[acb-diabetics] acb-diabetics & Accessible pumps and Advocacy
Mike Freeman
k7uij at panix.com
Sun Nov 13 18:18:44 EST 2011
Tom:
I thank you for and am honored by your words. Ed Bryant's shoes are, indeed,
hard to fill, especially as my operating style is quite different from his.
Nevertheless, I wish DAN to remain a useful, viable, up-to-date resource for
blind diabetics as, of course, is ACBDA. I knew Shirley Roberts (immediate
past president of ACBDA) as a ham radio operator before I ever knew she was
a diabetic. I'm sure I can maintain cordial relations with the current
president of ACBDA. Working towards accessible diabetes equipment transcends
organizational boundaries, as you say.
AS to the device from Access Solutions, take a look at
<http://www.pump-mate.com> which describes the device in more detail than I
did in my previous message.
As to how we can encourage development of and FDA approval of such
equipment, I think we must work toward such medical equipment being covered
by access laws. NFB is currently working on a technology Bill of Rights
although we have decided to tackle the issue one category of device at a
time. But ultimately, I think that's what it will take.
Tongue-in-cheeck, the alternative that would be extremely effective would be
for Bill Gates, Paul Allen, George Sorros, Warren Buffet, etc., to develop
diabetes and immediately lose sight because of it. (lop-sided grin) short of
that, I think we just have to keep plugging away and backing legislation
such as NFB's proposal for a technology bill of rights that will ultimately
include home medical devices such as diabetes equipment. I realize this is
an ACB-sponsored list and I have no wish to foment riot and ruin but I think
we may have to go the legislative route.
In any event, any educating of companies, politicians, bureaucrats etc. is
all to the good.
Cordially,
Mike Freeman
-----Original Message-----
From: acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org]
On Behalf Of tltobin
Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2011 10:08 AM
To: acb-diabetics at acb.org
Subject: Re: [acb-diabetics] acb-diabetics & Accessible pumps and Advocacy
Mike:
Thank you for your feedback - the Diabetes Action Network has been and
continues to be a tremendous personal resource for me.
Given your involvement, background and experience I am pleased to now know
you and grateful for your activities.
I was not aware of Access Solutions work, but am happy to learn about it,
despite the challenges they are facing with FDA as well as it might
hopefully mean that we have some competition in the area of adaptive
diabetes management which should drive companies to develop products that
can help us better manage our diabetes.
Re the FDA, it is my understanding that when it comes to a "new" device that
targets a medically necessitated need that no one else is addressing, i.e. a
fully accessible insulin pump, the company (or companies) are supposed to
receive priority consideration for FDA approval, given the nature of the
device and unmet need.....
And, while I'm sorry the FDA may be underfunded and understaffed, that is
not our problem. How can "we" -- that is all of us interested in a common
goal of accessible equipment that better meets our needs as blind or
visually impaired diabetics, work collectively, as one voice to pressure the
FDA to act. We all know that better/tighter control of our diabetes will
extend or lives and either prevent or delay further complications from this
insidious disease.
Personally, I am confident that DAN and ACBDA working together can achieve
movement on these important issues and challenge each and everyone of us to
ask ourselves how we can make a difference.
Like many of you, having wrestled with these issues for over 20-years I feel
strongly that now is our time to succeed and as I mentioned in a previous
post welcome collectively or privately your thoughts...
With leadership from individuals like patricia and Mike, lets find a way to
rally the troops and achieve our goals.
Tom Tobin
-----Original Message-----
From: acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org]
On Behalf Of acb-diabetics-request at acb.org
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2011 7:43 PM
To: acb-diabetics at acb.org
Subject: acb-diabetics Digest, Vol 26, Issue 11
Send acb-diabetics mailing list submissions to
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Today's Topics:
1. Re: doing insulin to cover meals and counting carbs (Mike Freeman)
2. Re: Insulin Pump: To do or not to do. (Patricia LaFrance-Wolf)
3. Re: acb-diabetics Digest, Vol 26, Issue 7 (Patricia LaFrance-Wolf)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:28:16 -0800
From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
To: "'Discussion list for diabetics and/or ACB issues'"
<acb-diabetics at acb.org>
Subject: Re: [acb-diabetics] doing insulin to cover meals and counting
carbs
Message-ID: <002801cca0d1$f90e6160$eb2b2420$@panix.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I confess to wondering how one can truly use insulin (other than a basal
insulin such as lantus or levemir) without learning how to count carbs.
