How often to change insertion

[TxTechKimmy]

Ok..the rep with the MiniMed folks said to change out my insertion every 3 days. I feel like I'm wasting so much insulin each time. How often do y'all go before changing?

[JediSkipdogg]

You should change every 3 days. Anything over 3 days and you risk building up scar tissue and I know a few on here have, myself being one. I use to go 5 days and then there was a period of pumping I couldn't get a decent site for the life of me after doing 5 days for about a year.

Where are you wasting the insulin at? If in the cartridge then either fill it up less or connect the old cartridge back to a vial first and shoot the insulin back in before filling up the next cartridge. If you are worried about the insulin in the tubing, just connect the plunger back up and pull the insulin from the tubing back into the cartridge then do the above injecting back into the vial.

[TxTechKimmy]

Thank you! I didn't realize you could push it back into the vial, but I guess that makes sense. This is all still so new to me.

[JediSkipdogg]

Thank you! I didn't realize you could push it back into the vial, but I guess that makes sense. This is all still so new to me.

Some won't do that, just because they don't like the idea of mixing old and new insulin, but I've done it since I started pumping almost 5 years ago and haven't had a problem and I know others that do it too.

[TxTechKimmy]

I have more of a problem throwing it out! That's throwing away a lot of money!

[tanyatype1]

I change my site every Saturday and Wednesday morning - that way I don't forget when I changed it last. I often blast in a new site and just reconnect my pump - nothing gets wasted. I don't understand why/how you're wasting insulin when you change your site.(?)

[Injecto]

Where are you wasting the insulin at? If in the cartridge then either fill it up less or connect the old cartridge back to a vial first and shoot the insulin back in before filling up the next cartridge. If you are worried about the insulin in the tubing, just connect the plunger back up and pull the insulin from the tubing back into the cartridge then do the above injecting back into the vial.

Ditto.

Just pull it back out with the plunger. Mixing isn't an issue if the insulin is less than 30 days out of the fridge. The only time it might be an issue is if you happened to freeze the insulin in the tubing on a cold day, or it got WAY to hot on a hot summer day. So far I've had no issues reusing old "tubing insulin", summer/winter.

[shabbie6247]

my pump trainer told me to change the insulin in my pump every six days regardless of how much is left unused. she explained it was because it had been tampered with while filling the cartridge....or something like that :confused:

she also said to change the site every 3 days if using a cannula, and every 2 days when using a steel needle.
i dont fancy the steel one much anyway its looks vicious !!

[kgm0612]

I use an average of 25-28 units a day, and I fill my reservoir to about 105-110 units. I usually change my infusion set every 3 days, but if it's comfortable and I have insulin left, I'll change it out on the 4th day.

Karen

[ctskierguy]

Next time you do a set change just take the highest amount that you've ever pumped in a day, times three and add 10-15%
That should put you right in the ballpark with a reasonable waste amount.
YMMV

Mike

[Gordonm]

I change my set every 3 1/2 to 4 days. Only had 1 go bad in a year. No scar tissue so far. I fill my resevoir to the limit every time. I just replace the resevoir when it is empty. They rarely fall together. If the set needs to be changed I just put in a new set and keep the same tubing and cartridge. Once the cartridge is empty I just change it and the tubing and connect to the set. This way I do not feel I am wasting anything and getting the most out of a fill. I pump about 30 to 35 units a day so a full cartridge lasts me about 5 days.

[jeggeman31]

When I was on the Animas I changed my site every 2 days. If you are talking about the insulin in the tubing going to waist, then keep the tubing and re use it. I only change out my tubing abut once every couple weeks.

Now that I am using the 722, I followed one of the other members and change out my site every Saturday and Wednesday so I can remember when it needs changed. If something is wrong with the site, and I have to put a new one in between those days I still change it out on Wednesday and Saturdays.

[gettingby]

Ok, I have a question.
If you just need to change out your reservoir, do you still need to use new tubing? I'm new to the pumping stuff so I won't know until I ask. :)

[belyro]

Ok, I have a question.
If you just need to change out your reservoir, do you still need to use new tubing? I'm new to the pumping stuff so I won't know until I ask. :)

I've gotten in the habit of changing my tubing when I change my reservoir (every 5 days or so), but not when I change my infusion set (every 3 days or so). I don't think it matters TOO much....but I don't know if there's the possibility of the insulin flowing less smoothly through the tubing if you use it for too long?

I should probably stop typing now and let a pumping "vet" answer this. ;)

[palefacegirl03]

I've gotten in the habit of changing my tubing when I change my reservoir (every 5 days or so), but not when I change my infusion set (every 3 days or so). I don't think it matters TOO much....but I don't know if there's the possibility of the insulin flowing less smoothly through the tubing if you use it for too long?

I should probably stop typing now and let a pumping "vet" answer this. ;)


I have already gotten into this habit too, I change my set every 3 days and the tubing when I change the reservoir.

[jeggeman31]

If you just need to change out your reservoir, do you still need to use new tubing? I'm new to the pumping stuff so I won't know until I ask. :)

I keep the same tubing for a couple 3 or 4 weeks. Some times I forget when I put fresh tubing on and I use the same tubing for a month or so.

They sell inserts that half the box comes with tubing and the other half comes without, so that should answer your question.

[gettingby]

I have the Cleos so I know it's possible. I just wanted to see if any "vets" were doing in and make sure it was safe.
Thanks.