratio. I am in the process of getting my first pump. I am going with an Animas IR 1250! The main things which led me to Animas was the support people, reps, and trainers being CDE's and usually pumpers themselves. The support team is more responsive to me and my needs. I also have Spina Bifida and Cerebral Palsy and am a wheelchair user and active D athlete. I also prefer the Animas manuals and computer software to Medtronic MiniMed. (Comment this)

48 -

My name is Michael and I am a sales rep for [a pump manufacturer]. If any of you have questions about pump usage please [post them here]. I will do my best to answer and be as objective as I can possibly be. I am also a T1 and have been using the pump for quite some time. I know the pros and cons of all pumps and the practical application of each as well. At minimum, get on a pump regardless of the manufacturer you choose. You won't believe the change in quality of life...

[Note: Michael's original e-mail slightly modified by me. Bill the diabetesdoc.] 

 (Comment this)

49 - I have seen a lot of talk from people who are considering what kind of pump to use. I started with a Minimed, and I still use Minimed, so I can't tout any experience with other pumps, but Id like to share an experience I had with customer service and Minimed. I have a minimed 515 and the sensor in the pump broke the day before a half marathon I was planning on running. I called minimed, in tears, because I knew what was wrong with the pump and that id have to wait over 24 hours for my replacement pump. I told the customer service rep that I had a race the next morning at 7 am and I had trained MONTHS for this race and I can't run it without my pump. She arranged to have a new pump flown (on an actual seat in a plane) from california to Minneapolis that day and then couriered by a local courier to the residence I was staying at for the night before the race. I receive my replacement pump in less than twelve hours. Normally, it really isn't a problem to wait 24 hours for a replacement pump (this isn't a regular problem, but in 11 years, you do manage to go through a pump here and there), but when I REALLY needed that pump for personal, lifestyle, quality of life reasons in SHORT order, they made it happen. And that is IMPORTANT. My mom has had a pump for 13 years, and she too started with a minimed (we both started with the 506). she switched to a diesetronic for a few years, but then when she could she switched back to a minimed. Now she has mentioned to me a few times that she doubts she'll ever stray from minimed, because all in all her experience with minimed surpassed the experience she had with diesetronic. (Comment this)

50 - Shirley, Ive been on symlin for around six months now....Ive lost in total only about 7 lbs....but this is loss that is concurrent with me really stepping up my running in preparation for summer races so Im not convinced it is the symlin. I didn't eat a whole bunch before the symlin, and my eating habits didn't change all that much with the symlin and I think that is why. I would have loved to have lost about 20 lbs, and I hoped for it, but symlin is no miracle for weight loss for me. But, my a1c went from 6.9 to 6.2, and that rocks. (Comment this)