Thinking about getting a pump. . . Help please!

[AJ21]

Hi Everyone.
I'm new to the forum, altho not new to diabetes.
I got diagnosed almost 4 years ago with Type 1, at the old age of 21... so i'm turning 25 in a few weeks (AHH!!) and I'm finally 'caving' into the pump idea.
My blood glucose levels have been all over the map for the past 3 years, and it's driving me crazy. Finally I decided to look into the pump.
I'd prefer the one that has the automatic sensor system that way I can eliminate the pain in the butt blood testing, however is it actually accurate?
I'm basically just wondering if you guys could help me decide on what pump is the best for me. I enjoy working out, but i HATE having to do it at a certain time cause of my Lantus/Novorapid intake. I also am trying to get a job that will hopefully NOT be sitting at a desk all day.
I like eating food (obviously...) and I hate having to minimize my honey intake and stuff cause of the ridiculous highs that accompany it.
I don't know if this helps at all, but any help that you guys could offer would be fabulous.
Thanks so much! Sorry if this is in the wrong place!
-- A

[JediSkipdogg]

I'd prefer the one that has the automatic sensor system that way I can eliminate the pain in the butt blood testing, however is it actually accurate?

The CGMS devices generally do not minimize fingersticks. You still have to do one before you give any insulin because the devices can sometimes be off, aka not accurate. If you are stuck on having that feature, Minimed is the only one that makes one with the built in feature into the pump. Also, that's an additional feature for an additional fee that's generally not covered by insurance (although some, very few will cover it.)

I'm basically just wondering if you guys could help me decide on what pump is the best for me. I enjoy working out, but i HATE having to do it at a certain time cause of my Lantus/Novorapid intake. I also am trying to get a job that will hopefully NOT be sitting at a desk all day.

I think you need to research each pump and maybe even call the companies for a trial of each one. The main 4 are....

Animas 1250
Deltec-Smith Cozmo
Minimed 522/722
Omnipod

Each have thier pros and cons. And we can't decide for you which is the best. Before buying ANY I HIGHLY RECOMMEND wearing it for a week and running it through every test you can. Even if it's only filled with saline. That way you find if you like the features of it or not. Nothing like buying a $6000 device and then hating it for the 4 years you have to keep it.

I like eating food (obviously...) and I hate having to minimize my honey intake and stuff cause of the ridiculous highs that accompany it.

Well, with a pump you may still spike high. The pump won't help with spikes much. You can just plan around it a little better possibly with a pump.

[Gordonm]

The pump is the best thing going for us. I have had Diabetes for 32 years and resisted getting a pump for years. I have had mine for 3 months now and would not give it up. My final thing that made me get one was I took up cycling this past spring. I am doing 20 to 40 mile rides and had the same issue you are having about working out. I would ride in the afternoon when my NPH was at it s highest. I was loading up on carbs and was all over the place. I did a lot of research on the pumps and "test drove" 2 out of the 4 pumps mentioned. My personal experience came down to the MM and the Animas. Probably either one would have suited me fine but I had to decide. I went with the MM 522 pump. I do not have the constant monitoring due to cost and have seen that it is not always accurate. There are some better systems on the horizon that I am waiting for. Talk to the reps and get as much info and experience before plunking down your money. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[AJ21]

Thanks so much so far for the information!
I do realize that you can't make the decision for me (I wish it were that easy!!!) I'm just really looking for people's suggestions on what they would reccommend looking into.

I know that there's only the MM with the Real-Time thing, does it come on all models though? Or is there a particular pump that has it? I tried finding their pumps on their website, and for some reason, I couldn't locate anything?

I'm going to see my nurse tomorrow, so I will def. bring all this up and ask her what she would suggest.

Any more suggestions are appreciated!
Thanks!!!!

[xMenace]

What Gordon and Jedi said. I have my best control ever. The flexibility is great.