Taking insulin without learning carb-counting risks lows (as you have
experienced). I'd recommend Gary Scheiner's "Think Like a Pancreas",
available from BARD, and Hope Warshaw's "Complete Guide to Carb Counting",
available from Learning Ally. In fact, I taught myself tocorrectly calculate
insulin dosages from Scheiner's book.
Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org]
On Behalf Of Barbara Mattson
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2011 4:02 PM
To: Discussion list for diabetics and/or ACB issues
Subject: [acb-diabetics] doing insulin to cover meals and counting carbs
The only guidance i've received from my endocronologist about taking insulin
to cover a meal is to take meal-covering insulin if my sugar's 170 or above.
at the most i've done 2 units because i've found that i apparently don't eat
enough to cover more than that. in fact, i've had problems with lows with
only 1 unit of the insulin to cover meals. i have a general idea of the
kinds of foods that are likely to run up my sugar and their quantities but i
confess i don't get down to a real carb/calorie count.
barb mattson
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------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:40:01 -0800
From: "Patricia LaFrance-Wolf" <plawolf at earthlink.net>
To: "'Discussion list for diabetics and/or ACB issues'"
<acb-diabetics at acb.org>
Subject: Re: [acb-diabetics] Insulin Pump: To do or not to do.
Message-ID: <DB55DB8EF57D46DFAE9868AC1FAFA973 at Patwindows7>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Veronica,
I was wondering what you are going to do when Cosmo no longer can supply
you with the necessary parts?
-----Original Message-----
From: acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org]
On Behalf Of Veronica Elsea
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2011 10:51 AM
To: Discussion list for diabetics and/or ACB issues
Subject: Re: [acb-diabetics] Insulin Pump: To do or not to do.
Hi there!
I am currently using the Cozmo from Smiths Medical, which is no longer
available. I have been on a pump since 1991 and wouldn't go back to MDI for
love nor money. <grin.> It's not something I fuss with all the time, quite
the contrary.
I enjoyed reading the description of using the Medtronics and I cringed a
bit. Problem is, when you enter your amount through the easy bolus, that
amount isn't calculated into the insulin on board feature. Yikes. That's one
of the things I really like about the pump. If you test your blood sugar and
then want to take insulin to correct a high, the pump will factor in the
amount of insulin you have still active in your system and subtract that
amount. This prevents stacking and really cuts down on lows.
Here's what I would suggest you do for research. Because none of the pumps
are what you'd call truly accessable, everyone's comfort level with figuring
out the work-arounds is quite different. Your best research is to set up
sessions with someone from each company so you can actually get your hands
on each pump and see what feels right for you. The various reps are more
than happy to do this. They do it for sighted people too.
I would meet with a Medtronics rep, an Animas rep, an Omnipod rep and an
Accucheck Spirit rep from Roche. The Spirit will give you the most in terms
of audio feedback, but it doesn't have as many features built into the pumps
as the others. On the other hand, if when you check out the pumps, you don't
think you'll be using those features, then the Spirit just may be your best
option. None of the meters which link directly with the pumps talk at all.
The last time I had the round of visits was April of 2009. I'm honestly not
sure which one I'd choose today if I had to because I can really access so
many of the features of my Cozmo, including setting basal rates and stuff in
their software. I'm spoiled.
But for me, the pump has given me so much freedom and flexibility. As
someone who periodically ends up on steroids, man, I can't imagine sorting
out those times without the pump. It's made meals more flexibile and allowed
me to be much more spontaneous than I was on regular injections. The other
big thing for me is that because of how the pump works, I was able to gain
better control with half the amount of total daily insulin. That alone would
be reason enough for me to put in the effort to learn a pump. I did not find
it difficult at all to learn filling cartridges or connecting infusion sets.
Although I did have more trouble with the Medtronics sets. And by the way, I
am totally blind.
