As I have mentioned before, I have been on a MiniMed insulin pump for almost three years now. In the past three years, I have learned some tips and tricks that I would like to share with you.
6 Insulin Pump Tips
- Battery – I first got really annoyed when my Costco Duracell batteries lasted a few days, at most, in my pump. I didn’t like feeling like I could run out of power and be helpless every few days or even every week. I then switched to Lithium batteries (I think they are marketed for digital cameras) for my pump and have never looked back. These batteries last probably around a month and a half before I change them. Yes, they are pricey at about $9 for a 4-pack, but are well worth the price and peace of mind.
- Clean – In the three years I have been using my pump, I have yet to get a site infected (knock on wood). I seem to think it’s because of my paranoia about the site’s cleanliness before attaching a new infusion set. About 95% of the time, I shower so my skin is soft and clean when changing my site. I also use IV Prep pads and let it dry before attaching the infusion set. I have never used any other glue-type substance when attaching my infusion set.
- Changing the Site – I am religious about never going more than 3 days on one site location. I think this also helps to reduce scar tissue and the possibility for infection. Also, thank goodness for the quick-setter because doing it manually just makes me cringe.
- Location, location, location – I am trying to find new site areas for my infusion sets because I don’t want to build up too much scar tissue and like to give an area a break every so often. I start on my left outside abdomen (love handle area) and work clock-wise to my left lower hip (just below my pant line). Next, I go to my right lower hip and finally end on my right outside abdomen before starting the cycle over again. I don’t use my arms, legs or butt. I have a funny (not funny at the time) story that I will share regarding site location in an upcoming post.
- Pool or Beach Day – This tip is strictly for the men or women that wear board shorts bathing suit bottoms. I have a few pairs of board shorts that have a velcro pocket on both sides. When I know I am going to the pool or beach, typically on vacation, I will use my lower hip area for my infusion site location. I do this because it is hidden from view except for the small tube to my pump, which is nicely located in my pocket. I never wear my pump in the water, so it’s also easy to disconnect and remove. Maybe I am alone in not wearing it in the water, but I just am too afraid to get it ruined when I’m on vacation and be stuck.
- Settings – Work with your doctor to fully utilize your pump. You can set a few different basal rates for different times of the day where you may need more or less insulin. Also, get a meter that communicates with your pump wirelessly. Often I forget what my glucose level was from my last reading for using a meal bolus. If you are using the bolus wizard shortly after testing your glucose, it will already have your glucose level stored in memory. I’m not sure if this functionality is just for MiniMed pumps or others as well.
What other tips have you learned or heard about for using an insulin pump?
My best and biggest hint on pumping insulin is that you really shouldn’t put more than 200 units through a set. At about that point, the skin starts breaking down.