Why I Choose Insulin Pens over an Insulin Pump
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- How you manage your diabetes is a very personal choice and in this video, I’ll walk you through Why I Choose Insulin Pens Over An Insulin Pump
I’ll also dive into some of the pro’s and con’s of pump therapy so you can make an informed choice about what’s optimal for you and your diabetes management.
Read my full story on why I choose insulin pens over a pump here ► diabetesstrong.com/multiple-d...
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PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Medtronic, Loop, InPen, Levemir
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DISCLAIMER: I’m not a medical professional, never stop your current treatment without consulting with your doctor
After 20 years of MDI, I finally tried a pump. Went with the TSlim with Control IQ due to the amazing tech. Well, after 2 months I really want to go back. I feel so much better after watching this. It’s just not for me with my active and non routine lifestyle. I prefer using a CGM with injections. Thanks soo much.
Good, I"m glad this was helpful. You tried it, and it wasn't for you, and that's ok. You might even find that it will work for you during some periods of your life and not during others. I might try one again someday, but for now I"m happy with MDI
So glad I found you!!! I was on an insulin pump for many yrs. Too many. I went back to injections several yrs ago after ending up in the hospital, ICU, due to DKA. After so long on a pump, I had built up so much scar tissue causing a delay in insulin absorption. That hospital stay was the end of my pump use. My blood sugar level was higher than when I was diagnosed!!! I've been back on MDI ever since and couldn't be happier. p.s. I also have and LOVE the In Pen❤
I know this is 3 years old but I wanted to make a comment. One of the Attorneys in my GF's Firm is a type 1 diabetic. She was at my home with her husband the other night. We were discussing a good friend of mine who is about to change over to the insulin pump. This lady said she changed over to the pump because it makes life easier for her during her days which can become very stressful. She said a while back she bolused while actually in court knowing she would be eating in about 20 minutes. This ease simply is not possible with the injections. She smiled and said while it stings a bit she uses Lyumjev in her pump. She loves her pump and has no issues with all the metal detectors and other security things she goes through almost every day.
I have been a Type 1 for 46 years and have no complications. I have used it all. I have a pump and love it. That being said, if I had to go back to injections I could do it. Good luck everyone.
Interesting video! I have an insulin pump now but have used both. Pump works perfectly for me. But agreed on all your points! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you. Appreciate you watching and taking the time to write me a note. People so often ask me why I didn’t use a pump, so I thought it was time to make a UA-cam
As a recent type 1 person my first reaction as someone who hated needles since I was a kid "get me the pump". Now after two weeks, I don't think I want it. I can manage the daily injections and feel more in control. This video helped me a lot thanks.
Glad it was helpful. It’s so important we each find what works for us
I’m 55, type 1 since age 12. I’m a dedicated MDI person too. I am afraid of handing all my control over to a pump I think. I love my dexcom.
Great video. I only have ever done MDI's for thirty years.
I simply don't need a pump.
I use Dexcom G6 CGM.
I use Lantus and Humalog.
Don't use a pen. I use 1/3 cc insulin syringes.
Been running aroung HbAiC of 6.2.
Very low carb diet too.
I had the insulin pump for twelve years and suffered constant hunger due to the constant injection of the short term insulin (Humalog). Now i just use Toujeo and Humalog and my health has been fantastic 😊.
I've been a LADA for 3 years now. Initially I had a A1c of 10.8 and was put on basil, nova-log, and metformin. As a life-long gym rat, I switched to a low-carb diet, started daily intermittent fasting, and gave up rice, bread, pasta, fruit, and sugar. Within 3 months my A1c was 5.6 and I was off the nova-log and metformin. I take 5 units of Tresiba with a pen every morning and this is it. I have friends with a pump and it seems to rule their life and they are always fighting with it. For those who like it, that is great. However, I'm hoping I never have to rely on one.
May I ask how you doing at this point?
After reading your post I believe your pancreas was still producing insulin, is it still producing insulin or have you noticed that you need to give yourself more insulin?
I've been diagnosed past April with LADA but have too take 16 units basal and about 8 to 10 units of fast acting insulin to cover the meals.
Eat two times a day strictly ketovore mostly animal based.
No fruits or vegetables except a avocado in the morning, overal meat cheese and eggs.
type 1's don't take metformin. LADA silly name not even a true Dxd, just means type 1. How on earth do you think you're a type 1? Did you have cpeptide and GAD tests? There's NO type 1 on earth who doesn't bolus...or we'd never be able to eat. Most of us have to take inulin for even coffee. Type 1 has nothing to do with diet.
you don't have type 1 diabetes. we don't take metformin...and we also have to take a basal insulin.
My daughter takes metformin and injects twice daily.. was diagnosed 5 years ago!
insulin patch is the answer. i use the “cequr simplicity” insulin patch. i love it. it gives me complete control over meal time insulin, and it’s easy to make between-meal corrections. so easy to use when eating out (never have to carry your insulin pens). it is only for meal time insulin, so you still have to take basal insulin by pen. i didn’t want pump technology to control my insulin, i want the control. no more injections by pen for meal time insulin! it could be right for you.
Today they have so many insulin pens. You could keep them in A. Refrigerator but once you start use a name. You don't have to just put them nea. R you somewhere where you could always get to it. You could even keep it in your short pocket and test your self and if you need it. You give yourself a shot simple and easy. I know people can use them for 20 years or more. The new ones today or even better.❤😊
Keep up the great work! Your confidence in your decision inspired me!
I’m happy to do once daily Glargine with zero to once maybe twice (on special occasions) daily Fiasp as I prefer to stay low carb in my diet. It cuts out a huge amount of crap and complication I really don’t need!
That’s great. I’m happy to hear that you’ve found what works for you
My doctor says that insulin pumps will kill me and that i should stay with my pen and now that i the dexcom G6 which is a life saver. Ive only been a type 1 diabetes since 2010 and it's hard work the insulin i just is 68 units of Tresiba before that i was on 9 different insulins until i found this one and i love it. I still take fast acting novalog 23 units 3 sometimes 4 times aday. So i saw this add online offering omipod i asked my doctor about it and she shot me do remember before the dexcom G6 i wasn't checking my sugar like i should have and was walking around with my sugar running between 300-650 and i was fine well i thought I was fine with my sugar being that high i hurt my eyes and I don't want anything else on my body to fell. Im so glad I found u and your helping in more ways than one 💓 thank you so much keep making these videos. And one more thing have u seen those smart insulin pens they look cool and i would love to try one see if u can find out for me . Thank u Kenneth 💓
I'm glad my videos are helping you. And maybe when you've gotten into the habit of measuring your blood sugars and/or checking your Dexcom you'll be in a better position to get an insulin pump (if you want one of course 🙂)
As always, you sold me. After 47 years MDI is the way to go. Thanks again . . . .🌷
Great to hear!
