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OmniPod Update
Speaking of anniversaries, this Saturday marked my three-month milepost using Insulet’s revolutionary new wireless insulin delivery system, the OmniPod. I feel I owe you all an update. So if the details of cutting-edge insulin pumping interest you, read on 
THE BIG PICTURE
On the whole, I’m at a loss for words to describe how thoroughly this product has changed my life. Let’s just say (conservatively), that I was taking about 6 injections/day before. That’s at least 540 injections I’ve been able to skip in the last three months. Hallelujah!
But skipping injections is a benefit of any insulin pump, of course. The thing for me is, despite the no-needles advantage, I am 100% certain I would not be a pumper right now if my only choice had been a traditional pump attached to my body via 43″ of plastic tubing. That’s still a big No Thank You for me.
With the OmniPod, it almost feels like all I have to deal with is a glucose meter. Period. Because the PDM (wireless controller unit) actually doubles as a glucose meter, and it’s all I need to carry around. (God, how I love that!) I just check my BG, and the bolus wizard tells me automatically how much bolus or correction insulin I need. I don’t even have to deal with the two-step process of using a separate meter and then plugging the results into my pump.
And that issue about losing the controller unit? Get over it! First off, we all have to carry our glucose meters around: do you lose yours regularly? I personally never have. Also, as one fellow OmniPoder put it: “It’s a valuable like my car keys or my wallet. They go with me wherever I go, and I’m careful not to lose those, either.”
THE NITTY GRITTY
Obviously, with any medical device determining your health and well-being 24/7, customer service is key. I wanted to note how fabulous the people over at Insulet have been — and not just to me, ’cause I publish on the web; I happen to know that lots of other customers are having the same great experience.
As a responsible blogger, I did want to report that after I complained here about the innacuracy of the OmniPod’s built-in FreeStyle meter, Insulet contacted me immediately and offered a replacement unit. Apparently the problems I was encountering are not common. I suppose I could/should have called them right away with my concerns, but I just assumed that most next-gen products run into a few bugs initially. Anyway, the new PDM unit arrived via next-day FedEx, and after a very long tech support phone call to help me transfer all my settings, I am up and running and highly accurate again! (Note to self: never work in Customer Support, as it requires too much patience)
As far as daily pumping goes, I’m still experimenting with correction factors and basal rate options. For example, I just learned that the OP “insulin on board” feature only shows insulin delivered as a correction — not a meal bolus — therefore I’ve often taken a post-meal correction too soon after eating, knocking myself into a nasty low. You live and learn.
I’ve set three different temp basals for workouts so far, and am still trying to figure out how low to go versus eating during and around cycling workouts. As any Type 1 serious about cycling will tell you, this is a science unto itself.
I’ve also been alternating belly and behind-the-shoulder sites — trying to predict what I’ll be doing that week for optimal placement. I hate wearing the unit on my shoulder during aerobics, not so much ’cause it looks silly as that it bobs around too much (even on my skinny arms). For cycling, however, it’s perfect on the shoulder. Although I find I have to contort a bit and hold the PDM behind my shoulder whenever I want to bolus or get a Pod status — otherwise it doesn’t connect. (All little stuff that shouldn’t be an issue versus the massive inconvenience of injections, but see? The OmniPod’s got me spoiled now…)
MIND GAMES
This might sound twisted, but I actually love changing the pod. It’s a very simple process, and every time I do it, it reminds me how very ecstatic I am to have the OmniPod. Lookey here! See that big needle? That’s not going in me, no sir! That’s just to fill the pod… and then click! the cannula is inserted automatically and I’m on my way.
OK, but the final truth of it all is, it’s still hard having diabetes… I’m still running over 180 a lot of afternoons (lunch is always such a crap shoot), and I’m either too high or too low many nights — often seemingly without rhyme or reason. USER ERROR, I know. What the MD’s might have once called “noncompliant”? Aw, shut up! Even with the greatest D-management tool ever invented, it’s still a volatile disease and I still want to have a life… What I’m most grateful for is that the people at Insulet Corp. seem to understand that.
