What's the best wireless insulin pump?

Using an insulin pump

• I just bought an insulin pump. I've been using it for about a month and would love to hear any tips, hints or suggestions from other pumpers. [asking for my mom, who will be checking this thread and commenting/clarifying if need be] I’ve recently purchased a Medtronic Paradigm insulin pump and have a few questions regarding its operation and use. I’m delighted with the pump itself; it’s making an immediate difference in the quality of my life. I am consulting frequently with an endocrinologist and a diabetes care team but would very much appreciate real-life anecdotes from people who have used or are using insulin pumps. That being said, I know that replies in this thread are not medical advice and I would not presume to construe any answers given as medical advice. And, so, here are my questions: 1) How often do you need to change the infusion site? I’ve been told it’s ideal to change the site every two to three days, but is it possible to leave it for longer? Obviously, I don’t want to cause any sort of infection or irritation but, realistically, these things are expensive! The pump’s consumables (infusion sites, reservoirs, etc) are not covered by my health insurance, though I am appealing this. I don’t want to take (and will not take) any unnecessary medical risks but, let’s face it, the cost of consumables adds up quickly. Will it really matter if I leave it for an extra day? Have others found a timeline that suits them? 2) Is it safe to reuse the pump’s insulin reservoirs? Some people I’ve talked to say that reusing them once just doesn’t matter; others say it’s best to use a new one every time. 3) I’m still getting used to carrying the pump around with me. I’d appreciate any advice regarding conveniently and comfortably wearing it. I generally keep it in my pocket but am concerned that it could fall out (and I sure don’t want to break it!). I’ve thought about wearing it in my bra but am not quite sure how that’d work and if it would be comfortable.

• Answer:

  1) I've found that longer than three days, and the infusion site gets irritated, painful, and a bit swollen. It goes away, but I figure it's the tiniest bit infected and it's safer to change it. Then again, I'm paying ~$50/4 mos. of supplies, so I don't have the pressure you do. 2) The biggest problem with reusing the reservoir is if they jam up and get harder for the pump to push. Worst case would be that it thinks it'd delivering the basal when it doesn't. I'd guess reusing once wouldn't give too many problems. Track your glucose levels on the recycled syringes in comparison to the fresh ones--particularly the morning/fasting. That should tell you if it's an issue. 3) I usually clip mine on my belt or keep it in my pocket. One tip I might offer is to use some first aid tape to "pin down" a small part of the infusion tubing to your skin, just outside the rectangular adhesive they provide. I've found this will give way before the main adhesive should you catch the tubing on something, or jerk something oddly, and alert you before you yank the whole site out and have to replace it.