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Have you used an insulin pump with tubing and without tubing (patch pump)? Please share more about your experiences in the comments.
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My first pump was an Omnipod and I enjoyed the freedom it afforded me however after my warranty was up I searched for a pump that less of a diabetic burden and give me a better A1C. I learned about the Tandem X2 pump and my husband referred to it as the “Tesla of diabetes pumps”. The fact that updates could be made over the computer instead of having to buy a new pump each time was amazing! And when I got that first Tandem it was capable of stopping lows with a promise of CIG (closing the loop) in the future. I wondered how quickly I could adjust to being tethered to my pump but it happened rather quickly.
Yes I started with Medtronic, then OmniPod, then because of Medicare went to Tandem T:Slim and am very happy with t:slimx2 CIQ.
I have used a pump with tubing since 1997.
I went from MDI to the Animas pump. Then to the original Tandem, all the way to Tslim X2 with control IQ. Right now using OmniPod 5. Like being tubeless but Tslim has a better algorithm. Looking forward to Tandem patch pump.
Was a devout OmniPod user (14 years) but was terribly disappointed with the OP5. Switched to the T:slim & haven’t looked back. Numbers are so much better!!
I used the Omnipod for about 2 years. Very much enjoyed the freedom of no tubing, however, adhesion issues and pod failures were trending up so I was compelled to switch to Tandem and control has never been better in my fifty years of T1D.
I have been using a Tandem insulin pump since 2014 and have been a T1 since 1966. Before converting to the Tandem I was on 8 injections a day, a combination of Humalog and long action insulin. Since converting, I have had I upgrade to The Tandem X2, went to Control Iq when it was released. I just order a replacement Tandem X2 as the warranty on my pump expires this month. I looked at Medtronic and Insulet pumps every time I was making a decision on a new or replacement pump. Yes, the tubing is a negative for the Tandem, BUT I do not care for Medtronic’s business practices, the operation of their pumps or their frequent problems. I have worn a test Insulet pump and I just don’t think it is anywhere near as accurate. I also think it is just too big a “lump” to wear under my clothes. While I have two devices to wear, G7 and pump infusion site, Tandem wins every tome!
Started with a Medtronic pump then moved to Omnipod. Started having issues with the cannulas on both. Omnipod just was a no go. Had too much trouble with bent cannulas after awhile. Medtronic worked using steel needles. Bit just disliked the pump. Went back to MDI with an InPen. But couldn’t get cartridges of Lyumjev my preferred insulin. Now have a Tamdem t slim z three months. So far like it a lot. I use an auto soft 30 or a varisoft infusion set and so far no kinking. Tried the tru steel but I do better with an angled infusion set not 90 degrees.
I have used Medtronic pumps for 30 years. Tried the r- slim for a month and did not like it
I have only used insulin pumps with tubing. My first pumps were Medtronic series 501, 504, Paradigm Revel, and then Tandem series with Dexcom CGMs since 2011. Just qualified for a new pump and have chosen to stick with Tandem CIQ with Dex G7.
I started with Medtronic for years. A nurse I worked with convinced me to try the OmniPod since I was on the river and water a lot. I enjoyed that until I went to Medicare and the cost was too much. Now I use the Tandem t-slim IQ and love being in better control. However, I really prefer no tubing
Used Omnipod in the early days, but gave it up because it wouldn’t stay on. Switched to Medtronic for 13 years, but would occasionally catch the tubing and pull out the cannula. Using Omnipod 5 now and getting much better control w/Dexcom G6, but still lose about 1 pod a month. Good that Insulet replaces them
I’ve used the tubeless pump. It’s a nice idea but when I was using the Omnipod, I did not have good results. I went back to a two pump. I’m on Tandem and the only thing I missed is not being able to wear in the water and Omnipod is a little awkward.
I switched 6 months ago from OP5 to tslim. I am in love with tslim. The true steel infusion sets and algorithm are miles ahead of OP5.
I misread the question. I answered yes, but I have not used both, only the Omnipod 5 patch pump.
I used the Medtronic pump for about 20 years. Then I read about the Omnipod pump in 2010 and switched over. I am no on Omnipod 5. I am in the limited market release Omnipod 5 app for iPhones now.
I have used and still use both. I like that I can get Omnipod 5 via Rx and Tandem CIQ via Part B. When I am at the beach or on a rafting trip, I love OP, but prefer the control of CIQ.
That’s interesting how did you go aabout getting both. I use omnipod 5 and would like to try another one for better BS Thanks
I have used both.
Started with a tubed pump, then went to Omnipod, then back to tubed.
The Omnipod came along when I needed to move away from the first tubed-pump company. It was ok but, because there was no variation for the insertion, I feel that it created far more lipoatrophy that I already had. I have very deep lipoatrophy in my arms due to the pod.
I am not on the Tandem T:slim X2 (or something like that… the name… the name… I have trouble remembering the name! LOL!)
I did not like the Control IQ experience at all. It did not do for me what I read in others’ experiences. I believe my set up was not quite right.
I had to stop using Control IQ when I went to the Eversense CGM. I know they are closer to getting connected, though. I will be better prepared for them to talk to each other now as I’ve gotten more experience using both systems.
I’m not very patient with technology so I tend to rush through setting things up.
*now , not not. I am _now_ on the Tandem T:slim….
*sigh! See! I rush through things… darn it.
Been Medtronic coming to 7 years. It does well to prevent hypoglycemia, with the new system a little better with corrections (caller their “auto-bolus”). Could be more aggressive, although told not to I do correct: last a1C was 6.1 with few lows.
To note my brother loves his T-Slim after 26 years on shots (started over NewYears). I think any pump would be a great tool if taught well, and used to the max of their capabilities.
I am happy with the tubing. I wear it so that it doesn’t catch on anything and I can move my pump around to where it is most comfortable instead of being stuck with a patch pump for three days on an uncomfortable area.
I currently us a pump with tubing, but have tried the patch pump. For me, the amount of insulin required for both is more than what I use in 3 days time. The patch pump automatically stops working at 3 days, while with the tubed pump, I can change my infusion set but still use the same reservoir. So, there is a lot less waste of insulin with the tubed pump. This was a major deciding factor for me.
I also found that with the patch pump, I could only program whole units of insulin while with the tubed pump I can bolus micro units. For me, the smaller dosing is optimal as I am very sensitive to insulin. Quite often, a whole unit is too much! ‘
So, these 2 things are the reasons I decided to stay with the tubed pump and I’ve been very happy with it. The only downside is when I go swimming. Here, the patch pump was better because I could keep it on. With the tubed pump, I either disconnect, or wear a waterproof phone pouch on my upper arm with the pump inside of it. This works well to keep my pump dry, although some moisture does get in if it is not closed correctly. Still, depending on how long I plan to be in the water, it is better than disconnecting at times.
I have used both the tubing pumps and the OmniPod. I loved the NO TUBING but did not regulate my sugar well enough. I just starting using the Beta Bionics Bionic Pancreas pump in January and it is wonderful. My A1C has dropped drastically. I only wished it was tubeless!
I used tubed Medtronic pumps for 18 years, switched to tubeless Omnipod for 2 years, but have now switched back to a tubed Medtronic pump. Once Tandem Mobi is compatible with a DIY AID, I will switch to use that instead.
Tubes are definitely annoying, with getting caught or pulled on things, and having to disconnected/reconnect for showering or water-activities… but ultimately you just get used to it after a little bit and it’s just part of life and not very bothersome.
I find my insulin absorption is better and my sites look better with tubed 90º cannula from Medtronic, as opposed to the angled cannula of the Omnipod