Explore posts in the same categories: OmniPod-ing
Thanks for another Omni-Pod advertisement. If you weren’t posting these advertisements you wouldn’t have the unit. I live in California and tried unsuccessfully to acquire an Omni-Pod for months. They told me you got one because you write technical reviews for them. Thanks for the informative articles. When I saw that massive machine on your arm I decided to stop trying to get something that isn’t as good, for me, as my current pump (with a 23″ tube). I can remove it to surf, practice JuJitsu, Jacuzzi,or simply take a hot bath. I hope you aren’t offended by a more experienced pumper’s point of view (my latest HgA1c is 5.8)!
Posted by: Steve | May 22nd, 2007 at 7:43 amHi Amy.
Posted by: Carol the OALM | May 22nd, 2007 at 8:15 amWhat about downloading data? Does the omnipod create the cool graphs like the animas 1200 series? (now improved with series 2020, downloading bgs and carbs, too.) I am becoming dependent on the easily obtained data.
Hi Steve,
Posted by: AmyT | May 22nd, 2007 at 8:26 amI am not the only one in California with an OP. And I’m not offended by you, either. But I happen to know that you harrassed the company before you decided the OP was too “massive.” Can kindly stop posting your sour grapes here?
Hi Amy,
I just started pumping but chose a minimed. I’m a thin guy and can only imagine how the pod would stick out under my (tucked in) shirt. I guess for me it is an issue of appearance and not functionality. Hopefully, they will figure out a way to slim down the machine in future revs.
Posted by: Bob | May 22nd, 2007 at 8:48 amI’ve been minimed pumping for about 9 months now, and I must say, the tube totally freaked me out in the beginning, but honestly, not so bad in the long run. I barely even notice it. I do have a pump concern right now though - I left vital pieces to insert my pump 400 miles from me, and am waiting for it to be shipped back here. In the meantime, my sugars haven’t been below 300, and upwards of 500 in the night, and I can’t get back to normal. I didn’t have this much trouble before I started pumping. Is my body just used to the constant stream of insulin? Anyone else have issues when they disconnect from their pump for more than a few hours? (By the way, I just purchased an extra inserter for my “duh” moments such as this)
Posted by: Emiyl | May 22nd, 2007 at 9:02 amAmy,
Thanks for the insightful post, and no yelling at kids in this one ;)! I’m actually going through the process of picking out a pump right now. I love the idea of not having a wire attached to me but since I’m a more muscular guy alot of the clothes I wear are somewhat fitted (especially my dress shirts for work - thank you Kings Custom Tailor!) Given that I’m worried it will look like I have growth coming out of my body with the pod and also concerned that I’ll constantly rip the thing out - I have a habbit of bumping into things. But I’m concerned that I’ll have to detach the tube too many times during the day for going to the gym, changing clothes, going to the bathroom. Anyone have some advice on where I could get more information about my concerns? I have an appointment with a minimed rep tomorrow and met with my diabetic educator here in NYC yesterday, and I’ve probably read at least 50 websites on insulin pumps but alot don’t seem to address the basic concerns or more technical aspects.
Thanks!
Posted by: Ed | May 22nd, 2007 at 9:12 amLet’s make a deal - I won’t tell you to get over your issue with tubing, and you can skip telling me to get over my concerns about losing the PDA thingy, ok?
Pumping in general has been a fantastic option for me for the last 11 years. It’s exciting to see all of the great options out there - options that really address personal preferences. Congrats on your successful selection of an insulin delivery system!
Posted by: Kassie | May 22nd, 2007 at 9:33 amHi Ed,
Posted by: AmyT | May 22nd, 2007 at 9:37 amI think Insulet will provide you with a “dummy pod” if you just want to try wearing it for a few days…?
Amy
Thanks for the insight. Can you tell us anything about the software that goes with the unit?
For example, can you download you insulin dosings (basal and bolus)? Can you download your BG values? Does it have useful graphs? Any statistics?
Maybe you’d do a software review at some stage? hint, hint.
Posted by: Bernard Farrell | May 22nd, 2007 at 9:42 amHey Amy,
I’m glad you’re enjoying pumping with the pod! Of course we all have our own particular preferences, so what works for one may not work for everyone… That’s why it’s great to have so many options out there. I would suggest that most of the people who really work on technical aspects of these devices are trying to help make our lives better, and progress takes time. I remember when my dad used to test his blood and it required several steps, one of which included rinsing the strip or something like that. And that was a big step forward. I’d rather have a cure but in the meantime, it’s great to see that there is still progress being made to make our lives a little easier.
‘guess I’m in a good mood today!