Insulin pumps were a market driven product when first introduced. People didn't like sticking themselves with needles and sales people out in the field kept telling their companies that coming up with a way to avoid the necessity of constant injections would be a huge marketing opportunity. The first pumps were nowhere near as sophisticated as those in use today and quite frankly did not perform well. Many if not most of the people adopting insulin pump therapy had previously been using intermediate insulins like NPH. These insulins were also market driven as they required only two daily injections rather than the usual 5 or more. As NPH and the lente insulins suffered from famously difficult to predict activity curves and as they required very rigid meal scheduling early pump users eagerly dumped NPH regimens and adopted pump use. Those diabetics who had been following a multi injection regimen combing long acting and fast acting insulins had already eliminated the rigid meal scheduling problem and many of them saw pumps as little more than a hideously expensive version of a 10 cent insulin syringe. Those favoring pump use often point out that the biggest advantage to pumps is the patient's ability to micro adjust basal dose. As pointed out in this video this theoretically allows the user to program different basal insulin rates at different times of day. While strictly speaking this is true the catch is that basal requirements in many Type 1 patients change from day to day and thus can be extremely difficult to adjust. In my case, for instance, I might experience an elevation in bG at 3 am for a week or more and then suddenly it's gone! Many years a ago a doctor said to me, "In attempting to mimic your pancreas with insulin injections you are in essence trying to adjust a Swiss watch with a pipe wrench." Although the comment angered me at the time I've come to recognize that, like it or not, the good doctor was correct. So while today's insulin pumps may well be a step in the right direction until closed loop systems are developed that truly allow pumps to mimic the pancreas I will stick with multi dose injections.
Great very insightful comment, thank you. I might switch when we get the true closed-loop systems (dual chamber of glucagon and insulin), but let’s see
Right, but Control-IQ and other almost-closed-loop system are already doing the job you are waiting for ;)
Thank you! Yes! The problem of rapid acting insulin being super charged by physical activity is one that totally relates to me. Just talking a walk after eating i would suddenly have dangerous low! I think my body works the same way as yours! I'm thinking i need to minimize the rapid and increase the basal. And now I know that a pump might not actually be right for me.
I would love a video about what you eat on an active day or day in the life video. Deciding on inpen or tslim... currently on Medtronic 670g and it’s not conducive to my new active lifestyle! Thank you in advance you’re amazing!
Thank you. I know a lot of people who love their Tandem pump, especially when integrated with Dexcom. It's not always enough for some to turn on exercise mode but there are other ways around it. For me, as I mention in the video, that work is just not worth it.
As for what I eat. I don't adhere to a specific diet so t can really vary depending on the day making it hard to capture, but I'll think on it
I love my pump but I’m glad pens work for you❤
This speaks to the pros and cons of MDI vs pump Christel touched on. One lesson I've learned recently is to challenge my assumptions. I was MDI for 14 years after diagnosis and I've been on a pump for the last 21. Within the past year or two I've been able to try out two different pump systems for a couple of weeks each (my clinic had trial units / samples) and the presumptions I had about them not being right for me in some way or another were mostly wrong. Recognizing this pattern of preconceived notions has led me to reconsider MDI options--which I've written off for a long time but will be giving a go at during the next few weeks.
So if opportunities present themselves, try something new; you might be surprised!
👏🏽 great perspective. Thank you for sharing
best simplest advice ive heard so far. im still 100% injectios too and doing fine but im now tempted by the new bionic pump cause it does fast acting and glucagon as needed
Who manufactures that one? I know Beta Bionic just got FDA approval for their iLet pump but that doesn’t deliver glucagon, only insulin (it’s still really cool though)
I agree with you. I have a pump. It is ok but I don’t have as good control as I would like. I am still considering it all.
Hello! I am a new T1D. I was diagnosed on March 3, 2022. I am 54 years old. I am testing the G6 and really like it! I have been researching pumps too. This well-reasoned, informative video has given me some important things to think about and figure out what will work for me and my personality. I am a knowledge gatherer-control freak type. 😬
Thank you!
You’re welcome. Knowledge gathering is SO important so I think you’re on the right path. I believe Omnipod (patch pump) has a kind of “try before you buy” program if you decide to try a pump but want the flexibility of switching back if it doesn’t work for you
T1D, 58, diagnosed 4 months ago. Using a Freestyle Libre 2 and MDI and am able to control very well. I agree with you about doing the research. Not sure what I'll be doing when a pump is available.
I've gain some weight using this pump. After 4 years, I am returning to MDI. I know how to do this now and I'm sure I will be great.
Omgosh!! Thank you. Thank you
I am 54 and having the exact same issues. This pump has about killed me.. using Fiasp and the exercising or very active yard work. Doing the temp basal. Nothing helped. Did not know about reduction needed before and after. I want the InPen. I am constantly overeating for lows 😮
I think something like the InPen is a brilliant tool for us using insulin pens. I hope you can get one
I’m on the tandem x2 pump I love it I was on metronic 770g and 630 g I love tandem but I want to try something new I’m going to be on the inpen soon
Some people like the Insulin pump but they do have a lot of work and much much more money. I find and look at people use an the insulin pen. It's a lot faster and easier and the best part is. You don't have to keep them refrigerated. You just put them away somewhere where you could reach it and get to it fast.😂
Thank you
I completely agree with you 💖💖💖💖
Nice! It's so important to find what works best for us, glad you found your way as well
Yes 😌 thank you 💖💖💖
Wow good video!
yeah for the last year I've been dealing with pump basil problems as you describe. At night after dinner my basil kicks in and I just drop fast and i'm eating sugar or carbs before bed. If I don't catch it on time, I get pretty frustrated. Recently I was on vacation and my Medtronic pump had a crack, second pump to have one, and the pump died... I was in another state w my 15 yr old. Not great. Couldn't find doctors and wound up in ER getting scrips for pens, but it had been 4 years and I didn't do well for a few days to a week. Was scary. I'm considering staying on triceba and humalog pens because I was amazed at the triceba never droping down. Whatever is in that stuff just stays stabil and all i gotta do is learn my fast acting pen well. I noticed also that when triceba was dropping down it took less carbs to bring it up again. A good thing!
I also realized how much I don't like a pump hanging on my body when changing clothes, using the RR or showering. I am struggling though cuz I like the pump ha ha
My worst problem is ignoring diabetes and I need the reminders and log to tell what I took last or i'm lost or writing it down.
L8R
Thank you for sharing. If you decide to give pens a try look into InPen (or check out my video about it). It’s a smart pen and can send you reminders, so that might help with remembering your doses
"at night after 'dinner' my basal kicks in"..huh? your basal (short acting via pump) has been running and kickin in all day. If it's too much at a cetain time, one changes the basal rate.
hi @@christopherone1, what I mean is that it seems to start sending my blood sugar down right before bed time. Kicks in as in starts working as if the food is done digesting or my body does something like gets sensitive to the background insulin. If I remember before bed time I lower the background insulin dose and that usually helps.
Do you have a video that talks about the hormone fluctuations that cause the 3am drop in blood sugar?
