Stumble It!
Pumped, on the OmniPod!
The day unimagined has arrived: I am a pumper. I am woman, I wear Pod. I can’t believe I haven’t injected myself in 3 entire days!
So far it’s so existence-altering, I hardly know where to begin… In fact, I’m trying to temper my
enthusiasm, so I don’t peter out too fast. Meaning I’m reserving my big Happy Dance for when I really start to see results.
But here’s how it went so far: On Monday, I met with my endo and the Insulet rep for training (they’re just starting roll-out here on the West Coast). We spent about 2 hours going through the setup and functions of the OmniPod “insulin management system” (please don’t call it a pump, ’cause there ain’t no tubes on me!) It was incredibly easy to learn, for one because the menus “walk you through” everything in plain English, and in part probably because I’ve been writing about and following the progress of this exciting new device for over a year. So I had a very good idea of what to expect.
Nevertheless, what I wasn’t prepared for was the huge shadow it would cast on my diabetes management up until now. There we were setting basal programs for .4 and .5 units/hour, plus temporary basal programs reduced to -25%, and calculations for “reverse corrections” (the system lops off a little of your bolus if you start out too low). And all I could think was how LAME my MDI regime was by comparison! There is NO WAY IN THE WORLD that even the most diligent diabetic could achieve the same BG control with the pathetic imprecision of injections compared to this high-tech wonder of medical science! I thought…
And my next A1c will absolutely HAVE TO reflect the difference. Which is critical, of course. The nurse ran a quick in-office Metrika kit A1c test on me and came up with a whopping 8.3 (!) Luckily, my doctor thought it was as odd as I did, considering my good results of late, so we had it re-tested at the lab. Got the results yesterday: 6.2 (!!). So much for on-site A1c testing. Geez…
As far as the system goes, I don’t mind the Pod a bit so far. Very comfortable. No need for irritating shower patches since it’s waterproof. What bugs me a little is that my endo insisted I start wearing my DexCom again for the first week of pumping, in order to track results, particularly overnight. So now I am double-sensored. Aaack! And I need to conduct fingerstick test on both the OmniPod’s built-in FreeStyle meter and the OneTouch necessary for DexCom calibration (I hate the OneTouch). Aaack x2! What we won’t do to thwart this stealthy disease…
Meanwhile, I adore the little PDM (personal diabetes manager) controller device, which has a nice smooth yet solid feel in the hand. It really does look and feel like your average well-designed personal organizer, so I’ve got a lot less ’splainin’ to do out in public.
And did I mention NO INJECTIONS? And NO TUBES hanging off my body either? What an unequivocally Happy Camper I would be…
… if it weren’t for the still-unresolved issue of insurance coverage. We continue to grapple with Blue Shield, which has approved me for a “standard” insulin pump, but is still pushing back on the OP (as of press time). We went ahead and moved forward on good faith that they’d turn around soon (Insulet has just hired a Regional Manager for this area, who will focus heavily on reimbursement issues). It’s only been a few days, but so far in my eyes the OmniPod is living up to its reputation for excellency — worth every penny we’ll be spending on it.
Editor’s Note: Got questions about the OmniPod? I’m obviously quite the Newbie, but would be happy to attempt to answer any queries to the best of my ability/knowledge.
Explore posts in the same categories: OmniPod-ing
Amy, I’m excited to read about how the Omnipod works for you. I just got an email that it became available in our area. I always wondered what the other pumps are like. And the Omnipod just looks so cool!
Posted by: David Edelman | February 22nd, 2007 at 6:52 amOkay, I have done no investigating into this device so my first question is — how is it attached to you?
Posted by: Laura | February 22nd, 2007 at 7:18 amSo so so jealous
yet VERY happy for you!!
Struggling here with endos who are resistant to prescribe it once it becomes available in Texas. Sigh… I will definitely point them to you blog. Thanks for sharing!!
We do intend to keep Mason on both Dexcom and the pod, for what it’s worth. He’s got the sensor and an I-port on now and it doesn’t bother him a bit wearing two things, fortunately!
