My pump has been put away

[jeggeman31]

Well I decided to stop pumping and return to MDI. As of now I am only planning on doing this for 3 or 4 months, we will see how things go. I just needed a break.


Funny thing is I have had better control the last few days on MDI than I have in months on my pump.

[flash]

Whatever makes you happy. Personally I don't agree with you, I think a 7.1 A1C is not too bad. If I had to go back to MDI's I would feel like a prisoner with chains on me. I was so tired of going to a restaurant and taking a shot of insulin among many other things. Taking a shot of humalog every time I eat, waking up low in the morning from my night
time shot of Lantus, or making sure to eat before going to bed.
Good Luck, better you than me ......... I don't know weather to give you credit or call the men in the white suits..........
This is the 21st century, and my opinion is that you should go forward not backward, but to each their own ......... Hope too see you pumping soon ........
Sorry if I sound harsh but hearing this blows my mind ..........

Flash

[NoelD]

Flash, it's quite common in the pumping community to take breaks from time to time.

[valc3]

Jim, I know you've thought about this for awhile. Hope everything works out for you. Glad to hear your control has improved with the switch.

[JediSkipdogg]

Good luck Jim and now I know where to get a backup Animas pump at. :D

[Funnygrl]

Good luck Jim.

And Flash- most people consider 7.1 above optimal. My endo likes to see below 6.5.

[babs2000]

Jim-Good luck with your decision to give up the pump for awhile. I know that you have given it alot of thought. I'm happy that you are getting good control with the MDI's. Good Luck! Beth:hello:

[dgrilli]

Yep, Just taking a break from the pump good for the soul. A change for awhile.

I might do that for a couple of weeks in the future but as of right now schedule is just way to hectic loading syringes all day long.

I would need some down time through out my schedule to accomplish any thing MDI.

MDI require more effort and time to b e effective. If your not going to take the time then its a lost cause cruising inevidably towards an out of control time.

Good Luck Jegg and enjoy the change.

[Cyborg]

I'd have to guess that those going off the pump are having problems with bg numbers. I wonder if those are a result of not bolusing for protein... :hmmmm:

[Funnygrl]

I'd have to guess that those going off the pump are having problems with bg numbers. I wonder if those are a result of not bolusing for protein... :hmmmm:
Then why did they get better control when they started mdi? Did they magically decide to start bolusing for protein?

[June91]

I have been off the pump and on mdi for a week now and love it, although it's early days yet...

Since the advent of Lantus, and even more importantly (for me), Levemir, I'm not so sure that the pump has "magical" properties any more.

I am still a big promoter of pumping as I think everyone should at least get a chance to try it out and have made it my mission to make it available to most people where I live.

To each his own, and I hope people will refrain from judging each other, at least at DF - all of us have enough of that to deal with in our daily lives.

[xMenace]

Pumping definately gives you the ultimate is diabetes management education. I'm sure that if I went back to MDI I'd be much much better at it. But my basals are so up and down, I can't see it happenning.

[flash]

I can't go back either nor would I want to...... The pump mimicks the pancreas more than any other device. I can't understand why anybody would go back unless it's financially
necesary. I want the best device on the market to treat this chronic disease..........

Flash

[KritterMom]

Enjoy your vacation!:)

[ladytaz]

Good Luck Jim, I hope the MDI continues to go well for you! :)

[Lloyd]

Well I decided to stop pumping ....

I guess it is like everything else concerning the big D, every case is different.

I've only been pumping a couple of weeks, but the phrase "pry it out of my cold, dead hands" would apply to me at this point! :biggrin:

[notme]

I have been pumping for over six years. I know that I would hate to come off my pump, but I can see where it could be necessary for awhile. I have a very small area that I can use for sets. I cannot use my upper stomach. The sites get very sore and red if I use any area above my belly button. I wish I knew why. I tried again a couple of days ago and it is still red two days after removing it. I can use upper backside and upper inner thighs. I can see after time, I may have to take a pump break just to give my stomach and backside a break from sets. I am still looking for new sites that I can use that are convenient.

So..... I understand the need. I will hate it personally, but everyone is different. Good luck!!!

[greengirl]

:) well, im new but just wanted to say have a good vacation. i find myself taking one every couple months for a couple of weeks.

[JanTx]

In my opinion - it's not the pump, and it's not the MDI. It's us. Whatever causes us to be more alert, more vigilant, more accountable for our numbers is the thing to use. I can see getting complacent on either and needing the break to realign focus. Good luck. Enjoy the break. Whatever works!

