Hi
I am 32 years old and have had diabetes for 7 years. My hba1c has always been between 6.5 - 7.4. I am thinking of going on a pump to reduce the number of hypos that I am having as I am having. I am concerned that my low hba1c is acheived by high highs and low lows.. do you think pump would help?
Your hb A1c's are excellent. Well done. In my opinion, the largest advantage with insulin pump therapy is the decreased episodes of hypoglycemia due the ability to have multiple basal rates (as opposed to one or two of basal insulin) and the ability to manipulate insulin delivery IF needed. In addition, there appears to be less fluctuations of blood sugars, less insulin requirement when adjusted for activity. These changes have been demonstrated on continuous blood glucose monitoring. You are correct that A1c's measure mean blood sugars and do not take into account fluctuations. Please check all the available pumps and find one that works for you. (BTW, my insulin pump nurse agrees with all of the above).
Good luck,
DrCogen
Help, I am currently wearing an insulin pump and am having a hard time adjusting to the lifestyle I want to have like swimming, wearing dresses, going out with friends or relatives, etc. My husband doesn't seem like he cares and ever since I was diagnosed he has strayed away from me. I have continued to persuade him that I can do things that a non-diabetic can do but he doesn't seem to understand. One thing I wish is that I never had diabetes because it has wrecked my life forever and and feel like were drifting apart than being closer. Please help me!
This insulin pump therapy is a great idea! Yes, I know there are some "negatives" to it, but there are negatives to everything! To me it seems that the positive thinsg outweigh the negative. It's wonderful that this can allow the insulin to be given over time so diabetics can also have some fun food once in a while.
Maisey: Good evening: Insulin pump therapy is only one method of delivering insulin! As you state, there are many pros and cons to insulin pump therapy and it is up to the person with diabetes to decide which regimen suits them personally!
Thank you for your comments,
Dr.Cogen
I'm posting for Dr. C as there seems to be a problem with her access to the site!
Hi first off i do not know what my A1C is or if i have ever had it done. my 12-15 hour fasting sugars are 380-490. I am taking 60 units of lantus a day and 40 units of novolog 3 times a day and i have gotten my sugars down to 170-189 in the morning. i have only had a clinic to go to on and off, ended up in the hospital they said i might need a pump. I just got on medicaid and am woundering if this/i sound like a good canadate for the pump?
Hi Mistic88: At this point, the most important thing to do is get your blood sugars under control either with multiple daily injections OR the pump. My best suggestion for you is to insist a consultation with an endocrinologist to discuss the best path to achieving improved blood sugar control. You do not mention if you have type 1 or type 2: I am assuming type 1. Your fasting blood sugars (breakfast) need to be much lower: for an adult: less than or equal to 120 mg/dl and after eating, if possible less than 180 mg/dl (approximations). Going on a pump is a lifestyle choice and medicaid does cover pumps if deemed medically necessary. That usually means uncontrollable blood sugars and significant hypoglycemia despite optimal treatment with multiple daily injections. You also DO need a hb A1c to give us a 3 month estimated average blood sugar.
In summary, go to an endo and nurse educator and get stabilized as best as possible, check blood sugars at least 4-6 times/day and then discuss the pump as a lifestyle choice. I hope this is helpful.
Dr.Cogen
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
My 10 year old daughter was diagnosed a month ago they have set her up an appointment for the pump everyone that ive spoke with that have kids on the pump say it is so much easier. Im still confused about all of this. Should I still keep all her foods sugar free and is the pump therapy very hard to learn? Is it a more simpler way of living than with the injections?
Hi there: I am so sorry that I have not responded to your comments. I do not usually check the posts for comments and have in the past been notified. I will ensure that in the future that I am notified if there are any comments.
In answer to your questions: I am sure that you have been confused especially since she was diagnosed in August. It is now 3months later. Please fill me in on what has happened so that I can know what is going on.. I will be happy to discuss. Did you go with the pump?