Children and the Pump - Diabetes Message Board

OneCrazyLady · 10-01-2003, 05:59 PM

Hi, I wanted to see if there is anyone who could give me some info on kids and the pump. I have an 8 year old who developed diabetes almost 2 years ago. We have talked with the doctors and the diabetic educator. The only thing they tell me is that he is not ready. They say that since he is not able to draw the insulin out of the bottle himself, he is not ready to be on the pump. He seems to suffer from more highs, than lows, and has been in the hospital twice already from the highs. I am very concerned about the long term effects of these highs, which is why I am always asking them about the pump. Do any of you have any advice??
Thanks!

dwpavlik · 10-01-2003, 08:48 PM

Hello
I was diagnosed when I was 8. I had to do everything for myself at that time. That included sterilizing the glass syringe and the stainless steel needle and sharpening it as well. I feel that it is possible for someone at that age to handle all of these responsibilities. If you want information about the pump for children I would recommend going to the MiniMed webpage [url="http://www.minimed.com"]http://www.minimed.com[/url] they have an entire section on youth. Read it all and contact them. If your child is not interested in caring for making his levels stay low at this time,you are dealing with a problem that the pump will not take care of until he wishes to be under control. I have been in DKA 6 times and it took me years to understand. So work with him and the people that can give you assistance. I am here as well. I am, on the pump as well. I hope this helps you be able to make some decisions Let me know if I can help in any other way. Others on this board are glad to assit you as well. We have a great family of concerned assistants with lots of experience.
Don

SamQKitty · 10-01-2003, 09:25 PM

Crazy Lady -
Don't let your doctors tell you that he's not ready for the pump just because he can't draw his own insulin. I know of several toddlers (yes, TODDLERS!)who are on the pump. One is only 2 1/2 years old! The pump is excellent for getting better blood glucose control for kids.

I had a CT scan today, and the technician naturally noticed my pump. She started telling me about her 4-year old nephew, who has just started on the pump!

[This message has been edited by SamQKitty (edited 10-01-2003).]

OneCrazyLady · 10-01-2003, 10:15 PM

My son has tried very hard to keep his blood sugar levels normal. He is very in-tunned to his diabetes and knows when he is high or low and is very responsible about taking care of it. The times that he was in the hospital was the first time they diagnosed him with diabetes (this was after taking him to the doctor three days in a row and being told he just had a "bug"). The second time was a faulty monitor. I had checked it, took it to the doctor and had them check it, and the pharmacy. Every thing seemed fine, they said it was probably the "honeymoon phase". And it wasn't. So, he does not seem to have any emotional issues about being diabetic anymore (there were a few in the first few months).
But, where do I go and what do I do if all of the professionals are saying No, we will not let him have the pump? I live in a small town and there is only 1 pediatric office that takes our insurance. Even the diabetic specialist is saying No to us. If we could afford to pay it ourselves we would, but we are a family of 6 living on one income. Any ideas?
Thank you all for your advice!!

dwpavlik · 10-01-2003, 10:30 PM

Hello OneCrazyLady

I believe the MiniMed website can help. They will tell all about youths on the pump. They will also work with you in obtaining the pump. Please read all they have and view their small movies. This page can help you a lot in making your decisions and in getting help to obtain the pump. My comments about not being ready only have to do with if he was not desiring to have the pump and follow instructions. But the pump can be controlled by you and can be made child safe. There is an abundance of information and assistance on the webpage. Please give it a try.
Don