Posted by: Becky | February 22nd, 2007 at 7:27 amCongrats on you decision to jump to pumping!
I’ve seen this device up close and personal recently and it is an incredible little machine. Good luck with everything!
Posted by: Kerri. | February 22nd, 2007 at 7:39 am“Your” decision to jump to pumping. Oh how I loathe a typo.
Posted by: Kerri. | February 22nd, 2007 at 7:40 amAmy,
welcome to the club! I’ve been on the Omnipod since June, and loving it. Soooo convenient. I’ll check back on this post in the next couple of days and answer a few questions if you or any other readers have any about the system.
Adam Kaye
Posted by: Adam Kaye | February 22nd, 2007 at 7:42 amCongrat’s! After starting on a pump, I sometimes wanted to be a “real” girl (not like pinocchio, with strings!) and go off for a day or two. But those days are long gone. I can’t imagine going back to injections. You are right–there is no way to fine-tune your control. For example, I can turn my pump down before an unplanned afternoon run and prevent a low that I might fight with if I had some long acting insulin floating around.
It’s not perfect though so cut yourself some slack with respect to your A1c if you don’t see immediate improvements. Especially, when you are messing around with basal rates etc., you might have a few more highs than normal…And, especially, since your A1c is already so good.
In addition to better control, I found that the pump basically “noramlized” my life. Of course, this was back in 1993 and MDI wasn’t standard practice, yet. But still, I can be having a conversation with someone and bolus without that person even knowing–not as easy with an injection (although we do get pretty good about being sneaky about it!)
Best wishes to you.
Posted by: Anne | February 22nd, 2007 at 7:51 am-Anne
I think on the pump vs. shots thing a lot of people are thinking, “Uhm…told you so.”
Good luck, Amy.
Posted by: Megan | February 22nd, 2007 at 7:58 amWelcome to the club although you seem to have moved right to the front of the line with that cool device! Congrats!
Posted by: George | February 22nd, 2007 at 8:15 amAmy-
Posted by: Mollly | February 22nd, 2007 at 9:14 amCongrats on your “insulin system” jump!
I’m eager to hear how insertions go for you. I’ve been eyeing the Omni Pod for a while, but I’m kinda squeemish, and don’t know if I could have the catheter go in without being able to see it.
Keep us posted, please!
Congrats! Before I went on a pump it seemed like such a hinderance, but the blood sugar control is amazing.
I have to get a new pump when I go out of warranty in May. How big is the “pod” and where are you able to where it?
Posted by: Catherine | February 22nd, 2007 at 10:10 amI’m curious about the cost. What is it costing you out-of-pocket? Do the Omnipod people consider paying you for the coverage?
Posted by: JasonJayhawk | February 22nd, 2007 at 10:46 amI never wanted the pump because of all the wiring. This looks great! (I checked out the Omnipod site.) Now I just have to get past my neurotic need to have the control and trust that little machine to do all the work! Does the cannula stay in your skin at all times?
Posted by: Larua | February 22nd, 2007 at 12:12 pmAny idea when omnipod might become available in Canada?
Posted by: Jennifer | February 22nd, 2007 at 12:16 pmThat’s awesome! The Omnipod was the first system that first peaked my interest in pumping. One question I have is, I’ve heard that the little pod is bigger than what some people expect it to be, do you find it noticable or bulking through your clothes any or does it still lay relatively flat
Posted by: alison | February 22nd, 2007 at 12:58 pmCongrats, Amy!!!
I’m glad you’re liking it. I can’t imagine our lives without the pump.
But, no tubes, how nice.
Posted by: Penny | February 22nd, 2007 at 1:58 pmCongrats Amy! Awesome news!
I second what Anne said – it is quite an adjustment switching from MDI to any kind of pumping (or whatever type of sub q infusion).
I’ve been very curious about this device. I imagine that I would feel that the “pod” is too big – especially when playing basketball and such.
I’m so pleased that you are trying it. I am very confident in your straight up opinions on how you like it.
