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On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current insulin delivery method (pump, pens, syringes, inhaler, etc.)? 5 = the most satisfied, 1 = the least satisfied
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I was on MDI for my first 5 years and was getting very frustrated with the timing of my insulin—sometimes it acted very quickly and other times took forever to show up. My doctor thought a pump would help with this. I have been on Tandem Control IQ for 3 months now and still have the same timing problem. There are some conveniences with the pump (I.e., always being able to administer insulin) and lots of disadvantages (wearing it, for instance). I realize it will take longer to accommodate to the pump but right now I feel If my insurance didn’t pay for this I don’t think I would choose it.
I am replying to you because of your comment of MDI, that I tried when Humalog first came out and it was the same for me. I am T1D for 70 years.. almost 91 years old.. using Humulin 70/30 or Novolin 70/30 for long time [ mostly Walmarts $15 “Relion” Novolin 70/30 [no prescription required]… One shot a day in the AM… About 20 units…. I eat what and when My CGM says I am going low.. I use mild exercise when high to get the insulin working, or eat when going low.. Please add remark here if you saw this !!!!
Almost all technological advancements are useful in pursuing the strategy of actuarial arbitrage.
I’m middle of the road on this question. Technology keeps getting better (and more expensive), but it’s still geared toward people who want to live like they don’t have diabetes. My current pump is aimed to bring my sugar down to a level higher than what I normally keep mine.
I have the Omnipod 5 and Dexcom. I’ve been on an insulin pump since the early 1990s. I gave it a 4 since Omnipod has some flaws, in my opinion, but far better than the days of injections in the 1950s when I was first diagnosed.
I used a pump for a few years, but the amount of adsorption would change at the site daily, so that was a variable too difficult to deal with. I use insulin syringes now, but because I’m so sensitive to small amounts of insulin, I inject <2 units many times in the day. Because the syringe only has 1 unit increments, I have to eyeball amounts that are in-between those units. I wish the syringe came with 0.1u increments levels, not just 1u levels. Having that extra bit of accuracy and precision in dosing would be so helpful!
Can your doctor prescribe the syringes that have .5 increments of insulin. That is not as helpful as .1 increments, but the .5 increments are better than the 1 unit increments.
Have your doctor prescribe the syringes with .5 unit increments instead of the 1 unit syringes. Not quite a .1 unit which you are hoping for, but .5 is better than 1 unit increments.
sorry for the duplicate remark. The first one took awhile to post so I thought it didn’t take.
I’ve had Tandem x2 and Dexcom since September. Previously on Medtronic for around 15 years. Grew to HATE the sensors and switched before the warranty on my last Medtronic was up.
So far, I absolutely LOVE the Tandem and the Dexcom. I’m disappointed, however, in the amount of waste and plastic that this pair creates. Of course there will always be plastic waste from any pumps/sensors, but the amount of non-reusable stuff for insertions is ghastly.
After 18 years on various pumps I went back to pens a year ago. Has its problems as does every insulin delivery method. I use humalog via InPen. Also have Iport for injections. All works well for me. Very freeing not to be tethered to a tubed pump.
Not perfect, but a MASSIVE improvement over MDI (Multiple Daily Injections), where I was sometimes injecting 7, 8, 9 times a day, purposely to lower blood glucose levels. (Even that was an improvement over 4 times daily injections and having to test urine glucose levels because blood glucose meters hadn’t made their way outside of hospitals, and having to boil glass syringes prior to each injection, and having to sharpen needles, which, to me, appeared the size of a javelin. lol.)
It’s a real pity that MOST diabetes-related medical companies don’t make available information with regards to ‘pairing’ pumps with glucose monitoring systems, other than what they themselves sell, and we have to count on the ingenuity of users to find out this information for us. 😉
It’s been over 100 years since insulin was first used to keep T1D’s alive. Where is the cure that’s “5 years away” that I was promised 26 years ago?
That is like curing cancer. They will not cure as too many people will lose jobs, etc.!
Yes, only I’ve heard that for 50 years.
When is it time to give up? I’ve grown deaf to the promises after 70 years, but still want big Pharma to act as if it’s working for us instead of solely for their own enrichment. I remember how hopeful I was, decades ago, and I want young people with diabetes to have that same hope. Just not hopelessly! Medical research works wonders these days. Why are we REALLY being left out?
