What do you guys think the age limit should be going on the pump?

[Tony]

I have a question about the pump. Do any of you think it is appropriate for a 4 year old? I am interested in it for my daughter,but not sure if she is old enough to handle it. Her diabetes team doesn't want to discuss it yet. I am frustrated because we have poor control over her blood sugars. Lots of lows and lots of highs even when we have done everything we are supposed to do.

This is from Karen (teacher2000).

Karen, I copied this topic to a new thread, so more people will reply.:)

[David]

I dont think 4 years old is too young if YOU (the parent) is committed to learning and doing what is needed to successfully use the pump. You cant expect a 4 yr old to operate a pump, but the child will naturally pick up the knowledge as they mature by watching, asking and listening. Pumps (at least the MM508) have a lock to prevent curious fingers from doing something unwanted.

[Vickie]

Karen,

I don't think 4 is too young to go on a pump. Right now you own the disease so what ever would make your life easier is what I would recommend. Your daughter will learn and be comfortable with whatever you teach her when the time comes for her to take over. Good luck!!

[Gina]

I am doing volunteering for the diabetic center i go too for children and...they have all ages using the pump...but personally i think maybe you should wait a couple of years maybe when she is 6 or 7 because then i think she will maybe understand it better...a 4 year old doenst really know...but then again there is a remote control with the minimed 508 and i think there is a lock feature on it ....so if she goes to school maybe you can teach the nurse or teacher how to use it when she needs a snack...its kind of a hard decision to make i think it can go YES or NO....I think it would depend on how you really feel if she can handle having the pump at such a young age...hope that helps!!

[teacher2000]

Tony- Thanks!

Thanks David and Vickie. I guess I should do more research. Now for another question. Do you all think the minimed is the best pump? That is the one I have the most info on. Is there one any of you would recommend that I look into?

Gina- THanks. That is how I have been wavering too. Now or should she be 6 or 7. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure she is healthy. What I want is better control of her sugars. I know they will fluctuate but hers are wide fluctuations. She can go from 50 to 400 in no time. Her numbers are all over the place. It was better when she was honeymooning,but I think she is out of that phase now. We have our next endo appt. in March so that's why I wanted all of this info. I want to have lots of good information to sway her team if I think the pump is what's best for her.

THanks again.

[Vickie]

Karen,

I also have a MiniMed pump. I don't know much about other pumps. I do know that MiniMed was conducting a trial here in Indianapolis with kids under 5 on pumps. I know several of the kids that participated in that study and they all LOVE their pumps. Or should I say their parents love their pumps. I'd be more than happy to hook you up with one of the parents offline if you would like to talk to another parent that has recently made the tranisition. Just let me know. Vickie

[Tony]

Karen,

I just heard a rumor!

That paradigm(minimed) is in. Not sure how true it is.

Thought I let you know.

[MiniD]

I dont think 4 yrs old is to young especially since it sounds like this parent wants to be involved in the care. Dave mentioned the lock out on the 508. It has a remote so the parents can control the bolus as well as try to watch what the kid is eating and do the carb counting. (Good Luck with that one)
I havent seen the paradigm in person but MM just keeps improving their product so Im almost sure it will have not only the features of the 508 but will also be smaller.
Im due for an upgrade although I havent called and ordered the paradigm yet. Im trying to wait, but after what Ive read here I might have to call them and say I want one! Put me on the list!
(Im still wanting to keep my 507 in case the new pump has any problems, I like having the backup)

[hera]

4 does seem young. i think it all depends on the child and how mature they are. it seems like the hardest part is adjusting it to her needs.
i was a teen ager when i found out i had diabetes but my brother was 8 (this was over 30 years ago) he was in and out of the hospital every year until he was 16. his needs kept changing until he was through most of his growing was done.

MiniD... my first pump was a 506. they just came out. when my insurance company changed, they automatically upgraded me to the 507. when i found out about the 508 having a vibrator, i was able to get one. that was in jan. so i have 2 pumps for backup. i can trade my 508 to the paradigm.