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Improvements since going on pump besides BGs? LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 04-27-2006, 10:13 AM
Junior Member
I am a: Type 1
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Laguna Beach
Posts: 48
Improvements since going on pump besides BGs?

Hi,

I just started the pump a little over a month ago and am LOVING it! It far outweighs the hassle of wearing it 24/7 and the tubing.

I wanted to find out from you fellow pumpers if you have noticed any positive changes since going on the pump other than your BGs. I didn't have very good control for over ten years on MDI. My feet feel a little different as well as being very dry, and the scrapes/injuries to my body were a little slow to heal and left scars. I am hoping that over time my body will start to heal with better BG control and function more normally.

Have there been others that had any or minor complications prior to the pump and then noticed a healing?

For me, so far, my moods have been way better. Emotionally I am no longer as generally depressed about diabetes, have a much more positive outlook (especially about having babies!) and am more proactive about my health. My libido has also has increased (hubby loves this!!). I am hoping that in time, my feet won't be so dry and cracked, and that my bodily injuries will heal better.

I look forward to hearing what other stories you have to tell!

Sierra
Type 1 - 15 years
Minimed 515 - since 3/17/06
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Old 04-27-2006, 10:23 AM
duck's Avatar
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Manassas, in the Old Dominion
Posts: 6,538
My wife and family claim I am less moody...
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  #3 (permalink)  
Old 04-27-2006, 10:31 AM
Senior Member
I am a: Type 2
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 795
I remember to test & correct when I should now that I have alarms reminding me. I find inserting the infusion set is less painful than shots. I am now modifying my diet more because having accurate basal rates allows me to see exactly what foods raise my blood glucose and to what extent. I've also lost some weight. All good so far!
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Old 04-27-2006, 11:21 AM
Senior Member
I am a: Type 1
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 4,815
I had very good control prior to going on the pump back in mid-December, but the reason for that was because I was on NPH & 70/30 and had to watch every bit of food I placed into my mouth. I was constantly hungry and at times, very moody.

At first I was very frustrated with my new pump. My blood sugars were running a bit higher than what I was used to and I wasn't liking that one bit. It took a good 6-8 weeks of "tweaking" basal rates, insulin to carb ratios, and insulin sensitivity to finally get it right. I am now LOVING my pump!

I am less moody, have the freedom to eat when and if I want to, and changing one site every 3 days beats taking 2-3 shots a day!

Karen
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Old 04-27-2006, 11:39 AM
Doetsch's Avatar
Member
I am a: Type 1
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 299
Quote:
Originally Posted by sierradawn
Hi,

I just started the pump a little over a month ago and am LOVING it! It far outweighs the hassle of wearing it 24/7 and the tubing.

I wanted to find out from you fellow pumpers if you have noticed any positive changes since going on the pump other than your BGs. I didn't have very good control for over ten years on MDI. My feet feel a little different as well as being very dry, and the scrapes/injuries to my body were a little slow to heal and left scars. I am hoping that over time my body will start to heal with better BG control and function more normally.

Have there been others that had any or minor complications prior to the pump and then noticed a healing?

For me, so far, my moods have been way better. Emotionally I am no longer as generally depressed about diabetes, have a much more positive outlook (especially about having babies!) and am more proactive about my health. My libido has also has increased (hubby loves this!!). I am hoping that in time, my feet won't be so dry and cracked, and that my bodily injuries will heal better.

I look forward to hearing what other stories you have to tell!

Sierra
Type 1 - 15 years
Minimed 515 - since 3/17/06
The happiness you feel is probably the Endorphines of Change

I have noticed an overall Health Increase. I feel like I can take on any task and I am not lazy anymore.

I don't take as long to heal from abrasions but it is not a huge enough change to be writing home about it.. (Wait I am writing about it) Maybe it is noticable enough

Other than that it just feels great to be pumping and I would never go back to MDI unless a Radioactive enomaly destroyed every Pump on the planet and the Companies that make them mysteriously disapeared. So I think I will be pumping until we find a better treatment whatever that may be.

