I don't have that. I never have. I'm surprised that I don't because when I was little the only place I would take my shots was in my butt. That's the only place I had fat on my little body!!! I think I'm just not susceptible to that problem. I'm pretty happy too that I don't get marks on my fingers from doing blood sugars. I think that I don't get insulin bubbles because God blessed me with stretch marks after pregnancy!!!

Your skin should eventually heal, but make sure you rotate everywhere. Start using legs, arms, back, lovehandles. Everywhere!

In regards to the OP, insulin pumps wouldn't prevent the insulin lipoatrophy. In fact, pumpers sometimes suffer more scar tissue because insulin is being continuously infused in the same spot for 3 days, versus all over with injections. That's with either type of pumps.

As far as tubing, that's definitely a personal preference. The idea of having a pod actually stuck on my skin like a lump sounds and looks horrendous to me. But I was on a tubed pump for 12 years and had absolutely no issues with it. It's purely personal preference and luckily there are options for those who are turned off by one or the other. Of course, I've been back on injections for a year now and I have absolutely no plans on going back.

the pump would drive me crazy too - having an effing cord hanging from my body all the time. I can't even handle a purse on my shoulder half the time. lol. **** out of luck for me!

Everyone who has a pump thought like that at one time or another. It truly works so well, it's worth the inconvenience.

I do miss walking around the house nude. That's really the only time I notice it. In bed, it just goes under the pillow and is removed for intimacy. It turns out it's never that big a deal.

-Bob

^^ I agree, except I wear a pump belt to bed and during intimacy

Okay, what about the 5 to 10 grand they cost? I suppose all of you are lucky enough to have full health coverage on it?

I last bought a pump about 4 years ago and will be looking to replace my current pump this summer. I don't think they cost $10K. They are more in the $4-5K range. Still, no small investment. Then there is also the cost of supplies: Infusion set, reservoir, tape, etc. Most people who use a pump also test multiple times every day. I test 6-8 times typically. I test more when I do a lot of exercising.

Insurance is how most of us can do this. I have a comprehensive plan through my employer. If you are of moderate means and have no insurance it would be difficult. It really sucks that this disease is so damn expensive.

I have heard of "pump scholarships" but I have no personal experience with that. Maybe Vickie can speak of this.

Sorry to be so pessimistic after talking up using a pump. I'm afraid when it comes to the cost of medical care, there isn't much good news.

-Bob

It's true, after insurance, most folks end up paying out their year's maximum ($1200-2500, whatever is the annual maximum) and insurance has picked up the other 80% of a new pump purchase. The pumps all end up being about $7000 these days--market's competitive enough, no one can afford to be "the most expensive one." Even OmniPod, which has much lower up front costs, may have higher month-to-month costs because you're buying a box of little "pumps" each month. So, by 3 years, everyone could be out about the same. Roche's AC Combo has some attractive cost reductions up front to help folks come almost to no out-of-pocket after insurance. It's not the easiest pump to learn, but definitely worth considering if you're really in the pump market.

A real consideration, in my opinion, is looking at either DexCom or Medtronic, for a sensor (continuous glucose monitor--CGM) first. Out of pocket on CGMs is much less than pumps and can be used with shots. This could hugely improve your blood glucose management while using long- and short-acting insulins.

In any case, if you can afford any technology, go for it--BUT, make the companies work for you! Call them and they will go over backward to work with you and your physician(s), as well as your insurance (if you have it), to get the paperwork done. If you try to do this yourself it will drive you crazy!! It's like buying a house!

Meanwhile, if technology beyond a good meter is not financially possible, just be sure you've got a reliable meter and USE it! Also, despite our focus on carbs, DO go for the leanest diet you can without going too austere. High fat and high protein do affect our blood sugars for hours afterward. For those of us who've had diabetes for a long time, that sort of got lost in the translation and is coming back as a reminder--same old healthy, fairly lean diet, plenty of water, and keep moving.

Don't know if that's helpful, but that's my take.
V

When I first got my pump (almost 4 years ago) I DID have 100% coverage for it and all of my supplies - just a $30 co-pay for test strips. My coverage changed (premiums up, coverage down) last year so now I have to pay 20% on my sets, reservoirs and sensors for my CGM. My pump crapped out last month, luckily still under warranty by just a couple months. It was good timing - I got a brand new replacement pump for free, and now I won't have to replace it for quite some time. I had to replace my CGM transmitter in January and I was sure wishing it had died before my coverage changed. I am pretty unhappy with the transmitter, too - it is way touchier than my old one was - lots more lost sensors now. :-(

Back on topic - I have some scar tissue, but have not noticed a "bubble belly".... of course, I still have an awful lot of flab, so that probably won't be noticeable until I lose a lot more weight. Right now I am just reveling in the fact that I had to go clothes shopping and was down two pant sizes.... :-)

This is a wonderfully informative thread ... I've never heard of "insulin bubble belly" but will certainly google it now. :bigsmile: Nine months ago I was diagnosed as a Type 1 and am now taking the steps so I can be considered for a pump. I was shocked at the cost ... of both the pump and then there's the supplies.

There is a lot to consider when it comes to making the decision to get a pump; and, it comes at a great expense if I decide after 9 months that it's not for me. [I don't know why I chose 9 months - perhaps b/c that's how long I've been dealing with the injections.] I too, am concerned about the tubing and just what to do with the pump (where to wear it during the day and what about at night)... and, I know this sounds vain, but the psychological aspects of having the pump - having that constant reminder hanging on me that I'm somehow damaged goods, sick, whatever it is - clearly I haven't quite worked that out yet.

Based on the research I've done, a pump will greatly improve my ability to control my BG #'s and that will make for a healthier me... it's hard for me to not take a shot at having better control of my numbers. I'm considering the Animas - I just hope my insurance company will help out on the cost ... ... ... ... and I want to do everything I can to avoid the insulin bubble belly.
thx all

I wear my pump on my pocket. the tubing gets held to the pump with the clip, then I cut a small hole in my pocket to run the tubing inside my pants. Total control of the tubing. Works like a charm.

Thats a great idea! Hoping to get mine back and will have to try that!

Hole in the pocket - what a great idea!!
After reading this post I started experimenting with other sites - to avoid the "bubble."
Thank you so much for sharing your information!

the pump would drive me crazy too - having an effing cord hanging from my body all the time. I can't even handle a purse on my shoulder half the time. lol. **** out of luck for me!

Everyone who has a pump thought like that at one time or another. It truly works so well, it's worth the inconvenience.

I do miss walking around the house nude. That's really the only time I notice it. In bed, it just goes under the pillow and is removed for intimacy. It turns out it's never that big a deal.

-Bob

So you know the expression "I'd lose my head if it weren't screwed on"? That's me with my pump. If it weren't physically attached I would forever be forgetting my insulin and needles! Agree it would be nice to be able to walk around naked occasionally, but it's an easy trade. Best part of pumping for me is I don't have to eat on a regular schedule.

Before I started pumping I felt the same way about having something attached to me all the time... for me it's no more inconvenient than my glasses, and it makes my life SO much easier!