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July 4th, 2009
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A week into insulin pumping, I have to report that I absolutely love it. Love it, love it, love it. All of my worries and fears about it have completely been erased.

 

My blood sugar has never been better. I feel so much more stable and in control. And because I'm not dealing with the constant fluctuations, I'm not starving-hungry all the time.

 

I worried I'd have lots of lows, and knock wood, I haven't gone under 70 yet. I was also concerned about having a pump on me at all time. I thought the tubing would be annoying or the constant reminder of the pump would make it hard for me to sleep. I haven't experienced either.

 

The biggest change I've noticed is that I no longer feel restricted. I can eat fruit between meals with just a few clicks. I can go back for seconds of a delicious dinner. And while that may sound like a dangerous proposition for a girl who is still trying to shed the baby weight, I've used this new power judiciously. 

 

In the past, I would look at my plate and estimate the carbs, then take enough insulin to cover it. Knowing that I'd already taken the insulin, I had to clean my plate. It didn't matter how good or bad the meal was, or how hungry or full I was, I was eating it all. I couldn't follow my hunger-satiety cues. I was  bound by the clock and the insulin I'd already taken. No wonder I wasn't losing weight.

 

With the pump, I can say to myself, I'm going to have a small portion and if I want more, I can have it. I find I am able to be satisfied with less food, knowing that I can have more if I want it. I haven't felt this free in years.

 

I also find that instead of grabbing cheese or nuts when the afternoon hunger strikes, I'm choosing lower-fat fare, like crackers and hummus, knowing I can just take more insulin and still keep my blood sugar stable.

 

As a result, the scale has actually moved in a downward direction. And to be honest, while I had previously been trying really hard to follow a diet and manage my blood sugar at the same time, in the past week, I haven't really tried much at all.

 

Have I mentioned that I love, love, love pumping?



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I hear a lot of people say they gain when they start pumping, but I also lost weight. It's great to not have to eat if you're not hungry. That's awesome that you're loving it :)


Welcome to a pump community.

You have clearly demonstrated the value of having a pump. It becomes very challenging to eat the same food quantity, at the same time, with the same exercise, and the same mental, emotional and physical health. The variations are just a hassle. You can take a bolus when you need is for the food that you have chosen to eat. WOW. Best of success and have a great day. This is from a nine year pump user.

As always hae a great day. Feel free to contact this numbers person.

D2


I'm considering going on the pump or the Omnipod - no real need to as my A1Cs are 6.0 and no complications after 25 years on insulin (yes, I'm very lucky). I'm doing this more as a proactive choice. I hate the thought of being tethered to a pump but I'm not convinced the omnipod is the best answer either. What about you new users of either? Has anyone switched from one to the other?


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Carey Potash
Carey is a full-time hater of diabetes. The benefits stink. His 7-year-old son, Charlie, has been giving he and his wife the finger since November of 2003. Carey's parenting humor has appeared in various websites and print magazines. He resides in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and three children. (Read More)

Latest Posts: In the News - Eyelid Surgery and Carbon Monoxide | Forget? Me Not. | Still Life With Diabetes

George Simmons
George Simmons is a father and husband living with type 1 diabetes. A self proclaimed "born again diabetic," George began blogging as a way to meet other people living with diabetes and learn more about managing his disease. (Read More)

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