Posted by: Scott Johnson | February 22nd, 2007 at 7:02 pmI’m a pumper myself (for 10+ years)and just started with a CGM. If only the “pod” came with a CGM life would be perfect. What I wouldn’t do to get rid of finger sticks AND tubes!
Posted by: Jen | February 22nd, 2007 at 7:18 pmAnd while we’re dreaming…
besides a little sensor, how about pods with 2 cartridges inside, one for symlin and one for insulin!
(Congratulations and good luck Amy!)
Laura G., pumper and symlin shooter
Posted by: Laura Gulley | February 22nd, 2007 at 10:09 pmCONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Pumping is super! But always double check how it thinks a little. My only problem with the omnipod is that I think I will loose the “machine part” or the PDM as you call it. How do you keep tract of where that is?
Posted by: Chrissie in Belgium | February 22nd, 2007 at 11:18 pmSomeone mentioned the pod with a cgm. I just read in Insulet’s SEC filing that they have an agreement with Abbott to develop an integrated Navigator/Omnipod receiver!! Cool beans!! I can’t wait!! Here’s the link: http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1145197/000095013507000827/b63591s1sv1.htm#116
Posted by: Becky | February 23rd, 2007 at 5:50 amMy doctor wants me to go on the OmniPod. However, it only holds 200 units of insulin and I require that in a day. I would like to know if you have seen a reduction in the amount of insulin that you are using since you have been on the OmniPod or any other type of pump (since I don’t currently use a pump). thx.
Posted by: David | February 23rd, 2007 at 9:30 amThis sounds way better than the Paradigm, if you ask me. I wonder why I’m only being told about a few types of pumps or management systems when there are so many out there. Congratulations on yours, and I’ll certainly put more energy into looking at alternatives. Let us know what happens with your insurance company!
Posted by: Connie Parrott | February 23rd, 2007 at 9:59 amA one, a two, a three…
We told you!!
Posted by: Allison | February 23rd, 2007 at 5:37 pmI agree with David completely… that’s the only thing that would prevent me from Omnipodding, it would get quite pricey changing the pod every day and a bit if it only holds 200 units.
Posted by: Michael Park | February 23rd, 2007 at 9:12 pmThat’s great! I started my paperwork for the Omnipod just this week to compare costs. I am just looking into pumps and there is one thing I’m a little confused about. I have read on many forums about the use of numbing creams for the insertion of the canula. This scares me to death! Do these pump insertion hurt that much that you have to numb yourself???? That freaks me out as much as the thought of having a machine on my body 24/7!
Posted by: BP Mantak | February 24th, 2007 at 8:05 amI’m on the opposite end of the spectrum – I’m hoping they come out with a smaller OmniPod at some point, since I only use about 25 units of insulin a day…and sometimes even that seems like a lot!
Posted by: Dina | February 24th, 2007 at 8:23 amOmnipods aren’t available around here.
Posted by: Jonah | February 25th, 2007 at 9:57 amThe real effort in diabetes management, it seems to me, is in knowing exactly what you’ve put into your body, and how your insulin sensitivity changes.
Welcome to the wonderful world of pumping, Amy!
I understand your thoughts on expecting your A1C to reflect the fine-tuning possible with the pump, but don’t set expectations TOO high right away. You know there’s tons of changes that come with pumping – basal adjustments more miniscule than you ever dreamed, carb ratios that suddenly change because of your changed basal, and the temptation to eat with abandon! This all impacts your A1C, but I guess what I wanna say is don’t get down if you don’t see a huge A1C drop at first. You will tackle this thing as well as you do everything else! I hope you have an overwhelmingly positive experience, as I did. Even if I’m stuck in the dark ages, getting caught on doorknobs with my tubing
Posted by: Kendra | February 25th, 2007 at 6:22 pmIt’s the best. My 5 year old has been on the omnipod for six weeks and diagnosed only six months ago. It changed everything for us. You can almost not think about it for a little while. I don’t know who is happier, my daughter or myself!!!! Good Luck and stick with it even when you hit some glitches. It is worth every effort.