[Clint]

I went off my pump for a few months to let my tissue heal and I hate it. Having to wake up to take my Lantus vs sleeping in with my pump.. having to make sure I have enough needles with me and take my insulin with me everywhere stinks too.

I have much better control with my pump than I ever have/had with MDI. I am going back on my pump this week and cant wait!

[NoelD]

I'd have to guess that those going off the pump are having problems with bg numbers. I wonder if those are a result of not bolusing for protein... :hmmmm:

I never bolus for protein. It doesn't seem to affect my BG, if at all, it's very small. I ate a steak last night with steamed veggies. I only bolused for the carbs in the veggies and never went above 103. I guess it's another case by case type of thing.

[Injecto]

I can't understand why anybody would go back unless it's financially
necesary.

I can see many many reasons why people would want to go off the pump (if only for a little while...which is why they call it a vacation). The several reasons people have mentioned here are just some examples of why they would go off the pump.

Now, there is a part of me that thinks any time you "change" you treatment (from MDI to Pump, Pump to MDI) you will get a positive result. The most likely reason is the when you change you are actively working on your BGs more than before. It is possible to become a bit complacent after a while, using any method. This is not a criticism nor is that the case for everyone. Managing this friggin disease is hard and I can easily see people wanting to try something different (again) to see if it helps them.

So, whatever works for you, great. Do it. It's your health and all the power to you.

Best of luck off the pump.

[Patti]

Good luck and hope it goes well for you.

[cheryl]

I'll admit Lantus or levemir(which i have not used) is a lot better, my ultimate decison to get a pump was that it is more like I mimic a pancreas, when I was more routine with the lantus I had better numbers, now that everyday I hold into something different, I'd rather pump, because If I wake up in the morning and decide oh I am gonna clean house I can change basal rates instead of thinking darnit I already have lantus in me and now I have to snack, if honestly your the type of person that has your days planned ahead all week and are very sceduled and I mean activity wise not food wise then Lantus will work for you, if everday holds something new and you don't know till you get going then the pump would be better, but both take work in figuring how much basal needs you do need for everyday.......

Good luck on the mdi's and remember keep activiey level planned

cheryl

[flash]

Diabetes affects every cell and organ in our bodies in a negative way. It destroys us little by little in one way or another without us ever knowing. Many think that it's a game just take insulin or a pill and everything is OK. Many people just don't realize the damage being done to our bodies on a daily basis. Now we have a pump that mimicks a pancreas and possibly cut down on some of the eventual complications, and people talk about going back to MDI's. If a person had COPD and needed oxygen and got too complacent with the oxygen and decided to go back to breathing without the oxygen or just going back to an inhaler, one would see the consequences quickly but in Diabetics it takes time to see the harm being done to the body.
I should have just wished you luck and said have a nice vacation, enjoy yourself, but than I woke up .........

Flash

[jen_slc]

I can't go back either nor would I want to...... The pump mimicks the pancreas more than any other device. I can't understand why anybody would go back unless it's financially
necesary. I want the best device on the market to treat this chronic disease..........

Fla**** was not financially necessary for me, and I still chose to stop. The pump did not work for me and I am doing much better now on MDI than I did on the pump, and with an A1c of 6.1, nobody can argue that. I would agree that, in the majority of cases, the pump is the best device on the market to treat diabetes. But it is not an infallible device. Pump vacations, from my understanding, are fairly common. Permanent pump vacations are less common but they do happen, and usually not for financial reasons.

Do I feel I have taken steps backward in terms of the methods I use to control my BGs? Sure! I went from NPH & Regular, to Lente & Regular, to Ultralente & Humalog, to pumping Humalog, back to MDI with Lantus & Humalog, then Novolog, and now Apidra. I don't even use the pens anymore because I can't - I have "regressed", if you will, to vials and syringes. I have not, however, regressed in terms of my health and/or control. I am in the best shape and control of my life. And it does not bother me in the slightest to be using prehistoric vials and syringes, precisely because it works for me. You say MDI was like being chained up; well... pumping chained me up.

I feel more free on MDI than pumping. It does not interfere with anything in my life - I don't have to eat before bed, I don't have to alter my sleeping patterns, I don't have to alter my exercise patterns - all of the things that might pose a problem on MDI do not pose a problem for me because I have worked it all out to my advantage. You don't have to have a highly scheduled life to live on Lantus - I live like anyone else on the pump and it doesn't stop me from doing anything.