The key is to keep beta cells and other vital pancreatic cells alive and functioning … and the key hasn’t been found yet … medicine is powerful but it is not the Universal Life Force Creator of all things that live, breathe, and replicate.
26 years? Try 63 years ago….still waiting….
Please don’t stop believing in a cure T1D friends!
I too was told by well-intended nurses at diagnosis that a cure was right around the corner (27 years ago). For the past 20+ years, I’ve had the benefit of working with a team diabetes researchers who are trying to solve this puzzle. I’ve gained an ever-growing appreciation for how complicated this disease is and the important regulatory requirements in place to make sure ideas are thoroughly vetted before they can be tested on us.
I attend an annual diabetes research conference and there are dozens of new, genetic factors, subtle molecular and immune cell irregularities discovered each year. Frankly, it a miracle anyone in this world has normal blood sugar!! Each discovery helps identify new clues for how T1D develops and potential new targets for curing it. It can feel like we’ve been working to solve a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle, and then discovered it’s actually 10,000 pieces.
One discovery I’m particularly excited about: it used to be thought that by the time T1D is diagnosed we had little to no beta cells left, but studies of T1D pancreases donated after death have found in many cases there are still lots of beta cells present, even many decades after diagnosis; they’re just not working (see nPOD study). That opens up exciting new pathways for potentially curing T1D. Maybe we don’t have to replace the beta cells, but can revive the ones we have left!
My hunch is T1D has been challenging to cure because it’s a disease of many subtypes. We all don’t make enough insulin, but the mechanisms that got us there and the challenges each of us face after vary. Some of us were diagnosed very young and were fine one day and in DKA the next. Others developed T1D well into adulthood and some even managed to survive years misdiagnosed as T2D. What it takes to finally cure each us will likely vary as well. Not a one cure fits all, but more likely a variety of combination approaches tailored for different based on disease stage and subtle. I remain optimistic and I hope you all will too. ♥️
Don’t want to change method but I have more problems with Tandem t:slim x2 than any of the other three pumps I used for previous 25 years.
I would Say 10 as my latest TIR Report showed 90% with my X2 CIQ, This IS MY CURE I’ve waited 59 years for.
Correction: I had three previous pumps for 15 yrs not 25
I am using the Omni pod 5 and am mostly happy with it. Wish the algorithm was more robust. Tslim x2 with control IQ was better but I do not want to give up being untethered. Looking forward to the TidePool loop now that it is approved- just waiting for integration to Omnipod
This may be a bit too “techy” however, I have been using Loop for about 5 years now. I switched to loop 3 about 5 months ago. I think it’s great, especially now that there is a production branch.
Forgot to drop the link:
https://loopkit.github.io/loopdocs/
Actually thinking about making a change the next time my warranty is up.
If 5 is beta cell delivery, I’ll give my pump a 4.
Tslim, it isn’t perfect but it’s really good! 4/5
I would say 5 but do not know of anything better than a syringe!
I don’t like to give “5’s”, as I am not an always or never person. However, I gave my pump and CGM system a 5 because it is so much more advanced than anything I’ve used before. I use the Tandem X2 pump, with Control IQ, using a Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor. I also have it connected to my telephone. This system is the best on the market, as far as I’m concerned. I did many years of multiple daily injections. I did decades on the Medtronic system. Nothing comes close to my current Tandem/Dexcom Control IQ system. It’s a “5” for me.
Podder since 2008 and love how the DASH works but can’t wait for Tricare to approve the Omnipod 5 for me and all other military folks.
The tslim CIQ works pretty well with the Dexcom g6. I would like a way to cancel alerts remotely like with iPhone or Apple Watch. Then once the alert is canceled not have it keep going off after treating the event, either high or low.
I just started Omnipod 5 with Dexcom G6 after being with Medtronic for over a decade. What a difference! I only wish the insulin capacity was greater, as l have insulin resistance.
I was on a pump for nearly 25 years and was extremely happy with it. Then four summers ago, I decided to take a “pump vacation” to see how the other half were living. I started on Tresiba for basal insulin and continued Humalog/Novolog for boluses. I never looked back. My control was identical, and I was no longer tethered 24/7. That said, my only regret is stabbing myself multiple times a day.
