Thread by @James_Ridgeway_

Pens to Pumping

1/14

It's almost 200 days since I started using an insulin pump🗓️

So I thought I would reflect by creating a🧵covering:
What is pump therapy?
Why I switched from MDI?
What pump I chose and why?
How I switched?
What difference has it made?

#gbdoc #diabeteschat

2/14

What is pump therapy?

Insulin pump therapy is also known as a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).

It's basically a programmed pump that delivers rapid acting insulin through an infusion set to help manage glucose levels.

3/14

What type of insulin pumps are there?
There are two main types:

One type are tethered e.g. @TandemDiabetes T Slim, @MDT_Diabetes 780G, @mylife YpsoPump.

These pumps consist of a portable pump device, a canula that is inserted into the skin, and small tubing.

4/14

The other type is patched pumps e.g. @myomnipod dash and @GlucoMen.

These types have a pump device that is directly attached to the skin. The pump then wirelessly communicates with a handheld device or compatible control app on a mobile phone.

5/14

Why I switched from multiple daily insulin injections (MDI)?

For many years I found injections to be:
- Burdensome on my life with #T1D🙁
- Unable to help me self-manage my glucose levels possible the best possible
- Restricted my ability to run as far as possible🏃‍♂️

6/14

During my ten years on insulin injections I also developed a fear of hypoglycaemia🩸

This is what became the criteria rationale for use of insulin pump therapy as per @NICEComms [TA151]⬇️

7/14

What pump I chose and why?

I chose @myomnipod dash.

I liked how there is no tubing and that the pump is directly attached.

I thought to myself that I wear and get on well with @FreeStyleDiabet, and that the dash device is just a little bigger.

8/14

I also had a go at wearing a test kit which was a useful and positive experience.

A bit like a test drive 🚗
Or a try before you ''buy''

For anyone interested here is a link: omnipod.com/en-gb/get-star…

9/14

How I switched?

Prior to my insulin pump start day I was required to write down my glucose levels, carbs, bolus and basal doses for one week.

It felt like I was completing a @dafne diary again😆

10/14

This was to help my diabetes team work out my pump:
- Basal rates
- Insulin to carbohydrate ratios
- Insulin sensitivity factors for correcting high glucose levels

@DTN_UK have the most amazing guide for #hcps which includes a flow chart for pump setting initiation⬇️

11/14

I was on twice daily Levemir 💉

So I needed to appropriately stop my long acting insulin before starting on my pump journey🛣️

Thankfully my diabetes team @uhlinptdiab provided clear instructions💌

I was instructed to omit my morning Levemir dose on the pump start day ⬇️

12/14

Then on Monday 20th June 2022 I switched from MDI to pump therapy.

I was a little apprehensive about starting 🫢

But I took the plunge and have been swimming ever since🏊‍♂️

When I got home that day my family made a little surprise party🥳

13/14

What difference has it made?

For me it has certainly reduced my burdensome feeling of living with #T1D

It has also helped reduce my anxiety with hypos🙂

It has also given me more confidence to push myself further and more often with my running🏃‍♂️

14/14

But like all technology, pump therapy is not perfect.

I have experienced unexplained hyperglycaemia, leading to me identifying pump failure❌

It also requires you to be methodical, prepared and committed.

But from it I have noticed better glucose levels🩸