Diabetic Recipes
Elizabeth commented on yesterday's Pump Nostalgia post, saying she has been type 1 for 38 years and has in the past resisted the idea of going on a pump. She wants to know what I find so thrilling about it.
For starters, and probably the biggest things for me, it's the precision and the convenience. As for precision there are a couple of aspects: I don't have to conform to a certain number of carbs to match my insulin:carb ratio. For example, like many people, I am more insulin resistant in the morning, so my insulin:carb ratio is lower. So if I'm having 45 carbs and my insulin:carb ratio is 1:12 and my sugar is within target, I can't take 3.75 units with an insulin pen. So I either have to decrease or increase the number of carbs or the amount of insulin and deal with the consequences later.
Also with respect to precision is the benefit of bolus units smaller than 1. A quick snack may only be worth 0.5 units. Or the "insignificant" carbs in things like sugar-free gum or a teaspoon of coffee creamer that can be taken care of with 0.2 units of insulin.
And then there are the tailored basals. With long-acting insulin like Lantus, you can't change the amount of background insulin you get based on the time of day. So folks with dawn-phenomenon or who are more or less resistant at certain times of the day can adjust their insulin intake instead of their food intake. Not to mention the benefits of knowing you have background insulin 24 hours a day. When I started taking Lantus I just did one shot a day. Then I got to the point where I didn't think it was lasting the full 24 hours, so I split my dose and took it once every 12 hours. With a pump, you don't have to worry or wonder about your medicine having run its course.
As for convenience, my pump is always there. I don't have to worry about leaving my insulin pen behind (which I frequently did) or go digging for it in my purse. It's just always there.
One thing this can all add up to is a lower A1C. I started on my pump in January 2008 with an A1C of 6.8. Less than three months later, I remained at 6.8, which my endo told me was excellent since most people tend to go up after they start pumping while their basal and bolus rates are being established.
This is why it works for *me*. I was eager to get started on a pump because I knew it was going to make life with diabetes easier for me.
I agree 100% with everything you said!!!! I've been diabetic for over 38 years too, and hated the idea of pumping. But in April, I finally decided it was ready to try. And I'm so glad I did - I love it. For all the reasons you mentioned. I had an A1C done a month and a half after starting was was disappointed that it had only fallen from 6.8 to 6.7, but my endo told me the same thing yours did. I can't wait to go back in two weeks and see where I am now.
My biggest fears about pumping were being connected all the time and having problems with if failing and sending me skyrocketing. From the start, I've hardly noticed I was connected to it. And there have been very few problems. When they do crop up, it's easy to catch them early (because I test much more often now) and you just fix the problem and move forward.
I honestly think for me, pumping is the best D-decision I've ever made!!
Karen
THANK YOU for all your words! I actually went to my very first Diabetic Educator this am...For now? I am doing better with the system of, the exchange system, and shots. I have to lose 40 lbs. And with that is going to be ALOT of changes...and since I have NEVER done the carb counting thing...for now...this is going to be easier for me. I am seriously doing all my research on the Omnipod. But for the future, not for now. I also found out that I lost FIVE pounds since Aug1st. YIPPPEEE. and I went directly after the appnt and joined a pool for water aerobic classes. I am going to do my darnest to focus on POSITIVE and not the NEGGIES. OH and the educator told me.....that due to statistics etc....she can tell me that If I hadnt gotten Kidney disease by now...I most likely will not get it. Another bonus.
Next week I meet with the nutritionist....who will put me on an official exchange plan( Old Dog...sometimes doesnt do well with the new tricks)
I am re - do'ing my whole diabetic care. and trying to stay positive at the same time. Thanks to everyone for being here!