I don't, but if you want to see the usual cortisol fluctuations throughout the day, do a google search for "cortisol throughout the day" and you should see some great visuals. If I remember more resources I'll let you know
Thank you for this video. I've had T1D since I was 1, and have always been on MDI. I've debated many times whether I should make the switch, but have always decided against it. I'm a traditionalist and creature of habit. In more recent times, because of the complexity of my diabetes control and issues, I've learnt that a pump definitely wouldn't be a good idea because I'll end up in DKA more often. Although for many years they've tried to get me onto a pump; it seems they prefer to push that onto diabetics for many years in the UK. I use the same pen setup as you, but different insulins.
Thank you! Yes, it’s so important that you find what works best for you. I’m glad you’re doing well with MDI as well
@@DiabetesStrongYes, you're right! Thank you, but I'm not actually doing well. However it's the only method at my disposal, so must do my best. I'm glad it works well for you!
With a pump is very rare to get dka . How did you came up with that ?
@@johnkalodoukas7139 just the first 2 clinical sources that shows up if you look for it.
dtc.ucsf.edu/types-of-diabetes/type1/treatment-of-type-1-diabetes/medications-and-therapies/type-1-insulin-pump-therapy/how-to-use-your-pump/ketones-insulin-pumps/
healthonline.washington.edu/sites/default/files/record_pdfs/Insulin-Pumps-Diabetic-Ketoacidosis-(DKA).pdf
@@DiabetesStrong Having a greater risk is different than having a greater rate (of DKA). Pumps are obviously increasing the risk of DKA because there is no long-term insuline, so if an issue happens, then DKA may come way quicker. But in reality, issues do not occur so often and every DT1 using a pump knows how to avoid DKA: change site and use a pen to do a bolus.
Great video.. I choose pens for the convenience as I like to keep my diabetes to myself. I've always been adjusting my doses and I hadn't seen a doctor in 10 years until last year. I don't feel like doctors added much in term of enabling me to better BG management. I would appreciate if you could share how you tweak your basal in different scenarios. I used to do well and take 24 units when I'm working or being active and 30 when couch-potatoeing but it's been chaotic lately and I can't get it right. Would be mind to know how someone does that gain a perspective. Thanks and best wishes
Thank you. Yeah adjusting basal can be complicated. Do you wear a CGM? I've found that the data I get from my CGM has made my basal adjustments so much easier
one doesn't adjust basal on MDI, it doesn't work that way...it's long acting, can take days for any adustments to take effect. Pump is fast acting, thus can program different basal rates. How the heck do you get any Rxs if you haven't seen a doctor in 10 years...yeah, OK. bwhwhaha
I had 3 month of 10.6 before and now it’s 8.8 and my dr said be ready to go on dialysis and have limbs cut off by the age of 40-50
you could just eat something before you run, so your levels don't drop during activity. also, rapid acting insulings like humalog have an onset of 15min, peak of 30min, and duration of 3-5hrs. The peak and onset you mentioned is closer to that of Regular. Does anyone even use R anymore? With MDI, you can also use the iPort, and put the port in once every 3 days, and just give insulin through the port, via pen or syringe. This alsoo greatly minimizes tissue trauma over the years of MDI.
I'm very apprehensive about trying a pump because the who dka possibly is higher and I have had T1d for 24 years. I love the cgm though 😊
Love my CGM as well
Hello.Great channel.I live in South Africa and my daughter is type 1 diabetic.In our country we dont have enough information regarding better glucose control.I am in the midst of getting her on a Freestyle Libre.Where can I find more information about getting her HBA1C down.Hers is currently 13.2
Thank you, glad you find it helpful. I did this video on A1C and how to manage it (ua-cam.com/video/5BaYgIG0nl8/v-deo.html) and you can find this article on the website (diabetesstrong.com/how-to-lower-your-a1c/). I hope this helps
I did MDI for over 12 years. Many hypoglycemia episodes, so the pump was the better option.
thank you for the important info
My son has been on insuline pump for 4 months. It is a nightmare. He has 6-7 hypos per day, he cannot go for a walk or do any exercise without eating plenty of sugary stuff without insuline. He has hypos over night. He tried temp target, changing ratio all the time, it doesnt help. He is the target 80 percentage, but with MDI he was in the target more than 85. Closed loop system seems to be more work than MDIs for him. He had huge expectation with pump, and it seems to be worse. Disadvantage of MDS is the multiple pains over the day, but it doesnt mean more thoughts and struggles compared with pump. He is thinking to give up the pump, because the daily struggle is overwhelming. Maybe he has still honey moon. He was diagnosied one and half year ago. I dont know. He is an active teeanager and the necessary sugar eating and hypos are unbearable. Everything is very tough now. Maybe omnipod would have been better because of many reasons instead of Medtronic closed loop. Thank you for reading my comment.😊sorry for my English,I am not a native speaker.
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear it’s such a struggle. If he’s still in the Honeymoon period that could be why it’s so hard. Try looking into the Tandem hybrid closed loop. I haven’t tried it myself but based on others' experience it seems to be the best option
I keep tight control with MDI. A1C is 5.6; glucose variability is about 21%. My endo has offered a pump, but agrees with me that it wouldn’t give me tighter control than I can get on my own.
Well done 🙌🏽
T1D since 2018. I don't want a pump. I also don't want a CGM. I hated to be "wired" all the time. I find it also very easy to travel with the pens and blood glucose strips.
A small downside is that I don't have it with me all the time so I cannot eat something spontanously.
Thank you for all your experience/advice, I’ve been type 1 since 1976, i am currently 51, I use insulin pens, similar to you, I take many injections a day, as circumstances change,, my Doctor has been trying hard to get me to go on a pump, i been hesitant for many reasons, one of which, I work construction, always afraid of catching it? Also my A1C is 6.7, so I’m fairly happy with that,, thank you again ☘️
Thank you. And happy to hear that you do well on MDI as well
YEA if you are active or how an active job, you may be chasing highs and lows consistently- it is a bipolar disorder for many Type 1's!
My son doesn’t want to use an insulin pump. The CGI hurts him so he’s using needles all day. It takes him a long time to inject insulin. If he injects too fast it burns and causes a bump around the site. Just wondering if this happens to any of you and how it affects you at work
I have been on the pump for 4 yrs and am taking a pump break. I love my dexcom but I'm back on MDI. I love that i don't have anything attached. I probably will go back at some point, but I do love that i can just stab my self and have the long acting in the back ground. Also to me, giving my self units by MDI is easier than trying to adjust on the insulin pump.
That’s a great approach to it. And I agree, you can always go back
I did the same because I was tired of working for Tandem free of charge 😂 I hated that pump and thought, I’ll go back to it eventually- two years later and I’m still on Lantus and Humalog and wearing whatever I want and not having to have my day to day life dictated by a pump’s needs
Yes me too I have two pens insulin glargine before bed tym 29 units apidra 18 unit breakfast 18 lunchy 25 for my dinner I have type 2 daibitis since 2019/2022 /3 years frm now and sensor libre to monitor my glocouse 14 days plus 14 days 28 days for 1 month plus maintenance for my heart failure edema n dauritic hypertension n Daibitic maintenance fight for this illness no cure but really xcited life is beautiful n in this planet
I'm T2 insulin dependent. I identify with T1 because it's my lifestyle as well. No subsidy for pumps here in Australia for T2. My diabetes is in control using sensors and pens. Just saw my endo. I'm in range 99% of the time and 17% variation. A1C is almost normal. He was so pleased. I inject basal in the morning and then bolus during the day. I don't need insulin at night - that's how my body works apparently. After a few years I have become very used to the injections. They seldom hurt and if you have a good mental outlook, they're just part of your life and not an aggravation. No pumps for me.
