Best Insulin Pump

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Permalink Reply by Dave S on June 9, 2009 at 2:03am

Interesting discussion. Just switched to the Ping myself and there are two things I loathe about it:

1) It is dead slow to enter boluses compared to other pumps. Normally I'm used to entering carbs or blood sugar then hitting confirm to allow the precalculated bolus. On the ping, it requires you to MANUALLY set the bolus starting at 0 units and scroll up to the "suggested" number of units. This results in a cycle of:
- Select bolus --> ezCarb --> Scroll up to number of carbs --> Scroll to reenter insulin amount -> Confirm
On all my old pumps this has been a much faster operation. If the carbs and insulin ratio are already set why not leave the default bolus AT THE PRECALCULATED AMOUNT? They are introducing another point where manual errors can occur.

2) When the battery is replaced, you have to do a full rewind/forward/prime cycle. Huh? No other pump I've ever had has required this, and it's a real pain when you are hiking or in a plane to do a full disconnect merely to change the battery.

#2 seems to be intrinsic to the pump, as it's in the FAQ. I'm not sure if there's some way to fix the #1 problem in software settings (haven't hooked it up to the computer yet). The pump rep I talked to thought #1 was a feature, not a bug, since it got you to think about your bolus every single time. Uhh, I bought a pump so that I can MINIMIZE the amount of work that diabetes requires.

On the bright side, the pump is much physically more solid and well made than the cozmo. I've had one belt hook break thus far - the aluminum band is a single piece of metal but the locking mechanism is soft plastic that breaks.

The ping meter food database interface seems pretty useless - looking for food in a database without a search function or keyboard is painful, but I haven't customized it yet. i suppose if you eat a limited range of foods and put them all in the Favorites it might be useful. I have not connected it to the computer yet either. The wireless bolusing based on BG reading is convenient. One problem is that the bolus initiated by the meter will be cancelled if any buttons are pressed, so it will cancel your bolus if you test, bolus, then shove your meter in your pocket before the bolus is finished.

Most of these problems could be addressed by software updates to the Ping system and are not actual hardware problems, so hopefully they will update the software if enough people complain. If anyone has good workarounds for these problems let me know!

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Permalink Reply by gw on June 17, 2009 at 12:46am

I ran across this thread and thought I might be able to help by offering some of my experiences with the Animas Ping and how they realte to your issues . I had a few concerns with the Ping at first but have grown to love it. In fact I cant imagine life without it!

As far what you consider slow bolusing, I dont find that to be a problem, partly since Ive only ever used the Ping, and I believe the time it takes one to enter the bolus amount manually might be made up for in the rapid delivery of the insulin (as others have commented that the minimed can take 30 seconds to deliver, as opposed to 3 seconds of the ping.) So in a sense the Ping is mandating that the user make all settings, and in my opinion this can only lead to better control.

One example I can give is that at times my preprogrammed Insulin Sensitivity has varied, and my Insulin Carb ratio has varied, for different reasons ( in the first instance, due to the time of day, and in the second instance, due to not properly counting carbs) So I have been able to reduce my bolus and avoid the hypo I had a day earlier for instance, and more finely tune my control. Otherwise, an automatic delivery may have resulted in another hypo. Perhaps there is more chance for error either way, but ultimately, in my mind, an automatic bolus is a little frightening. Do the other pumps count carbs as well, or provide combo bolusing in such a flexible and comprehensive manner as the ping?

I must say that I disagree with the notion that an insulin pump minimizes the work you put into diabetes. I think it is more like a different kind of work, and ultimately one that is more efficient where the user is able to adjust to the changing cycles of life, day in and day out. The concept of having automatic bolusing sems a bit old school, like when they used to teach us to take two shots a day and eat meals at the same time every day, of the same "exchanges" So I dont feel that idea is relevant to treating diabetes with insulin pump technology given the requirments of the user. But once the system is learned, it is certainly easier and less drudgery, if simply for the fact that there is only one injection every 3 days or so, not 7 or more a day.

As far as the battery running out, I am able to remove and replace the battery while remaining plugged in, so to speak, and just press load cartridge, or rewind then load, then then Im good to go. I do agree that is a bit strange.

The food database is brilliant, but you are correct that the software is a bit lacking, however this is not popular technology, this is a life saving medical device, I can imagine why some aspects of the user interface are slower than some of todays more entertaining devices (like an I pod or what have you)
I for one am glad that the pump uses the software it does, and it works solidly and without a glitch!
The last thing I would want in my insulin pump is a bloated interface of an operationg system that got in the way of its doing what it does, keeping me alive, and digesting my food.

I have never had a problem with canceled bolus accidents. I have accidently pressed the button during the bolus, but this is not a problem, as the pump and the meter give ample warning as to the status of the bolus. In fact I usually leave my pump in my pocket, locked, and use the meter remote to control it.
This not only prevents bolus cancellation, which is easily remedied should it happen, and also conserves battery life. I can use a battery for almost six weks this way, also keeping the contrast at 1 and the display timeout set to the minimum, 15 seconds, though I hardly ever use it...
I do know that they left the food database off of the pumps so that us diabetics would not be lazy and bolus without testing our blood sugars before eating!