So, I really encourage you to have a grand, fun snoop. Your best homework is
just hands-on play. And then feel free to come here with any questions,
rants or whatever. <grin.> And keep us posted, of course. Good luck and have
fun with the process.
Veronica
We Woof You A Merry Christmas! Diabetes Melodious! And more!
Music CDs that will impact and entertain you forever!
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
877-607-6407
_______________________________________________
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acb-diabetics at acb.org
http://www.acb.org/mailman/listinfo/acb-diabetics
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:42:55 -0800
From: "Patricia LaFrance-Wolf" <plawolf at earthlink.net>
To: "'Discussion list for diabetics and/or ACB issues'"
<acb-diabetics at acb.org>
Subject: Re: [acb-diabetics] acb-diabetics Digest, Vol 26, Issue 7
Message-ID: <F603063A727A4FD2A2FC40C970D6F6E4 at Patwindows7>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Yes, the FDA is an underfunded and under employed department of the
government. It is very frustrating how long they take to approve things.
-----Original Message-----
From: acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org]
On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2011 10:44 AM
To: 'Discussion list for diabetics and/or ACB issues'
Subject: Re: [acb-diabetics] acb-diabetics Digest, Vol 26, Issue 7
Tom:
I concur completely with your assessment below. I have no problems
cooperating with others including ACBDA in encouraging adoption of
accessible insulin pumps, more accurate talking blood glucose meters and the
like. Moreover, I also agree that it is patently unfair to tar an feather
companies such as Prodigy RX for not producing accessible devices when the
timetable is largely out of their hands. Prodigy is by no means alone in
being far too overly-optimistic in hyping release dates for its products.
BioSense, maker of the Solo V2, the only other more-or-less accessible bg
meter, is guilty of the same overoptimism. (The updated version of the Solo
meter was supposed to be out last July or august and it still isn't here
yet; I know because I'm testing software for it that's supposed to be
accessible but (no surprise) isn't yet.) Although some may disagree with me,
feeling that the Prodigy meter is less "accurate" than the Solo, accuracy is
a very nebulously defined commodity and as long as the Solo doesn't voice
the time of each reading when reviewing from memory, I can't fully endorse
it even though many NFB Diabetes Action Network members do use and endorse
it.
Another thing: in addition to the Prodigy RX accessible pump, Access
Solutions, maker of the DECtalk USB speech synthesizer, has produced a
prototype of a remote control that works with many Minimed and Medtronics
pumps. However, Access Solutions has had to partner with Medtronics to try
to get this solution into the hands of blind pump users and it, too, has run
into the FDA thing.
So we plod along.
Michael Freeman, president
Diabetes Action Network
National Federation of the Blind
-----Original Message-----
From: acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org]
On Behalf Of tltobin
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2011 10:21 AM
To: acb-diabetics at acb.org
Subject: Re: [acb-diabetics] acb-diabetics Digest, Vol 26, Issue 7
As a totally blind pumper since 1992, I've had a vast experience with
insulin pumps primarily from the MiniMed/Medtronic family of pumps.
I agree with Chanelle's thorough overview of what a blind pumper can and
cannot do independently using an insulin pump. Despite efforts, both
individual and collective, the general feeling among pump manufacturers is
that blind people should not be using pumps as they feel it is too dangerous
-- well after almost 20-years of successful pumping I refute their position
and I'm sure many of you do as well.
I also concur with Mike's observations and know many people who are
successfully doing the multiple injection thing, basically emulating pump
therapy, with success and tight control of their diabetes. So, I agree it is
a personal preference, no doubt.
As I'm sure many, if not all of you know, Prodigy Meters, the manufacturer
of the award-winning, fully accessible Prodigy Voice blood glucose meter has
a prototype of a fully accessible pump. Unfortunately, due to FDA rigors
they have decided not to manufacture the pump and seek full FDA approval.
While I am new to this list I am not new to consumer advocacy and have
experience in bringing the first talking attachment for the One Touch series
of meters to the market back in the 80's. It seems to me that we have a
responsibility and obligation to support those companies who are working on
our behalf to bring the needed tools to market to help us take better
control of our disease.
I am also aware the Prodigy may have "stubbed their toe" in over promising
and under-delivering re the accessible insulin pump. But don't you think we
should support the only company who has brought very useful tools to market
when the rest of the mainstream companies couldn't care less about our
needs.