Thank you for sharing
I've been TO for 27 years on MDI and have had good control up until about a year ago, and I think it is peri menopause causing hormonal fluctuations. My Basal insulin is toujeo once per day (previously on Lantus twice daily and the fluctuations were causing trouble then too). Sometimes i need 11 units basal, and then suddenly, I start having multiple hypos overnight until I reduce gradually to 1 unit! I just have to guess must of the time, and then just when I start to get it right, things change again. Most nights, I either get a low alarm or I check my CGM and have to bolus because it is high. I have searched for info about menopause and T1 but there isn't much out there. Have you heard of/experienced this?
Now I'm going to try a pump as I just can't continue like this. I'm hoping one of the smart pumps will help me.
We have an article on menopause on the Diabetes Strong website (diabetesstrong.com/diabetes-menopause/). A pump might be a good idea, but you’ll probably need one of the hybrid closed loop ones to really get the full benefits. I’ve heard a lot of positives about the Tandem pump and the new Omnipod 5. They both communicate with Dexcom G6 and will automatically regulate your insulin
I'd love to hear if you're still using MDI now (2024), especially with the newer technology in the latest insulin pumps.
Yes, still MDI. I think the pumps are getting brilliant but the insulin is still not ideal. It needs to work faster and have a shorter duration before I’ll consider a pump. Well, at least that’s my opinion as of today. But things can change
@@DiabetesStrong Wouldn't Lyumjev (or Fiasp) solve this issue? It works faster than Humalog and gets out of the system pretty quick. But as I'm tyring it out for a few months I found another issue - painful infusion sites, after just one day it becomes painful... I guess those additives to those faster insulins messes something up. I'm thinking of switching back to MDI, freedom from these stupid devices is just too precious, I hate pumping! :D
Also your point was interesting that rapid acting insulin is too slow to get out of the system, but on MDI you can NEVER get off of insulin, that's my major issue with MDI, you have to "adjust" your basal with food/glucose while on pump you can turn it off and hypo will end eventually without eating (if it's not too severe), especially with faster insulins. I guess both have pros and major cons, and sadly, there's no perfect solution :(
i been useing pens for the past 35 years or so. i used viles before that.
As a diabetic for 30 years and as a nurse I have never heard anyone say that pump is the only way to get good glycemic control. But I think it can be different in US because pump is much more expensive so it is in the best capitalist interest to get you to choose it. Here in Finland healthcare professionals present the choice more like you do.
I'm really happy to hear that. I don't remember pumps being "pushed" on me in Denmark either
I love my inpen
Refreshing to hear facts about Walmart insulin. Snobs are always dissing Walmart brands that for me work fine. I am in range 98% of time.
That’s awesome, well done 👏🏽
Can I get one of these in the UK and if so, how?
InPen is still only available in the US. It's now owned by Medtronic which hopefully will mean that they can get it distributed internationally, but I haven't seen a timeline
Very informative and excellent material as always, keep up these great videos. Personally I would have chosen for the third reason, the ease of not having an insulin pump connected to your body instead of pump malfunction though - because pumps don't malfunction that often, at least, not these days.
really? I just started on the Omnipod 5 a few weeks ago, thought I'd try it again...I had THREE - (3) POD FAILURES WITHIN THE FIRST DAYS. it was awful. I think for me, the fear of going DKA outweighs anything. I mean, how do we know if it's a failed POD, an absorption issue, especially those of us very thin, an insertion - cannula issue, simply not enough insulin, etc.. At least on MDI one doesn't have to worry about DKA,the basal is in there. I never want to go or retry a pump again, it was horrifying for me.
3 pump failures in a row? That's some hat trick. Seriously though, your comment makes me think that they may not have all been pump failures. If the pump cannula was inserted on a bony piece, like the upper back, and you sleep a lot on it all night with a lot of wriggles, then sure. But unless you have the high piercing tone emanating from the device, the chances are that it is not a pump failure. If you are seeing yourself going sky high and you are unsure as to why, it is quite common to blame the pump, but on the other hand, this could just be a liver-dump, or a pizza effect, or, dare I say it, just insufficient insulin dosages because the pump setting is simply too low and it is trying to be conservative; but it could also be a hormonal issue, stress, sickness, lethargy, coldness, expired or once overheated insulin, etc. Thankfully, a good dose of good insulin usually fixes all that. When one has a CGM with a backup finger-prick tester, then a significant dosage of insulin when one is riding sky high is usually safe provided one pays attention to the CGM graph and is prepared to take in glucose after the peak of the curve. The pump can tell you how much insulin there is still on board, and when that is married to the rate at which one starts falling, it is easy to see a pattern of how much carb one needs to level off. That is the glory of the pump. But that said, the pump is just an insulin delivery device. So too is the pen. It's the insulin that works the magic. The rest is just the courier service. The real magicians balance their insulin intake with their blood sugars regardless of their wands and create miracles! @@christopherone1
huh. why on earth are you telling me all this, I know all this, I have type 1 diabetes...and it's not a pump failure it's the pods, one was leaking insulin with adhesive wet. The pump shows nothing in terms of any of this, a CGM will AND AN INPEN CAN DO THE EXACT SAME THING. NOTHING WORKS IF BASAL ISN'T SET PROPERLY. hUM, THE cgm HAS A LAG TIME. hOW DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE DOESN'T HAVE GASTRIC ISSUES...NEEDS TO BOLUS FOR PROTEIN, ETC.... smh. i SERIOUSLY DO NOT NEED YOUR ADVICE. i DO THIS EVERY DAY ALL DAY.
