How do you know when it’s time to switch from insulin injections to an insulin pump? As your insulin needs increase over time, you may find that a pump is a better fit for your lifestyle. Below are some questions as well as hesitations that I had before getting on a pump…
- I don’t want ANOTHER thing permanently attached to my body! (In addition to a continuous glucose monitor)
- What if the pump malfunctions and I get too much insulin but don’t realize it?
- Relying on an insulin pump is going to make me feel somewhat defeated and is the final step in being a full-fledged diabetic.
- Where do I put it if I’m wearing a dress?
- I’m just not ready for a pump. It feels overwhelming and another thing to try and manage.
It took me several months and a bit of researching before I felt comfortable trying an insulin pump. But once I changed out a few insertion sites on my own and learned how to operate the pump, it made a significant impact on my stress levels when it came to managing my diabetes. I honestly had no idea that it would relieve so much of the
dailyhourly weight of responsibility that I felt. Curious about some of the benefits of being on an insulin pump? I’ve been on one for over a year now and have discovered that there are many advantages! *my experience is with the Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ.
- No more injections!!! You don’t have to give yourself a basal insulin injection in the morning; the pump provides you with a small amount of it throughout the day as well as mealtime boluses.
- At mealtimes, all you need to do is type in the number of carbohydrates you’ll be eating. The pump has a setting that remembers your breakfast, lunch and dinner ratios so you don’t have to try and remember which number to divide your insulin dosage by.
- If you’re using the Tandem t:slim X2 with Control-IQ and experience a high or low blood sugar in the middle of the night, the pump will automatically either increase or decrease your insulin dosage, depending on your glucose levels.
- There are a lot of safety features on the Tandem t:slim X2 that will keep you from getting too much insulin. I’m assuming that other pumps offer these features as well, however, I only have experience with this specific pump.
- Once you get the hang of changing your insertion site, it only takes about 10 minutes.
- You won’t have to carry insulin pens around anymore!!!
- When you’re at a restaurant or a public event, it’s much more discrete (and easier!) than giving an injection.
Extra recommendations just for you!
- If you’re wearing a dress or a skirt and looking for a good place to keep your pump, I HIGHLY recommend a Girly Go Garter. There are secure pockets in the garter where you can safety store it and best of all, it won’t slide down your leg! It’s a great way to be able to wear your favorite dress without having to worry about your pump slipping off or showing underneath your clothes.
- Another favorite product recommendation for you is the Diabetic SPIbelt. If you’ve ever experienced the horror of your insulin pump falling out of your pocket and the cord/tube catching before it hits the ground, this product is for you! It’s a thin, lightweight sports belt with a secure pocket. I generally wear mine when I’m at home sporting a pair of yoga pants that I know won’t keep my pump securely clipped to the edge of my pants.
- And finally, if you’re struggling to keep your insulin pump cool during the summer months, the FRIO Pump Wallet is an amazing product! It’s activated by water so you don’t have to worry about trying to remember to put it in a freezer or cooler. Plus, it retains its cooling properties for two days! There is also a belt loop on the wallet that allows you to attach it securely on your pants.
If you’re thinking that it may be time to try an insulin pump, talk with your endocrinologist. They will be able to answer many of your questions and may even connect you with a diabetes educator who can advise you on any additional concerns you may have. You may be glad you tried it!
