Do I have hope for this so called cure?
Recently, I am sure you have all heard about a possible cure. My concerns more rely on what insulin pump I should use. My current stance on the islet cell transplant is that it is not quite a cure. It would make you take immunosuppressants making you vulnerable for infections and certain cancers.
Which insulin Pump is Best Suited for You?
So, now that we are off that topic, what pumps do you guys use? I have only used the Omnipod before, a tubeless pump. However, I am thinking about going on a tubed pump, like tandem Mobi, Tslim x2 or even Twiist. Let’s dive into how each of these pumps work to see which one is best for you and me. I will give a list of Pros and Cons as well as my opinion on whether or not I would try them or stay away.
Omnipod:
An Omnipod pump is tubeless, waterproof, and easy to use, while delivering insulin up to 3 days. It holds up to 200 units and is relatively easy to apply. From my experience, it only took a few minutes to apply having only a few steps within the process. With it being tubeless, it allowed a certain amount of freedom. I used this pump, before it could connect to a CGM, so it was all manual when entering my bg and carbs. I grew up in Texas, so summers were HOT and I would be swimming often, I rarely had issues with it coming off.
My dislikes were how loud it would be when it failed, most times it felt as if it would fail in the worst moments. Whether it was in class or on the basketball court it would fail and be SO LOUD. Not to mention, when it fails it is very hard to turn off the sound. You need a small pin to poke the sensor part for it to stop. I took a hammer to it a few times and it still took a while for the ringing to stop. Additionally, I had it ripped off a few times when playing travel and high school basketball (girls were mean).
Pros:
- Tubeless
- Durable/waterproof
- Easy/quick Application
- Connects to CGM
- Automated Insulin Delivery
- Keeps A1C in good range
Cons:
- Bit bulky
- Loud when it fails
Tandem Mobi:
I have not used this before, so I am unable to give a personal experience with this. However, this is what I know. It is the world’s smallest durable automated insulin delivery system. They also connect to CGMs letting them to predict highs and lows to prevent and adjust when needed. Tandem Mobi also can be connect to your phone, which makes it easier than carrying around a meter that connects to it.
As for the stats, it is recorded that the average time in range is 79%. While it is tubed, they give you an adhesive sleeve, so your pump and tubing are right next to each other, and you do not need to worry about whether or not you have a pocket to put it in. Additionally, it allows you to disconnect and reconnect it. This would be helpful when showering, swimming or contact sports like basketball or football. Like the Omnipod it holds 200 units of insulin.
Pros:
- Helps you have a good A1C
- Automated Insulin System
- Small
- Detachable
- Adhesive sleeve, clip, or slip
Cons:
- Tubed
- Have to remove when swimming or participating in contact sports (could be a pro)
Tslim x2:
I have not used this insulin pump either, but I will do my best to give you what I know. The Tslim x2 holds up to 300 units of insulin, is a touch screen, and can be connected to your smartphone. It is also the first pump that works with multiple CGMs. You are also able to disconnect and reconnect easily! It also is rechargeable, so it does not use batteries. It also used Automated Insulin Delivery which predicts glucose levels 30 minutes ahead to prevent those highs and lows.
Pros:
- Helps you have a good A1C
- Automated Insulin System
- Detachable
- Connects to Phone
- Holds up to 300 units
Cons:
- Tubed
- No adhesive
Twiist:
Again, I have never tried this pump, but I will tell you what I know. Twiist also has the Automated Insulin Delivery System and is tubed. It can carry up to 300 units, you can connect it to your smartphone and you can customize your glucose targets. It also auto adjust basal insulin 24/7 to help prevent those highs and lows. It ensures precise insulin delivery and detects blockages much faster than other pumps. It also is small in size, only weighing about 2 oz.
Pros:
- Holds 300 units
- Automated Insulin Delivery
- Connects to Smartphone
- Customizable
- Precise insulin delivery
- Small, light weight
Cons:
- Tubed
- No adhesive
So, Which One is Best For You?
So, after researching and seeing the pros and cons of each pump, which one would you choose? Currently, I lean towards Tandem Mobi because it is detachable, small, and has an adhesive patch for you to put the meter next to it. I also do not need more than 200 units for 3 days, so it would work well for me.
Also, as of late I have had a hard time of keeping my sugars in range. So, having the Automated Insulin Delivery system and the type of system they use to predict blood glucose that keeps people in range on average of 79% of the time sounds great to me.
Lastly, I can detach it when playing basketball, so I will not have to worry about it getting ripped out like the Omnipod has before.
Thanks!
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Peace
Gracie
