Blogging Diabetes

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?

Canadian Pharmacy

7 Comments

Kathleen Weaver Said,

December 21st, 2008 @3:37 am

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.

Tony Said,

December 21st, 2008 @9:22 pm

@Kathleen,

I pretty much load up 200-210 units each time I change my site. I really use up all of the insulin and change at about 20 units left or a max of 3 days. I’ve never heard of the 200 unit rule for each set.

I would hate to say there’s a ‘one size fits all’ method to a max reservoir. I say that because everyone’s insulin absorption rate and carb to insulin ratio is different.

When you say “the skin starts breaking down”, are you talking about around the insertion point, or something else? This is news to me.

Olie Estrada Said,

January 4th, 2009 @2:35 pm

Thanks, Tony, for this tip. I will start on the pump this week. I have completed all the training for first-time insulin users before the final “at the doctor’s office” training and Day One ( this wednesday). One thing that I have trouble finding information, is regarding the logistics. I know how to use the pump, but the training manuals and on-line training school does not fully cover actual day-to-day experience and tips about matters outside how to push buttons, settings, etc.

I appreciate your insight on these matters…and the insight from all other experienced pumpers!!!! Specially, on the matter of infussion site rotations….The manual recommends changing sites every 3 days, but does not offer any instructions on what they mean by that. Day 1, on the right side of the belly? Day 3 on the left side of the belly? Day 6 on your right hip area? ….Day 21 on your forehead? Anywhere where there is enough fatty tissue to secure the canula, I guess. So many options, so little information from technical manuals on what works for most pumpers.

Any new pumper would find very valuable, and appreciate, any information that can be shared from the experienced pumpers out there!!!!

Thanks,

Olie

January 4th, 2009 @3:21 pm

Hi Olie and welcome to Blogging Diabetes!

It sounds like you are better armed with information that I was nearly 3 years ago when I started the pump. I actually did get a quick lesson from the trainer about how to insert the infusion set, which was good. I experience the exact same issue you do about where to actually place set the infusion site. When I ask my doctor, all he said was, “anywhere there is fatty tissue”. As you can imagine, that info didn’t help much.

I actually LOL’d about your comment of placing it on the forehead.

Location of the site is key. When my infusion set become loose or loses it’s stickiness, I get stressed over it and having to change it prematurely. I wrote after this post another tip about infusion set locations that can be found at: http://bloggingdiabetes.com/2008/11/infusion-set-location-tip/

I had a horrible experience about using my thigh, which I will write about in an upcoming post. I have been sticking to the places I can reach in my abdomen and hips (below my waist).

Also, I think this goes without saying, but make sure you get a quick insert device to insert the canula/infusion set. I have yet to do it manually and don’t really want to either.

Thanks for your comments and please let me know if you have any questions. I would be happy to give you any advice as to what works/doesn’t work for me.

Kim Said,

January 23rd, 2009 @8:30 pm

Thanks for the tips. I am a mom of twin 8 year olds who just started pumping this week. I am looking for advice on removing the infusion sets. We are having a heck of a time with the adhesive, it sticks to their skin like crazy glue. We’ve been using rubbing alcohol to help with the removal but there must be something better. It breaks my heart to see the tears each time we try and remove the set. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

January 24th, 2009 @9:31 am

Kim – Thanks for your comment.

I have had more issues with the infusion set adhesive wearing off and it becoming unattached. I recently picked up a product called Mastisol, which is a skin adhesive. There is a sister product called Detachol, which is an adhesive remover. I have yet to try it, but if it works as good as the adhesive, it should work well.

Some other products for removing adhesive are:
Unisolve – Adhesive Remover Pads (also pads with Aloe)
AllKare – Adhesive Remover Pads

The Unisolve product seems to be pretty popular in the diabetes community. Whoever supplies you with the infusion sets may also be able to recommend a product they carry or should carry one of the products above.

If you try one of these, please report back as to what you think. Thanks again!