Hi again!

I was recently diagnosed as a Type 1 insulin-dependant diabetic. I created a thread on these forums when I was first diagnosed for information (and what happened to me) at http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=253930

At the moment, I'm using the NovoPen 3 to inject insulin 4 times a day (3 rapid, and 1 slow release before bed).

At the moment, I'm on a 'set' dosage as I'm newly diagnosed, I'm going back to the clinic next month and I think she's going to start me on carb counting and using a ration of how much insulin to inject.

What I'd like to ask is how soon could I go onto an insulin pump, is it best to start with injections for say a year?
I did some research, but couldn't actually find much information about the insertion of the pump. How is it actually inserted into the body, how long can it remain there and so on?
How do they actually work? Do you have to program set units of insulin and press a button when you eat?

Any information is much appreciated!

Many thanks.

Hi Dan,

I don't think there's any set time on when you can go on a pump. I went on the pump in August and the nurse who helped me with that told me that there are a couple hospitals in New York that are trying a new program with putting newly diagnosed children right on the pump, before they even get out of the hospital.

The infusion set stays in for two to three days at a time, on average. I try to get as much time out of one as long as my BGs stay alright. If they don't, then I know that's the first thing to try...change the infusion set. You can get a device that helps you to put the infusion set in. It's similar to a lancing device. I don't know about all of them, but mine is spring-loaded, like a lancing device and shoots the infusion set right it...not a big deal at all.

With the pump, you just use fast-acting insulin, like NovoLog or Humalog and there is a set basal rate which covers you when you're not eating and then when you want to eat, you tell the pump (at least the one I have) what your BG is and how many carbs you'll be eating and it suggest how much insulin to take. This is based on settings you program into it like your insulin sensitivity (how many points your BG drops per unit) and your insulin/carb ratio.

I hope this helps. Hopefully there will be others around who also use the pump who can add to this. Good luck.

Sharon :)

Get on one as soon as possible. Why wait a year. If you learn how to count carbs thats the key with a pump. The beauty of the pump is once you get your basal (baseline correct) this means you get your bs stable without eating. You then get your bolus setup. This is how much insulin you need to cover the carbs you eat just like what your fixing to learn its the same principle. For every 10 carbs I eat I need one unit of insulin and one unit drops my bs 22 points(sensitivity. This varies on individuals. Knowing these parameters you put the values in a bolus wizard that resides in the pump(mimimed) You change the site every 3 to 4 days. Basically one shot every three to four days. Go to www.minimed.com and do some research.