Ann: have you considered switching to an insulin pod? No tubing to worry about! I switched from multiple daily injections to an OmniPod two years ago, and love it. As with any insulin system, when something isn't working right and your blood sugars aren't responding as you expect, it takes a while to figure out if the problem is bad insulin, or a faulty device/pod, or a bad insertion site, or an infection, etc., but to me the benefits of wearing an insulin pod FAR outweigh those small and infrequent events. And my A1C has come down significantly.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your break!
Beth
Hi Beth,
So you are an omni pod user? I'm assuming that's what the pod is. The omni pod came out after I had bought my medtronic. I met with the rep and she was great! A type 1 herself and she offered to let me try one for a weekend. i never had the opportunity to give it a try, but may in fact switch when my insurance allows me to purchase a new pump.
My greatest complaint are the holes that are left in my skin with most of the attachments. I tried a dexcom for 10 days and it was great information, but I felt like I was packin heat! And the sensor left me tender and the holes in my skin were huge! I am very confident that these issues will be worked out soon.
I read your a1c is 5.7 that's awesome for having diabetes for 38 years! You and I are in the same ballpark! I've had Diabetes for 39 years.
Please share more about yourslef. Activities, successes and failures for diabetes management! All of it is welcome and needed!
OmniPod, as far as I know, is the only pod available now. (And let me say that I am just an OmniPod user/patient, and have no other connections to Insulet.) It was my first ever type of pump, so part of its charm may be just the fact that I don't have to inject insulin five time a day. You know how nice that is.
I've had no problems with my skin at insertion sites. Sometimes a little bruising, but that doesn't last for long. You might ask the local OmniPod rep if they will let you wear an empty pod (no insulin) for the three days (72 hours) of a normal session, just so you can see how it feels and how your skin reacts. I know that at diabetes fairs the company allows people to wear an empty pod while they are walking around at the fair, for the same reason.
This type of insulin management works only for people who are committed to frequent glucose checks (I do 7-12 a day), and who can count carbs reliably, just like with any pump. That shouldn't be a problem for you!
My A1C is still very good, and I still haven't had any ER visits because of low blood sugar, which had been a problem before I decided to work toward using the pod. There's no way I'm going to take a break from it, at least not for a long time.
In December I'm celebrating 40 years as a Type 1 diabetic. My A1C is excellent, weight is just right, I walk a half hour to work and a half hour home from work every day, and I've had no big complications. Everything is under control; my wish for every diabetic.
Beth
I understand your frustrations. Did you ever look into the OmniPod. There are no tubes, it is smaller than the Medtronic pump itself and can be worn in the water. I can go swimming and shower without having to remember to take off my pump. My A1c has been going down in the last year since I started the OmniPod. I love my pump. I had used the Medtronic pump for 6 years, it helped but as you said there were problems with the canulas and the tubing. You might want to check out the OmniPod.
Hi Margaret,
I know about the omnipod. Only a couple of months after I got my medtronic, Omnipod made it's debut. I have looked into the omni pod but needed to wait the full 4 years for my insurance to pay for another.
Certainly, with the lifestyle I lead the omnipod makes more sense. But I must confess, I don't know if it's that I have injections down to a science for having lived with them for 35 years, but it's been the most relaxed I've felt in a while. I've had no worries about whether I'm getting insulin or not! I haven't given up on the pump, there are too many things about it to love! But for the moment I needed to feel in control of my health and leaving it up to me was the only option.
Stay tuned! I plan to blog about going back on the pump when I get the urge!
Thanks for posting! I really appreciate everyone's input! It makes a difference hearing what others have to share!
As much as I love my pump...I've had it for 7 years now....as time goes on I find it more annoying. My A1c's are awesome but it's a PIA to have this thing. Sleeping at night, I find myself waking with it indented into my backside or side...I can't have anything like the pump case attached to my side or the strap on my leg when I sleep it makes me more restless. I have the shorter tubing but I find it still too long for my liking. It get snagged on cabinet handles, if I forget that I have it out of my pocket and get up it dangles and OUCH...it hits something like a table or chair..etc..
Anyway recently my endo and I decided to take me off the pump and try a different kind of insulin. My BSL's were thru the roof but it was so wonderful not to have the pump on. At first I felt naked but got over it real quick. Biking and outdoor activities became a lot simpler...needless to say because of my very high BSL's I chose to deal with the pump and went back on it.
Ok I'm done ranting now thanks for listening.
