If you have a question about insulin pumping, all you need to do is pick up a copy of the fifth edition of Pumping Insulin, the encyclopedia of all things pumps by the legendary husband-and-wife team John Walsh and Ruth Roberts. Their first edition was published in 1989, and Pumping Insulin is considered by many to be “the Bible” on insulin pumps. What makes John and Ruth such experts?
John is a Physician’s Assistant and Diabetes Clinical Specialist in Escondido, CA, while Ruth is an experienced medical writer and past board member of what was the Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association (DESA).
And John’s been wearing an insulin pump for 30 years (!) In fact, his own experience wearing an insulin pump is what inspired them to write the first Pumping Insulin book because back then, there were no resources for people who wanted to understand how to use them better.
John was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 5 years old (I didn’t have the guts to ask how old he is, but I assume it’s been awhile) and he and Ruth have been married since 1974.
Their book is an all-encompassing resource, so some of the information is geared toward newbie or potential pumpers while other chapters are designed for advanced pumpers. The first half of the book covers the basics of pumping, basal rates and bolus calculators. The second half of the book dives into problem-solving and fine-tuning, such as exercise, post-prandial spikes, and even dealing with skin and infusion site problems.
Pumping Insulin is a very engaging book, chock full of worksheets, calculations, graphs and charts for you to make your own personal adjustments. There is a section on understanding carbs and the Glycemic Index, and while some have criticized the nutrition recommendations in past editions, keep in mind that this is not a diet book and that with food, your own mileage may vary.
Many pumpers are now using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in conjunction with their pumps, either the Medtronic pump/CGM combo or the stand-alone Dexcom. In this new edition, John and Ruth have included chapters on how a CGM can help you manage your diabetes and additional new info is sprinkled throughout the entire book.
Still not convinced? Check out our interview with John and Ruth at this year’s American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions:
Pumping Insulin is available at The Diabetes Mall for $19.55.
The DMBooks Giveaway
Once again we’re giving you the chance to win a free copy of our latest book reviewed. If you’d like to win a copy of Pumping Insulin, check out the instructions below.
Entering for your chance to win is as easy as leaving a comment!
Here’s what to do:
1. Post your comment below and include the codeword “DMBooks” somewhere in the comment (beginning, end, in parenthesis, in bold, whatever). That will let us know that you would like to be entered in the giveaway. You can still leave a comment without entering, but if you want to be considered to win the book, please remember to include “DMBooks.”
2. You have until Friday, June 29, 2012, at 5pm PST to enter. A valid email address is required to win.
3. The winner will be chosen using Random.org.
4. The winner will be announced on Facebook and Twitter on Monday, July 2, so make sure you’re following us! We like to feature our winners in upcoming blog posts, too.
The giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere. Best of luck, (potential) pumpers!
Love John”s book and can’t wait to read the new edition! -DMBooks
DMBooks – Looking forward to reading the latest edition.
my partner just started pumping and we’d love the new edition- DMBooks
DMBooks – Can’t wait to read the new edition!
DMBooks. I’ve owned the 1st and 2nd edition, so I’ll have to get a copy of this one. John and Ruth’s work is so good, looking forward to reading version 3.0.
Would love to read the new edition with the info about CGM-just started on one!
Doh, forgot to include DMBooks
Thinking of pumping – DMBooks
DMBooks! Looking forward to what more he has to say.
I’m currently researching different pumps and ready to take the leap (first timer) Would love this DMBooks giveaway to help get me started!
@Glen check out the Tandem t:slim pump. It won’t be available until August, but it looks like it resets the bar on pumps.
We just received my daughter’s pump after being on shots for 2 years and will begin pumping in the next month, so we would LOVE to win this book. Code: DMBooks
I don’t pump yet but when I do these DMBooks might help me!
Great job. Looking forward to the newer version. Too many people expect the pump to just work and do not put the time into the specificity needed for better control. As always have a great day.
DMBooks – looking forward to reading another professional take on pumping.
Always a great resource!
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DMBooks – already have a CGM and just now considering pumping after more than a year of MDI’s and would love this book! (diagnosed T1D at age 43!)
I was diagnosed at 43, too. I can’t always tell if something is caused by the diabetes or middle age!
DMBooks – DMBooks – DMBooks – The original edition was considered by me to be a GREATER thing than sliced bread. I look forward to the new edition and what’s been added and changed in the 20+ years since.
DMBooks- very interested to see what info they h e since I have two pumper kids in my family
DMBooks! Great giveaway. I enjoys reading him, he has such knowledge and information to share about pumping. I do consider it a wealth of information.
I’d love to read the updates about using CGMs. DMBooks.
DMBooks: I was fortunate enough to meet John Walsh at a DESA (then IDAA) conference ~1999, when I had first started using an insulin pump. In just a few minutes of talking, John gave me some essential tips that solved a pump problem (it was a basal problem). His book is awesome and I recommend it to people all the time! Thanks, John, for this incredible gift.
DM Books–Loved the older edition and am looking forward to the new one!
After 34 years of injections i’m finally looking at getting a pump – i’ll be getting myself a copy of this book, whether by luck (winning) or by purchase – DMBooks
I just started “pumping” in June 2012 after being on insulin injections for 54 years. I have been able to maintain much better control of my BG readings with the pump. Also started on the CGM in June as well — I’m all about monitoring now! (DMBooks)
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Just started on my insulin pump, this book would be so useful!
if you want to win the book Sarah you need to add ( “DMBooks” ) in your comment. good luck.
We are fairly new with a pump and would love to know more tips and trips. Think this book would be most helpful -”DMBooks”
DMBooks – I’ve had this on my list of “must reads” and still haven’t gotten to it even though my daughter has been on a pump since November.
Is it a problem if I’m not on twitter or facebook? Not enough hours in the day…
As a firefighter and EMT, this would be a great resource for healthcare providers to help educate diabetics that might have issues with their pumps, etc. Thanks for the great info!
DMBooks- As a long term pumper I always learn reading insulin pumping books…just like turning into DiabetesMine.
DMBooks – my old edition is getting frayed.
Terry
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Been pumping this insulin for a couple years, diagnosed in 2008. Time to get down to business.
My daughter has been pumping a few years now. Looking forward to reading this book. – DMBooks
DMBooks…My daughter is considering an insulin pump… sounds like a book to read to better understand when making my decision!
DMBooks: We just started pumping. Would love to go deeper into detail on bolus calculation.
DMBooks – I got the last edition and need an upgrade
DMBOOKS – I have an old edition of Pumping Insulin and its my go to book – need the new edition!
DMBooks would be a great thing to win about now because my endo wants me to go on the pump. Have had T1D for 40 years, so maybe it’s time.
DMBooks, would love to read book about pumping insulin
“DMBooks” sounds like an excellent book to help with my three year olds diabetes pumping
DM Books. I’ve been a pumper for 14 years and a type one for3 2 years now. Always open to new information!
I just submitted a “request to purchase” for this edition for my local library. DMBooks
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DMBooks. Pumping Insulin is a great resource book. I have an old one and the latest edition would be a nice addition.
DM books! I loved the last one… and am looking forward to reading this one!!
As my daughter has type 1 and pumps, this sounds like a good book. DMBooks
DMBooks — would LOVE to get the new copy. My 3rd edition is well worn with use!!
This book sounds like it would be very helpful. DMBooks!
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My local library has the 4th edition….wonder how much it has changed in the 5th edition?
Sounds like a great read! DMBooks
Can’t wait to read John’s re book. Excellent resource for all Pumpers. DM books