[sarahc19]

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!

[janewayneusmc]

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.

[amccrazgrl]

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.
Join diabetesforums.com to read more about us pumpers and non-pumpers.

[jojodimme]

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!

[janewayneusmc]

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.

[robertsboysmom]

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!!

[sweets7rhg@aol.com]

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.

[AG0929]

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.

[goodwillhunting]

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!

[ferret]

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?