One more thing, this thing is built lke a tank! I shower with it and treat it nice overall but I did drop it a few times and its fine. Now I use the short sets, so that if it drops, it swings around my knees and doesnt do a yo-yo bounce off the floor...

In any case I hope I could be of help! Be well!

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Permalink Reply by Joe Burnham on June 17, 2009 at 1:29pm

Hi Dave... I think part of what you are experiencing is due to the fact that you have to "re-learn" the way you do things with this pump. I got very used to working with my Cozmo, and like you, found the manual entry of bolus amounts irritating AT FIRST.

Now, after being on the Ping for a month, I've grown used to entering the "suggested" amount, and as has been said elsewhere, enjoy the ability to increase, or decrease the "suggested" amount BEFORE bolusing, if I find I've made a mistake along the way.

I've also grown used to "scrolling" up to the right bolus amount. I can usually get within a unit or so of the right amount fairly quickly. (This was a BIG hassle for me in the beginning.)

I also think the food database is NEARLY useless. However, it's not a complete bust, as I've gone in to the database (using the Ez Manager software) and (after deleting a bunch of foods/meals I never eat) added entries for home made meals I eat often, and uploaded them to the meter. Once doing that, it's a snap to go to the proper catagory in the database, snatch the food or meal I need, and have that value entered on the EZ carb screen at "bolus time".

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Permalink Reply by Susi on June 9, 2009 at 7:27am

I got hooked up to my Animas 2020 (Ping without the meter) and I absolutely love it. Unlike some others, I don't mind the way it works one bit.

If you want to compare the fact that you have to enter the bolus in the Animas, to the Medtronic where you don't, I'd rather have the entering, which takes all of 3 seconds, if I can have the carb database as well, which isn't present on the Medtronic.

In Australia, ours doesn't come with any food database. I like that better - then I can put in my own and alphabetize it whichever way I want. Had no problems adding items through the software.

I'm going great on it and with never before, easy-to-maintain BGLs. Best thing I ever did!

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Permalink Reply by Sandra on June 11, 2009 at 11:46am

Karla - at this moment in time - you and i are investigating both the animas and minimed. i haven't decided yet. I have been reading this whole thread for a while now - and, i gotta know - which pump have you officially decided on.

i think i might decide on the minimed. they are in the process of coming out with a wireless pump like the omnipod. and, they will charge only $300 extra if i want to go to this wireless unit (as long as i am still under warranty). Logan, minimed rep, said the pump is under warranty for 4 years.

but, i haven't actually had any inservices - ive been twittering alot and reading alot of blogs. my educational specialist, right now likes the omnipod. but, my main concern is - what am i gonna do if the minimed wireless pump gets rave reviews and is better than the omnipod. at least, if i go with the minimed i will be eligible for the wireless unit.

ugh - what a major decision to make. bcbs will pay 85% of "any" pump i want.

so, i am anxious to find out what you actually decided.

sandy

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Permalink Reply by Ali on November 9, 2009 at 12:48am

The "wireless" pump is a while away. They just released the Paradigm Veo in the UK. It's a lot like the 522-722 but with additional features. The colors are Purple, Pink, Smoke, Blue, and Silver. Go to MiniMed UK's site to check it out.

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Permalink Reply by Linda on June 23, 2009 at 2:49pm

OmniPod. Best thing I've ever done (diabetically speaking)

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Hebert on July 5, 2009 at 1:13pm

I'm somewhat satisfied with my Medtronic MiniMed although I find the supplies horribly expensive - especially since being laid off & having no prescription plan.

I realize not everything comes down to money but if I were you I'd investigate not only the up-front cost but also the on going costs of the pump. Mine (paradigm 722) costs about $200 per month to operate.

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Permalink Reply by Ali on November 9, 2009 at 12:46am

Hi Karla J! How's it going? I'm Ali. I have worked in healthcare in the nursing field for quite some time. I am also a T1D. Here's the low down on all of the pumps I've tried and the pros and cons of each. This will be lengthy.

The MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump is a good pump. It is durable, light, small, and fits in virtually any cell phone case. That's a plus since you can get cases for cell phones for five bucks but the holsters and clips can be twenty bucks plus. It has a rectangular screen with slightly raised well marked buttons for easy pressing. It is a menu driven pump which means no confusing icons to interpret. It offers hourly basal rates of 0.05u/h. It has a multitude of features that are easy to program. It has a backlight that is operated by the press of a button. The pump doubles as a continuous glucose monitor fueled by the sof-sensor and minilink transmitter..which attach to one another. Now the downfalls of this pump are that it is NOT waterproof or resistant, just "splash resistant". The customer service is fair. It also uses only proprietary infusion sets which means the standard luer lock will not work for this pump allowing you less freedom to choose.

The Nipro Amigo Insulin Pump. I don't know much about this pump but from what I've seen the only benefit is the "cool colors". It appears very bulky and the programming and operation seems a bit complicated.