Danielle! Can I relate to you!!!! About a month ago, I caught my tubing on a cabinet handle in my kitchen and yanked the canula out. OUCH! It was less of the needle coming out that hurt, but the adhesive that ripped skin off! I had a raw spot for about 4 days! We considered changing the handles on the cabinet and I thought, "Wait a minute, I'm changing the house to accommodate the pump?"
At night, the biggest struggle I've had is getting comfortable! My CDE suggested that I put the pump under my pillow at night. Well, I have found the pump wrapped around my neck, be awakened because of pain at the insertion point and found the pump hanging over the edge of the bed, I always find it underneath me which is like sleeping on a brick, or I find it underneath my husband and I have to wake him to get it back so I can turn over! LOL! Diabetes management does not feel like star trek innovation! Yes, I must admit, I love being naked right now! It is an unexpected pleasure to know I don't have to worry about the pump.
So your BS went high, bummer! Did you give it like a 2 weeks period to play with injections. Or do you think your body doesn't respond to long lasting insulin?
The omnipod is really bulky and heavy! I wore a sample one and it stuck out under my clothes and was way more noticeable than my pump. Also, when you run you can feel it bouncing...weird I know.
Really good feedback! I'm very lean and most of my day is spent in fitted clothing since I teach yoga and other classes as well!
I used to run about 50 miles a week and have cut back out of discomfort, so the omnipod would probably be an issue. I usually disconnect for runs, so I don't have to feel the device and sometimes even the canula was somewhat noticeable.
Thank you very much for posting! This is extremely helpful!
To whom it may concern:
I have been wearing a pump since 2002. My first one was a Disitronic and now I am on the Animas 1250. It is much smaller than the first one. I,also, have had some shortcomings with this pump, but the support system is fabulous for correcting issues that I have. Sometimes I feel like the Bionic Woman because of the "hook-ups"!
I also wear a Dexcom Glucose Monitor, which has been very helpful in keeping my "highs and lows" in check. Unfortunately, insurance DOES NOT cover any of the supplies for this tech system. My endocrinologist and I are working on that aspect for coverage. Since I have a severe problem with running "low", the monitor has helped cut down on EMS runs!
All in all, by wearing the pump, it has caused me to cut down on the 7-8 injections per day that I started to do back in 2002.
Hi Sylvia,
Getting coverage is hard! I use Gary Schiener for my CDE and work with his office remotely. He has learned the tricks to getting pump and dexcoms covered. He uses a specific CPT code and sends in blood glucose records and extensive documentation to justify the coverage!
Before most people were getting coverage for pumps, I got mine covered in one try! It can be done, even with smaller companies. You just have to send enough to show cause with your CPT code. I'm sure your endo knows that, but often there is not enough documentation that goes with the paperwork for the insurance claim.
Dear Ann,
Thanks for writing back so quick! Maybe you misunderstood me. I do have 100% coverage on my pump and supplies for that. It's the Dexcom that there is no coverage on. My endocrinologist is keeping faithful records to show a great need for the Dexcom monitor. Someday, maybe Medicare will see the need for the monitor and cover the exorbitant charge for the sensors that are needed once a week for that device.
I find the pump is a great tool in managing my diabetes. There are a few flaws, but life is that way, isn't it!
Aiain, thanks for writing.
Sylvia,
I am I reading this right you are on medicare? I did understand that your pump coverage was 100% covered, I was just pointing out that Gary my cde gets the dexcom covered as well, so it can be done!
I agree with you, all aspects of life have flaws! And I would worry if there weren't, nothing to learn, and where do we think humor comes from? Life, so enjoy all of it! 
Hi Ann.
i'm sorry to hear of the troubles you have been having with your pumps.Of course they are not fool proof,but you appear to have had a lot of bad luck.
The strange thing is of course being you use the market leader(at least it is in the uk)
I use the roche spirit and have had some problems but nothing too much.
But i had already made up mind to one day change to Medtronic.They have such a good name over here and the one that gives you warnings when your levels are going out of pre set ranges sounds great(no more hypos)i would hope.
I cant say enough good things about pumps,i believe i have been given more trouble free years from other problems relating to diabetes,like reasonably good eyesight,no circulatorly problems,good kidneys,this bearing in mind i have had type 1 for about 24 years now and have been on a pump for about 6 or 7 years.
We use a different blood glucose number reading(i hope that makes sense) so i do not know how high you have actually been,e.g. our safe levels are between 4 and 7 mmols?so your readings in the 100's sounds horrendous to me,however i do know that
it is a different way of measuring it,infact the rest of the european community does it the same way as yourselves and our own health service has just decided to change to the way you's do it within the next 2 or 3 months or so.
