How do go about choosing which pump will be best for you?

[sololite]

I've recently moved into a different health authority area and been offered a pump for the first time.

I've been asked to have a think about it and research the different 5? types available on the NHS.

I'd be interested to hear from others about how they chose which one was going to be right for them.

I think I understand that not all cgms and phones are compatible with all the pumps (I currently use an Android phone with Libre).

I'm really excited at the prospect of getting better control and having a little more headspace to think about other things.

Thanks for all your guidance.

 

[Inka]

I’ve used a pump for more than 20 years @sololite The first thing to find out is which pumps your clinic offers, as it can vary a lot. My clinic offers 6 different pumps but a clinic nearby only offers one. So, it’s crucial you find out exactly what’s on offer first.

Then, start looking at all the pumps your clinic offers. Take time to do this - days or even weeks. Make notes; circle good or bad things. Use the pump websites, read reviews and watch YouTube videos so you can get a ‘feel’ for the pumps.

Having got that overall view, you’ll probably be able to eliminate a couple of pumps. This will be for various reasons, eg size of reservoir, tubed/patched, etc. You’re aiming to reduce your choice down to three, then two.

Once you’ve got it down to two pumps, then you can really look into the detail. Crucially, remember to check the cannulas and sets. It’s best to have a good choice of those as they’re the weak spot of all pumps. Some cannulas simply don’t suit (work for) some people. Read up about customer service too, if possible. Then think about your lifestyle and how each pump will fit into it.

You mention CGMs but that only matters if you’re looping. I use a fantastic CGM and a brilliant pump. Together they make an incredible team. I don’t loop with them, but they work very well. If you’re going to loop, then read up about the loops and the CGMs needed.

 

[trophywench]

Some diabetes clinics offer group sessions where patients have the opportunity to have a look at the pumps on offer, and ask questions about them - ring your clinic and ask if they offer such a thing.

 

[nonethewiser]

Had my own mind set on a tubeless pump so never really considered other pumps at start.

Totally agree with what @Inka says above about researching pumps on offer on likes of youtube manufacturers websites, some useful info to be had.

 

[helli]

As others have said, do research on the pumps on offer and then make a list of the features you care about and rate their importance to you.
Bear in mind, if your clinic offers a pump, it is very unlikely to be bad.

One thing that many people consider is whether they want tubes or not. The default reaction is often “No tubes!”.
As someone who has used both, I would say there are pros and cons with both. For example, only tubed pumps allow s choice of cannula.
The usual fear of tubes is getting them caught on things like door handles.I had a tubed pump for four years and it never came close to a door handle and I struggle to see how it could.
Despite all this, I prefer a tubeless pump for myself. This is mainly because they are usually smaller and I am small so do not want my diabetes to be on display.

 

[trophywench]

They hadn't invented tubeless pumps when I had my first one and I didn't have a choice anyway - my clinic and CCG only offered one! - haven't we moved on from that!

 

[Inka]

I prefer tubed pumps for a number of reasons: the choice of cannulas as mentioned, but also the ability to move the pump to wherever I want when I want. I find my pump unnoticeable. Nobody at work has ever noticed it until I mentioned it. I couldn’t bear a big lump of a patch pump stuck on me. I’m tiny and it would be very noticeable but mainly I’d knock it off or find it uncomfortable. More than that, I personally think the tubed pumps are better quality. That was what my consultant said years ago and, having used pumps for so long, I agree. Some people like patch pumps however so it’s up to you to research, muse and choose @sololite

There’s no right answer. Only what’s right for you. Dig deep and ask any questions you want here as there will be people who use the pump you’re wondering about. If you plan to loop, then read about the different loops too.

 

[sololite]

I’ve used a pump for more than 20 years @sololite The first thing to find out is which pumps your clinic offers, as it can vary a lot. My clinic offers 6 different pumps but a clinic nearby only offers one. So, it’s crucial you find out exactly what’s on offer first.

Then, start looking at all the pumps your clinic offers. Take time to do this - days or even weeks. Make notes; circle good or bad things. Use the pump websites, read reviews and watch YouTube videos so you can get a ‘feel’ for the pumps.