Posted by: jennifer | February 26th, 2007 at 7:52 pmI’m with Allison
Posted by: art-sweet | February 27th, 2007 at 11:07 pmI’ve been on the pod since valentines day. I absolutley love it. I’ve been wearing it on the inner part of my upper arm. I hardley know it’s there. I predict that most people new to pumping will first try the pods. I tried all the pumps and for me, I couldn’t find a reason not to use the pod. My insurance, Aetna, covers 100% of the cost which will save me from all the co-pays associated with MDI’s.
Posted by: Jules | February 28th, 2007 at 8:42 amYour blog is great. As an endocrinologist, I wish all of my PWDs were so well-informed.
I have several patients who are very happily using Minimed (Medtronic) pumps.
I recently tried to get a patient started on the OP. His insurance wouldn’t cover it because they do not consider it an insulin pump.
Have you made any headway with you insurance company?
Posted by: David Erani, M.D. | March 2nd, 2007 at 1:36 pmHi everyone! Lots of interesting info. Could you please suggest where OmniPod can be purchased these days? Also, once the 200 units run out, how expensive is it to change? I have Blue Shielf of CA – not sure yet if it’s covered or what the cost is. Thanks.
Posted by: Michael Margulis | March 22nd, 2007 at 10:51 amHi! I began using the OmniPod system in late January 2007. I’m very pleased. I was on Lantus and Humalog multiple injections before this. My A1C’s have always been in the low 6’s, so I’m curious to see how much better they’ll be now. (My doc. says that if your BG’s are already good on injections, and if you are already very diligent about testing (I already tested at least 12 times per day on MDI) then your A1C won’t drop as much and your TDD (total daily dose) may be the same. The BEST thing for me is being able to sit down at a table with friends at a restaurant and to not have to visit the ladies’ room to inject before eating! The Pod’s insertion is painless. I wear it on either arm or either side of the abdomen, and plan to try it on my thigh during the summer (when I wear shorts a lot.)
You can shower and bathe with one on, so you can swim with one on, too!
It’s also great to be able to suspend insulin delivery during intensive exercise (or lower it during less intensive exercise) to prevent hypoglycemia.
Give it a try, if your insurance company covers it. MINE DOES!!
June
Posted by: June | March 26th, 2007 at 4:03 amReally, June? Which insurance company are you with?
Posted by: AmyT | March 26th, 2007 at 8:45 amhi everyone
Posted by: Mary Ann | March 26th, 2007 at 1:04 pmMy name is Mary Ann and I jsut am starting on The Omnipod today! It seems cool. I am a diabetic for 16 years and been on the minimed pump for 7 years. I am a Registered Nurse in Oncology. I am also trialing the Dexcom. Has anyone noticed a difficulty with the dexcom while wearing the Omnipod?
Could somebody tell me where can we purchase omni pod in Miami please?
Thank you and best regards
Posted by: Diana Castillo | April 19th, 2007 at 11:01 amI too am extremely excited about the omnipod system. I just recently found out about it and feel it will make a dramatic change in my lifestyle as I do a lot of sports. I am always worried about going hypo. However I live in British Columbia and not certain if omnipod is available in Canada yet.I’m keeping my fingers crossed!!Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn | June 4th, 2007 at 2:50 pmI have been looking into the OP and am really excited about it. I am pretty sure that San Diego now has a representitive as of today, so good luck to anyone in San Diego that is looking for it!
Posted by: brittany | June 22nd, 2007 at 9:19 pmHello:
My name is Lauren, I’m 18 years old and diabetes out of control, I saw this website and I am very intersted in this pump. I tried the minimed pump but didn’t like the fact that I had to wear it outside my clothing.
Can you tell me a littel about it. I was diagnosed at the age of 5 and I was in control until about 4 years ago. My a1c is 12.0 (terrible)
any suggetions
Posted by: Lauren Ortiz | July 11th, 2007 at 8:13 amdoes anyone know where in San Diego, you could get an Omnipod?
Posted by: kayla | July 19th, 2007 at 7:41 pmAnyone have an idea of how long it is safe to swim while wearing the OmniPod?
