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December 2nd, 2008
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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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Rebecca Abma
What happens when a health writer develops a chronic illness? As Rebecca K. Abma can tell you, it turns into an obsession. Since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in December 2003, 90 percent of her non-work computer time is spent researching the disease and chatting with fellow diabetics. (Read More)

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Julia
Julia lives behind the Tofu Curtain, in the Pioneer Valley, in Western Massachusetts. It's a nice place. She likes it there. Her eldest daughter, Olivia, has type 1 diabetes. She's also 13. It's a real toss-up as to which is more difficult -- the diabetes or the teen-age drama. (Read More)

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