insulin pumps easier or not
 

Hi I'm Sarah and I've had type 1 diabetes for about 3 weeks and it's been tough giving shots counting carbs but I have some questions do you guys think it is easier with the pump and the shots are getting annoying any advice?? It's been fun teaching friends about it!! I thought people would think it is weird but people actually thinks it's cool thanks I will post again soon!

The shots are annoying, but the infusion site for the pump is a lot worse. It depends on how well you can control your blood sugar with shots. If it's uncontrollable like mine was, try the pump. Otherwise, you'll be better off being able to move around freely without having to worry about ripping the pump out of you, getting it wet, wasting insulin with priming it and all the other mundane things associated with using a pump.
However, if your blood sugar is just that bad after a long time of trying shots, and if you don't have a very good schedule of eating, sleeping, working out, etc, the pump would work better for your lifestyle. You'd be able to eat what and when you want and adjust for working out. You'd have to check your blood sugar a lot more though, and like I mentioned- one infusion site every three days may seem good compared to the shots right now, but they hurt more and it's constantly in you. And you have to deal with redoing a site if it bleeds or is so painful because it's on a nerve.
My suggestion- try shots first, and if after a year or two you can't get the a1c under control, get the pump.

I've been pumping 5 years and loving it. It's not for everyone. You do have to control your bs and stuff just as with shots. The best part are doing the set changes usually every 3 days instead of numerous shots a day. If you set goes bad you will have to change it sooner.
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Hi, sorry to hear about your diagnoses. However you seem to be positive, unlike Jane.
I have been a type 1 for 20 years, I was diagnosed when I was 19. I went on the pump 10 years ago due to having the dawn phenomenon. ( lows at night)! I love the pump, and The infusion sets are not painful as Jane claims it to be! Also I change mine every 5 to 7 days, I can eat when I want and have a lot of freedom with it. Also I have a 4 year old son, my a1c during pregnancy was at 5.8! So yes the pump is a great thing to have!! So far 20 years type 1 and no symptoms of the disease!!
Good luck managing yourself!! Once a pumper, always a pumper! If you keep positive about the disease, it will be easier to mange. There's no cure but you can take care of yourself and live a long life!

I was just giving her my experiences with the Animas pump and infusion site. I have heard MiniMed users have less pain and everyone I've asked that used minimed never bled at the site. I do a lot and doctors have told me I have more nerves in the stomach than the norm, so I guess it's just me. Doesn't mean I'm negative, just honest.

I love my pump. Been on one since 2000 and diabetic since 1994. As a busy working mom of 2 boys, I must say the pump is so much easier than daily shots. Can do square boluses to accommodate for long meals like buffets and turn it down when sugars are getting low. Had pump with second pregnancy and loved it. My boys are now 14 and 9 years old and they know all about my diabetes. Any other questions about the pump, just ask!!

Hello, I am 25, been diabetic for 3 years, and cannot seem to keep my levels down. I've been using he flexpen, but am interesting in changing to the pump. My husband and I have been wanting to start a family, and haven't been able to, die to the high levels. Would the pump help this, and how hard is it starting out.

I have had my pump for 3 months now and love the flexibility. I have the medtronic paradigm & because I am thin I have bled at my sight a couple of times. No big deal just changed it. I find it a lot easier to run around withy kids from one event to the next since I can just turn down my basal rates. Still carry snacks and juice but have to use them a lot less. Love it too because I am a runner and I can just turn it off. Spent 3 months weighing pros and cons before starting on the pump. Diagnosed type 1 as an adult so the lifestyle change was most difficult.

Absolutely
 

I have been on Animas 2020 pump for 5 years this summer and it has been wonderful. No more carrying around endless supplies, needles etc. Absolutely love my pump has changed my life. I seldom have unexpected highs or lows and it is easy to treat highs when I don't have to grab and fill a needle.
I resisted getting a pump for quite a long time, didn't want something "attached" to me all of the time. Finally got talked into it by my doctor and would never go back. Yes, there are times that there a minor problems such as the site gets itchy or hurts but that compared to the consent needle sticks is well worth it.
I got the Animas pump because I could wear it while in the pool as it is water proof. Am considering upgrading to the Animas Ping so I will have the remote to bolus for meals rather than reaching into my shirt to grab my pump - but only because I am starting a new job and would have to explain to everyone new that I am not molesting myself LOL.
So, obviously I would highly recomend the pump not only for the convienence but my averages since pumping have been under 7, and for the past several years in the 5.7 range!

I have been diabetic for 20 years now, I have very unstable diabetes for the past 10 years. Are the pumps really as good as everyone makes them out to be, and will it help to keep my diabetes under control?

