[ppa]

MDI or Pump Poll

[rogc]

It's much easier.

[macsbrew]

I would like a pump but my Insurance company (Arise) won't allow it.I inject 5-6 times a day but they keep saying "Not medically necessary". But I meet or exceed all there requirements. Darn bean counters.
Macsbrew

[dean200j]

Yes, the pump can be expensive, and yes, it may be difficult to get insurance to cover it and so forth. However, the benefits of the pump are astounding. I am currently completing my first degree in University and have played volleyball, basketball, badminton, and am currently training for my first half-marathon. What I'm trying to say is that the versatility with the pump is astounding. I can play all those sports without continual low blood sugars, simply by adjusting basal rates. I also consume fewer juice boxes and Gatorade bottles, making it easier to engage in continual activity. On the other hand, when I'm ill, all I have to do is click a few buttons to turn down the amount of insulin I am receiving. It makes it a lot easier to withstand gastroenteritis and various other ailments that make it difficult to eat. It also makes the accompanying ketoacidosis easier to manage.

I would like to say that, as a pump user, I would never go back to injections willingly. My first A1C after getting the pump was a 5.1, while my A1C during injections was 7.5 or higher (usually around 8.0). Pumps reduce the incidence of diseases such as kidney disease and heart disease that are complications of long term diabetes. As a young adult, those things are scary to me, only reinforcing my pumping 'habit'

[pippo]

Hello,
I am Filip, I am eleven years old. I have diabetes from June 2004, I use insulin injections, but now my parrents would like me to haves pump. What do you advise me? Insulin injections or pump?

[dano]

Filip;

Welcome to the Forum!

Most people either love or hate the pump from what I have read on the subject. If your numbers are such that you can try the pump, my advice would be to go for it and decide for yourself, whether you like the pump or not. Good luck with your decision!

[nwieler]

I was diagnosed in '98. About 3 years ago I lucked out and had benefit coverage through my and my wife's work so I got a pump. I love it. It does give you the freedom to check and then go out for the evening and not have to carry a bag which, although stylish for men, is still annoying when you have to bring it. That is the thing I love the most about the pump, a little more freedom. The only downside is that sometimes I feel so free that I forget to check. But that's my own personality issue.

If you want a pump but your insurance company is dancing the two-step, here's a little tip. Talk to your doctor and/or endocrinologist and have them write a letter to the IC stating that they believe that this device will benefit your overall health, and that they believe you should get one. A doctor's referral goes a long way, mostly because if it ever came to light that an IC ignored it, it could be really bad publicity. Also, review your plan. Look for any reference to medical devices. If there is any sort of coverage, bring that up when you next speak with them.

But one other really important thing to do is to research pumps. Spend time online reading reviews and finding out what features are important to you. "But the gadgets up the price." Once you get to a certain dollar amount my motto is: what's another couple hundred? Plus, this is essentially your new pancreas. This thing will be attached to you 24/7 and you will be using it constantly. It may as well be as cool and awesome as you want. Talk to the manufacturers. When I got mine, their rep came to me! He brought examples and showed me everything I needed to know about their product. And he threw in some cool stuff too. He even let me take some infusion sets before I even ordered the pump, so I could try them out to see if I liked them! That was really helpful. Also, they usually offer financing of some sort or they will wait for you to be reimbursed from your IC. Accu-Chek asked for a check, sent me a "paid-in-full" receipt and then waited for my IC to pay me before cashing. Not a dime was paid up front!

Finally, keep every receipt you get for the pump and it's supplies. I'm not sure how it is in the States, but in Canada you can claim every receipt for infusion sets, cartridges, anything pump related. Most pharmacies will provide you with a printout of your entire years spending with a total at the bottom when tax season hits. Plus, and this is my favorite part, there is a special section on your taxes where you can claim disability and get more money back. "But I'm not disabled, I'm just a diabetic." True, but you're connected to what is considered a "life giving device", like a pacemaker. Just make sure that if you're married, like myself, you have your tax person get you the form that allows your spouse to claim some of it too. That way you get everything you can back.

I know it's a lot of info, but I hope it was helpful.