Type 2 wondering about insulin pump

[PaulR]

Hi all

New here so long story (sorry)

I have had type 2 since 2013, but last year I was diagnosed with EPI (Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) I am under investigation to see if this was caused by autoimmune pancreases or not, but, was told on last admission to hospital that my pancreas was not working well. This is why they changed me to insulin. so at present I am on insulin for the rest of my life. I also have RA caused by Psoriasis. So take methotrexate.

I think there is a side affect using these that I can bruise a lot which if is I am black and blue at injection sites.

As this is causing me issues would I be a candidate for insulin pump or if I was would I have to buy it my self.( I don't mind if I have too)

Also, is there some good information about the insulin pumps like how they work, how long they last etc.

Thanks for the help in advanced.

Paul

 

[nonethewiser]

Best to talk with diabetes team about possibilities of pump, loads info on them on YouTube & manufacturers websites.

I also have EPI, diagnosed 3 years ago, take supplement Creon with meals.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hello Paul and welcome to the forum.
Here's the list of side effects to your medication https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/methotrexate/ so you need to talk to your doctor asp.

Pumps are available to people with type1 diabetes and type 1.5 and 3c on the NHS So whether you fit into that category is anyone's guess.

You would still have to inject a canula into your body so no idea if that would make any difference to the bruising.
Have a look at your technique and your length and type of needle as well.

For a pump there are very strict criteria plus the qualifying types already listed.
You need to carb count and understand how to use your insulin and be on MDI before you are considered for a pump.

If you are still classed as a type 2 diabetic then basically you have a cats chance in hell of getting a pump as type 2's are classed as 2nd class citizens in the NHS and it's very difficult for someone with type 1 to even get a pump.

To buy a pump you need a consultant to be willing to oversee your care as they are prescription items.
Pumps cost about £3000 and have a four year warranty.
Consumables are probably £150/month, depending on the pump you have. The patch pumps would be a lot less.
Have a look on the web for demos on how pumps work as it's easier than anyone trying to explain it to you.

Good luck.

 

[Lucyr]

Insulin pumps arent funded for type 2, so you’d most likely need to pay if you wanted one and they’re extremely expensive. Is there anything we can help with related to your insulin dosing and blood sugars, or is it the bruising that’s prompting you to look at pumps?

 

[SB2015]

Welcome to the forum @PaulR

I used to get quite a few bruises when on injections as I was initially using 8mm needles. These were reduced when I switched to 4mm needles. Later my Practice switched my needles from BD microfine to Glucose RX. I rarely use injections now but when I did with those needles I bruised again. So it would be worth discussing a switch to a shorter needle if yours are longer than 4mm and/or a different brand.

As others have said you would have no chance of being prescribed a pump whilst you are classified as T2.
However you have the same condition as @nonethewiser and he is classified as T1, or perhaps he had T1 before the EPI. You will need to talk to your team, assuming that you are managed at your local hospital. If you are in the hands of your GP it would be worth asking for a referral to the specialist team.

If you were able to get a prescribed pump each area offers a different selection, based on the training and expertise of their DSNs. They then need to apply the strict criteria for pumps which include having been on Mutiple Daily Injections (MDI) and having done a carb counting course, such as Dose Adjustments for Normal Eating (DAFNE)

 

[PaulR]

Best to talk with diabetes team about possibilities of pump, loads info on them on YouTube & manufacturers websites.

I also have EPI, diagnosed 3 years ago, take supplement Creon with meals.

Yeah still trying to get the Creon to work best though

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Yeah still trying to get the Creon to work best though

Hi Paul you need to take it after a few bites of your meal. I started off on 50000 but am now on 75000 and find that works well for me.

 

[PaulR]

Insulin pumps arent funded for type 2, so you’d most likely need to pay if you wanted one and they’re extremely expensive. Is there anything we can help with related to your insulin dosing and blood sugars, or is it the bruising that’s prompting you to look at pumps?

Hi Lucyr

Thanks for getting in touch, its really a couple of issues i have really why i was looking into pumps than injections.

first is the bruising i use a 4mm needle, but also fine some sites more painful and bleed right after injecting my insulin especially in my leg at night.

the other reasons are, i am right handed and my RA affects my right hand the most, i have tried injecting with my left hand but found it really strange. Also, my BG's have been really high and struggling to get them down. I am on 20/20/20 novarapid and 30 at night semglee. I have really changed a lot in my diet, not more sweets and crisps or chocolate. also cut down on portion size too.

I have looked into carb counting but i am new on insulin (May 2021), so I need to get use to dosing in the first place and my head around which insulin affect which meal.

Thanks Paul

 

[PaulR]

Hi Paul you need to take it after a few bites of your meal. I started off on 50000 but am now on 75000 and find that works well for me.

yeah I started on 75000 but up from that does i take 4 with each meal and when i use to snack i take 1-2 with each one too.

 

[PaulR]

Hello Paul and welcome to the forum.
Here's the list of side effects to your medication https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/methotrexate/ so you need to talk to your doctor asp.

Pumps are available to people with type1 diabetes and type 1.5 and 3c on the NHS So whether you fit into that category is anyone's guess.

You would still have to inject a canula into your body so no idea if that would make any difference to the bruising.
Have a look at your technique and your length and type of needle as well.

For a pump there are very strict criteria plus the qualifying types already listed.
You need to carb count and understand how to use your insulin and be on MDI before you are considered for a pump.

If you are still classed as a type 2 diabetic then basically you have a cats chance in hell of getting a pump as type 2's are classed as 2nd class citizens in the NHS and it's very difficult for someone with type 1 to even get a pump.

To buy a pump you need a consultant to be willing to oversee your care as they are prescription items.
Pumps cost about £3000 and have a four year warranty.
Consumables are probably £150/month, depending on the pump you have. The patch pumps would be a lot less.
Have a look on the web for demos on how pumps work as it's easier than anyone trying to explain it to you.

Good luck.

Thanks for the information i will contact doctors and see if I can get an appointment or speak with Rhumy nurse.

 

[helli]

Also, is there some good information about the insulin pumps like how they work, how long they last etc.

I can’t comment on type 2s and pumps but you may find this useful in explaining how pumps work : https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-t...diabetes/treating-your-diabetes/insulin-pumps.
As for how long they last, in my (limited) experience, they usually have a 4 year warranty and, as the pump is keeping my alive, I would be reluctant to use one without warranty.

I don’t believe they are easy to self fund in the UK. I have read, you need an endocrinologist to get a pump. This may be possible through private healthcare.

Most pumps hold up to 200 units of insulin and require changing every 3 days. With your insulin dose, your choice of pumps may be limited. Another thing to consider is changing “sets” which is done every 3 days requires a level of dexterity to fill the cartridges for the pump (a few pumps have ready filled cartridges).

 

[Inka]

My pump is a DANA RS and holds 300 units if that’s any help. It’s also significantly cheaper than most other pumps. I’m Type 1 so got it on the NHS but I really like it. Importantly it also has a great selection of cannulas so you’d have a choice of what worked best for you.

I’m not sure how the RA affects you, but the Autopen insulin pen has a different mechanism to inject rather than the button at the end. I find it easier. Just something to consider if appropriate.

 

[nonethewiser]

Yeah still trying to get the Creon to work best though

Work in progress, need to titrate dose, personally find 125000 works for large meals 100000 for lighter ones, consultant says taking more than 150000 has no benefits, no idea if true or not.