@@marcelvictorsahade again, DUH. the entire purpose of my comment was when on MDI one doesn't have to worry about failed anything, the basal insulin is there, in there. NO DKA. Many times we think highs are from not enoug basal or not enough bolus...there are literally 45 factors which effect one's blood sugars, per my ENDO. Glad you think it's 'so easy' and mapped out. Again, you telling me how to do this is ridiculous. I also weigh 89 lbs right now so you have no idea of my body's ability to absorp or even find viable subq for pods. AND or, my insulin sensitivity factor. "wands and create miracles" I mean, whatever dude. I'm jut trying to keep myself alive keep weight on eat more and not a damn magician
Heya Chris, not meaning to step on anyone's toes - If you are on MDI then you are already a magician! But I wouldn't worry too much about DKA - from pump failure, the extant insulin in the body lasts 4 hours. DKA would start at that point and would need a good 2 hours to build up to critical levels (assuming no strenuous activity to accelerate this - so in a pump failure and no insulin, minimise work). But that is a good 6 hours before you need to ring the hospital entrance button. My son always carries backup insulin on him just in case, either that or he rings me up and I drop what I am doing to come rescue him. But even if you can't carry backup insulin, you could carry a backup script in your wallet/purse and make for the nearest pharmacy in times of emergency. I am not trying to shell out advice on how to manage diabetes - personally I think that anyone who lives with it is already killing it, they are the real super heroes of today. Anyway, stay cool.@@christopherone1
I just discovered your channel and found this video really really interesting! Ive been using pens for almost 12y, and overall had a good control but with a lot of hypos so my endo always encouraged me to switch to the pump, but i refused. After a not-so-good last Ac1 i really put myself to work, specially working from home all day due to the pandemic, ive been doing better than ever but on a mental health cost almost, so i thought that a pump that could turn off when low and maybe increasy when high would make it easier. The smallest amount i can inject with pens is 2 units, with 1 unit increase, so I find it really hard to microbolus and frustrating that i see my glucose go slightly high but not too much to be able to inject myself. Now watching your video kinda made me go back and think a little more. How many time do you usually inject yourself a day and how precise can you be in your doses? And dont you feel like it disrupts your day to day? Sorry for the long text,i hope you can answer!
Welcome to the channel, glad you found it. My pen can give 1/2 units. It's a disposable smartpen pen called an InPen (more about that here ua-cam.com/video/cwLUiwGAkO0/v-deo.html). You can also get pre-filled pens that give 1/2 units, it's usually called Junior pens. I personally don't care how many times I have to inject. On me, it doesn't hurt and it takes no time. I do an average of 7 injections a day but I also snack quite a bit. But as I also mentioned in the video, if you don't like doing shots a pump might be a good option, just remember that a pump is work as well and even with the new systems you still have to bolus for food. It might be worth trying out...
@@DiabetesStrong Thank you for answering! I dont care neither about how many times i need to inject myself as long as is the best for me, but I see that easier to do now when im at home all day, i dont know how realistic that could be when I get back to my normal routine.. specially te non-planned injections. Right now im doing 6, those I know and im okay with them, but the correction ones drive me a little crazy cause of course i dont expect them and i dont know how disruptive would be on a normal routine specially with the problem with my pens. Yes i saw later your videos about your pen! Should have wrote you later, it is truly amazing, but itd not avaliable in UE, there is something more less similar called insulclock here apparently. One last question, injecting 'so many' times,do you find problems rotating to avoid lypodistrophia? i think its called, I try to rotate a lot but getting so many a day it seems complicated, especially when im going for a walk and want to avoid the lower part of my body, or i need the insulin to quick fast and end up going to my arm again. Its clear that if i want to keep using pens i should ask for a half-unit one,so thats really good suggestion,Thanks for your time!
@@clausqwert I'm fortunate that after 23 years I don't have any issues with scar tissue or Lipodystrophy. You're right to pay attention to it though! I'm very structured around rotating my basal insulin (there's even a video on that here on the channel) but I tend to wing my rapid-acting rotation. I use my stomach and arms and occasionally legs. I get really good absorption when I inject in the back of my arms
@@DiabetesStrong Thanks for answering! And congratulations for such a beautiful control!!
Just get the pump. It’s so much better!
My son is 13 and we use test strips and injections both long and short. He has 2 injections of long insulin 1 morning and 1 night and he injects short insulin with each meal. Occasionally usually in the night he will do a correction. He usually only test blood sugar when about to eat and before bed unless he feels a low. Will a cam help us control his blood sugar better?
An insulin pump could potentially make his, and your, life easier. Ideally, I'd suggest seeing if you can get a hybrid closed-loop pump, such as the Tandem/Dexcom combination, as that can adjust the insulin automatically. An insulin pump is still work, but for some, it makes it easier to manage blood sugar
Great video! I go back-and-forth between pumps and injecting, and they both have their pros and cons. I was using Levimer when I was injecting. One interesting point you made that I had never heard before , Is that long acting insulin behaves differently during exercise ( less affected during exercise ) than the pump basal insulin. I understand the pump only uses fast acting. So if I work out fasted, but had Levimer in the background versus working out fasted with my pump basal in the background , your saying that the effect would be different? I’ve never noticed that. I brought that up to my endocrinologist and my nurse Diabetes team and they had never heard this either. Actually I read a medical report, stating the opposite, that basal insulin is amplified during exercise ,whereas, at least with the pump you can suspend or take it off, so you truly have very little background insulin circulating while exercising (which is more similar to how it would be in a person who doesn’t have diabetes. ) in summary the article was stating that when you inject a basal insulin, you have a lot more circulating insulin while exercising then you would with an insulin pump especially if you suspend the pump or reduce your basal with the pump. And the goal is to have the least amount of circulating insulin while exercising- (not just rapid acting insulin insulin on board, but also less background insulin circulating ) It was an interesting point that I had never heard. I also have not noticed that when I am injecting Levemir vs the few years, I’ve been on the pump.❤
Thank you for adding that. I don't have any scientific papers I can pull but this is something I've consistently seen for myself and coaching clients I've worked with over the years. I wonder if there are other variables listed in the paper? I've discussed it with my endo over the years, and she seems to be on the same page as me. Maybe the medical community isn't entirely on the same page?
But you're right, if you're able to reduce your (pump) basal enough you shouldn't go low during exercise. I just enjoy that I don't have to do that when only having basal insulin onboard. If anything I have to add a little rapid-acting insulin to the equation sometimes to not see my blood sugars shoot up
I’m thinking of going on a pump, vacation and back to injecting. I’m going to test it out! I’ll work out fasted with only my Levimer in the background and see what happens. If it works for you, it could work for me! Honestly, the only reason I stay on the pump is because of my overnight. I have to admit the sleep mode on the tandem pump is nothing short of a miracle. Doesn’t matter what my sugars are going to bed or if I consumed a super high fat meal right before bed, I will always wake up in target range. Whereas, with Levimer , it’s not meant to lower blood sugar so it my sugar starts rises during the night, let’s say from a high fat meal , then I’ll wake up with that same high sugar. Do you have any tips on how I can manage that? I’m kind of excited to take a pump vacation and I do love levimer. I actually always lose a couple of pounds when I use Levimer even though I’m on more insulin when I’m injecting then on the pump. Isn’t that funny?! I love your channel and I have been binge watching all your videos! maybe one day you can touch on the topic of perio menopause and Diabetes! Another area in which there is no information out there!thanks !
That would be an interesting experiment. If I've eaten more carbs during the day, been less active, or eaten one of those higher fat / higher carbs at night I'll sometimes just increase my evening Levemir dose. One of the reasons I really like Levemir is that it allows me to alter my dose on a daily basis if I choose to. But yes, it's pretty much impossible to mimic a hybrid closed-loop pump. That overnight feature is the only reason I would consider a pump.