I am glad that you are feeling better and I am sure that sooner than later you will start noticing more. Especially if you were in that bad of control previous to pumping. Good Luck
__________________

Type 1 - Diagnosed 12/30/1999

MDI: 99' - 04'
- 70/30, 75/25, Humalog, Novolog, Lantus
Pump Therapy:
04' - Present
- Animas 1200 (Silver) w/ Humalog:
03/04 - 12/05
- Cozmore w/ Cozmoniter (Slate Gray) w/ Novolog: 02/06 - Present
Infusion Set:
- Cleo 90 & Inset
A1C
- 02/13/2006: 6.4
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  #6 (permalink)  
Old 04-27-2006, 12:01 PM
Junior Member
I am a: Type 1
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Laguna Beach
Posts: 48
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doetsch
The happiness you feel is probably the Endorphines of Change

I have noticed an overall Health Increase. I feel like I can take on any task and I am not lazy anymore.

I don't take as long to heal from abrasions but it is not a huge enough change to be writing home about it.. (Wait I am writing about it) Maybe it is noticable enough

Other than that it just feels great to be pumping and I would never go back to MDI unless a Radioactive enomaly destroyed every Pump on the planet and the Companies that make them mysteriously disapeared. So I think I will be pumping until we find a better treatment whatever that may be.

I am glad that you are feeling better and I am sure that sooner than later you will start noticing more. Especially if you were in that bad of control previous to pumping. Good Luck
The happiness I feel is not so much change as it is seeing more numbers below 120 on a consistent basis than I have for a LONG time. Seeing a number below 120 two hours after a meal was rare for me in the past. It literally makes my day!

That is encouraging to me that you've noticed a faster healing with your wounds. Even if it may seem small to you, it IS an improvement!
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  #7 (permalink)  
Old 04-27-2006, 12:50 PM
Banned
I am a: Type 1
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 3,358
Quote:
Originally Posted by sierradawn
Hi,

I just started the pump a little over a month ago and am LOVING it! It far outweighs the hassle of wearing it 24/7 and the tubing.

I wanted to find out from you fellow pumpers if you have noticed any positive changes since going on the pump other than your BGs. I didn't have very good control for over ten years on MDI. My feet feel a little different as well as being very dry, and the scrapes/injuries to my body were a little slow to heal and left scars. I am hoping that over time my body will start to heal with better BG control and function more normally.

Have there been others that had any or minor complications prior to the pump and then noticed a healing?

For me, so far, my moods have been way better. Emotionally I am no longer as generally depressed about diabetes, have a much more positive outlook (especially about having babies!) and am more proactive about my health. My libido has also has increased (hubby loves this!!). I am hoping that in time, my feet won't be so dry and cracked, and that my bodily injuries will heal better.

I look forward to hearing what other stories you have to tell!

Sierra
Type 1 - 15 years
Minimed 515 - since 3/17/06
I'm less stressed since getting off of the MDI roller coaster. Pumping rocks!!
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  #8 (permalink)  
Old 04-27-2006, 12:53 PM
jeggeman31's Avatar
Senior Member
I am a: Type 1.5
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Grove City Ohio
Posts: 2,156
  1. Wife and kids say I am less moody
  2. Less Lows at night
  3. More Energy
  4. Sleep less at night (good thing)
  5. And I have to be above 180 prior to sex or I go Hypo....
__________________
Jim

Diagnosed April 1990
Pumping with the OmniPod now

Last A1C 7.1 ( February 2008 )
Diabetes & Endocrinology Center Of Ohio Website
Proud Fan Of NASCAR Nextel Cup Driver Jimmie Johnson, Lowes #48 the 2006 AND 2007 Nextel Cup Champion.

The opinions expressed are mine alone and do not necessarily represent
those of my wife who runs our house and makes more important decisions
than I do
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Old 04-27-2006, 08:23 PM
poodlebone's Avatar
Senior Member
I am a: Type 1
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,447
Since I started pumping I have been able to lose weight. I gained a LOT of weight on injections. I was always feeding lows and would go low quickly with any physical activity. In the past 13 months I've lost over 110 pounds and am now back down in the normal weight range for my height. I probably would have not been able to do that without the pump.

