Minimed 512 or Animas 1200?

[Oradev]

I am getting a pump and down to 2 of them. What experiences do you guys have with either of these? What is the pros and cons for each?

[Dewey]

Hi Oradev,

Following is a list of pros and cons I Personally found between the 512 and the IR-1200:

ANIMAS IR-1200 Pros:

1. One of the smallest pumps
2. Very Large display screen
3. Universal Luer Lock connection
4. Can set bolus reminders & BG test reminders
5. Soon will be able to customize
6. Not locked into using one brand of blood monitor
7. Soon will have a free color flip cover (if you like that stuff)
8. Longest Battery Life of all pumps (8 weeks + more) AA Lithium
9. Offers Normal, CarbSmart, EasyBG, and Combo boluses
10. Can set desired insulin delivery speed (faster or slower)
11. Can customize battery type being used (i.e. Lithium, Alkaline, etc...) and can insert a used battery and the pump will Not alarm

Animas IR-1200 Cons:

1. No Remote
2. No Monitor to link to

MINIMED 512 Pros:

1. Small sized
2. Easy to see display screen
3. "Indiglo" type backlight
4. Offers multiple bolus types & bolus wizard (can factor sugar in)
5. Self-test option
6. Has remote control
7. Link blood monitor communicates with pump
8. Uses easy to find AAA batteries

Minimed 512 Cons:

1. Must use proprietary infusion sets
2. Battery life Not as long as Animas (approx. 4-5weeks, tops)
3. Monitor/remote can drain battery life quicker (happened to me)
4. Cannot insert a half-used battery, or pump will alarm (that may have been changed since I've been off the 512).
5. Cannot customize delivery speed (this was a necessity for me, as my sets last longer with a slower delivery option)

Again, these "Pros" and "Cons" are ones I've personally found. Other pumpers may have different experiences with the types of assets and drawbacks they've found. No offense is intended toward other pumpers. I'm simply stating my findings from personal use, experience and background knowledge. A helpful site I often suggest visiting (if you haven't) is:
Diabetes Mall (http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_technology/insulin_pump_models.php)

Hope this helps some, and please don't hesitate to ask any questions, or e-mail me. Good luck, and keep us posted! :)

[SunniD]

Good info Dewey-nice post.

SunniD

[Oradev]

thanks, i was thinking the 512 at first, but now am leaning towards the 1200.

[Dewey]

Hi Oradev,

Forgot one other thing:

The Animas IR-1200 has a 200 unit reservoir,
& the Minimed 512 has a 176 unit reservoir.

[Shalyndria]

Well I haven't used the IR1200 but I have the 512, so for the sake of another view point here's my take:

Pros:

Extremely user friendly, and basically dummy proof for those of us who aren't too technologically inclined
Takes 1 AAA battery, which are cheap and easy to find especially when one runs out at 11:00 at night and has to buy a package at the closest open convenience store. I get about 5 weeks out of mine (without the Link meter) and have heard about the same from ppl who use the meter all the time.
Has an RF connection to the Link glucose meter, which is not only convenient for it's lack of wires, but it's pretty darn cool too!
The Bolus Wizard; I would be lost without enough fingers to count on if I didn't have that bad boy! It does all the math and factors in the corrections for me.
The Solutions software, which is geared towards the x12 series pumps, is a great and extensive program. It downloads both the pump and meter readings and settings and has some great charts. A definite bonus in management.
Minimed is definitely leading the way in pump technology, which to me is one of the biggest pros of having my 512. Hopefully soon I'll be able to upgrade to a pump that has a realtime CGMS as well! :)


Cons:

The IOB feature of the x12 series is set and cannot be adjusted. Sometimes a minor PITA, but usually I just override my pump's IOB curve.
The proprietary connection limits the infusion sets that can be used; the majority of sets on the market are luer-lock. Which means I don't get to try all the cool new sets, but that too is a small annoyance and not a big deal.
The backlight can only be turned on in the main screen. Sometimes this is such a PITA because I have to back out of menus if I forget, but yet again a small thing.


I like the 178U reservoir; I have to change sites every second day anyway so this helps schedule things. But the 712 has a 300U reservoir and isn't too much larger than the 512.

Good luck with your decision, Oradev, and do let us know how it turns out!
Shy :)

[JasonSmithMT]

Originally posted by Shalyndria
Minimed is definitely leading the way in pump technology

I'm with Shy on this one. That was my biggest reason for going with the MM 512 despite all the customer service nightmares I heard. They lead the way on the technology front. Mostly because they have bought the technology by acquiring other companies but nevertheless they are the ones on the forefront. They already have an implantable pump in Europe and in trials here in the US and we know they have a CGMS on the market. They are the closest to having a closed loop pump system. If they continue to have their upgrade programs this makes it a great reason to go with Minimed.

Jason

[Dewey]

I know that it takes time to approve and test products, but I remember (Minimed) talking about the Implantable pump since 1996 (at that time, the implantable was termed the "Minimed 2001.") They later re-named it after some things fell through.

Animas is also working on a closed loop system, and the implantable glucose sensor they recently developed is going to be trialed on humans within the next year or so.

