Internal insulin pump

Linn · #1 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 07:42 PM

OK, so I go to the doc a few days ago and he tells me he found out about an insulin pump that is inserted beneath the skin. I hadn't heard of it before and asked him what about batteries, etc.... I couldn't for the life of me understand it but I guess from what he said it is on down the line and hasn't been approved or something. I just feel like I do fine and am so used to life with the pump that don't know if I'd be inclined to go with something like that.... What do ya'll think?

JediSkipdogg · #2 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 07:46 PM

My understand is it's still way down the line. To do that it how would you insert insulin? Would you have a little hole in your skin to insert an insulin tube in?

I know some companies are developing implantable blood glucose sensors, and some expect to come out in about 2-3 years, they are in their testing stages right now. They haven't confirmed actual battery life for those yet but they estimate it to be around 5 years and then you would go back, have a small incision made, and the battery replaced.

spike · #3 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JediSkipdogg

My understand is it's still way down the line. To do that it how would you insert insulin? Would you have a little hole in your skin to insert an insulin tube in?

I know some companies are developing implantable blood glucose sensors, and some expect to come out in about 2-3 years, they are in their testing stages right now. They haven't confirmed actual battery life for those yet but they estimate it to be around 5 years and then you would go back, have a small incision made, and the battery replaced.

One Implantable pump uses negative pressure to assure (hopefully) that the injection of insulin remains within the confines of the pump reservoir. I heard about the hockey puck pump around 1996, IIRC. No matter if that works as advertised, it all sound kinda scary to me. When I think of the number of pumps I've had replaced in 10 years for one malfunction or another, the thought of having a boatload of insulin sitting inside of me scares the bejesus out of me.

BETTER YET: HERE'S THE LINK http://www.minimed.com/products/othe...lepump/eu.html

JediSkipdogg · #4 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike

One Implantable pump uses negative pressure to assure (hopefully) that the injection of insulin remains within the confines of the pump reservoir. I heard about the hockey puck pump around 1996, IIRC. No matter if that works as advertised, it all sound kinda scary to me. When I think of the number of pumps I've had replaced in 10 years for one malfunction or another, the thought of having a boatload of insulin sitting inside of me scares the bejesus out of me.

BETTER YET: HERE'S THE LINK http://www.minimed.com/products/othe...lepump/eu.html

You brought up a good point. I wouldn't be worried about having the boatload of insulin in me but what do you do if it malfunctions? You can't package yourself up and go back to the manufacturer. You'd have to pay thousands to have yourself opened up to have it removed and sent back. And from some of the pumps that companies have made, I wouldn't trust at all to have a product by them implanted in me even if their recent products are great.

spike · #5 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JediSkipdogg

You brought up a good point. I wouldn't be worried about having the boatload of insulin in me but what do you do if it malfunctions? You can't package yourself up and go back to the manufacturer. You'd have to pay thousands to have yourself opened up to have it removed and sent back. And from some of the pumps that companies have made, I wouldn't trust at all to have a product by them implanted in me even if their recent products are great.

Precisely. For all the billions spent, they can't get a space shuttle to be 100% defect free, and I doubt there will ever be a 100% perfect pump. Look at heart valve failures, and pacemaker failures...

Linn · #6 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:09 PM

Ok, Jed and all,
My doc told me the way they insert the insulin is with a HUGE syringe...
It's a large amount and that's why you don't have to worry about refilling it, etc.. forgot to add that.

spike · #7 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linn

Ok, Jed and all,
My doc told me the way they insert the insulin is with a HUGE syringe...
It's a large amount and that's why you don't have to worry about refilling it, etc.. forgot to add that.

Did you look at the link I posted to Jedi?

jenet · #8 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linn

Ok, Jed and all,
My doc told me the way they insert the insulin is with a HUGE syringe...
It's a large amount and that's why you don't have to worry about refilling it, etc.. forgot to add that.

Oh my Gawwd! That sounds horrible. Exactly where would they be inserting this HUGE syringe? Would you have some sort of permanent infusion line that was used for this, or are you getting a nightmare-inducing shot through your stomach each time?

j

spike · #9 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linn

Ok, Jed and all,
My doc told me the way they insert the insulin is with a HUGE syringe...
It's a large amount and that's why you don't have to worry about refilling it, etc.. forgot to add that.

The pump I put up a link for holds 15ml. That's one and a half BOTTLES of insulin.

JediSkipdogg · #10 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:45 PM

The pump that spike posted also states you will have something like a port on the side of your body to refill the pump. My concern would be how well the body would like that.

Linn · #11 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:47 PM

Spike, wouldn't want that much insulin in me even if they assured me none would get loose! That sounds about right what you put up there. I just personally feel like too much could go wrong with that set up

spike · #12 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JediSkipdogg

The pump that spike posted also states you will have something like a port on the side of your body to refill the pump. My concern would be how well the body would like that.

The port is under the skin. One of my endos filled me on the thing years ago, but time has dulled my memory (some of it is coming back to me as we discuss this).

seacomp · #13 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:51 PM

What the "shelf life", "body life"???, of insulin kept at body temperature?

spike · #14 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linn

Spike, wouldn't want that much insulin in me even if they assured me none would get loose! That sounds about right what you put up there. I just personally feel like too much could go wrong with that set up

The other thing I have against is that we have a pretty good system with the current crop of pumps that can be changed out at any sign of failure. I actually don't mind wearing a pump. I got used to it May 27, 1996, to be precise. Before I got my pump, I was wondering (like many pumpers-to-be) if I could tolerate wearing it, tolerate the sets... I've just got nothing to complain about regarding wearing a pump. I just wish mine was under warranty until the next pump generation...the warranty was up TODAY.

spike · #15 (**permalink**) 02-25-2006, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seacomp

What the "shelf life", "body life"???, of insulin kept at body temperature?

Aventis HOE 21 PH U400 is the insulin for that pump. Notice the strength: U400 I haven't looked into the specs for Aventis regarding potency at 98.6 degrees.