I just feel better in general, test my BG a lot more and watch what I eat since I'm careful about counting carbs.
__________________
--
Liz
Type 1 dx 4/1987
Minimed Paradigm 722 6/2008 + CGMS
Minimed Paradigm 715 5/2005 - 6/2008
13mm Silhouettes
Lifescan UltraSmart & UltraMini
Last A1c: 10/08/08: 5.6
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  #10 (permalink)  
Old 04-27-2006, 08:37 PM
Cinnabon's Avatar
Senior Member
I am a: Type 1
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Miami, Fl
Posts: 3,120
GREAT post...
I have less Hypos
lost weight
better skin
freedom of eating when I want...
SO much.....
__________________
T1- 25 yrs
MM-715 (6/05)
A1C :
6/08- 5.8
3/08- 6.2
11/07 7.3
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  #11 (permalink)  
Old 04-27-2006, 09:50 PM
Cyborg's Avatar
Senior Member
I am a: Type 1.5
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 7,846
  • Lost 30 pounds in 2 1/2 months
  • Diabetic depression completely gone
  • Neuropathy in feet seems to be disappearing
  • Big reduction in night time lows
  • I can eat carbs! And lots of them...
  • Overall freedom

I'll never go back to MDI if I can avoid it. I'm so much happier with the pump.
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  #12 (permalink)  
Old 04-28-2006, 06:31 AM
EdnaDeel's Avatar
Member
I am a: Type 2
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Middle Tennessee
Posts: 241
Quote:
Originally Posted by poodlebone
In the past 13 months I've lost over 110 pounds and am now back down in the normal weight range for my height. I probably would have not been able to do that without the pump.


congrats on the weight loss . sure hope if I can get the pump that I will be able to lose some extra baggage my self
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pumping since 5/26/2006
royal blue- animas 1250
cozmo blue 2008
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  #13 (permalink)  
Old 04-28-2006, 12:49 PM
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 22
Changes since going on pump.

I have been on the pump 3 years after 42 years of insulin injections. The first thing I noticed was an increase in overall energy. Without the highs and lows you get with injections, my energy levels were constantly higher. I also was able to easily lose weight while maintaining better sugar levels. You still get occasional highs and lows, but overall you blood sugars are more level.
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Old 04-28-2006, 01:01 PM
kidvid's Avatar
Member
I am a: Type 1
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Up in the Rockies
Posts: 247
I exercise more on the pump. It's great being able to just dial down my basal to match my physical output. So I think I'm gaining some of my lost strength back.

Joe
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"Quod me nutruit me destruit"
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Old 04-28-2006, 05:43 PM
Grammylami's Avatar
Junior Member
I am a: Type 1
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 13
better a1c

I started pumping the end of Feb. My A1c was 7.6. Just had it tested on Thursday. It went down to 6.7. WOW
Quote:
Originally Posted by sierradawn
Hi,

I just started the pump a little over a month ago and am LOVING it! It far outweighs the hassle of wearing it 24/7 and the tubing.

I wanted to find out from you fellow pumpers if you have noticed any positive changes since going on the pump other than your BGs. I didn't have very good control for over ten years on MDI. My feet feel a little different as well as being very dry, and the scrapes/injuries to my body were a little slow to heal and left scars. I am hoping that over time my body will start to heal with better BG control and function more normally.

Have there been others that had any or minor complications prior to the pump and then noticed a healing?

For me, so far, my moods have been way better. Emotionally I am no longer as generally depressed about diabetes, have a much more positive outlook (especially about having babies!) and am more proactive about my health. My libido has also has increased (hubby loves this!!). I am hoping that in time, my feet won't be so dry and cracked, and that my bodily injuries will heal better.

I look forward to hearing what other stories you have to tell!

Sierra
Type 1 - 15 years
Minimed 515 - since 3/17/06
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