Though it is not the most important reason to pick a company, customer service plays an important role in making life a little easier. While some people have had good interaction with Minimed, there have also been issues. One issue was overcharging and refusing to rectify the situation in a timely manner (this happened to me, and the way they handled it was what ultimately made me switch), and another was with the Quick Sets Plus fiasco. Some folks cannot afford upgrades, and companies like Animas often offer their upgrades for free. Deltec is giving thier current clients the Freestyle monitor for their pump at No extra charge. Earlier this year, Animas offered the upgrade to the IR-1200 for free, and even extended the date for those who missed it by a month or more. One size does not fit all, and I like the way these other companies handle their situations: Individually.

***Once again, please note: These are my opinions based on personal experience and background knowledge. No offense is intended toward other pumpers.***

[PepsiLvr]

I have the 712 and didn't really do too much research before I purchased because I know someone who has a 512.

I'm a pretty simple person so all the features that it has are great for me. I love to be able to use the easy bolus and bolus without even looking at the pump. The IOB curve as Shy said, is a pain but like her, I just override the suggestion.

I actually get 2+ months out of my 1 AAA battery. Don't know how, but I do.

The only thing I would change is going from the 712 to the 512. I didn't want to be short-changed by the insulin capacity but I only put in 120-130 units so the 512 would have been fine. I don't really care as the 712 isn't much bigger.

[notme]

Heck, I have the dinasaur 508. I was supposed to upgrade to the 511 and I declined. The 508 is simple (no auto bolus) it is all manual. The 300 unit reservoir is a must for me. I like the ability to use ANY set with my pump and not locked into a proprietary infusion set. MinimMed has been extremely helpful every time I have called (exclude billing dept here :p ) . When the time comes to change my pump, probably in a year, I will look for something simple and similar. Us old people don't like change! LOL.

Nancy

[Oradev]

Originally posted by PepsiLvr

I'm a pretty simple person so all the features that it has are great for me. I love to be able to use the easy bolus and bolus without even looking at the pump. The IOB curve as Shy said, is a pain but like her, I just override the suggestion.


Some other questions.

what is the IOB curve mean? Does the animas offer the square bolus and such? Is the infusion set really that big of deal? Does the animas have a carb counter like the 512?

[JasonSmithMT]

IOB = insulin on board also called active insulin or unused insulin. Important to keep in mind when you have overlapping boluses. The action of insulin is different in everyone, the MM has no way to adjust the profile.

Jason

[Dewey]

Hi Oradev,

In answer to your questions, yes. The IR-1200 offers the same bolus options as the 512 (though differently named), and has an "Insulin on Board" feature. I will name the different boluses on the IR-1200, and their features:

1. Normal Bous - this is used to take a normal bolus, without involving calculations. There is also a touch bolus on the side of the pump for quick and easy programming.

2. Carb Smart Bolus - this bolus feature calculates the amount of insulin to be delivered based on the carbs (to be eaten). Users can change the Carb to Insulin ratio "on the fly" (i.e. my ratio is 1 unit of insulin to 15 carbs, but I can change it to 1 to 30 while in that screen). Glucose levels can also be factored in, and it will automatically calculate the result based on user's input. Users can choose between normal delivery, or "Combo Bolus" (equivalent to Minimed's "Square Wave Bolus"). This bolus feature also factors the "Insulin On Board" into the calculation, but can also be overridden by the user.

3. EzBG - this bolus feature is used to treat elevated sugar levels. Users can input the "actual" glucose level, and can change the "target level" while in the screen if desired (i.e. I initially setup my target glucose level at 150, but can change it to 120 at that screen if I wish). It also allows users to change the "Insulin to Sugar" factor (i.e. 1 unit of insulin drops my sugar level 30 points).

4. Combo Bolus - This is also known on the Minimed as the "Square Wave Bolus." Users can enter the desired amount of insulin to be taken, the Duration, and the percent needed now and later (i.e. you can take half the insulin now and half later, or you can set it up to take 60% initially and 40% over a duration of time, etc.).

5. Bolus Reminders - Users can setup bolus and glucose reminders to be taken at user programmed intervals.

6. Audio Bolus - The audio bolus feature allows users to program a bolus using audible tones with each button press.

The IR-1200 has the Insulin on Board feature, which can be adjusted to a duration of time (i.e. My IOB is setup for 4 hours). The time duration ranges from 1.5 to 6.5 hours. Hope this helps, and sorry if I rambled... :)

[Shalyndria]

Originally posted by Oradev
Some other questions.

what is the IOB curve mean? Does the animas offer the square bolus and such? Is the infusion set really that big of deal? Does the animas have a carb counter like the 512?
Regarding the infusion sets, I think it depends on who you ask. I don't find it to be a big deal at all (and I even have a slight allergy to teflon cannula's) since there are still several sets available for the x12 series. The metal needle sets are available for the paradigms now as well (only in the States of course :rolleyes: ).
IOB, or insulin on board as Jason explained, is most useful for corrections, and preventing stacking of insulin. I think (if I remember correctly) that the Paradigm pumps have a factory set safety feature of an 8-hour curve for active insulin. But I was told by my 'contact' at medtronics of canada that the next x12 series pump is supposed to have the capability for user-inputted IOB curves.