In my opinion, the two most important developments in T1D treatment have been CGMs and Tresiba. I’m literally amazed how much those two developments brought me closer to being a normal human being again.
Exactly so. Finally, the long-acting has become a true basal insulin. With NPH I always felt as if I were on the end of a yoyo string, and hallf-way through the day I was being pulled back to et, or else.
The cgm has made rational control possible for me.
Love how Tslim X2 Control IQ works. However, I find filling the cartridge cumbersome.
I had been a Medtronic user for maybe 15 years but switched to the Tandem Pump and Dexcom sensor 3 months ago. The sensor is the part that makes this a better system. The pump to me is actually no better, or maybe worse, than the Medtronic pump. I agree with Katrina that the amount of plastic waste with this system is excessive, and also bulky for traveling, especially the Dexcom insertion unit.
Remember, this is the medical field making money, so very fast creations are short comings. But so far all is the best we can expect.
I’m on a minimed 770G with guardian 3 sensor. Love Medtronic because they’ve been great to work with and have great customer service! They’ve really gone the extra mile to make sure I have everything I need!
I have been very happy on a pump/CGM since 2006. I understand that they aren’t perfect, but steadily better over time. I have not had unrealistic expectations.
I was a MM user for 35+ years and then switched to a Tandem TSlim x2. The Tandem was far better, and was great. But after 5 years I wanted to go tubeless, so now I’m on the OmniPod5.
While being tubeless has its advantages, this pump system has been nothing, but nightmares since the first Pod ended. Bad Controller/Receivers, Pods that have a high pitched squeal after they are done, then Pod issues that got one lot number recalled, and the worst service with un.knowledgeable people who aren’t able to help, settings that were fully explained and definitely not enough training beforehand I was ready to throw in the towel like many have. Not to mention I was running high all the time for the last few months while it “learned” what I should be taking to keep my bgs normal. After dozens of Podcasts and videos of others who worked out the bugs, things have finally been going good. I have to go against the “typical program settings” to get the results one should expect. But if Tandem finally comes up with a tubeless version, I’m there.
They are supposed to. Not exactly sure when but within a year or two from what I have seen? The tandem mobi is set to come out sooner with a short 4″ tube and the pump is 50% smaller than the 2x. After that the tubeless mobi is supposed to come out. Time will tell.
I switched to the Tandem t-slim IQ and Dexcom 5 months ago. I use to use the OmniPod but it was costing me too much out of pocket. I love the Tandem but totally dislike the tubing. I do miss the tubeless but now that I see you’re having so many issues with the OmniPod I’ll continue dealing with the tubing for now. Hopefully Tandem will become tubeless some day — soon.
I feel that CIQ/G6 is the best possible system for me right now. I am looking forward to the G7 upgrade with its improvements in size, accuracy, convenience, and waste. I’d also like to see better options for managing exercise with CIQ.
MDI for the past 60 years and do not see any alternative that I would prefer. The needles for my pens are so thin and sharp that they are painless (a far cry from the lancets I once used). chiefly, I am glad not to have to deal with setting up a pump and. Although I love my libre, I am not good candidate for having devices affixed to me. If my insulin delivery got interrupted they way i have interrupted my cgm service, I would have been in trouble. Furthermore, I have a track record of having both mechanicall and electronic things malfunction. (Seriously, I sometimes act as a beta-tester for technology folks. Maybe I push to many buttons?)
Sub-Q insulin does not differentiate amongst various delivery methods. It’s all hexameric and needs a lead time to bolus for food.
Inhaled is monomeric and I dose when I eat… no more preplanning doses. Give me some OJ and a bagel… will dose while sippin’ it down!
My answer is “5”. After 60 years of MDI, 2 years with the basic Animas Vibe pump and the past 2+years using the Tandem t:slim X2 w Control IQ app , my TIR average is 90% and a tremendous burden lifted from my very sore shoulders. No, it’s not perfect, but far better than I was able to manage in the half century + before.
I like the pump over MDI. I like Tandem ‘s Control IQ. It lands me at around 110mg/dl daily. I like the CGM integration.
Novo Nordisk pens seem to work muck better than Eli Lily pens. I have both because my insurance company will support only the cheaper version of the two insulins I use. Tresciba comes only in the more expensive Novo. Humologue is Lily’s.