I'm glad for you, flash, that pumping is a godsend for you. But it isn't for everyone. I'm sorry if I seem a bit worked up about it, but this is kind of a sensitive topic for me. I was deathly afraid to stop pumping because of the backlash I thought I would receive from my diabetes team, family and friends. I ended up pumping longer than I should have, and it hurt my physical and mental wellbeing.

And Jim, to get to the point of my post --- I do hope you enjoy your time off from your pump!!! It will be interesting to hear about your experiences after a few months :D (if you go that long :wink:)

p.s. Flash, I am complication-free, healthier than any non-diabetic I know, and plan to remain that way for the rest of my life. My life without a pump does not doom me to a life of complications.

[flash]

I don't believe I said without a pump you are doomed. I said a pump mimics the pancreas more than MDI'S and if used correctly offers better control than MDI'S. I'm glad that you are more healthy than even non-diabetics. I only wish that were true, I really do. You must be young and believe you are invincible, we were all there once. I only wish your cells were as strong as your will ......... Diabetes will eventually get us all , whether on the pump or not but the idea is to out run this disease for as long as possible, and I believe the pump can help us do that best at this point and time ..........

Flash

[Lloyd]

Diabetes will eventually get us all , whether on the pump or not but the idea is to out run this disease for as long as possible, and I believe the pump can help us do that best at this point and time ..........

Flash

I don't believe that is necessarily true. There are people who have been on insulin more than 50 years.

Old age will get them eventually, but not necessarily (or even likely?) diabetes.

-Lloyd

[BriOnH]

Diabetes will eventually get us all ,

No. It will not.

[flash]

You're right, some of us will past the finish line and complete the race. Many of us will stumble along the way or get side tracked and have to use a detour, still others will colapse and not cross the finish line at all. All I'm saying is that by having diabetes decreases our chances of crossing the finish line. The insulin pump will help many get up and finish the race or at least come closer to the finish line. I am getting out of breath now and diabetes is about to catch me shortly ......

Flash

[tanyatype1]

Hi there Flash! I'm kinda chuckling to myself because even though I have diabetes, I always figure that I'm going to die from cancer! Who knows eh?!

[barbarac]

Nothing has ever been said to me (by any of the educators, Dr.'s, or 2 different pump trainers) about bolusing for protein. As a matter of fact, in the session on carb counting, she had sample meals for me to try and see if I was counting right, and the protein she said 0 on. What do you mean by counting protein? Setting the basals for me has never been right I don't think, not sure I could figure in something else. Carbs are hard enough unless I have a # on the side of the box.

[duck]

Jim, good luck man. A man has gotta do what he has gotta do, and if you think this is the right thing, I'll support ya. It's not like that pump is going to grow legs and walk away, right?

[June91]

I think a 7.1 A1C is not too bad.
Most people on this forum as well as official medicine (for a change) will disagree. Regardless of pumping vs. mdi.

If I had to go back to MDI's I would feel like a prisoner with chains on me
Then why is it so difficult for you to acknowledge that people feel the same way about the pump?

I don't know weather to give you credit or call the men in the white suits..........
I hope we are all here to help each other and refrain from judging, insults or righteousness. I figured having diabetes teaches you one size never fits all.

This is the 21st century, and my opinion is that you should go forward not backward, but to each their own .........
Forward for me means good control with good quality of life. Forward and backward have nothing to do with the means of achieving this end.

Diabetes will eventually get us all
Nonsense. Death will.

I believe the pump can help us do that best at this point and time ..........
There you go, finally the point I've been trying to make: believe as opposed to stating with unwavering certainty - and lo and behold to those who think differently.

[Cyborg]

Then why did they get better control when they started mdi? Did they magically decide to start bolusing for protein?

Good point, but time will tell... As others mentioned, after being on the pump you learn much more about your diabetes and how to treat it.


I never bolus for protein. It doesn't seem to affect my BG, if at all, it's very small. I ate a steak last night with steamed veggies. I only bolused for the carbs in the veggies and never went above 103. I guess it's another case by case type of thing.

Your test would have been more accurate without the veggies and associated bolus. With protein affecting me to such an extent, I just find it hard to believe that there are people that are immune to the affects of protein.

...

Good luck Jim, keep us posted as to how it's going.