I will write off now,i did not realise how much i had been writing,i did enjoy your blog and will continue to read them,i hope you got something from what i have written.
Gary
Hi Gary from Scotland!
I really appreciate your comments! I have always wondered about how to convert your figures that you use for blood sugars into what we use. to give you some idea of numbers the average non diabetic has a blood sugar of 70. My target is 120, so yes 400 totally blows!
I'm not done with the pump completely, but I needed a break and will get back to it when I feel ready. In the meantime, my blood sugars have been great! Who knew?! My CDE always tells me I'm just not like everyone else. Ok I'd settle for even a little closer to centerline! 
By the way, I read your bio. Make sure you check out Allie Beatty's blogs. She too has struggled with insulin issues. She will be blogging on research and development as well as fun stuff that makes you laugh!
Here's 2 that will interest you:
http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/c/498417/68504/meet-community
http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/c/498417/69075/100-effective
I have asked if Allie would blog about SmartCells and their product SmartInsulin
This could be an amazing difference in highs lows and our safety in using insulin!
Thanks for commenting! Stay in touch, cause I have missed visiting Scotland! Some beautiful country and fabulous people!
Ann: So glad you have talked about this. Many of my teens ask about doing this especially in the summer. I think it is a great idea; plus it gives the catheter sites a chance to heal. Our Program coordinator (RN, CDE) currently wears a deltec pump during the week and uses Lantus/rapid acting insulin on the weekends which works very well for her. Great blog! I look forward to your experiences..
DrC
I have struggled with the pump since I got it. My cde from Gary Scheiner's office agrees that I am not standard for diabetes management. So I have worked and worked to make it fit into my life. Between level 2-3 yoga classes where I've crunched the canula from muscle contraction, to snowshoeing in -22 degrees the pump was not the best choice and I have been frustrated to many times!
This vacation has been a lesson about how much I need to move freely and while I would love the pump to work for me, it seems less and less that it is the everyday choice for me!
So I love the fact that your CDE at CNMC uses both! So many parents post that their children NEED to be on the pump and so quickly they move them to the pump, but the question I ask is it the right fit for the kids? What makes for success is feeling less stress about diabetes management. If the pump answers that PERFECT! But does it have to be the only system of management!
I have often wondered how younger people handled the infusion sites and where they wore thier pumps. I am 58 years old and have been on the pump for almost four years and love it.
I do have problems sometimes when I want to wear a dress instead of pants that I wear to work. I use the quick set but I am not real active. The most excersise I get is walking or maybe sometimes dancing.
I work with a young lady that is in her 20's that is on the pump and she is likes to wear tight fitting clothes (of course) and she doesn't like her pump because she has trouble finding a place to (hide) it.
Where do you wear your pump when you are doing yoga?
Funny, wearing dresses is not the issue for me. Cleavage is finally an asset to have!!
The quickset for me has been often painful and limited where I could place it. I put it in my arm one night and woke up in pain, pulled it out and bled everywhere! The sure t is a ultra fine metal needle that I can use in my abs and most place the quick set plastic tip does not work.
As for fitted clothes, it is a problem. I find I can only place it on the waist band or stuff it in my bra, but then people can see the tubing. I have gotten use to bulge and most of the time people think it is a pager and never look at it.
For yoga I most often take it off. I find it hard to move around the mat and work into complicated poses when I have to stop and move the pump out of the way. There is a young woman who comes to my studio who is very thin and she always removes her pump for the same reason. To go 90 minutes without the pump is just a matter of strategy. Knowing how much you insulin you need to get through it, or in my case I have to lower the basal anyway, so taking it off has never hurt me.
Feel free to have your co worker email me and ask questions! We all need to talk to one another to figure it all out! she could post a blog even and I'm sure people will respond!
Thanks for your comment!!
Hi, I wear skirts sometimes too. When I wear clothing without pockets I have the leg strap I bought from Minimed. It straps around any part of your leg because it's adjustable and has a pouch for the pump. If I'm wearing pants I simply put it in my pocket. Also I sometimes put it in the middle of my bra where the piece of material joins the cups. Both places work really great and are comfortable. Hope this helps!