And thank you for watching my videos 😌
Thank you for your response! If you do ever find more research or literature, further, supporting the fact that long acting insulin is less impacted than basal insulin on a pump because it uses short acting insulin , I would love to learn more. I tried intermittent fasting for two months, and I wear an insulin pump. I always worked out in the morning in a fasted state and never made any adjustments to my pump. I left my pump, running exactly as it is. And I never ever ever went low. So for me as long as there is no insulin on board from a bolus from a meal, i won’t go low, whether it’s insulin pump basal in the background or long acting insulin basal in the background. That was my experience. But I’d love to learn more. Thanks again!
Do you have any videos on how to deal with injections in every day public situations? I have so many pump malfunctions and want to switch to MDI, but I worry daily injections will be awkward in many situations
I don’t have a video addressing that. I’ve found that people don’t notice my injections. I inject in my abdomen when it’s convenient and if it’s not arms or thigh are great. Are there any specific situations that worry you the most?
@@DiabetesStrong I think it's just something I need to get used to. I'm taking a pump break and may stay permanently on MDI due to frustrations with bad infusion sets. How do you track your insulin on board on MDI? Are there certain apps that can be used? I also use a Dexcom.
I have been MDI all my life and i honestly haven't even given this a single thought. Whenever i need insulin i take insulin, simple as that. Who cares what others think? If other are bothered by you taking medication you need to survive. Then they are the ones with a issue, not you!
If you are in a meeting etc and don't want to take insulin infront of people, you can always just go to the toilet. I just take the insulin shot in my stomach underneath the table and no one even notice it. And if they do, what do you expect them to say or do about it? Nothing happens
I’m at such a loss. I’ve only been on a pump for a couple of weeks but my control has been so much worse since starting. I was very tightly controlled on pens and even after a ton of adjustments to the omnipod, I am running high most of the time. As someone hoping to conceive, I can’t keep having the highs. Trying to decide if I need to go back to pens permanently? Don’t know what the pod isn’t working.
Going from pen to pump is a bit like learning a new language, it takes a bit of time. Adjusting rapid-acting insulin 24/7 is just different. Running high is obviously no fun, so I guess it comes down to, do you have the time and patience to learn it. I’d think there are plenty of pregnant T1D mamas out there who managed well with pens. Don’t let anyone tell you there’s only one way of being successful
@@DiabetesStrong I appreciate your reply :) I’ve started pre-bolusing - something I’ve never had to do - and even in the past 24 hours have seen such a difference and have been almost 100% in range. I’m really encouraged and it’s a good reminder to have grace with ourselves, especially when things are new.
@@meeks1994 that’s great news!
I have a question which is better the InPen or the pumps I keep getting a lot of lows here
That really depends on the person. I personally see fewer lows with an insulin pen, and I’m using InPen, but I know others who do better with a pump. So it’s not a clear-cut answer. If you go for a pump I think picking one of the Hybrid Closed Loop pumps, like Tandem Control IQ or Omnipod 5
Thank you for answer my question I really appreciate it
Iam diabetic since 38years now and iam 44 years old, this july i switch from pens to omnipod ... and now after 4month i want to go back to my pens for all reason you mention below, pump is not for everyone. And i also have some skin issues with the glue of the pump. Iam missing my pens, they are so easier to manage...thank you this help me a lot to take my final decison.
I'm sorry being on a pump wasn't a good experience for you. I hope you can switch back without too many issues
@@DiabetesStrong iam so excited to go back to my pens, i won’t have any issues so many people from my diabetic team will help me 😁
My daughter has been diabetic since she was 12, she’ll be 17 in less then a month. Has been using a pump for one month and hates it already.. 🤦🏼♀️🙄 she’s had a lot of lows with it .. more than ever.
@@ninas4968 it take about 3 month to find the good settings, she have to be patient.yesterday night i swith to pens and iam missing my pump a lot...i lost control and not feelig so good..,i will return back to pump tomorrow...so easy to use and simple. Witch pump does your daugter choose?
Julie Paquette Tslim x2 paired with Dexcom G6 cgm.
Only 97 I was diagnosed 88
I'm a type 2 diabetic, my A1C is 6.0 , but I just can't get the hand of premeal insulin, a lot of times I prefer not to eat so I don't have to take insulin, anyway my doctor talked to me about an insulin pump and I told her that I couldn't do the tubes and the pump. And she told me about a little tubeless pump ( patch pump ). Anyhow I'm going to start using it a week from today. Pretty nervous
Oh, are you getting an Omnipod or a Valeritas V-Go? Using an insulin pump might take a little getting used to but many love that option
@@DiabetesStrong I'm getting an Omnipod, waiting to meet with the person who is going to train me next Thursday. Pretty excited and nervous at the same time 😬
@@jaimenajera4576that is exciting! Hope you'll love it
Hi, again, Christel. I am still mired in the feeling I would rather be back on mdi after 2 months on OP5. I am also, this time, very interested in the inpen and will be looking into that. But to be succinct, here are my pressing questions if you may be able to help: 1. Is it the amount of insulin, type of insulin or just the fact if using insulin which can cause wt. gain? I am a huge exercise and have been my whole life (more than an hour each day plus addition of two weight training sessions each week, double split routine), and I have gained a stubborn 5 pounds on my pretty specific and unchanging diet of real foods and I don’t snack. On the pump, I am using about 3units per day more of insulin (I am using 21-23 units a day on the pump). This may just be a fact of t1d, but are those extra units possibly affecting weight. 2. This pump CANNOT handle my exercise, ever, free weights or aerobic, whether set 2 hours in advance or at the actual time, and forces slowing down waiting for sugar to come up after have]ing to consume glucose and worse, seems to make a rise in sugar well after exercise. Exercise was very predictable and manageable with mdi. And I will never not exercise - it is my sanity and makes me feel good. 3. I am having to change my pod every 2 days, rather than 3 and throwing away insulin (must load minimum of 85 units) because my sugars start to go high and I manually give multiple (4, 5, 6) corrections to no avail. I often have blood, dried and wet, at the site when removed and wonder if sleeping and activity mess up how the cannula sits in me. This is for every site I have tried and they do not heal fast. I cannot find any studies about the possibility of a body not liking a constant drip of insulin, but somehow feel my body wants to seal it up🤪. I also have insulin on the adhesive before taking it off, so know that that insulin did not get in. The pump’s sd is better than mdi mgt. by a few percentage points. So, my weight situation is not an issue so much as me pondering if over time a constant flow of insulin will make weight management a challenge. My BMI is about22-25, i just want my belly flatter as I surely work it out, but that may be t1d. Am I crazy to have these ideas about a constant drip being an issue (maybe it is me just wanting freedom to manage myself - I know Tresiba (and I will be looking into the long acting insulin you use) is in my body all day, so why that does not bother me like a constant drip, I do not know? I feel I may rather carry my insulin in me rather than on me. Plus I am running out of pod spots because absorption seems poor where I still have red marks from previous times. I sort of felt the same about shots, but now look at that differently because they didn;t leave red marks all over me. And, to be faie, if I did not have to give so many corrections and could just set and almost forget the pump on automated, that would be different. But day one on pod is usually nice (except when it clearly isn’t, and yesterday I had to change after just 12 hours due to recurring highs and no seeming effect of the insulin), but day 2 toward the end is a different story. And I have spoken for hours with Omnipod people - I have excellent habits and am using it right, but the algorithm is for preventing lows, not managing highs. And even so, I can go low, fast in exercise and even after some meals, but have adjusted i/c ratios to some avail. The exercise lows have been truly frightening, as I have been miles from home and gl. Tabs seem to take 30 minutes to get in, and all this is with exercise mode. So, have you any ideas about my weirdo ideas? I will probably go back to mdi anyway (I can always come back to the pump), but just want to gain so e understanding. I had hopes of eating pizza or mexican food using a pump for ease, but in reality, I love my healthy breakfast and lunch and do eat Dave’s bread cinnamon toast with Stevia in the Raw with eggs for breakfast, and 1/2 apple with 2tb peanut butter, half a grapefruit and 2 Ghirardeli chocolates (72-92%). And I have no qualms about giving a shot in a public place, nor making corrections. I will miss the less worry about overnight lows, but I want to try the split dose of your background insulin(I am an avid morning exerciser - after coffee with sugar-free delight) and think this maybe why I use less insulin on mdi. Is a difference of 2-3 units a day a big difference? I just don’t know. Thanks in advance for any wisdom if you have time. I am now over a year beyond the honeymoon phase and want to live a long, healthy and active life. I wish the same for all of you!
