Diapen Search

[Naomi]

Hi - I am a Type 1 diabetic with a needle phobia which makes life very difficult!
For nearly 30 years I have been using a device called the Diapen (currently the Diapen 3.2 but I still have older models which I have used in the past). Unfortunately these have now gone out of production and I can't get any more.
I have been desperately searching for an alternative but have not managed to find one which does everything the Diapen did.
I have no idea how widely the Diapen was used but am hoping that somebody somewhere still has one or parts of one that they no longer use since moving on to a new system.
If this is the case please, please get in touch.
(I am attaching images so people know what to look out for).
This is the most important part I need as it is the part which most often breaks. It is the inner cartridge holder and is made from plastic.
Thank-you,
Naomi

 

[grovesy]

Good luck but I don't recall even seeing them mentioned here. Though we have had lots of new members recently.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @Naomi

Sorry to hear about your difficulties with needlephobia, and that the technology you found helpful is no longer being manufactured

It’s not a product i have come across myself - though I've not had needle phobia which may explain things - what was it about the pen that particularly helped?

The product I have heard about for those with needle phobia is ‘autoshield’ pen needles, where the needle itself is concealed throughout. Would something like that help?

 

[mikeyB]

Yes, the Autoshield Duo system is a perfect replacement. Your doctor can prescribe it, but the needles are expensive. If your doctor's aware of your problem, there should be no difficulty getting then prescribed.

 

[brisr949]

In my experience the autosheild needles are terrible. Unless pressed at quite a force you sometimes feel that you haven't got the dose delivered correctly and its the main reason Musgrove Park Hospital is phasing them out. I raised my concerns over them as i just couldn't get on with them but I guess they would help with needle phobia.

 

[Naomi]

The Diapen is particularly good for me as it shields the needle but also inserts it with a trigger button so that I don't have to physically push the needle through the skin myself, it also dials in the insulin so that the only thing I need to do is pull it out after it's all over!
I think with the Autoshield you have to push the needle in still?

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

The Diapen is particularly good for me as it shields the needle but also inserts it with a trigger button so that I don't have to physically push the needle through the skin myself, it also dials in the insulin so that the only thing I need to do is pull it out after it's all over!
I think with the Autoshield you have to push the needle in still?

Ah OK. I wasn’t familiar with the details of how it works.

Another option you could consider is an iPort Advance (I don’t know if these are available on prescription), which is a spring-loaded cannula, like an insulin pump infusion site, that you can then inject MDI doses into - meaning the needle doesn’t go into your skin. These need changing every 3 days

Or... perhaps an insulin pump, where there is only one needle every 3 days rather than multiple every day? Something like an omnipod migt be ideal, as the needle is pretty hidden when you apply the pod if I remember right.

Are you also having psych support to try to overcome your phobia?

 

[MissDaisy]

The Diapen is particularly good for me as it shields the needle but also inserts it with a trigger button so that I don't have to physically push the needle through the skin myself, it also dials in the insulin so that the only thing I need to do is pull it out after it's all over!
I think with the Autoshield you have to push the needle in still?

Hi

Looking online it suggests Microdot needles used on many common insulin pens. Many child reviews saying it was less painful and easier for them - maybe your GP can prescribe a normal pen with these needles as this pen is discontinued.

Hope you find an alternative if not x

MissDaisy

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @Naomi

I hope that one of the above solutions is possible for you. It must be difficult when a product is withdrawn.

Keep in touch.

 

[Naomi]

Ah OK. I wasn’t familiar with the details of how it works.

Another option you could consider is an iPort Advance (I don’t know if these are available on prescription), which is a spring-loaded cannula, like an insulin pump infusion site, that you can then inject MDI doses into - meaning the needle doesn’t go into your skin. These need changing every 3 days

Or... perhaps an insulin pump, where there is only one needle every 3 days rather than multiple every day? Something like an omnipod migt be ideal, as the needle is pretty hidden when you apply the pod if I remember right.

Are you also having psych support to try to overcome your phobia?

Unfortunately my phobia also involves cannulas - it is hard to explain, it is things being under the skin for a prolonged period (I am fine with finger pricks for blood sugars) so pumps and iPorts are also out.
I am luckily seeing a very good psychiatrist at the RVI in Newcastle and was making good progress until lockdown ended our sessions! Hopefully we will be back up and running soon.