-Anne
p.s. well, I’ll take the reference as me being “serious about cycling” as a complement! Thanks, Amy!
Posted by: Anne | May 22nd, 2007 at 9:55 amThanks for the update! I was just approved for the Omnipod, now I have to contact my Endo and the OmniPod rep to get things moving along. I’ve been waiting so long for this pump, unfortunately I’m a researcher and had heard about this pump long before it became available to anyone, so I’ve been waiting a long time. I’m a little nervous about changing, but only because I dread change, fact is I always come out of it okay though. I need to get rid of the tubing because I have pulled my set completely out too many times to count. Nothing I do seems to keep the tubing in place and out of snagging on something. I haven’t spoken to the rep yet, but my insurance told me my copay would be 20% of a 3 month supply, can you give me any idea what that might be? Just curious, like I said, haven’t spoken to the rep yet about costs or anything, was waiting for approval.
Posted by: Melissa | May 22nd, 2007 at 11:31 amMelissa
Hey Amy
Posted by: BP | May 22nd, 2007 at 12:12 pmThanks for the continuous updates on your experience with the Omnipod. I just got back from my endo’s office and my A1C has crept up from 6.3 to 7. I am so upset and frustrated. To add to the frustration, I am waiting on an appeal with my insurance company for the Omnipod. Seems a pump isn’t medically necessary. HA! I am hating this condition (and myself)right now and reading your posts really helps put things in perspective. Thanks!
You might want to write up a comparison of how the insulin on board (IOB) feature works across the mainstream pumps. Last time i checked the literature, the IOB calculation is supposed to consider all bolus insulin as a safety measure, not just corrections. I’m sure if my daughter’s pump only tracked correction doses as residual insulin that she wouldn’t be nearly as safe from the effects of stacking insulin. We also regularly run an IOB at night to see if her IOB is in line with her BG which results in the pump recommending no correction. This is accurate because of the meal bolus being included in the IOB calc. This begs the question for me at least as to why Insulet made this choice? Maybe a patent thing?
Posted by: Kevin | May 22nd, 2007 at 3:11 pmAmy. I too am celebrating my third month with the Omni-Pod and I do like it a lot. My insurance company, Aetna,covers 100% of the cost. So it is far cheaper for me to be on the omni pod than any other device. The only co-pay I have is for the insulin. I’m confused about your placement on your shoulder. Can you be more specific? I’ve placed it on the underpart of my upper arm but I’m not sure where you would place it on your shoulder. I received a notice from Insulet about a month ago saying their software would be available soon. Have you heard anything about this? My favorite part so far is waking up with normal glucose levels and I haven’t had a night time low in three months. I’ve come to realize that you can not have normal levels of glucose if you eat fast acting carbs…no matter how good the technology. I’ve reduced my carbs dramatically and it’s paying off. Combined with the OmniPod, I’m on my way to very good control. Thanks for all you do to get the word out.
Posted by: jules | May 22nd, 2007 at 6:18 pmJules
Dear Insulet Rep.,
Posted by: Steve | May 22nd, 2007 at 6:57 pmHarrassed the company? That’s a joke. I asked them why you were able to get a “Mega-pod” and I couldn’t. They told me you were an employee. Comment on that fact instead of attacking me. Diversion is a nice way to escape though. Does “sour grapes” mean I can’t get the “OP”? You say you aren’t the only one in CA. Tell all the Californians how to get this tubeless wonder…
Steve,
As you know, I am not an employee. I do some marketing writing for Insulet periodically, but made it very clear that if I became an OP user, I would have complete editorial independence here on the blog — good, bad, and ugly. Luckily it’s all been pretty good so far.
And they are working on the software, which is not quite ready for prime-time yet.
Posted by: AmyT | May 22nd, 2007 at 7:04 pmHi Amy,
could I ask you a favour, please? If you have the time, can you recheck that the PDA does not take meal boluses into account when calculating corrections?
If that is indeed the case, it would mean that the IOB is completely inaccurate while there still is active insulin from a meal bolus, wouldn’t it?
Thanks for checking –
Posted by: Felix Kasza | May 22nd, 2007 at 10:45 pmFelix.
Felix,
Posted by: AmyT | May 23rd, 2007 at 6:53 amThat’s what the Customer Support folks told me just a few days ago (?)