[dancingwithbear]

i square bolus for protien after a certain amount. if it is a normal amount of protein small steak, smal piece of fish then i dont. but i rarely eat a small steak.

[flash]

June

I can give my opinion, and to me 7.1 is not that bad, but you seem to be an authority on the subject. It was a simple statement saying, " A 7.1 A1C is not that bad " but you can look at every word and pick it apart because your the authority.

Going forward to me means using new improved means, (the pump),to achieve the end (quality and length of life).

I do believe the pump if used corectly will help lengthen our life and help slow down or stop some of the complications.
This is my opinion, if you want to pick every word apart and say that I am stating, go right ahead Miss Authority.

Feeling like a prisoner was meant to compare being a prisoner to being so refrained to having to eat and exercise and take injections throughout the day. Again my opinon, Missy....

I will apologize for saying calling the men in white suits, that was too strong to get my point across.
I realize that some people have no choice going backto MDI's because of infusion sites or financial reasons, but just to go back for the sake of a change or a "REST" and turn off the device closest to a pancreas blows me away, (oh yeah that is just my opinon)

Flash

[Injecto]

Old age will get them eventually, but not necessarily (or even likely?) diabetes.

No. It will not.

Unfortunately that is not how new diabetics (young or old) are introduced to this disease (they are first hit with "your feet will fall off, your kidneys will die, and after you go blind you will have a heart attack followed by a stroke, but diabetes won't kill you).

I desperately want to believe you two, I really really really do (I can't stress that enough), but my lonely introduction to this disease was so full of horrible approaches that I can't even walk back to the diabetes clinic again. I sat through 7 weeks of courses that all focused (save for 1 class) on the imminence of complications that you have no idea what kind of fear for my life was instilled. You know why they say "first impression is the most important"? Because it's the one that lasts. Well, in my case, it was a bad one. Very very bad.

But I come to this site, 10X per day, and read stories and heed peoples' advice in hopes to eventually break free. But it's been a battle and a half.

[flash]

Sorry June, I forgot one

Diabetes will get a great deal of us and shorten our lives. This is a fact that is in all the medical journals (for change ! ) Yes it will be death that gets us but in many it will be diabetes bringing on an early death. I'm sorry to tell you and others this but this is reality and sometimes you have to look in the mirror.
I don't take joy in telling you this it is just a fact, diabetes does affect every cell and organ in our bodies in a negative way. This disease is not a joke or a game that we play with insulin or pills and everything is Ok, it's just not ........

Flash

[Scarlett]

Can't say that I blame you either-been off the Paradigm for 2 yrs. and have had 2 better A1C's since-my body rejected the canulas and the BG's were DANGEROUSLY high consistently for too long-had a heart attack 9/11/07 and now drink LOTS of water to help BG's stay normal (Lantus and Novolog) the Novolog pen is great too! no transporting of syringes around! I'm pretty happily controlled right now-hope all stays this well with my health-

best move I ever made was to get of the tube!

[JediSkipdogg]

Sorry June, I forgot one

Diabetes will get a great deal of us and shorten our lives. This is a fact that is in all the medical journals (for change ! ) Yes it will be death that gets us but in many it will be diabetes bringing on an early death. I'm sorry to tell you and others this but this is reality and sometimes you have to look in the mirror.
I don't take joy in telling you this it is just a fact, diabetes does affect every cell and organ in our bodies in a negative way. This disease is not a joke or a game that we play with insulin or pills and everything is Ok, it's just not ........

Flash

Actually...studies 20 years ago showed that. Studies now are showing that we can live a normal life. Not to mention, most diabetics are now more aware of what they eat and therefore are eating healthier than non-diabetics. So in a sense, that can possibly be reversed. The problem is, no research has been done recently with new treatment methods to show what the average life expectancy may be.

If one is diagnosed within the past 10 years I can guarantee they will live alot longer than those diagnosed in the 50s when they didn't have BG meters at all and had to just assume a BG level.

[Lloyd]

Unfortunately that is not how new diabetics (young or old) are introduced to this disease (they are first hit with "your feet will fall off, your kidneys will die, and after you go blind you will have a heart attack followed by a stroke, but diabetes won't kill you).


The further your bg is from good control, the more likely the above complications are. That is an established fact.
That doesn't mean you will get them even if you are in control, the facts say otherwise.

I have never smoked. I could get lung cancer anyway. My chances of that happening are extremely small, compared to someone who smokes 3 1/2 packs a day.

