Am I expecting too much from my pump?

[Cinnabon]

I have had great results from my pump so far. Other than the usual calculating a lil less than what I need to bolus for a meal, It has been good. Lately, I have experienced a bit of a high fasting. Of course I correct, but I thought this really wouldnt be an issue being on a pump. I adjusted my basal rate since waking with a 9.0, but today I woke with a 12.0! My day was simply perfect reading ALL day and almost everyday is like this.

Am I expecting too much from my pump? :afraid:

[am1977]

Personally speaking, I thought the pump was really going to take care of most of my highs and lows and balance things out...it doesn't do that :thumpdown . I still experience both extremes pumping, unfortunately
:(. However, it offers me the freedom and flexibility I want and I truly think it is a great tool in managing this disease. It makes me feel more "normal" than I did while I was on MDI and I think it has helped a lot of people achieve better control than pre-pump days...:biggrin:

I'm sorry to hear you are having higher fasting numbers, but that tends to be a difficult part of day for many. It might mean that you basal rate needs to be adjusted a little compensate. If it continues I would consider calling your doctor :call:. Lately, my tough part of day is mid to late evening...@ about 9-10 pm. I most always end up with a high...so I think something needs to be adjusted there for me as well. Hopefully, I'll come up with some solution :idea:

I don't think it's wrong for you to set your expectations high (sometimes it cannot be helped) , but just don't set yourself up for disappointment :embarasse . The pump is a wonderful thing, but it's not a panacea (sp?).

Good luck! :burnout:

[Dewey]

I have had great results from my pump so far. Other than the usual calculating a lil less than what I need to bolus for a meal, It has been good. Lately, I have experienced a bit of a high fasting. Of course I correct, but I thought this really wouldnt be an issue being on a pump. I adjusted my basal rate since waking with a 9.0, but today I woke with a 12.0! My day was simply perfect reading ALL day and almost everyday is like this.

Am I expecting too much from my pump? :afraid:
Hi Cinnabon,

Like Am said, it may be that your basals need to be re-adjusted. When I was experiencing some issues (prior to the ones I've had lately), a CDE informed me that we'd have to look at the trends (of higher numbers), and work backwards....meaning that the reasons for the higher levels were a result of something that may have happened hours ago (not enough basal rate, too much of a certain food, not enough of a bolus for a snack/meal eaten, etc.). The same could also apply to lower numbers (i.e. basal might be too high, bolus may have been taken without something to snack on, etc.). Hope this is helpful for you. Don't be tough on yourself, or the pump. It just sounds like you are going through an adjustment period or something. Remember the saying...."Just when ya think ya have it figured out, something changes...."? :D

[amccrazgrl]

my morning fasting numbers are right on target. im between 60-80 more on the lower end of that. my problem is counting the carbs if its not on a label. since we tend to go out to eat a lot, but as of recently i been doing alright guessing what it is. i know i should look it up. the other day my highest blood sugar was 103 thats crazy at least i think so but its also like a normal non-diabetic in that way.

[chs4]

I don't think you're expecting too much, just maybe too much too soon. Chase (my son) started on the pump in early April, and it's only been the last few weeks that we've started seeing "good" numbers throughout the day.

There is definitely a period of trial, error, adjustment, trial, error, adjustment, etc. You get the picture. Most of the time now if Chase has a real high or low we know what caused it. There aren't as many "out of left field" BG swings.

Are there still unexplained highs and lows? Of course...that's just the nature of the beast. But they are fewer and farther between than pre-pump, and as has been mentioned already the freedom and flexibility alone make all the work that goes into having a pump worthwhile.

Stick with it and I think you will see your numbers even out over time.

[David]

The pump is a wonderful thing, but it's not a panacea (sp?).


That's correct, a pump isn't a panacea, nor is it a pancreas. There's just some things that a good working pancreas can do that a pump cannot do. Many variables of life simply can't be programmed into a pump.
Your basals probably need some more tweaking but you may have other issues that have nothing to do with a pump that need to be dealt with (maybe stress or an infection you don't know about yet?). If you stick with it, you should be able to improve these alot with a pump, but you probably won't have perfect BG numbers 24/7 anymore than I do. Good luck and feel free to ask anymore questions you may have.
David

[Cinnabon]

Thank you everyone. Like always... You guys are Great. My dawn phenomenon will ease up... hopefully (LOL).

[ang]

maybe in addition to increasing your basal, you maybe need the increase to start earlier in order to get the desired effect. just a thought. i've been pumping since march and still have very frustrating days. i think its better than mdi, but its not a cure. good luck.

[amccrazgrl]

i notice that if my blood sugar is 200 and below at bed time by the time i wake up its b/t 60-80 more so around the 70's.