Pump Treatment.
Treating diabetes with an insulin pump is one of the bests ways to get good control of blood sugar levels.
When a diabetic is on mdi's, they need to eat a certain amount of carbs for each meal and at the same time. With a pump, if the person isn't hungry, they don't need to eat. Also a pump works in a similar way to a pancreas in a non diabetic person.
For a person to be on an insulin pump, a basal rate is worked out for the diabetic to get over 24 hours. This is in place of the background insulin a person on mdi's has.
Then a bolus rate is worked out for each time the person eats. The pump will have a ratio of how much insulin is needed for each gram of carb. When the diabetic person eats they will enter into the pump, how many carbs they are eating and the pump will deliver a bolus of insulin.
As well as working out the carb ratio, the pump will have a correction rate for high blood sugars so when the diabetic has a high sugar, they can enter into the pump their reading and the pump will deliver a bolus to bring the sugar level back to it's target.
A pump site needs to be changed every 3 to 4 days. Here is a video of someone changing a mini med pump. Tom uses the mini med 520.
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Our sons Tom and Christopher and our daughter Amelia are type one diabetics. We pray everyday for a cure. We do not want one by illicit means though so don't support any organisation that contributes to Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Click on the photo of Tom and Christopher to read about why I am against using Embryonic Stem cells for a cure.
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Tom's and Christopher's insulin pump
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9 comments:
That was actually very interesting. :)
Still, it must be a pain for Tom and hard work for you.
Louise, Tom has a different needle now to that. When he first started pumping he had that needle because he was too thin for the quick set needle. The quick set needle is shorter and doesn't hurt as much going in. I also use an inserter to put the needle in. That makes it much easier. I will have to see if I can find a you tube of the inserter being used.
Oh I forgot to say, Tom uses the quick set now without any problems.
I just happened to come across your blog and wanted to leave a message regarding type 1 diabetes. I have been a diabetic since the age of 15. I am now 38. I began taking my insulin via syringes, but absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my pump!It has enabled me to get my HgA1c level down to 5.0 (which, for all intent and purposes, is a "non diabetic" level). I now have 2 children and the pump has enabled me to live my life to the fullest. We homeschool them and I don't miss a beat when it comes to joining them in all their activities! Diabetes is a big inconvenience, but it is possible with some planning. I wish you all lots of love and luck! You can do it!!!
Hey Lucy,
Thanks for commenting and letting me know about your experience. Tom's hba1c has also come down on the pump. When he was on mdi's he was getting a hba1c of 9 and 10. Now we usually get between 6 and 8. His last one was a bit high because he likes to snack without bolusing.
His younger brother has just started insulin and I have told Tom he needs to be a good example for him and show him how to look after himself.
God bless
Therese
Hi Therese,
That was so cool to watch somebody else change their site. But, I must admit that I am VERY happy that I have a Sil-serter. Much less intimidating than having to do it by hand like that.
I hope that things continue to go well with Christopher. We will include him in our family rosary.
Peace to you and your family!
Regan
Hi there,
I just found your blog after you left a post at Family-Centered Life....I too am a mom to a type 1 diabetic (my 4 year old, just diagnosed Sept. 08). We are pursuing the change from MDIs to a pump now--so finding your post couldn't have been an accident!! How helpful and timely! Will be adding you to my bookmarks and checking regularly!
Heidi
Hey Heidi,
Thanks for adding me to your bookmarks. Changing to the pump from mdi's has been great for us.
I hope the change is good for you too.
That is very informative and interesting.
My aunt has been on insulin shots for at least 30 years now and to get her to switch would not be something I would consider proposing to her.
BUT, soon she will be living with us and I like to stay up to date.
It is amazing and great how far this has come. So happy he can keep this under control because it is hard on your body when it gets too high.
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