Posted by: Stef | August 11th, 2007 at 9:30 amI am in the market for a new pump. Been pumping for 10 years always had a Minimed. I’ve been having “issues” with the product and their customer service so I’m doing my research. I am intrigued by the OP ! They are definitely on the right track! I love my pump and would never want to go back to multiple injections…my insurance company has contracted with OP so I am weighing my options. I’m wary, its like people who have never pumped, I’m afraid to make the move from my “comfy” Minimed, but I think its time for me to move on.
Posted by: Norine | August 23rd, 2007 at 1:29 pmHello everybody!
Posted by: Jana | September 14th, 2007 at 8:27 amI was denied Omnipod by my insurance company. Anyone from NJ who was approved and can tell me what insurance company and plan covered it? I was thinking about Horizon BC/BS of NJ (they have good plans and Durable medical equipment coveres 100%) or AETNA but AETNA is expensive and plan that I could afford not so good. Right now I am with AMERIHEALTH and they did not approve of OMNI POD, explanation as NOT ENOUGH PROOF OF BEING DIABETIC made me to jump out of my skin (diabetic for 7 years, last 3 A1Cs over 7 and the test for insulin production in pancreas result “0″) I don’t know what other prove they need (although I was told by AMERIHEALTH representative they would cover any other pump!!!!!)
I am desperate as me and my husband want to have a baby but I am scared because of my results. Please help!
Very interesting site! Live in Canada…any news of when it’ll be coming to our neck of the woods?! My daughter is 12 years old and we’re hoping to get her going on a pump this year.
Posted by: Carmen | September 15th, 2007 at 1:21 pmThanks for any help you can offer.
Carmen
OMNIPOD-having problems with the adhesive, tried tegaderm under & over it. Any suggestions???
Posted by: Nicole | October 20th, 2007 at 2:39 pmCongradulations.
Posted by: Haley | October 29th, 2007 at 3:24 pmI was just wondering, how much did this magnificent pump cost?
Wow, this pod looks like just the thing I’ve been looking for. I’m on Lantus/Novorapid injections and have been considering a pump for about a year now but have always been put off by all the tubes. Unfortunately I live in the UK and it’s hard enough getting an appointment with an endo never mind getting a pump which is probably not available in this country anyway. Diabetes care seems so much more advanced in the US : (
Posted by: Katie | November 18th, 2007 at 7:45 amHi,
Do you know if one needs a prescription to buy the OP? If I live in Canada, can I go to the US and buy it then bring it back here? Can my endo here prescribe it (if a prescription is required)?
Thanks
Posted by: Jennifer | November 21st, 2007 at 4:29 pmCan’t seem to keep pods stuck on – used skin prep before putting it on, anything wrong with this batch of pods???
Posted by: Curt | November 22nd, 2007 at 3:56 pmJust test drove the omnipod. Best feature—painless insertion, and fewer parts to worry about. Worst feature—only holds 200 units, and the POD is pretty large. All in all, I may do a 45 day test trial. If it holds on good, it may be preferrable to my present minimed which is less user friendly, and is a genuine pain to insert.
Posted by: Mark | December 5th, 2007 at 12:40 pmI googled this management system. I currently have an Animas pump and although it had tubes, I was able to wear just about anything. My question… has any female found that the large pod gave extra lumps where we don’t want them. Did your tighter fitting tops/shirts/dresses look funny? If you were able to insert in a place where it could be concealed, please let me know. Once my insurance approves a new pump, I am stuck with that x5 years so I would like to make sure all of my questions are answered
Posted by: Felicia | December 6th, 2007 at 9:52 amHow does it stay on? When you run out of insulin do you throw away the entire pod?
Posted by: Kim | December 6th, 2007 at 10:20 amCurt,
I had the same problem, I called insulet and they recommended a product called MASTISOL, it’s a liquid adhesive I spray on before I put the pod on, it works and the pod stays on. The only problem is getting the pod off after 3 days ;o) It is over the counter product and costs about $36.oo.