>From my chair, this is such a non-political issue, and I've worked in
>the
past with both Jim Olsen, ACB and Ed Bryant, NFB to work on this area of
common agreement with much success for all of us.
Frankly, I think it is up to us to get this accessible pump off the dime and
I welcome your thoughts either to the list or in private.
Tom Tobin
-----Original Message-----
From: acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org]
On Behalf Of acb-diabetics-request at acb.org
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2011 12:00 PM
To: acb-diabetics at acb.org
Subject: acb-diabetics Digest, Vol 26, Issue 7
Send acb-diabetics mailing list submissions to
acb-diabetics at acb.org
To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://www.acb.org/mailman/listinfo/acb-diabetics
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
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You can reach the person managing the list at
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When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than
"Re: Contents of acb-diabetics digest..."
Today's Topics:
1. brailled directions for the solo v 2 t m (Barbara Mattson)
2. Insulin Pump: To do or not to do? (Nef)
3. Re: Insulin Pump: To do or not to do? (Chanelle Allen)
4. Re: Insulin Pump: To do or not to do. (Mike Freeman)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:06:33 -0500
From: "Barbara Mattson" <barbieann519 at charter.net>
To: "Discussion list for diabetics and/or ACB issues"
<acb-diabetics at acb.org>
Subject: [acb-diabetics] brailled directions for the solo v 2 t m
Message-ID: <F5A9D2BFC6CA48A695F61A9B6A74881C at gx620>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
reply-type=original
I have brailled the following instructions for the solo v 2 t m:
setting the audio voice volume and language recalling the memory and
reviewing the average troubleshooting minus the tables with solutions
warranty information
If all are brailled it is 18.5 by 11-inch pages at 4 cents per
page--virtually the cost of the paper.
barb mattson
------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:43:36 -0500
From: Nef <nefamphetamine at gmail.com>
To: acb-diabetics at acb.org
Subject: [acb-diabetics] Insulin Pump: To do or not to do?
Message-ID:
<CAEEYSsrh3sigQ=fVmdNA_D5WTQj9WU6=j0CWSpG+YPn7aZBDFg at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
Hi everyone,
My doctor and I began discussing the possibility of putting me on an Insulin
pump during my last visit. Both she and I are ignorant as to the
accessibility challenges one might face as a visually-impaired individual.
In hopes of remedying this, we agreed to do our due diligence by way of
research, and reconvening in 2 weeks time.
So far, the information I have read online is grossly out of date, and this
has hampered any true progress on my part.
Recently, I read a message posted to this list by a lady (Patricia?) who
mentioned her pump use.
Are there any other users here? Would any of you be willing to share your
experiences and/or advice? Perhaps there are resources I?ve yet to tap into
that someone might be kind enough to impart?
Hoping all are well,
Nefertiti
------------------------------
Message: 3
Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:11:07 -0600
From: "Chanelle Allen" <chanellem.allen at gmail.com>
To: "Discussion list for diabetics and/or ACB issues"
<acb-diabetics at acb.org>
Subject: Re: [acb-diabetics] Insulin Pump: To do or not to do?
Message-ID: <B67171DF6D214E839CC8CC8A8C713607 at chanellePC>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="Windows-1252";
reply-type=original
Dear Nefertiti and list,
Many people who are blind have successfully used insulin pumps.
Unfortunately, most features are inaccessible, but it is possible to perform
basic functions without the aid of sighted assistance. It takes some time to
be trained in how to fill reservoirs, change infusion sets, and learn button
pushing sequences. I have used the Minimed Paradigm pumps, so I can only
speak from my experience with Minimed. The pump has three horizontal buttons
and two vertical buttons which are the up and down arrows. My pump is set to
beep for each press of the up arrow so long as I am in the main screen. This
is called easy bolus, and for me, one beep equals 0.1 units of insulin.