Looking and thinking more about the OP, it sounds really appealing. I think the main advantage it has is combining the meter and pump into one thing in a smart way. Streamlining the BG correction process by suggesting a correction bolus makes it that much easier to, well, correct a bolus! Now they just need to figure out how to get a CGM in there, too. I guess that’s where the Minimed Paradigm really wins out. I wonder what people on the Paradigm think about their CGM/pump system…
My only concern with the OP (which is probably equivalent to OP users’ concern over tubing) is having a biggish bump on me. Is it heavy? Does it pull on your skin, especially when you wear it on your arm? Where can you wear the thing? And would it slow me down when I swim??? (the most important question :)) One last question. Is there any way to turn it off (completely suspend basal rate etc) without the handheld device, aside from pulling it out?
-Anne
Posted by: Anne | May 23rd, 2007 at 8:28 amAccurate Calculation of Insulin On Board (a.k.a. - IOB)
Wow. Based on what I read over at Amys blog, its disconcerting that there is an insulin pump on the market that does not consider residual insulin from a bolus entered to counteract carbohydrates (carb or meal bolus) - only insulin boluse…
Posted by: Challenge Diabetes | May 23rd, 2007 at 10:22 amAmy,
Posted by: Chris | May 23rd, 2007 at 1:24 pmI can’t believe you would really take 6 shots/day rather than be connected to a pump with a tube. Sure, I wish my minimed did not have a tube, but I’ll take it. I am a VERY active professional equestrian and have not had ANY trouble with the tube working around horses all day and galloping and jumping fences at high speed. And I surely love my A1C at 5.2, not to mention that I am pregnant and could in no way have managed to get through the hormonal changes of pregnancy without the pump.
Granted, I would rather be on a pump than shots, but the tubing can get in the way. I’ve tried everything to tape it down and what not. So far I’ve zipped (and severed) the tubing into my jeans zipper twice, I can’t even count how many times in the past 4+ years I have caught the tubing onto a cabinet/cupboard handle and ripped the infusion set out, not to mention I have 3 cats, 2 of which are still kittens, 1 of which is abosuletly in love with playing with the tubing. And wearing dresses is dang near impossible, in fact I gave up. I am looking forward to using the OmniPod.
Posted by: Melissa | May 23rd, 2007 at 7:16 pmI’ve been on the OmniPod for 18 months and love it. The IOB feature does incluce all IOB and not just corrective bolus’s. I usually wear mine on the back of my upper arm. For those of you who think it’s large, remember that it’s about 1/2 the size of a conventional pump. For the first time in 50+ years as a Type I, I barely realize I am one and the Pod is so unobtrussive that I usually need to feel around to find our where it is.
Posted by: Andy | May 25th, 2007 at 8:03 pmHello, I have been on a Minimed Pump for 10 years, jsut recently changed to the Omnipod. I first tried to see if my insurance would cover the new real-time glucose monitoring supplies that just came out with Minimed and they said NO. So, my doctor introduced me to the OP. I thought how cool would it be to be wireless, even though I have learned to live with the wire and know how to hide it well on the Minimed. Its only been a couple weeks with the OP, and I am having a hard time getting used to it. I am a very thin person and it doesn’t hide well at all. I was just thinking about wearing a bathing suit and not being to hide it. I don’t know if I am going to keep this now, but I was curious to see what others thought about it as well, so here I am reading blogs :-). I have a great relationship with Minimed, and I have heard that even though your insurance company may denyyou coverage for the new CGM product, they say appeal, appeal, appeal, and don’t give up. I asked OP if they plan on having this technology and they do, but I’m sure it will be down the road, they don’t have any dates yet. NOW, I am sitting here debating with myself on which one to go with. Maybe I need to give it some more time to get comfortable. My husband tells me it shouldn’t matter how it looks on me, but that its a better technology product all rolled into one and more convenient for me. But I am having a real hard time with the appearance of the whole thing and definately how I am going to wear a bathing suit with it :-)……?!?!
Posted by: Donna | May 31st, 2007 at 2:29 amAmy:
Back in TuDiabetes.com, one of the members was wondering about the pros and cons of the Omnipod vs. the Minimed with CGMS:
http://www.tudiabetes.com/forum/topic/show?id=583967%3ATopic%3A2841&page=1&commentId=583967%3AComment%3A3066#583967Comment3066.
Would you be able to help?