Having got that overall view, you’ll probably be able to eliminate a couple of pumps. This will be for various reasons, eg size of reservoir, tubed/patched, etc. You’re aiming to reduce your choice down to three, then two.

Once you’ve got it down to two pumps, then you can really look into the detail. Crucially, remember to check the cannulas and sets. It’s best to have a good choice of those as they’re the weak spot of all pumps. Some cannulas simply don’t suit (work for) some people. Read up about customer service too, if possible. Then think about your lifestyle and how each pump will fit into it.

You mention CGMs but that only matters if you’re looping. I use a fantastic CGM and a brilliant pump. Together they make an incredible team. I don’t loop with them, but they work very well. If you’re going to loop, then read up about the loops and the CGMs needed.

Thank you @Inka for such a long and helpful reply. I certainly will take my time to get up to speed with how all this tech works. I wasn't expecting to be offered a pump and hadn't asked for one so never read much about them. I was greatly encouraged by reading @everydayupsanddowns story though.

The pumps available to me are Ypso, T-slim, Omnipod 5, Meltronic 780g

I will go through our DUK forum to understand what to expect from these and the wider pros and cons of pumping.

We live by the sea and spend a lot of time in and out of the water so I'm wondering if that can still happen ?

Thanks once again for your help.

Regards,

Chris

 

[sololite]

As others have said, do research on the phones on offer and then make a list of the features you care about and rate their importance to you.
Bear in mind, if your clinic offers a pump, it is very unlikely to be bad.

One thing that many people consider is whether they want tubes or not. The default reaction is often “No tubes!”.
As someone who has used both, I would say there are pros and cons with both. For example, only tubed pumps allow s choice of cannula.
The usual fear of tubes is getting them caught on things like door handles.I had a tubed pump for four years and it never came close to a door handle and I struggle to see how it could.
Despite all this, I prefer a tubeless pump for myself. This is mainly because they are usually smaller and I am small so do not want my diabetes to be on display.

Thanks @helli for sharing your experience, certainly will be a factor in deciding if I'm going to go for it

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

We live by the sea and spend a lot of time in and out of the water so I'm wondering if that can still happen ?

Good luck with your choice @sololite - there really isn’t a bad choice for a first pump. They all do all the most significantly helpful ‘pump things’ equally well, just check out the choices and go with your gut feeling.

Yes you can certainly go swimming with a pump. Patch pumps vary, but are generally rated waterproof. You can simply remove a tubed pump for an hour or two and the extra exertion of swimming etc will generally balance out, or you can simply get back to shore / reconnect briefly, adjust, and then unhook again.

For longer stints (eg sea kayaking, sailing, or SUP where the pump may get splashed but not submerged) there are waterproof bags like Aquapack, that you can put a tubed pump inside and hang round your neck.

 

[Inka]

I live close to the sea too @sololite I just disconnect my pump, which literally takes two seconds. Apparently, it is waterproof but I’ve never tested it. I also disconnect it for things like ice-skating, where I’m likely to fall over, smash into things or get smashed into! I have no problems with my blood sugar in doing so. It takes a couple of seconds to re-connect.

You’ve been offered a nice choice of pumps. Do ask them if looping is being offered to you too because, if so, you’ll need to bear that in mind as you research your pumps. Looping is not compulsory. I was offered a loop and turned it down because I’m happy with my Time in Range with just my pump.

 

[SB2015]

I would echo what @Inka has said about looping. It certainly takes out a lot of the day to day work of using a pump if you are looping.
I am using the Medtronic 780G with the Simplera Sync sensors and happy to answer any questions that you have.