I'm not saying bad things can't happen even if you have good control, it is possible though very unlikely. But to assert that it WILL HAPPEN TO EVERYONE just is not supported by the facts.

Each symptom has it's own risk factor, but for simlicity lets say your chances are 40% less of bad complications happening if you can lower your A1c by 1%.
Let's take the case of someone with a very bad A1c of 14%.
If they can lower it to 6% their risk would be lowered by
.6 x .6 x .6 x .6 x .6 x .6 x .6 x .6 so whatever risk they had of complications would be only about 3% as great after they managed to lower their A1c to 6.

Or, to put it another way, that person has reduced their chances of complications by 97%
There seems to be a concensus that if you get your bs into the same range as a non-diabetic (4.3 to 6%) that you have no more risk than a non diabetic. I would add that I think you would need to have an average that is not composed of highs and lows averaging each other out.

-Lloyd

[JediSkipdogg]

I would add that I think you would need to have an average that is not composed of highs and lows averaging each other out.


That is the new key point they are finding out. Now, I forget what it's called but for some reason I'm thinking Correlation Coefficient comes to mind. You want that as close to 1 as possible. The further you get from 1 the more your numbers are all over the place.

They are finally starting to say that an A1C isn't as important as it use to be. Now they want the numbers as flat as possible. If one is having alot of highs and lows that can actually cause more damage than runninga constant high because the changing puts stress on the organs. Unfortunately, unless you test numerous times a day it's hard to find out what the correlation coefficient is.

[BriOnH]

Very well said June. Very respectful and to the point, unlike others.

[Injecto]

The further your bg is from good control, the more likely the above complications are. That is an established fact.
That doesn't mean you will get them even if you are in control, the facts say otherwise.

I have never smoked. I could get lung cancer anyway. My chances of that happening are extremely small, compared to someone who smokes 3 1/2 packs a day.

I'm not saying bad things can't happen even if you have good control, it is possible though very unlikely. But to assert that it WILL HAPPEN TO EVERYONE just is not supported by the facts.

Each symptom has it's own risk factor, but for simlicity lets say your chances are 40% less of bad complications happening if you can lower your A1c by 1%.
Let's take the case of someone with a very bad A1c of 14%.
If they can lower it to 6% their risk would be lowered by
.6 x .6 x .6 x .6 x .6 x .6 x .6 x .6 so whatever risk they had of complications would be only about 3% as great after they managed to lower their A1c to 6.

Or, to put it another way, that person has reduced their chances of complications by 97%
There seems to be a concensus that if you get your bs into the same range as a non-diabetic (4.3 to 6%) that you have no more risk than a non diabetic. I would add that I think you would need to have an average that is not composed of highs and lows averaging each other out.

-Lloyd


I do understand that Lloyd and that is where part of my problem comes in. My horrible introduction to the disease has skewed my sense of reasoning despite the "facts and studies", hence my increased anxiety and depression. I only wish I had been introduced very differently rather than go through the two months of **** that I did, which put me at a severely disadvantaged point in terms of outlook.

thanks.

If one is having alot of highs and lows that can actually cause more damage than runninga constant high because the changing puts stress on the organs.


Now, what is considered high in this case? I happen to hit 10s (180s) frequently (dare I say daily).

[JediSkipdogg]

Now, what is considered high in this case? I happen to hit 10s (180s) frequently (dare I say daily).

I don't think that has ever really been figured out yet. They do know though that the #1 cause of retinopathy is highly fluctuating BGs.

[Cyborg]

The eyes and kidneys are highly susceptible to damage because they consist of cells that do not rely on insulin to absorb glucose.

With regards to complications from diabetes, I've heard that every 1.0% drop in a1c reduces your risk of complications by 40%.

[RLK]

In Pumping Insulin (4th ed.), John Walsh says that the standard deviation of your BG values should be below 65. I'm working on achieving a flatter BG profile, but I'm still seeing way too many swings each day, even with my pump. Oh CGMS, how I wish I could afford you....

[ladytaz]

I do understand that Lloyd and that is where part of my problem comes in. My horrible introduction to the disease has skewed my sense of reasoning despite the "facts and studies", hence my increased anxiety and depression. I only wish I had been introduced very differently rather than go through the two months of **** that I did, which put me at a severely disadvantaged point in terms of outlook.



