Patient experiences with insulin pump therapy
Although making the switch to an insulin pump can be a bit scary at first, most people after getting used to their insulin pump say they would never go back to injections.
In the video below Jane discusses her experiences of getting and using an insulin pump.
Here are some quotes from patients who have started insulin pump therapy:
“Remembering to inject was sometimes an issue, and if out, it could sometimes be difficult to find a place that was discreet or had good enough lighting to see what you were doing! Also, just the physical aspect of having to inject yourself several times a day can be tiresome.”
“I like the fact I’m not injecting 4 or more times a day. I also like how the pump can correct if necessary. It is very flexible in that you can eat when you want if you want and what you want. Also, I find the pump hard to hide sometimes which is a bit of a pain.”
”I was reluctant to take the pump on. My biggest worry was being constantly connected, especially overnight. This is the least of the trouble with managing the pump. Would not consider giving it up!”
“A pump is overwhelmingly superior to injections for control and flexibility.”
“Positive experiences are that you don’t have to inject, it’s easy to administer your insulin doses wherever you are and things like physical activity are much easier to manage. Negative aspects are sometimes trying to figure out where to put it with certain things you are wearing, getting used to being attached to a device even when sleeping – it’s just there all the time!”
“Benefits – you feel more secure in knowing that you can be flexible with mealtimes, exercise at short notice, change in plans etc. as your pump basal will cover the day to day insulin requirements, better blood glucose control and record of insulin delivery. And drawbacks of using an insulin pump – wearing it….sleeping, car seat belt, ‘bad’ sites, catching it on door handles, removal for bath/shower, possible malfunction and reliance, increased blood monitoring.”
“Basic challenges are remembering the type of functionality that a pump gives you. So it really has taken a year before I’ve become competent with Square Wave, Dual wave and temporary Bolus – but I wouldn’t say even now I’m an expert. That said – being from a technology background I would still like to see a smaller form factor for the pump (it is still quite bulky), and I also think there is a missed opportunity for more accessories for how to store/hold it on your person. Also how long will it take for an integrated phone app to manage all the information in a format that has been designed by a User Interface designer?! The scientists/engineers need to step aside! Even the pump screen flows are not intuitive. All-in-all though – I have found it a benefit for my lifestyle which is particularly without routine, and the pump allows for better management of that – and in most cases reduces my likelihood of hypo’s.”
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