What to do this month

So you probably already know that November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Knowing that, what can you do?

If you're a regular reader of diabetes blogs, you probably think of yourself as 'aware' of diabetes. But maybe one thing you can do is think again.

For example, have you read the latest edition of the book Pumping Insulin? If you're using a pump, this is probably a good investment in yourself.

What if you're not on a pump? Well, have you considered one of these?

I've been a pump user for over 8 years and I can testify that it has completely changed my life. Gone are the 2-3 ambulance rides a year. And overall my A1C values are much better, though there's still room for improvement.

What's stopping you from looking into a pump?

About 9 years ago, I was fortunate enough to spend a weekend at the Lilly offices in Indianapolis. I was there with other advocates from the American Diabetes Association to get training in more effective advocacy. I remember how impressive the enormous marble lobby was, and the facilities in general were great.

At lunchtime I was standing in line with a woman that I'd never met and I noticed that she was wearing a pump. So I got into chatting with her about this. What was it like to wear? What about when you shower? Does it help your control? What about sex?

This very kind stranger was open to answering any and all questions that I had. And I went home that weekend determined to get a pump.

So what about those questions? Nowadays most pumps allow you to temporarily remove the pump, by simply decoupling the tubing from the insertion site. This really makes the three S's much easier - showering, swimming, and sex! For any of these, you can simply detach the pump (put it close by) and then remember to re-attach it when your finished.

Will it make you feel like a bionic person?

Actually, after a short while I've really forgotten that I have it on. Every 3-4 days I need to get out a new reservoir (syringe) and tubing and replace the existing one, but that's the most intrusive part of using an insulin pump.

The rest of the time it's really just a much more effective syringe. I can accurately give myself 0.1 units of insulin, which is FAR easier than trying to give myself less than a half-unit with a syringe. For someone like me, who has a total daily dose of between 22 and 25 units, this is a huge benefit. Plus I'm only using one type of insulin, with the pump doing all the dispensing. So I can skip meals if I want to, and I do have the freedom to even eat extra (which is often hard for me not to do).

You know, whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, I'm pretty sure that you'll benefit from seriously considering a pump.

OK, in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, what other questions might you have about insulin pumps? Feel free to ask me here and I'll post an answer based on my experience.

posted by Bernard @ 8:17 PM