Everyone has their pumps customized differently (1 beep = 0.5 or 1 units of
insulin etc.). The pump will beep back to me again (10 beeps = 1 unit of
insulin) to confirm that I want the insulin. The maximum amount of insulin
that can be given at one time is ten units. The key closest to the arrow
keys is the activate button, which also goes into menus. The button in the
middle is the escape key, and I am not quite sure what the other button
does. Priming the pump is simply a matter of pressing the activate button
and down arrow a few times activate, and down arrow again. When the
reservoir and infusion set are inserted, continually holding down the
activate button until you feel wetness lets you know that the insulin is
going through the tubing properly. After inserting some infusion sets, the
pump must be primed again; since that feature is inaccessible however, I
just press escape and activate several times until I come back to the main
menu indicated by three beeps and give 0.4 units of insulin (about the
amount given when going into the menus to prime the pump). The Minimed pumps
have something called a bolus wizard where users may input their blood
glucose level along with the amount of carbohydrates eaten and the pump will
calculate the amount of insulin needed. Unfortunately, this is inaccessible.
The pump gives a certain amount of insulin each hour called the basal rate.
Doctors may from time to time want to change the basal rate, and since there
is no audio feedback to do this, I have needed assistance. The button
pushing sequence is simple enough to set a temporary basal rate. The pump
emits a sequence of three beeps, which could mean several things: the
battery is low, the reservoir only has a certain amount of units left, the
pump is not connected or able to give insulin, and many others. Usually, I
am able to take a guess as to what the pump wants. For example, after three
days, it probably wants more insulin; after two or three weeks, it wants a
new battery; after an infusion set is inserted, their may be a problem with
the cannula being bent, etc. Doctors are able to download settings and
history from the pump on to a computer in order to analyze trends. Minimed
produces a meter that works with the pump in transferring readings
wirelessly; however, this is inaccessible. At one time, the software for a
pump user to view settings and history was accessible, but I don't know what
the case may be now. Overall, being on a pump is better than having to give
injections several times a day. It is best to try to be patient with the
process as many adjustments to basal rates and boluses will need to be made
in the first several weeks. There are several different types of infusion
sets from which to use, so you will need to find the one that works best for
you. Usually, pump users are first trained in filling the reservoir with
saline, inserting the infusion set and wearing the pump for a few times.
I hope that I am not overwhelming you with too much information and that
this explanation helps. Please feel free to ask more questions.
Chanelle
-----Original Message-----
From: Nef
Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2011 4:43 PM
To: acb-diabetics at acb.org
Subject: [acb-diabetics] Insulin Pump: To do or not to do?
Hi everyone,
My doctor and I began discussing the possibility of putting me on an Insulin
pump during my last visit. Both she and I are ignorant as to the
accessibility challenges one might face as a visually-impaired individual.
In hopes of remedying this, we agreed to do our due diligence by way of
research, and reconvening in 2 weeks time.
So far, the information I have read online is grossly out of date, and this
has hampered any true progress on my part.
Recently, I read a message posted to this list by a lady (Patricia?) who
mentioned her pump use.
Are there any other users here? Would any of you be willing to share your
experiences and/or advice? Perhaps there are resources I?ve yet to tap into
that someone might be kind enough to impart?
Hoping all are well,
Nefertiti
_______________________________________________
acb-diabetics mailing list
acb-diabetics at acb.org
http://www.acb.org/mailman/listinfo/acb-diabetics
------------------------------
Message: 4
Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:41:24 -0800
From: "Mike Freeman" <k7uij at panix.com>
To: "'Discussion list for diabetics and/or ACB issues'"
<acb-diabetics at acb.org>
Subject: Re: [acb-diabetics] Insulin Pump: To do or not to do.
Message-ID: <002201cca07f$fd2f2d80$f78d8880$@panix.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Nefertiti:
Chanelle gives excellent descriptions and advice below. Not being a pumper,
I have nothing to add and even were I sufficiently presumptive to try, it
would be in the FWIW department.
My only observation is that Chanelle's observation that it's better to be on
a pump than to inject several times a day is a matter of opinion. To my way
of thinking, wearing a pump and futzing with it all the time is far more
work than simply calculating one's dose, injecting and forgetting about it.
And yes, I'm on intensive management and my last A1C was 6.8 and I usually
stay between 6.5 and 6.8.
Peace!