Posted by: Jana | December 17th, 2007 at 1:16 pmI am wearing the Omni Pod 4 weeks now, and this was my best decision about diabetes so far. I LOVE IT. To answer some of the questions above:
Posted by: Jana | December 17th, 2007 at 1:37 pm1. I had the same problem about the Pod not staying on my skin, pulling the cannula out and having high blood glucose due to no basal insulin delivery. I called Insulet and they recommended a product called MASTISOL. It’s an over the counter liquid adhesive, the spray bottle cost me $36 nad you spray it on your skin before putting the Pod on. It works great!!! You might need a product called Detachol to remove it after 3 days, or just carefully take the Pod off your skin, because it holds really hard.
2. I was afraid about the Pod holding only 200 units for 3 days, the truth is I use less insulin than with the novolog, so 200 is more than enough.
3. I wear the Pod anywhere on my body and don’t worry about a bump on my clothes ( I am 28 years old) It’s something I need and I don’t care if it sticks out. It’s alwyas better than the daily injections.
4. As far as I know you have to contact insulin corporation to arder the omnipod. The paperwork has to be filled out and either insurance company pays for it or you can pay yourself.
5. After 3 days you throw the entire Pod away as you get enough Pods for 3 months ;o)
That’s what I could think of, anyway, it is great to be on Omnipod.
mi bebe de 2 años comenzo con omnipod y dexcom en diciembre 2007 y ha sido fascinante ver los resultados que hemos tenido.
Posted by: Keila | December 28th, 2007 at 2:07 pmNuestra endo no estaba deacuerdo pq viajamos a EU para hacerlo, pero vale la pena.
My husband just took off his minimed pump. He is very active and hated the pump. He says he will never go back. Our son also has type one. I was hoping my husband would love the pump (which he has been on for 9 months) and we could switch our six year old to the pump. Last night after my husband saw his endo, who told him if he didn’t like the pump he wouldn’t like the omnipod, my husband looked at me went and got a syringe injected a boulus of lantus and took the pump off late last night. Pretty much the look I got was this pump can go @#$*! itself. His complaints were numbered. Just a few are that the pump is bulky, he can’t enjoy getting in the pool and the tubing kept getting caught and pulled out of his infusion site. I have noticed my husband hasn’t been himself since he went on the pump. I got desperate and looked online. I found the omnipod. Can it help us? Please help a wife and mom who is stressing about my husband and son forever being on MDI’s. Ouch!
Posted by: Lauren | January 10th, 2008 at 9:06 amHi- My doctor just recommended the omnipod to me since my warranty is up. I am unsure of it though because of the bulkiness. I have been insulin dependent for 21 years and am only 26. I tell you that bit of info because my husband just recently learned how to insert my set (I’m on a pump) on my rear end. We are doing this because I have so much built up scar tissue that the insulin was not working on my tummy. I am wondering how I would be able to use the omnipod on my body in places other than my tummy? Would that work and if so wouldn’t there be a big bump from the heftiness of the omnipod?
Posted by: Sara | January 16th, 2008 at 2:02 pmDid your doc talk to you about taking a Lantus dose in addition to pumping? If you covered your minimum basal with Lantus, you could cut way down on your quick acting use per day. I did this for awhile because I was ripping the tubing out in my sleep and wanted some protection.
Posted by: Sarah Hodson | January 27th, 2008 at 10:15 pmAs a person who tucks any old thing into my sports bra (glucose tabs, lifesavers, ipod, banana) I find these “bump” comments hilarious. I cannot wear the pods on my abdomen because I am too active. (Abdomen skin moves 4 directions unlike the legs and arms where the skin only moves two) I wear it on the arm and leg, and yes people ask about it at the gym. seriously, it does not stick out as far as the holder I have for my ipod, hence why I stick the ipod in the bra all the time. Yes, I spend hours in the pool with my omnipod. It is great you only have to be near the PDM when you are making a change. I love the calculators and having your insulin and sugar levels together makes adjustments to your regimens sooooooooooooooooooooooo easy
Also, I was on the pump years ago, HATED it. And love the omnipod, so that doctor is another big-headed guy who did not hear WHY someone hated that tubing.