And now, you know the TRUTH! You've been here at DF long enough to find out that what *they* told you was incorrect. *They* embelished upon the truth to, basically, scare the living **** out of you to put you straight, and *they* suceeded, causing you undue stress and anxiety!

Now, what do you do when you've believed something in the past, and then find out it was all a big fat lie? Do you go on believing that lie, or do you listen to what you've been told is actually the truth?

YES, complications CAN happen, but it's NOT a given! I'm a decent example of that. For 3+ (probably more like 5+) years I ran around with BGL's of 200 - 300+ (probably very often into the 400 - 500 range as well - I didnt always check) At that time, I didn't know that I *could* be huritng myself.

I'm SO very lucky that I don't have any complications because of that! I don't know if I just come from good stock or someone or something was looking out for me. But I DO thank my lucky stars every day that I don't have any complications.

There are pleanty of people here on this board, who have had Diabetes for 30+ years, who have minimal, if any, complications! I'm quite sure that ALL of them haven't been in *perfect control* for all those years! Doesn't this say something to you? Doesn't that disprove what *they* told you? Because if what *they* told you was the truth, they'd all be on dialysis, be blind, have had strokes and heart attacks and have all their extremities amputated, if they weren't dead already!

It's one thing to be concerned about being *high* and that causing you complications, and another to flat out have a constant anxiety attack over it.

I don't like my BGL to be over 140, it makes me upset, but I don't *freak out* about it. Now if it's over 200, I start to freak tho. LOL Thankfully, it's a rare thing (now, since starting on insulin) for me to even be over 130!

You have to deicide, are you going to listen to a bunch of nimrods who DON'T have Diabetes, who are going of the medical science of 1852 and who's whole goal is bascially just to scare the living **** out of you and make you conform to *their* rules and regulations .... or are you going to listen to those who actually have Diabetes and LIVE with this disease day in and day out?

I choose to listen to those who actually have Diabetes and live it day in and day out! The proof is in the puddin, hun! ;)

As to what is considered *high*. That number varies, depending upon who you're talking to. It is *said* that damage begins at 140. Now that doesn't mean that if you're over 140, that in the next second your kindeys are going to fail, you're gonna go blind, have a stroke or heart attack, etc. What that means is that it starts chipping away at your health, bit by bit. Not chunk by chunk, but bit by bit.

What IS best is to keep yourself under 140, but that isn't always attainable, and pleanty of people here, myself included, have spent extended amounts of time well over that number and are still here, alive, well, and all body parts intact, to tell about it.

If you are consistently having numbers over 180, then you really need to get your regime figured out! Aske questions of those here on the Forums, they're more than willing to help you out! They've learned by trial and error what works and what doesn't! Even though every one is different, chances are there is someone here who is very similar in reactions to foods and insulin, as you are. ;)

TRY not to stress anymore hun, it IS bad for you on ALL levels! And PLEASE don't take what *they* told you as the Gospel Truth anymore!! They've been proven wrong, time and time again, here on this board, alone! ;)

I hope I haven't sounded harsh or anything like that, that's not how I want this to come across at ALL! I just want you to "see the light" so to speak, and ease your fears! ;)

[JediSkipdogg]

In Pumping Insulin (4th ed.), John Walsh says that the standard deviation of your BG values should be below 65.

That's what I was looking for earlier. I think it should even be lower than that. I think correlation coefficient relates the same way. Both say a flatter profile is better though.

[RLK]

That's what I was looking for earlier. I think it should even be lower than that. I think correlation coefficient relates the same way. Both say a flatter profile is better though.

Yeah, now how to achieve that profile? :confused: I'm curious to know what others' standard deviation values look like...

[Lloyd]

Yeah, now how to achieve that profile? :confused: I'm curious to know what others' standard deviation values look like...

My SD is 20 for the past week, 22 since I started pumping on the 7th of this month.

I managed to get 44% of my readings between 90 and 110, I will try to do even better in the future.

-Lloyd

[sofaraway]

With regards to complications from diabetes, I've heard that every 1.0% drop in a1c reduces your risk of complications by 40%.

I have heard this too, but what if your A1c was 16 and you dropped it to 15, would that really reduce your risk by 40%? i can understand that dropping from 7 to 6 might reduce this risk


Good luck Jim I hope it works out for you

[Lloyd]

I have heard this too, but what if your A1c was 16 and you dropped it to 15, would that really reduce your risk by 40%?


From what was on dLife TV, as I remember it, they said it was across the board until you got down to the normal glucose range (4.3 to 6%).

