need info about insulin pumps please

[crecian]

I have been a diabetic for almost 15 years. first I was put on oral medications without much change in my glucose levels, then I was put on insuline and have tried long acting, by itself and in combination with short acting. I have gotten up to over 200 units of long/short acting combo insulin per day and am still not seeing good results (glucose levels range from 122 to 326 on 2 different days when I have eaten the exact same thing at same times and same activity levels).

So, my doctor thinks I need to start using a pump for the insulin to get continuous doses as well as extra as needed...But, I want to know the good, bad and ugly before I see the endocrindologist so can address all the issues that may or may not arise for me in advance.

Thanks in advance

[JulieDB]

Sorry I can't help but can sympathize. I had gestational diabetes when pregnant. Daughter is 13 now. Just after her first birthday I was diagnosed with type 2. I did okay for a couple of years except for frequent hypos when I was hyperthyroid due to too much medication that it turns out I didn't need. Was on diabetes meds then off then on more.

All downhill from there. Currently I am on 4 different kinds of insulin and 2 meds. Nothing seems to help. I do watch my diet like a hawk and that doesn't help either.

I can't personally see how a pump could help but maybe there is something I don't know? I do know it can be hard to get some insurance companies to cover a pump for type 2's.

[JrandMdB]

The only real drawback that I can mention is initial.. cost number one and getting your dosages right second. The new pumps make life a lot simpler once they have your dosages set correctly. The pumps now offer indicators for when you are sleeping that will alert you to highs and lows ect ect. I would highly recommend one for anyone who is diabetic. The only thing I can say that my son doesnt like is the moving of the port injection site every few days but 1 injection versus numerous shots seems worth it to me. Good luck!

[Rene S]

My dad has been type 1 for 35 years. He's had a pump for 7-8 years now. First, docs will NOT just give you a pump and send you on your way. Dad had to count and measure his food for six months first, based on his carb allowances per meal. Then, he and my mom went to a full day of training on the pump. Of course, there are also several followup appointments after you start using it.

You will need to move the injection site every few days (or you'll get a rash/painful feeling there). My dad has discovered that contacting the company for supplies can be a PITA, so always make sure you have enough supplies on hand.

Like other posters said, COST is high, and you may need to jump through hoops for insurance coverage. That being said, my dad's overall health has improved since using the pump.

[3timesoccermom]

IMO with your sugar levels varying that wildly plus the amount of insulin you take if it were me I would only see an endocrinologist. If you haven't seen one yet please do, ASAP, they may be able to get things fixed up and more close to normal without resorting to a pump.

Have you tried Byetta?

BYETTA (exenatide) injection | Welcome to BYETTA.com

BYETTA (bye-A-tuh) is an injectable prescription medicine that may improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, when used with a diet and exercise program. It can also be used with metformin, a sulfonylurea, or a thiazolidinedione.
What BYETTA offers you

• Improved blood sugar levels, as soon as day one
  
  • Clinical studies have shown that with the 10-microgram (mcg) dose, up to 4 times as many people taking BYETTA with certain diabetes pills reached their blood sugar targets compared to those not on BYETTA. When BYETTA was taken alone, significantly more people reached their blood sugar targets with the 10-mcg dose compared to those not on BYETTA.

• A chance to lose some weight
  
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• Premeasured doses, easy-to-use pens
  
  • You don't have to measure your dose or adjust it based on the size of your meal or how physically active you are.