I’m on pens rn, but I would like to try pumps. This is year 12 for me and I need to get caught up on the new technology that is out there to help manage T1D. I’m just afraid I can’t afford it…
No system is perfect. Unless it is a pancreas with working insulin producing cells. Tandem pumps are the best pared with Dexcom and the newer updates, I am super happy!
Love my pump. My big issues are that it’s harder to find good infusion sites, wish Fiasp worked in my pump (t:slim), wishing for a faster insulin in general.
MDI for almost 60 years when I tried Omnipod for a while. I only had two infusion sites that lasted more than about 36 hours, so I’m back on pens. My control isn’t perfect but so what. I’ve been playing with house money for a long, long time.
I have the Tandem Tslim pump and Dexcom CGM. The only issue I really have with the T slim. Is that the cannulas get kinked sometimes. I had the same problem with the Medtronic plastic cannulas as well. The only ones that didn’t get bent were the steel cannulas, but not as comfortable for sure.
Wow. I use the steel cannulas and don’t feel them when inserting or while wearing. I think only twice did I ever move the infusion site which I couldn’t do with the flexible cannulas. Too many bent cannulas was the reason I switched to the Tru-steel type.
I’m a reasonably satisfied MDI user with Lantus and Fiasp. I’ve looked into getting a pump but honestly, until I find one that does everything I want, I’ll probably hold off.
My wish list for a pump:
1) no tubes
2) works well with Fiasp
3) controls that allow me to stay at my target of 70-90 mg/dl all night long.
Satisfied with MDI, using three different insulins. Only thing I would like to add would be some smarts on the pens to automatically send info on taken insulin to a smart phone app.
Check out InPen!
I’m a bit torn on this. I’m on the tandem and dexcom like many others. It’s convenient to always have insulin with you but I really don’t feel it’s any better control than I had with mdi. Plus the tandem sometimes ( often ) causes highs because it stops delivering any insulin when I get down to 110. So then the glucose goes up again more than I’d like! Frustrating business. Did not mind mdi but want to keep trying the new tech. Someday maybe they’ll get it right.
Someday, maybe, they’ll cure T1D! 😉
I would put 5, but I’m waiting on my Inhalable insulin.
I gave mine a three. I am currently on the Omnipod 5 and have been very disappointed. Their algorithm is so bad that you have to put in abnormal Insulin to Carb and Correction factors to not run really high all the time. Of course, during the 2 hour downtime when Dexcom is warming up and you have to turn on Manual Delivery, those factors don’t work; they are too high. In addition, I have had regular problems with the receiver not communicating with the pod, even though I have the receiver right next to the pod. What ends up happening is I have to turn the receiver off and turn it back on and the problem goes away. But that’s a ridiculous amount of hassle. Bottom line is I don’t use the Automated Mode at all. I will keep waiting until either they get it working more efficiently or someone comes up with a better algorithm for a tubeless pump. I will never go back to a pump with tubes. 😬
Since I can achieve an HbA1c of 6 with a Dexcom 6 and MDI and low carb diet (but not ketogenic), why should I go to expense & nuisance of pump? My endo says “no” to metformin, “no” to inhaled insulin. She’d probably say no to Ozempic. Maybe it’s time for me to find a new health plan so I can find a new endocrinologist?
YES !!
See my “remark” to KILUPX” near bottom..
I would have given it a 5 if Omnipod would ever start adding Android 13 OS and IOS systems. It is so frustrating waiting because all the data my AI is gathering is going to be worthless and I will have to start from the beginning with my Omnipod 5 learning how to manage my Blood Glucose once they do get it where I only have one device to manage the Ombipod
I answered “4”. I use a Tandem ControliQ pump with Dexcom CGM. I am a brittle diabetic, so any pump has had issues controlled the extremely rapid rise from stress, carbs, or for any unknown reason.
I chose “5” because of the pumps I have tried I love my Tandem. Still, I wish there was a better way to deliver my insulin, or a cure!!
Am much in love with DIY Loop 3.0 and the Omnipod Dash. So grateful to those smart volunteers who have built this coded this algorithm and continue t support it.
Neither my wife or myself would ever use a pump. I have been told by Byram health that my DXCM G7 should be arriving in the beginning of March. I am hoping the consistency will be better than the G6 !!