I have used both. I prefer the pump because it gives me the flexibility to eat at different times and excercise when I want. Once the slow acting insulin is in you you have to eat if you are going to do physical activity. With the pump you just suspend since it only uses fast acting insulin. I find, for me I am able to control better with an insulin pump. I will say however, that there is a learning curve to the pump. Until you get familiar with all the features it can be difficult, but, in the long run I like it better.

Hey! Iv had diabetes for a fair while but when i strted i was having two injections a day( am&pm- protophane and actrapid) then moved to glargine and novorapid 2&4 times a day respectivly and now on the pump.
I think its important to be on injections and count ur carbs manualy to adjust ur dosage to get experience and good management. If you can manage your diabetes well on injections and manual carb counting thats great practice cause once you go on the pump its mostly done for you and u can slip through the gaps quite easily.
Im currntly studying nursing and diabetes and from a professional and personal point of view id suggest staying on injections for a while is better than jumping to the pump straight away.

I pump, and it's my preference oner shoots.

Love my pump
 

Hi Sarah - The pump is great. I, too, didn't want to use one but I was having bad reactions to the slow-acting insulin and finally got scared enough to listen to my doctor. Within days I was wondering why I'd waited. I've been using it for almost 10 years and can't imagine going back to injections.
The worst part of starting on the pump was that I spent a few days using saline in the pump and doing my regular injections. Having to think about both and use both was bothersome, but I was able to get all my questions/concerns answered while I was still doing injections, and was feeling quite confident and comfortable by the time I switched to the pump.
Yes, putting a new set in does hurt a bit occasionally, but so does using a needle and, since you're only inserting it once every few days, there are a lot less opportunities for it to hurt. I can go weeks without it stinging.
The difference the pump makes in your life is amazing. It's hard for me to stick to a routine. My meal schedule and activity level change day to day. With the pump I can make adjustments quickly and easily. I love it.

I've been on my pump for about 3 months now after 3 years of flex pen and I have to say I am super satisfied with the pump it's the best thing you can change to. The animas ping is the best as it is waterproof and it has a remote for better access. I always found it hard to be injecting myself while at school and always being in a hurry. With a pump you never have to worry about missing a shot

I hardly ever have surprising highs or lows and it is effortless to treat highs when I don't have to grasp and fit a needle. I resisted getting a pump for quite working hours, didn't want something "affixed" to me all of enough time.
plastic toy soldiers

I like using the pump it's very convenient especially in a public setting due to all you have to do is push some buttons and you can eat... I got on the pump a year before planning to get pregnant and got my a1c down to 4.5 during both my pregnancies I suggest getting it ahead of time and getting used to it also your body will be better prepared for the baby ....the diet is murder be prepared :) its all worth it tho I have two boys three and five and they are healthy and happy what a blessing the pump was for me as I know diabetics who have not been able to conceive due to their bs...I have also gotten off the pump for awhile and I missed it so now I've been on the pump since 2004

I've been on the pump for 5 years and I have to say its just preference. I love the flexibility but I have to say I miss being more care free. I miss just being rowdy and laying the grass or something and scared of damaging the thing. I returned my first pump because it cracked not because bumped it a lot but because after a while the battery compartment just brittles out or something. I'm actually going back to shots just for that reason but also I'm unable to afford insurance and I'm using up all my left over supplies before switching back to shots. Good sugars are attainable with both methods you it just requires discipline and test like 5-6 times a day more the better

I am suffering from diabetes last 5 years and continously using a insulin pump.it provide sufficient amount of insulin in a lungs.

I've been on pump for 16 yrs im a young 47 yr oldale and for the past 2 yrs I've had alot of issues w high sugars due to all the scar tissue damage from my sites. I have very little fat and can't place my silhouettes in a comfortable area anymore. I just stated taking shots again (Lantus & Apidra) ,this weekend :-( Wish there was another alternative ! I'm having to take a total of 9 shots a day, so far. This is gonna suck !
Looking for options !!!
Thank you

Insulin pump easier or not
 

Hello, I'm about to be a first time pump user after 20+ years of MDI. I'm hoping this will be easier for me. I'm use to taking my blood sugar & counting carbs often.:)

I don't really know that they are that much better, but they do force the user to count carbs and bolus for the carbs, which is a good thing in my opinion. I currently use this method with multiple daily injections (MDI) and I have very good control. I just have not made the move toward the pump. I can say that they are more more hidden and would make taking the insulin discreetly a plus if you are worried about such things. Most people that have them really like them and say that their control is better. Again I am not sure that this isn't most-likely attributed to the methodology of the pump.

Let us know how it works for you, if you decide to go that route.