And I meant to say I am so sorry for those who have no choice in these matters. I am blessed to have insurance after a career spent as a public school teacher. All this is still a big chunk of money, but I am grateful to have choice. I retired, then got diagnosed and have had to adjust to the extra financial burdens of an unplanned and unforeseen chronic illness. Still, glad for choice.
Okay, let’s see.
Generally, we tend to have more circulating insulin (regardless of whether you use a pump or MDI) than non-diabetics, however, there are plenty of very skinny T1Ds so I think it has more to do with body type and how we’re built. I do find that it’s somewhat more challenging to lose weight with diabetes.
I know others that are having a hard time exercising without wonky blood sugars when on a pump. Some have to start exercise mode even earlier or do a complete disconnection. It’s something you have to try out but check out my video on how to adjust (both pump and MDI) for exercise: ua-cam.com/video/6qZu7knO1pE/v-deo.html
As for the pump change frequency, sounds like the absorption rate is slowed down super fast for you. I don’t know why but you might be developing scar tissue super fast. If your insurance will cover it, and if you stay on the pump, you could try and get a prescription for 2-day wear.
@@DiabetesStrong Thank you! I am doing some different experiments with exercise. And I will watch your video about that. I had it working like clockwork with MDI. And I have thought about the two day prescription, and I actually do believe I metabolize things really fast whether it’s at the dentist or anything, and I think my body wants to make scar tissue fast as well. I’m going to experiment with a few more sites on the pump. And I think the deal with exercise is I like to do what I call exercise in the morning so I already get up at four and then I am out the door within the hour so I can’t get up any earlier to set the activity mode but I did try setting it two hours early one time and it made no difference, but that was just one time. But the real issue was like just now. The weather is great and I took my dog for a walk but it does not take much to drive the blood sugar down, and I hate gobbling up empty calorie glucose tabs. and I would like to be able to go play tennis or do any kind of exercise that’s just fun exercise on a whim, and I do think the pump makes that a little more difficult, so your video will certainly be of help about the exercise stuff. And then I may default to MDI because of my lifestyle. And I do feel so powerful to have all this information and choice. And I have felt very guilty that I spent so many words on the last post, so thank you very much for taking time to answer. I really love all the work that you do and I have such trust in you - it matters whom my information comes from. I will surely try to edit before pressing send next time! Thank you for your grace and your wonderful help. Have a great day!
Hi, regarding your point about weight, I do find that I am a couple pounds thinner whenever I am on multiple daily injections using Levemir, then I am on the insulin pump. It’s not super significant it’s less than 5 pounds, but there is some thing about Levemir that every time I switch back to using it I always lose a couple of pounds. There are studies comparing different basal insulin‘s and levimer is known to cause the least amount of weight gain. But I don’t see any studies comparing basal insulin’s versus an insulin pump regarding weight. My Endocrinologist says most people lose weight on the pump because most people are using less insulin on the pump which is the case for me, however, you indicated that’s not the case for you. Nonetheless, I would be interested to learn more about how different insulins affect weight as well as different delivery methods. Because there is obviously a difference. I would also like to see a study that shows if there is long-term health benefits to having insulin administered the way the pump does versus MDI. Because the pump closely mimics how a fun up pancreas works , which is to spit out small increments of insulin every few minutes. So I wonder if that’s a healthier approach than to give it all upfront like we do on MDI. Regarding exercise, I fine as long as I don’t have any insulin on board from a meal - so let’s say fasted when I wake up in the morning ,that I never have a problem managing my sugars. Yes, we still have the basal insulin in our body but as long as I have no insulin from a meal on board, I’m able to successfully exercise without having to make any adjustments. But it’s so individualized as you were saying.
@@lindalorenzoni5615 Thanks for all that, Linda. I appreciate your insights and experiences.
I was diagnosed T1D at 67 in 2020. I am MDI and have no interest in using a pump. So far my a1c has stayed between 6 and 6.2. I have never gone into DKA and only have lows occasionally. They are easily treated with Smarties. 15g usually sends me up and over 200 so I need to be careful to not eat too many. I think my main problem is with my basal dosing. I know I should test it but testing REALLY frightens me. I just can't seem to understand the concept. I don't know anyone with T1D that might be able to help me with this.
If you use a CGM, basal testing is now much easier. But basically, if you dip low or high outside your rapid-acting insulins duration (3-5 hours after injected) your basal most likely needs to get adjusted.
Most often a diabetes educator or endo should be able to guide you though how to do that. For basal adjustments I mainly focus on how my blood sugars are in the afternoon and over night (both usually outside the rapid-acting duration “window”). I hope that makes sense
Remember, when pumps first on nhs in U.k.said , I often , micro bolus, with pen...a student diabetes t1 nurse in rooom..n actually audibly laughed, at mycomment. This was only 8yrs ago, at York hospital. U.k.
Now use a pump..but have suffered very low blood sugar, requiring Ambulance home help..only time in 38 yrs as T1.
Pump useful..But does have negatives..
Thank you for sharing
how many meals you eat in a day and did you eat low carb thanks
I eat when I’m hungry and don’t adhere to a specific amount of carbs, so my carb intake varies depending on the day
@@DiabetesStrong ok Thanks
How many times you prick fingers to check sugar😐
It depends on the day. I wear a CGM so most days I don’t have to, but when I don’t, I’ll measure my blood sugar 10-12 times daily
For me cost is main issue and another is risk of dka with pump
That's also a really valid point
“Basal insulin doesn’t get impacted by exercise to the degree rapid acting insulin does.” I didn’t know that! I have been on a pump for years, but am doing pens now, and my management has never been better. I was getting so many occlusion alerts, and was having huge spikes. Also, to your point, the pump detects when you’re getting low, and suspends, but that doesn’t help with IOB. All it does is guarantee you getting high a couple hours later. The only problem I’m having is that my 17 units of Lantus keep me stable through the day, and a 1:10 unit carb ratio when I eat is perfect, but I do get low in the middle of the night. I sleep terribly, so I just check my sugars throughout the night and take a glucose tablet as needed. It’s manageable, but not ideal. I’m considering trying the on omnipod. Then I can program the basal to be a little lower while I sleep. But all that said, I still like pens better than traditional pumps. They can just cause too many problems.