Posted by: Manny Hernandez | June 3rd, 2007 at 5:24 pmI’d to provide my reaction to the Omnipod, which I have been using since August, 2006. This is my first pump, so I don’t have anything to compare it with. I have had diabetes for 44 years and have injected insulin during that time. I have struggled with the Omnipod and have thought about stopping the pump and going back to injections a couple of times. When it works, I am very happy with it. But, I have had many defective pods. It seems like 10%-20% of all of the pods stop working for some reason while they are on and they start beeping with the message to disconnect and put on a new pod. Sometimes the pod will fail while I’m out during the day, and always for no apparent reason. I wonder if other people have had similar results. The Omnipod service people are always very good and replace the pod immediately at no cost. They ask for the error code that the device provides, and only once have they said that the failure, an occlusion, is not one that they pay to replace (They still replaced it even though they said the next time they would not be able to replace it). I am currently in Switzerland teaching a two week college course and I’ve had one pod failure. As a result of the numerous failures, I have started to carry a bottle of insulin and syringe with me when I leave my apartment for any length of time. I am very careful following all instructions precisely and I don’t believe that it is anything that I am doing wrong. If you or anyone has had a similar experience, I would be interested in your thoughts. Omnipod has told me that their failure rate is only 2% and my experience is at least a 10% failure rate.
Posted by: Bob | June 12th, 2007 at 12:54 pmMy 3 year old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 in february. Her mother wants to put her on a pump. I do not want her on the pump at the moment due to the fact there were several days where she was not tested consistantly. That since has been corrected. I, despite my hesitation to a pump, liked the minimed, she likes the OP and was wondering what advantages and disadvantages exist to what would be best for her. She is always high with her but rarely out of her range with me as I have a large focus on nutrition. Any advise? Thanks,
Posted by: Clete Boothby | July 18th, 2007 at 4:42 amClete
My daughter is 6 years old and she is interested in the Omni pod, me and my wife like the idea of the Omni pod and the freedom she will gain out of it. One of the many concerns we have is the customer support, any one can advice us on how is the customer support at Omni pod is like. Thanks
Posted by: kal | November 6th, 2007 at 1:58 pmI am considering the Omnipod. I am however concerned about ongoing cost. If the pods are $35 apiece, how much of that does the insurance cover? If any or is it just another prescription in which they cover anyway?
Posted by: david | March 28th, 2008 at 6:36 pmI’ve had the same minimed 507 since 1996 and though it still works, it gets so nasty inside because I hide it in my bra. Do the pods stay clean for the 3 or so days they’re in? If you go out dancing and sweat and don’t shower right away, what’s it like? And could someone please answer the question about the sagging on the skin that someone asked? I’m of average build so shouldn’t have this problem, but I’d prefer an objective answer instead of a Rep’s. Thanks from Seattle, AB
Posted by: ardis | April 27th, 2008 at 11:28 amDavid:
It depends how many percent your insurance covers under Durable medical equipment. Mine covers 100% so I do not pay anything for the pods, some insurances cover only 50%, then the person is responsible for 50% of the amount.
Ardis:
Posted by: Jana | April 27th, 2008 at 12:50 pmI have the Omnipod since November 2007, so far, the pod is not so heavy that it would pull your skin or it would be sagging on the skin, I don’t even feel the pod, sometimes even forget where I wear it ;o) The pod stays on skin perfectly for 3 days if you do not bend or move your muscles too much in the place you have the pod on, otherwise, Insulet told me about mastisol, which holds the pod firmly in place, and I have a problem removing it after 3 days (they recommend Detachol for removing it) but I have a skin reaction from that product, so I use it only when necessary. Otherwise, Omnipod is great, now I am trying to find a place where to hide it during the summer months ;o)
Hi, I have been using a minimed pump since 2006 and have been thinking of switching over to the Omnipod. One of my main concerns is placement of the actual pod. I attach my minimed to the back of my waist area so that my pants or skirts sit right above it. I want to put the pod in the most discrete area, but since it’s a little bulkier, I am not sure where to put it. Suggestions please???
Posted by: Chrissy | May 27th, 2008 at 2:15 pmI too have just started the omnipod…it is a little over a week now and it is wonderful to say hte least. I have been able to get my gluclose level under control very quickly. The only issue I have is frequent occlusion errors. I have been through 5 pods. I am not sure why I have the issue. but after reading this blog I will contact Insulet and speak with them.
Posted by: Deba | July 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 am