60% of a real high percentage is still a pretty high percentage though.
I would put it this way, every drop in a1c is a help, as long as you are not risking dangerious lows.

-Lloyd

[flash]

Brion, I figured you would say something intelligent.
I guess I'll tell all my fellow diabetics at the clinic that diabetes isn't that bad anymore. I'll tell the men who have had legs amputated the good news. I'll tell all those who are now blind or close to it that there is just no complications to diabetes. I'll relay all your thoughts to the ones on dyalisis 3 times a week and taking all kinds of meds. I will tell all those with heart problems and who need oxygen because of such a weak heart the great news, and likewise for all the stroke victims. Those with neuropathy who are in great pain and can't feel their own feet. All those with vascular problems will be so relieved to hear that their is not that many complications these days. And to the many who have passed because of heart disease or kidney failure, I will go to their graves and pass the great news along to them and their families.
It's no wonder people use diabetes as a money making buisness with no real intention for a cure. Why should anyone care. The people who are diabetics today will live forever and have no complications, it's just a game ........ till you get hit hard with reality ...........

Flash

[Lloyd]

Brion, I figured you would say something intelligent.
I guess I'll tell all my fellow diabetics at the clinic that diabetes isn't that bad anymore. I'll tell the men who have had legs amputated the good news. I'll tell all those who are now blind or close to it that there is just no complications to diabetes. I'll relay all your thoughts to the ones on dyalisis 3 times a week and taking all kinds of meds. I will tell all those with heart problems and who need oxygen because of such a weak heart the great news, and likewise for all the stroke victims. Those with neuropathy who are in great pain and can't feel their own feet. All those with vascular problems will be so relieved to hear that their is not that many complications thes days. And to the many who have passed because of heart disease or kidney failure, I will go to their graves and pass the great news along to them and their families.
It's no wonder people use diabetes as a money making buisness with no real intention for a cure. Why should anyone care. The people who are diabetics today will live forever and have no complications, it's just a game ........ till you get hit hard with reality ...........

Flash

And how many of the people you described above had good control of their bg's?
You can sure get all the symptoms above if you don't keep things in control.

[cheryl]

Wow, what a debate, I just got my pump in the mail and everyone is on one side or another, you got the pro-pumpers that will not here of anything else and you got the pro-mdi''s that won't hear of anything else, then you got the one's that understand either way.


I will say this one, to each his own, I totally think that you can get control on either one, seriously I really really do, I don't understand why poor Jim puts his pump away and then gets a tad blasted for it......Some people just do better with the shots, some don't they do better with the pump and some can go both ways. I think if I tried harder, I would do better on mdi's but I don't feel like and this is for me personally to plan my day the night before when I am takin my lantus, I will admit it is one of the best basal insulin's out there for mdi's but......more discipline, I have learned that first hand.....


I think one of the problems with some pumpers is that they think it will magically fix them, wrong it won't, it still takes work and figuring what you need for different activity, stress, and if your a woman pms......I for one just didn't know when I took that shot what my day is gonna be like see my point, but I do think it can be achieved,


As for worrying about any kind of complications, well.....bah hum bug on it all, I didn't ask for this bull ****, and I was not warned, so I had a rough time dealing with this forever....but reality set it, and I had this for 15 yrs before I had an a1c in the 6's unless I was pregnant, always always in the 12's nothing and I mean nothing is wrong with me at all, I got more anxiety attacks being on a forum and seeing what could happen scarey, but I know it could, but if my life is meant to go that route despite all my efforts then that is why I was put on this earth, to maybe save another, who knows what my purpose is....all I do know I am alive with all my limbs excellent kidneys, despite what I have heard that having babies takes it toll, yea right I have had four and mine are excellent I have 20-20 vision with one broken vessel which may not be diabetes related, and as soon as my bgs got stable I feel no tingling anymore period.........


So, my thing is a normal healthy person gets cancer gets well or dies, normal healthy people get heart attacks they live or die, same for us, some of us are going to live a long time and some of us won't......it sucks but that is how life goes.......

Cheryl

[duck]

Wow, what a debate, I just got my pump in the mail and everyone is on one side or another, you got the pro-pumpers that will not here of anything else and you got the pro-mdi''s that won't hear of anything else, then you got the one's that understand either way.

Meh. I'm a pro-pumper who thinks we need to do what we need to do to beat this thing--MDI, pumping, transplant, whatever it takes.