Have you tried splitting your Lantus? I use Levemir, which has a similar duration, and I take the majority of my dose in the am and a substantially smaller dose before bedtime to get me through the night. If I have nighttime lows, the only basal dose I adjust is the nighttime one
@@DiabetesStrong no, I have never tried that, and didn't know that was an option, but it does make sense. Although, I hate the idea of remembering to take two Lantus shots a day, lol! Do you break it up every 12 hours, or how is that done? I am going to give the Omnipod a try (they do a 30 day trial). I just know I am not going back to a traditional pump. I know they do work really well for some, but I am learning I personally am WAY more stable with MDI. Can't wait to see what my A1C is in January. :-)
@@Whateves73 giving Omnipod a chance sounds like a great idea. As for splitting, my endo suggested (waaaay back) that I started with doing a shot every 12 hours. I then found that was not optimal for my body and do my AM shot at 8 AM and my PM shot at 10 PM. That seems to give me the most stable BG
@@DiabetesStrong I really appreciate the info, and I’m glad I found your video. If the Omnipod doesn’t work out for me, I will definitely try splitting up the dose. Thank you!
@@Whateves73 you’ll figure it out!
Watch those sites.
I wanna try the insulin pump because my anxiety shoots through the roof when I have to inject myself so my gp do it EVERYDAY and my doctors tell me just do and sometimes I can but 90% off the time my anxiety just make me shut down and not even wanna do it so I think it’s time for a pump 😅
It sounds like it could be the right option for you. Go for it 🙂
How many hours my insurance paint can survive without fridge
If it doesn't get too hot or cold you don't have to refrigerate the insulin pen or vial that you're using. The insulin you're not using should be kept refrigerated but shouldn't go bad from just being out on the counter for a while
Been on a pump for around 22 years and I want to try the pens! WHY???? The one thing that the video did NOT discuss was if you eat consistent "healthy food" daily, it is much easier to manage your highs and lows. DO the research-find out what works and does not work for you.
Hi all.. just want to share my stories.. I have type 1 Diabetes from last 7 years.. but currently i have financially instable unable to buy insulin..
I’m sorry to hear that. If you’re in the US try checking out the Walmart insulin options
ua-cam.com/video/DPL7oECg2Cc/v-deo.htmlsi=c2b_AVOSYnVrTnNT
Ok, just to be sure I understand. The pump, does it put insulin into my body 24/7?
Yes, an insulin pump delivers rapid-acting insulin 24/7
@@DiabetesStrong That's why I thought about stopping the pump, they prescribed it to me and I decided to use it, I was diagnosed with type 2. A few years ago. What I notice in my body is that I don't lose weight, I work at Amazon as a picker, everyone who does lose weight, and I with the same weight. And I feel like it's since I've been using that pump. 😔
so,we throw levemir away when it's expired...not when it's empty..which ever comes first I guess,depending on how much basal one takes? Seems you're confusing basal (levemir) with bolus, cause one can't really micro-manage basal...levemir...other than splitting up doses
You don't have to manage your diabetes as I do, none of my videos are an attempt to tell you what to do. I find that Levemir is easy to use as I both split my dose as well as alter my doses frequently depending on my activity level.
@@DiabetesStrong hum, it takes days for levemir changes to even take effect, no?I split my dose too but everytime I've needed less or more basal, it took a couple of days to take effect,worse of course with Tresiba. Can I ask how much Levemir you take...have you ever tried just one shot? I use Levemir too
@@christopherone1 Levemir starts to work in a few hours and only last in the body for up to 24 hours, so it's just more "agile" than for example Toujeo or Tresiba. My doses differ depending on my activity level and eating pattern. Currently, I take 15 units in the morning and 4 at night. But I've had times when I only needed 13 units total and times when I needed about 30 units, so my range is pretty wide. I think I did one dose in the beginning but I've been splitting for well over 12 years. It doesn't seem like it really lasts 24 hours in my body so not splitting usually leads to wonky blood sugars
@@DiabetesStrong OK,thanks. Question....so how do you determine if your basal is correct dose(s)? I've been told so many different things. I'm VERY insulin sensitive. My endo said if one goes to bed at say 150, no bolus, food like after 6pm...you shld wake up around 150 give or take < > 30 points. Then, I was told take enough to wake up to a good fasting number. I did 4.5 units Levemir last night, went to bed 200 (high I know) and woke up to 85? This seems like too much of a drop, would have kept dropping if I hadn't woken up?
@@christopherone1 I'd agree with your endo. Levemir's job is to keep you steady, and we generally don't want more than a 30 mg/dl drop/rise. So I adjust based on what I did during the day (food and exercise) and my hormone cycle. If I'm higher than my target before bed I'll correct it with Humalog but I won't rely on Levemir to drop me.
I would love insulin pens but they are not affordable for me with my insurance.
Have you looked into copay cards? Humalog pens are $35 with the copay card if your have commercial insurance
Are you type1 or 2??
I've lived with type 1 since 1997
The pump is so complicated.. 🙄🤦🏼♀️
it does take some time to learn how to use a pump and getting all the settings dialed in. It can be a great tool, but definitely still work
The medically correct pump (tandem) is not complicated at all it’s so easy to use anyone can do it. So much easier than shots and better to! Huge quality-of-life boost.
Right now all I need is more complicated thing to deal with…..even if my sugar is too high…..each method is a problem….and my doctor is not helping me need less insulin….I tried eating like a bird… it failed as we went on vacation….no longer given freedom to a kitchen…
Point 3 seems really valid but rare. Point 1 is valid-ish, Point 2 just seems like user error. The tech is too automated, especially with a CGM..., but if micromanaging is your thing go for it.
Pumps eventually lead to insulin absorption problems.
For some, it can. You have to be very diligent with site rotations. The same goes for injections of course but I do see some having issues with absorption already after 2 days
Interesting, I have no life with the injections. I just exist. I have extreme dawn phenomenon, so my life is 200% better with closed loop. Everybody is so diffrent. I also prefer the routine of taking care of the pump, over having to inject myself every time.
Thanks for sharing! And this is why I'm so glad we have options. Pumps are for many a better option
@@DiabetesStrong yes me too! :) I do miss the freedom the injections can give, if it's works for you.
Smart pens are also
Available in Canada too please don’t forget we invented you’re insulin
What smartness those pens have?🙄
Half way thru you scrambled my brain too much info
🤷🏽♀️
Too many unexplained acronyms