Omnipod q’s

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Minx1234

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hey everyone, I’m a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic.
It’s not something I’m thinking about starting immediately as I know I’m newly diagnosed and will probably need some time to adjust. However injections are really getting me down, at first they were pretty simple and easy but over the past few weeks my body has been in nothing but pain where the injection sites are, not to mention injecting itself has become painful. I’m using 4mm needles rather than the 5 but it still hurts to inject. When I inject into my stomach it stings worse and I think this might be because I have sensitive skin, I have and occasionally do have severe eczema and it can be irritated easily, even weather conditions can set it off.

But I have been researching into the Omnipod, and other insulin pumps. But I can’t find any information about costs? Do you need to be under an insurance company or you have no hope? Or is there a payment plan you can set up? If anyone could give me a run by the process or advice it would be appreciated thanks.
 
The NICE guidelines (how the ICB decides who gets funding and who doesn’t) are really tight on pumps:
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Which insulins are you on?
 
If you are based on the UK, you need a doctor to get a pump. You cannot just buy them.
This could be a private doctor.
Do not expect the Omnipod to be cheap. My clinic do not offer them because they are too expensive compared to Medtronic.

If you are finding injections sting, this is most likely to be a reaction to the insulin rather than the needles. Therefore, a pump would be of little help.
However, there are different insulins available which you may be less sensitive to.
For example, I have read quite a few people complaining that Fiasp stings.
I recommend talking to your DSN about changing your insulin.
 
Try different sites too, I rarely inject into my stomach as it’s goo sensitive
 
Bruce Stephens said:
It's worth exploring the insulin as well as the needles. In both cases different brands can affect different people and it's worth talking with the DSN about what to do.
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Agreed. Minx, I have eczema too-- although never yet on my abdomen, knock on wood!!!-- and generally sensitive skin. Different insulins have different ingredients; so for example if you're using NovoRapid, ask your DSN about trying Fiasp (I don't find Fiasp stings), or vice versa.

Also-- needles not only come in different lengths, like 4mm, but also in different gauges: the higher the gauge number, the thinner the needle. I was originally prescribed 4mm/31gauge, but then a few months later the pharmacist accidentally gave me 32 gauge needles-- and I found those more comfortable. I asked my GP to change the prescription, so I always get the 32 gauge now.

Anyway-- main thing, talk it over with your DSNs; tell them you're in a lot of pain, and I'm sure they'll help. Best wishes, and let us know how you get on!
 
The other thing about the needles is that different brands "glide" better. Some of the cheaper brands do not puncture the skin as easily even though the gauge (and length) are the same. So @Minx1234 you could also try different needle brands.
 
helli said:
If you are based on the UK, you need a doctor to get a pump. You cannot just buy them.
This could be a private doctor.
Do not expect the Omnipod to be cheap. My clinic do not offer them because they are too expensive compared to Medtronic.

If you are finding injections sting, this is most likely to be a reaction to the insulin rather than the needles. Therefore, a pump would be of little help.
However, there are different insulins available which you may be less sensitive to.
For example, I have read quite a few people complaining that Fiasp stings.
I recommend talking to your DSN about changing your insulin.
Click to expand...
Okay I see :( I had a feeling because I read up on the requirement on the website. Thank you for letting me know.
 
Lucyr said:
Try different sites too, I rarely inject into my stomach as it’s goo sensitive
Click to expand...
I didn’t know you could avoid injecting into certain sites, I think I was nervous because I heard of the bumps you can get if you overuse sites. I do try to avoid my stomach area if possible and go for my arms and my butt and thighs.
 
Spathiphyllum said:
Agreed. Minx, I have eczema too-- although never yet on my abdomen, knock on wood!!!-- and generally sensitive skin. Different insulins have different ingredients; so for example if you're using NovoRapid, ask your DSN about trying Fiasp (I don't find Fiasp stings), or vice versa.

Also-- needles not only come in different lengths, like 4mm, but also in different gauges: the higher the gauge number, the thinner the needle. I was originally prescribed 4mm/31gauge, but then a few months later the pharmacist accidentally gave me 32 gauge needles-- and I found those more comfortable. I asked my GP to change the prescription, so I always get the 32 gauge now.

Anyway-- main thing, talk it over with your DSNs; tell them you're in a lot of pain, and I'm sure they'll help. Best wishes, and let us know how you get on!
Click to expand...
Thank you for the advice! I’m not sure what a DSN is though? I have a meeting with my diabetic team in July, is that what this is?
 
Minx1234 said:
Thank you for the advice! I’m not sure what a DSN is though? I have a meeting with my diabetic team in July, is that what this is?
Click to expand...
If you are being seen by the diabetes team at your local hospital, you are likely to see a Diabetes Specialist Nurse (DSN) and/or a consultant. They will be drawing on the experience of loads of people with T1.

Some are managed by their GP Surgery where there may be a nurse who has a special interest in Diabetes. However they are not necessarily, and are unlikely to be a DSN. They will be very familiar with T2 diabetes, but may only see one or two people with T1. Once people are settled with their management some are happy to be referred back from the hospital to their GP Practice. If you end up on a pump you are more likely to stay in the care of the specialist team.
 
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