The OmniPod insulin delivery system. I had a chance to demo one of these puppies. I absolutely loved the fact that it was tubeless, however if you are like me sometimes you leave the house forgetting things. While your basal rate will work without you PDM (personal diabetes manager) which is like a personal data manager the rest of the pump functions will not. You must carry that with you, now given that the PDM is also your glucometer. There are some pros to it. It's small and can be worn on the arm, thigh, abdomen, tush, or hips. Just like any other pump. This one is tubeless and has it's own insertion system built in. Three steps later your cannula is inserted and you didn't even have to see a thing! However if your pod fails you have to refill another pod with insulin and restart and reactivate a new pod wasting all of that insulin you put into your failed one. The batteries in the pod automatically "die" after 2-3 days so you may not realize your pod is "dead" until you have a high glucose reading. You shower, bathe and swim with the pod.

The Solo insulin delivery system. This is much like the omni pod except it is much slimmer and is a lot more economical. You pay as you pump meaning no excess equipment that you may not need. Also it comes in three parts. Your cannula cradle that attaches to your skin, the reservoir, and the operational system. The system lasts about three months and the reservoir is detachable from that unit. If your infusion site fails you just disconnect from your reservoir/base and change out the cannula meaning NO wasted insulin! I am getting a demo soon!

The cozmo pump is no longer manufactured and you don't want to know what I have to say about that pump!

Then there is the Animas Insulin pump! I LOVE Animas. Their customer service is beyond phenominal. Their pumps have the lowest rate of failure and can accomodate basal and bolus rates from as little as 0.025u! That means much tighter control and a lot better glucose readings. Their infusion sets are the stuff! They come in five amazing colors, Pink, Green, Black, Silver, and Blue. This is the only pump with a color screen that can be seen perfectly clearly in all lighting situations. It comes with a pump meter combo so that when you test your sugar levels it sends that reading to your pump allowing you to bolus the right amount all the time...now MiniMed also has this but the best thing about the meter is it is also a remote! This means you can bolus from your meter/remote and not even have to take your pump out from it's place on your body. Their infusion sets as I was talking about are their own all in one infusion set inserter combo. You pull off the protective plastic wrap, peel off the paper, pull off the cannula cover, remove the paper backing from the adhesive pad, unwind the tubing, pull up on the white thing and choose your site apply the inserter to your skin and press in on the indented tabs...now you have insertion! Those also come in colors, pink, blue, and grey...not sure if they still have the green ones.
I have the Animas IR1250 in Black. It's sleek as can be and I love it. I have all colors of the infusion set. The 2020 and Ping (the pump meter combo pump) have the color screens the IR1250 that I have does not. I don't need the color screen and I have a meter that I cannot part with so the Ping wasn't something I had an interest in. But I love it so much.

Lastly the AccuChek Spirit pump...All I have to say is Icon driven, I don't like it and it has a super small screen.

Most all infusion sets come with insertion devices or have built in ones. My favorite sets are the Cleo 90, Inset, and Inset 30. All sets have a disconnect point most at the site some have a small pigtail and a disconnect point. The Animas pump holds 200 units, the Nipro holds 300, the AccuChek holds 315, the MiniMed has two sizes of pumps, one holds 300 the other 176, the Solo holds 200-205, the OmniPod holds 200.

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. I'm here if you need me.

I have been on the following pumps with insulin
MiniMed 502A, 504, 506, 507, 507C, 508, 511, 512, 515 and 722 (the 511-522 holds the smaller amount whereas the 715,722 holds the larger amount)
Deltec Cozmo 1700, 1800
Animas IR1200
My Current Animas IR 1250

I trialed the following with saline.
Omni Pod
and will trial a non working model of the Solo.
I have not trialed the Accu Chek as I didn't find it the least bit interesting. Nor did I trial the Nipro Amigo.

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Permalink Reply by J A Jones on November 9, 2009 at 8:30pm

I must concur with your analysis. Animas is the Ruler of the pump world. It is the most advanced technically. I agree about the EXCELLENCE of Animas Technical support. Most of the Animas support staff are pumpers. I heard one non-pumper mention they were one of about 3-4 in the eastern US at Animas who was not a pumper.

Each company will try to go tit for tat coming out with new whistles and bells. It is called one up over the rest - marketing.

I have worked in Emergency Medical Services. An OMNI POD is not identified as anything and can be lost in an emergency - this is really bad when you have just filled the cartridge and an uniformed EMT/Paramedic rips it off and puts it in a sharps can. The controller can be lost in a car crash and not seen as important. You can see the direction this leads. Another story about Omni Pod was a person had just reloaded and when to their MD (non-endo) and was going to need to remove the Pod due to a procedure (MRI or similar). It blew that Pod and the insulin. Most others you can detach and suspend or turn off.

My daughter just graduated from law school. While she was in school, I asked her to run the various pump makers through Lexus/Nexus for legal troubles. It seems all have had litigation except Animas. MM was sued over a defective "deadman" switch. A person living alone died from an HYPO episode. The family sued. The plaintiff prevailed. Accu-Chek has had some patent infringements and if a patent holder were to prevail, the pump could be off the street like the old Kodak cameras with little redress by the end users.

I wear an Animas Ping and a Dexcom CGM.

Jay

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