Hybrid, closed loop or manual

[SB2015]

It’s ok! I didn’t think it was criticism at all. I’m very thankful for the clarification. My team where I am currently (I move due to uni) isn’t the best with things like this and can be a nightmare to get a hold of. I guess they also misinterpreted things?? I also attended a webinar which made it all seem to automated and the speakers weren’t really clear on how bolusing and correcting work (just that we didn’t need to worry as the pump does it all). Think I’m going to have to have a good think about it x

It takes a bit to get your head round it. Once you have entered the carbs the bolus wizard will work out your bolus and take account of SG/BG as well active insulin (or insulin on board) to work out the bolus. Then it is indeed hands off and let it get on with it. I probably said that I gave up on mine for the first month and went back to my old pump. However I am now very glad I switched.

I think the webinars tend to be focused on improving things for those of us using the system already. The variables that I am in control of are
Pump settings needed before going into Smartguard (HCL)

• Action time of my insulin
• Max bolus
• Choosing my target (5.5, 6.1 or 6.7)
• Carb ratios
• Sensitivity ratios for corrections
• Basal profiles (for when you fall back on in manual)

Once in Smartguard I need to

• Carb count
• Decide on timing of bolus
• Set a temp basal rate if needed (activities etc)

The rest is done by the pump
Your team should be able to give you access to the training modules that are designed for those starting on the system. They are very clear.

 

[SimonP]

Thanks everyone for the comments. For those with a pump, when you came to selecting a system, was there somewhere you could look to find a useful comparison of the features of the various pumps, or was it case of trawling the manufacturers' websites and online reviews?

Seems like a centralised comparison/review site would be a useful thing to have if offered a choice in order to select the best one/one that best suits a usecase?

 

[Inka]

The latter @SimonP but that’s best, I think. I did find a few charts but they didn’t contain all the pumps I was looking at or all the features. We all have different preferences and priorities. It’s (a bit!) like buying a house. You can’t have a chart of ‘best’ houses because buyers are looking for different things.

Use the manufacturers’ websites, YouTube, reviews - and, importantly, make your own chart, which will be right for you.

 

[rebrascora]

@SimonP And of course find out which pumps your clinic offers/supports. No point setting your heart on a particular pump and finding your clinic don't offer it.

 

[SimonP]

@SimonP And of course find out which pumps your clinic offers/supports. No point setting your heart on a particular pump and finding your clinic don't offer it.

Absolutely, I just wondered if there was a useful comparison site. I don't think I'd even be offered one any time soon, but I was curious about how the algorithms handle certain cases so I can make an informed decision as and when the time comes! 🙂

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Absolutely, I just wondered if there was a useful comparison site

There's a chart you can look at here: https://www.diabetesspecialistnurseforumuk.co.uk/whats-new