Anyone heard about this??

claysmum · #1 (**permalink**) 01-31-2006, 09:46 AM

As you know I have a 5 year old with diabetes. Well we met his new endo at a new clinic and he was so full of ideas. He is really for the intensive therapy route, which I am for as well. Unfortuneatly most of us know that this includes more needles. Well other than going on the pump, which they would like to wait for a while now, they use a device called an insuflon which is inserted into the skin ( very similar to the pump canulas) and it stays for 5 days. This allows you to do intensive therapy without all the needles. The insulin is injected through this device and you just clear the line with saline...I thought this was great!! Anyone heard of this method before??
We are excited to try it. You do the same carb to isulin ratio as pumping ( of course one that is calculated for you) They sort of have to guess in the begining, but they say is easily figured out.
Also, meter checks. They do not use those meter check sol'ns. They actally do a finger poke at the lab and withdraw blood and make sure the reading is within 20 %.
This is the first we have ever done this! Our other endo clinic did not even mention this.
What do you all think??
Thanks

Simon · #2 (**permalink**) 01-31-2006, 09:58 AM

Sounds interesting. I'm a bit dubious about the insuflon being inserted under the skin. Does that need surgery? Is it painful to put in? If it only lasts five days I'd like it to be quick and painless to insert each time.

rzrbks · #3 (**permalink**) 01-31-2006, 10:37 AM

Sounds like another type of pump to me, if it works for your child, I say "Great!!

" Perhaps it will cut down on

Quote:

What is an Insuflon®?
It is a small plastic tube designed to deliver very small volumes of drugs into the tissues underneath the skin.

How is it inserted?
A tiny needle is used to insert the Insuflon®. The needle is removed as soon as the Insuflon® is in place. The Insuflon® is then held in place with an adhesive dressing. Special cream can be applied to the skin to numb the area before the Insuflon® is inserted, to lessen any discomfort for your child

.

http://www.ich.ucl.ac.uk/factsheets/...071/index.html

claysmum · #4 (**permalink**) 01-31-2006, 11:33 AM

It is not a surgically implanted device at all. It is just like the insertion sets for pumps which most pump users say that is not any more painful than a poke. It last up to 5 days. I will post the link for it. I think it is great. It is not a pump. This is just a port basically to put the insulin into.

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_06_311.htm

Hope that works!!

alilpita · #5 (**permalink**) 01-31-2006, 01:25 PM

Hey sounds good for a little one.
I'm always a little leary about new things but it sounds alot like the pump and I'm on my way to that 2 more visits with the diatition then back to Dr to see where we stand.
Good luck sounds like it might just be the answer for Clayton.
Let us know how you make out.

Ailsa · #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 02:19 AM

Hi Clays mum,
Yes I've tried one of those. it took me ages to track one down & no one had heard of them. they are mainly used for younger children who might find needles upsetting. I am probably the only adult in the entire world who has tried this. They are like an infusion set. although I have to confess I've never actually seen an infusion set other than pictures, so not able to compare size most importantly.
I tried one before switching from twice daily shots to avoid more of them, but have to confess it looks rather alarming after an 8mm needle! so it took a few days to get up the courage to try it. in the end I decided the shots weren't such a big deal. I think the device is not as comfortable as a proper infusion set so I don't know how it would go long term. Also it got uncomfortable by the 4th day so think every 3 days would be more like it. My frank opinion is that you would be better to just go straight onto the pump if that's what you're considering.

Ailsa

Ailsa · #7 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 02:24 AM

One other thought. you wont get the same benefits of the pump.
basically you will be delivering insulin before each meal so you do not get the basal dose in the same way a pump delivers it.

Ailsa · #8 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 08:26 PM

Me again,
I know of kids younger than yours who are pumping.
have a look on www2.everybody.co.nz
T1 threads
"child on low carb diet" posting by Nibo
and "Pump experiences" posting by Jane

They are pretty friendly & I'm sure the'yd be happy to share experiences

BriOnH · #9 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 08:57 PM

I am glad when I was a kid the pump or other infusion devices weren't around. I don't have any children, but speaking from experience, these things just don't fit a kids, especially a boys, life style. I'd always be tumbling around, wrestling and play fighting with friends, climbing trees, swimming in the creek. A 24/7 (ok 24/3-5) infusion device of any sort is just plain irritating, uncomfortable, and sounds like it can get sore and infected easily.

middnite03 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-02-2006, 06:44 AM

http://www.mysimplechoice.com/indev.htm

it sounds like 1 or 2 of the things on this page, check them out. 1 is already available, and if you call simple choice they will send you a sample....

lelggren · #11 (**permalink**) 02-02-2006, 03:00 PM

I've never heard of it, but it sounds like a really nice alternative to multiple injections without use of the pump. I say give it a try! If it doesn't work, you can always go back to normal injections. And, it might be good in helping your child to get used to the idea of the pump if you guys decide to go that route later on