Also, I have not had near the skin troubles I had with mini-med adhesives.
Ask me anything
Posted by: Sarah Hodson | January 27th, 2008 at 10:32 pmI am concerned about new products for my 11 yr old niece w/ JD. Is there a chance of accidental overdose injection? If she “sneaks” hi carb foods (as she is known to do) will it be equally effective in regulating her #’s? Any further insight would be helpful.
Posted by: kate | February 21st, 2008 at 9:56 amHow is the pod at night while sleeping ? Does it pull or get in the way while ‘tossing and turning’ ?
Posted by: Rick | March 8th, 2008 at 8:04 pmMY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN USING THE POD FOR A COUPLE OC MONTHS.. WE ARE HAVING SOME PROBLEM WITH THE CATH COMING OUT BEFOR 3 DAYS SHE IS VERY ACTIVE IN SPORTS AND I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT… THANKS TAMMY
Posted by: tAMMY | March 13th, 2008 at 10:08 pmI’m currently doing a project(for school lol) on the omnipod and I would like to know if there are any must haves for my research report? I know that you can put it on your arm, leg, lower back and abdomen, and I know it have to be changed every three days or less and can hold up to 200 units. But I would like to know if there are any down sides to using the OmniPod. It is supposed to be virtually pain free and easy to use but you can never be to sure! If you go to http://www.myomnipod.com/ and you check out the stories there, there is one about Nick Jonas *a member of my favourite band I’m 14 btw
* and he says that he loves it and that he would never go back to the shots if he had a choice. If you can afford it from what I can tell this would be a great product to use! However it is only available to members of the USA guess that sucks for the rest of the diabetics in the world now doesn’t it? *I mean that in a friendly funny kind of way if you get what I mean*
Posted by: Robbie | March 16th, 2008 at 9:11 amMy youngest child (10 yrs old) was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes a year ago in April. It was quite a shock as there is absolutely no history of Diabetes in either mine or her father’s family. Just yesterday she started on the Omnipod (using saline initially to assure her comfort of use). We met with a nurse from the Barbara Davis Center who trained Téa on the use of her PDM within a matter of hours. Téa picked up the functions with no problem. At the end of the pod’s life (72 hrs) we are switching to insulin. Thanks to the pump we will now use only 1 type of insulin – instead of mixing Humalog with N in the morn, Lantus in the eve. Being in medical research myself I looked at all of the pumps on the market before making a decision. The “no tubes” means a lot, especially to a child. Omnipod is also working on a platform for continuous glucose testing, which will eliminate the need for finger sticks as well. The company reps were wonderful – working with our insurance until we were granted approval. They handled the insurance company completely, asking me only for the documentation that the insurance company required. I was amazed at how fast they were able to get things handled. We are extremely excited about this new step and are hoping it makes Téa’s life with Diabetes both easier and happier.
Posted by: Rachel Anderson | April 1st, 2008 at 1:05 pmOmniPod is a new company. I’m leary of putting my life in the hands of rookies. I heard that a girl bumped her OmniPod on a wall corner and it stopped delivering insulin. She didn’t know until she checked her sugar 4 hours later. Plus the insertion goes in at the same angle every time. I often have to vary my insertion depending on wear I am placing set. The CGM won’t be out for years! Remember you get what you pay for in technology and diabetes management.
Posted by: Isaac | April 11th, 2008 at 6:06 pmThe Omnipod will cost you close to $16,000.00 over 4 years for cash. It only holds 200 units of insulin, you’re tied to one type of infusion set with the same insertion angle, if you forget your handheld you’re screwed, if it stops delivering insulin theres no notification, no CGM (wave of the future). Good luck to all those that want a tubeless device. I say you get what you pay for. Oh yea… this pod is your lifeline! I would wait until device is proven and company is mature. I still say choose Minimed as they are proven, have leading technology, adn their local reps are knowledgeable. I found out that the Omnipod rep in our area comes from over 300 miles away. Whatever, this is my life I’m talking about.
Posted by: Isaac | May 8th, 2008 at 10:31 pm