The Paradigm series pumps have three different profiles for boluses: Dual, Square wave, and Normal. Normal being a regular bolus, square wave is a bolus extended over a specified period of time (no bolus up front), and dual wave being a specified amount divided by percentage of the whole dose, combining the Normal and Square wave feature (like the combo bolus). Each one is an option when using the Bolus Wizard.
Which brings up a question for me, if you don't mind Dew: is it possible to square wave a bolus with the IR1200? I'm assuming one could access the combo bolus and then make the percentage of insulin delivered up front very low, but would the pump accept a percentage of 0:100? And do you ever come up against any problems with this?

PepsiLvr, I would love to know how you get 2+ months out of your batteries!! Not that it's a big deal lol; it doesn't bug me at all to change mine every 5 weeks but it'd be interesting to find out why you get such extended battery life!!

Shy :)

[Dewey]

Hi Shy,

If I ever get one of the Polyfin sets for the Paradigm (somehow), I'll hook you up! ;)

The combo bolus does allow users to adjust delivery with programmable duration (from 0.1 to 12 hours) and the 0:100% for the combo bolus can be used (it can be changed all the way from 0:100% to 100:0% lol). It also shows how much insulin will be delivered now and later. :) (I guess I meant "Dual Wave Bolus", but there are so many names, I can't even keep track). LOL :D Sorry about the mixup... :D

[Shalyndria]

Originally posted by Dewey
Hi Shy,

If I ever get one of the Polyfin sets for the Paradigm (somehow), I'll hook you up! ;)

The combo bolus does allow users to adjust delivery with programmable duration (from 0.1 to 12 hours) and the 0:100% for the combo bolus can be used (it can be changed all the way from 0:100% to 100:0% lol). It also shows how much insulin will be delivered now and later. :) (I guess I meant "Dual Wave Bolus", but there are so many names, I can't even keep track). LOL :D Sorry about the mixup... :D
Thanks Dew :D !
LOL hmm if we throw in the Cozmo then we have what?? Extended dual standard square double shot espresso latte?! :confused: ;) Just give it to me straight in the vein please nurse!! :D

Shy :whistling

[gettingby]

I'm not on a pump but I'm leaning toward the Animas IR1200. I know someone else on this one besides Dewey and he loves it. It's all a matter of personal choice.
Cin

[David76]

Does the animas have the backlight feature? Also, is the Solutions software available to the general public or only to hospitals/clinics. Lastly, are there any pumps that allow you to program a delay into a square wave bolus (e.g. in 1 hour, deliver 2 units over the subsequent 2 hours?).
Thanks for all the good info,
David

[archimeech]

I currently use the Minimed-508, but am looking at the Animas IR1200 myself. Remeber, that even though all the cool features are nice, you still have to think for yourself when using your pump. The biggest feature for me on the Animas was the fact that it is a true "waterproof" pump. I live near the ocean and it's a real pain unhooking and putting my pump in the cooler and then hooking back up. David76, the 508 has a square bolus option so I would assume that the newer ones have it also. It comes in handy sometimes. I guess the best referal for me is that the CDE Nurse that trained me on my 508 has been diabetic for 35 yrs and using a MiniMed for the for all that time. Now she has an Animas Pump and says she'll never go back. Being that she is trained to teach on all pumps that's all I need.

[soremom]

The Animas IR1200 does have a light on it. Little stupid here but not sure if that is what you mean by a back light.

The pump is definitely waterproof. When the weather finally got nice here, I went in with it. Scared at first, but figured any problems I can get it replace. No problems with it in the water and it was great not having to worry about being off the pump for awhile.

It is very user friendly and is not hard to learn to use. I love the audio bolus. I can give myself insulin without looking at the pump at all, just listen to it. Works great when I am at work. Any pump you go with will be great, much easier than shots. After reading all the replies, like it was said, it all depends on what you are looking for and what you are comfortable with.

As far as looking into the future and what the companies are trying to develop, since Minimed has been around longer they probably are further along than the others. But I wouldn't put them out of the loop. I am sure they will make up ground soon and catch up with MiniMed. My problem with them was they were getting to many irons in the fire and branching out in too many directions. But that could change for the other companies. I did like the fact that Animas was based out of my state.

Kim

[Dewey]

Hi David,

The Animas does have a backlight. One cool thing about it, is that you can turn it on and off by pressing the button. It is not on a timer, which I find to be really cool and helpful! :)

The Solutions software, to my understanding, is available to the public. I've seen it offered on eBay as well as other websites. Animas offers the EzManager software for their pump, and Deltec has the Cozmore software.

If I'm understanding you correctly (on the last question), the Deltec Cozmonitor, Animas IR-1200 and Minimed Paradigm are all capable of giving the bolus over a period of time like that. On the Animas and Deltec, users can decide how long of a time frame they want the insulin delivered over, and set the bolus to be delivered as they wish. Hope this helps. :)