Hi my name is Melinda and I've been on the pump for about 4 years. I've had diabetes for 16 years; since I was three. I was on shots of humalog and lantus when I decided to switch to the pump. My bloodsugars weren't being regulated and then I switched to the pump and it has been wonderful. I still am active; I run, wrestle around, I played sports, and the pump has never stopped me from doing anything. There are all kinds of attachments for the pump to wear it more easily. The only thing the pump interferes with is swimming, I have to take breaks when swimming to give a bolus since I can't wear it in the pool, or go without it for more than an hour. It has helped keep my bloodsugars under control and I've never had a problem with my body healing from the infusion set, or canula. I've also never had a problem with my tubing leaking, except when my cat chewed through it during the night. Switching to the pump should be taken into great consideration, but don't fear it because you can always go back to shots. It's not for everyone, but like I said, it's not permanent.
Ha, ha, yeah, unfortunately it does sound like it's not for you. I just want people to know that it's right for some and wrong for others, and that's just a chance you have to take. I don't want people to fear the insulin pump, because it can be wonderful for some people. I don't want anyone to be afraid of trying it and missing out. I'm sorry it didn't work out for you and I wish you luck with your shots. When I was taking humalog and lantus I would forget to give my lantus bedtime shot. Boy did I always regret that.
This post and the ensuing comments have been so helpful. My son started on his minimed pump in fall, and as we look forward to summer, with the pool and a couple of trips to the beach, I wonder how the pump will fit into our plans.
I planned to have a conversation with our endo about this issue this month. My only problem with switching from the pump to lantus/novolog is that my son always ended up with high blood sugar at night and low in the morning, no matter how we played around with the units. But if it is only for a vacation period so that the pump doesn't get buried in the sand, it may be worth considering.
Naomi, my twitter friend!
Dr. Cogan, from Childrens National Medical Center, made a comment about this blog above, #8. She agrees that a break from the pump is not a bad thing!
It's been more interesting this week as I have relaxed a bit and my numbers slid, so I just have to reconnect with myself and look at the pattern. sounds to me if you son is running high at night you need a higher novolog boost at dinner or maybe lunch. I used to have the same problem and I increased the dinner bolus and voila, the highs went to lows at 1AM.(Grrrr!) But I have finally gotten the ratio right and highs at 10-11pm and lows at 1 have left! (yeah!)
Fine tuning is so hard, it's why I keep my CDE visits so regular. I'm not your typical diabetes management and technology doesn't appear to love me too much
Oh wow, that high/low pattern sounds familiar!
I will check in with my son to see what he thinks about a pump vacation. He never said that he hated having so many shots while he was taking them, but once he was on the pump he expressed relief.
He's also a skinny guy, and having success with the silhouette. He uses arms, stomach, and back hips, but can't find a good/comfortable spot on his thighs. He usually sticks the pump in his pocket, because he found the belt clips unwieldy (he's not a belt guy). I joked with him that he could really use a "man-bra" (from a Seinfeld episode) just to hold the pump...
I joked with him that he could really use a "man-bra" (from a Seinfeld episode) just to hold the pump...
LOL, I remember that episode!
i think some of my problem is that I have some scar tissue as well as a strong abdominal wall from pilates and yoga that causes problems. The silhouette insertion marks take about 5 days to heal, where as the quickset is gone within a day. The sure-t looks to be my best option, because I can use them anywhere and have had no "no delivery" readings while using them.
I think if your son is more comfortable with the pump, then see if you can do a temp pump off for the beach and other places and hook back up to it later in the day or the next day. I have done this for camping. I also took a day break when I went whitewater rafting. It was a good thing, we were in and out of the water all day long and I had my pen in a dry sack. The canula was still in my bum at the start of the day, but when I got back to camp at night fall, the canula had come out from all the leaning up against the sides of the boat and my clothes having been wet all day, I'm sure made the adhesive less effective.
There are ways to do it, and I'm now finding many people who do switch back and forth all the time.
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I started my pump break for the summer this week...I haven't had a break in 5 years and it is so weird...let me know how it goes!
I thought about calling this blog "Running Naked!" It DOES feel weird! What surprises me is how much I restricted motion due to the pump! My yoga has taken a "flowier" feel and I find I'm more adventursome in class. I no longer worry about dropping to the floor or banging into the pump while trying to get into t pose.
My new sure-T boxes arrived and I look at them in the closet and that's about as far as I can go! My blood glucose has been pretty good, except for missing one evening Lantus dose. Oops! I have a call with my CDE, I work with her over the phone, late next week and I'll have a second blog up shortly after.
I went for a run the other day and it was FANTASTIC! The canula usually caused some irritation for my gluts, so it was sensitive to run.
Keep you posted Nikki!
Thanks and nice to know someone else is going through this experience too!