 

[Lauren]

I use the Medtronic 780G and find it works very well for me. My time in range is 95% and has the closed loop which I find takes the edge off always thinking about my diabetes. The Medtronic is also waterproof up to 12 feet for up to 24 hours which works well for me as I live near the sea.
My clinic have been keen in the past to move to more cost-effective pumps - the T Slim and the Ypsomed - but these didn't work as well for me, although I've heard others like them.
As others have said it depends what you are looking for in a pump. The T-Slim has a very faffy reservoir filling system with an exposed needle which doesn't work for me because I have a needle phobia which causes shaking in my hands (quite counter-productive!) and the Ypsomed's algorithm isn't reactive enough (for me) to get my BG within range in a good timeframe.
I am intrigued by the Omnipod but this pump isn't offered at my hospital. Tubeless seems like a nice option though.

Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[PhoebeC]

I was MDI for 17-18 years, only moved over to pump about 2 years ago, first Omnipod, now (Dec 2024) the Omnipod 5.

For me the move was lifechanging.

Research all the options, if any do free loans / samples get those ordered. The Omnipod sample was great, and tried out another none patch pump too and the idea of needing a pocket, waistband for me wasn't ideal, but is fine for most people.

Is hybrid closed loop at option? Will certain pump allow that over others?

Think about what you want from the pump. Mine was freedom and better control. I have both of those things compared to MDI.

Loads of videos online from each provider, which can be useful.

 

[sololite]

I would echo what @Inka has said about looping. It certainly takes out a lot of the day to day work of using a pump if you are looping.
I am using the Medtronic 780G with the Simplera Sync sensors and happy to answer any questions that you have.

Thank you, that's very kind

 

[sololite]

I use the Medtronic 780G and find it works very well for me. My time in range is 95% and has the closed loop which I find takes the edge off always thinking about my diabetes. The Medtronic is also waterproof up to 12 feet for up to 24 hours which works well for me as I live near the sea.
My clinic have been keen in the past to move to more cost-effective pumps - the T Slim and the Ypsomed - but these didn't work as well for me, although I've heard others like them.
As others have said it depends what you are looking for in a pump. The T-Slim has a very faffy reservoir filling system with an exposed needle which doesn't work for me because I have a needle phobia which causes shaking in my hands (quite counter-productive!) and the Ypsomed's algorithm isn't reactive enough (for me) to get my BG within range in a good timeframe.
I am intrigued by the Omnipod but this pump isn't offered at my hospital. Tubeless seems like a nice option though.

Good luck whatever you decide!

Thanks Lauren, a lot for me to digest. I need to block out some time and really focus on this. Right now I'm not even sure I know what looping is and how my libre and phone play their part!

 

[sololite]

I was MDI for 17-18 years, only moved over to pump about 2 years ago, first Omnipod, now (Dec 2024) the Omnipod 5.

For me the move was lifechanging.

Research all the options, if any do free loans / samples get those ordered. The Omnipod sample was great, and tried out another none patch pump too and the idea of needing a pocket, waistband for me wasn't ideal, but is fine for most people.

Is hybrid closed loop at option? Will certain pump allow that over others?

Think about what you want from the pump. Mine was freedom and better control. I have both of those things compared to MDI.

Loads of videos online from each provider, which can be useful.

Thanks Phoebe, I need to take a look at the videos and read more than I've been able to do so far, what with life getting in the way. I could live with Needles and restrictive diet forever if it weren't for my hit and miss control (I'm type 3c) so I'm especially keen to hear from other type 3cs to understand if pumping improves things.

 

[sololite]

Good luck with your choice @sololite - there really isn’t a bad choice for a first pump. They all do all the most significantly helpful ‘pump things’ equally well, just check out the choices and go with your gut feeling.

Yes you can certainly go swimming with a pump. Patch pumps vary, but are generally rated waterproof. You can simply remove a tubed pump for an hour or two and the extra exertion of swimming etc will generally balance out, or you can simply get back to shore / reconnect briefly, adjust, and then unhook again.

For longer stints (eg sea kayaking, sailing, or SUP where the pump may get splashed but not submerged) there are waterproof bags like Aquapack, that you can put a tubed pump inside and hang round your neck.

Thanks Mike, great advice and encouragement. I do get the kayak on the sea in summer and can be out for 2-4 hours. It's SOT and I only go when it's calm but there is always a chance I can get tipped out. Definitely something for me to consider