Mike Freeman
-----Original Message-----
From: acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-diabetics-bounces at acb.org]
On Behalf Of Chanelle Allen
Sent: Friday, November 11, 2011 5:11 AM
To: Discussion list for diabetics and/or ACB issues
Subject: Re: [acb-diabetics] Insulin Pump: To do or not to do.
Dear Nefertiti and list,
Many people who are blind have successfully used insulin pumps.
Unfortunately, most features are inaccessible, but it is possible to perform
basic functions without the aid of sighted assistance. It takes some time to
be trained in how to fill reservoirs, change infusion sets, and learn button
pushing sequences. I have used the Minimed Paradigm pumps, so I can only
speak from my experience with Minimed. The pump has three horizontal buttons
and two vertical buttons which are the up and down arrows. My pump is set to
beep for each press of the up arrow so long as I am in the main screen. This
is called easy bolus, and for me, one beep equals 0.1 units of insulin.
Everyone has their pumps customized differently (1 beep = 0.5 or 1 units of
insulin etc.). The pump will beep back to me again (10 beeps = 1 unit of
insulin) to confirm that I want the insulin. The maximum amount of insulin
that can be given at one time is ten units. The key closest to the arrow
keys is the activate button, which also goes into menus. The button in the
middle is the escape key, and I am not quite sure what the other button
does. Priming the pump is simply a matter of pressing the activate button
and down arrow a few times activate, and down arrow again. When the
reservoir and infusion set are inserted, continually holding down the
activate button until you feel wetness lets you know that the insulin is
going through the tubing properly. After inserting some infusion sets, the
pump must be primed again; since that feature is inaccessible however, I
just press escape and activate several times until I come back to the main
menu indicated by three beeps and give 0.4 units of insulin (about the
amount given when going into the menus to prime the pump). The Minimed pumps
have something called a bolus wizard where users may input their blood
glucose level along with the amount of carbohydrates eaten and the pump will
calculate the amount of insulin needed. Unfortunately, this is inaccessible.
The pump gives a certain amount of insulin each hour called the basal rate.
Doctors may from time to time want to change the basal rate, and since there
is no audio feedback to do this, I have needed assistance. The button
pushing sequence is simple enough to set a temporary basal rate. The pump
emits a sequence of three beeps, which could mean several things: the
battery is low, the reservoir only has a certain amount of units left, the
pump is not connected or able to give insulin, and many others. Usually, I
am able to take a guess as to what the pump wants. For example, after three
days, it probably wants more insulin; after two or three weeks, it wants a
new battery; after an infusion set is inserted, their may be a problem with
the cannula being bent, etc. Doctors are able to download settings and
history from the pump on to a computer in order to analyze trends. Minimed
produces a meter that works with the pump in transferring readings
wirelessly; however, this is inaccessible. At one time, the software for a
pump user to view settings and history was accessible, but I don't know what
the case may be now. Overall, being on a pump is better than having to give
injections several times a day. It is best to try to be patient with the
process as many adjustments to basal rates and boluses will need to be made
in the first several weeks. There are several different types of infusion
sets from which to use, so you will need to find the one that works best for
you. Usually, pump users are first trained in filling the reservoir with
saline, inserting the infusion set and wearing the pump for a few times.
I hope that I am not overwhelming you with too much information and that
this explanation helps. Please feel free to ask more questions.
Chanelle
-----Original Message-----
From: Nef
Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2011 4:43 PM
To: acb-diabetics at acb.org
Subject: [acb-diabetics] Insulin Pump: To do or not to do.
Hi everyone,
My doctor and I began discussing the possibility of putting me on an Insulin
pump during my last visit. Both she and I are ignorant as to the
accessibility challenges one might face as a visually-impaired individual.
In hopes of remedying this, we agreed to do our due diligence by way of
research, and reconvening in 2 weeks time.
So far, the information I have read online is grossly out of date, and this
has hampered any true progress on my part.
Recently, I read a message posted to this list by a lady (Patricia?) who
mentioned her pump use.
Are there any other users here? Would any of you be willing to share your
experiences and/or advice? Perhaps there are resources I've yet to tap into
that someone might be kind enough to impart?
Hoping all are well,
Nefertiti
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End of acb-diabetics Digest, Vol 26, Issue 7
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End of acb-diabetics Digest, Vol 26, Issue 11
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