Is anyone here on an insulin pump?

[SoCalDem]

One of our friends has one, and has had it for a few months now. He went to school to learn about it and has been a diabetic since he was about 3, so he's no novice to diabetes.

When he first got it, he was thrilled with how great it was, but in the last 2 weeks, his wife has had to call paramedics TWICE..

One time his blood sugar dropped to 21...and a few days later to 35..

She's afraid to let him out of her sight now.. They just changed the insulin type yesterday and did some kind of scan on the pumpo, so he's hoping things will be ok..

We are all sweating bullets..wondering if the pump is defective..:scared:


anyone else have this type of thing happen to them?

[WeRQ4U]

1. I'm on a Medtronic insulin pump.

I've only been using it, however, for about 2 weeks. So far, so good. I've gotten lows like that before. My lowest was 23. I've had 30's a few times. It's no fun at all. And it's a little dangerous.

My pump works like a charm. It keeps my Blood Sugars so well in check, I would recommend it to anyone who has the means.

[nutsnberries]

2. my daughter

she's been using an insulin pump for 2 1/2 years... this latest one (updated model) for 6 months. (both Medtronic MiniMed Paradigms - but I don't recall the model numbers offhand - I could check if you'd like.)

She has never had that happen to her. A couple of times MiniMed replaced the first pump model she used immediately when we reported the slightest of technical concerns. This most recent model is even better than the original, it can figure out boluses, including correction. However, as your friend must know, you MUST work to get all the settings and basal rates worked out to your personal needs and test blood sugar as recommended and count carbs correctly.

Our experience with these products has been excellent. It's hard to say how much of our success with these devices comes from the fact that her doctor and her Diabetes Nurse Educator BOTH have type 1 diabetes and use insulin pumps too. They won't recommend a pump they wouldn't use themselves. They have considerable first-hand practical experience. We are very fortunate for that. They've got us using a great product and they can work closely with us to keep rates and settings fine-tuned.

It's possible that your friend experienced pump malfunction, of course, I can't say.
It's a very detailed thing to discuss and I'm happy to if you like...

Short answer, we've never had an experience like that and we LOVE the insulin pump!

Best of luck to your friend. :hi: