Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by FHS on January 10, 2012 at 9:06am

Really good question. I've been seriously thinking about switching to Apidra from Novolog. I haven't noticed any isssue with Novolog losing potency under any number of circumstances. It seems very stable.

Permalink Reply by jla on January 10, 2012 at 9:08am

Why are you thinking of switching?

Permalink Reply by FHS on January 10, 2012 at 10:05am

I've read where people are having more success controlling post-meal BGs because of the faster action of Apidra.

Permalink Reply by Ellie on January 10, 2012 at 9:13am

I have been on the Pod since 12/1/11. I use the Apidra because it is totally free thru April, 2012. (Google 'free apidra' for the info) I was wondering about it's effectiveness in light of the hot showers I love. Does anyone know if the hot shower would affect the insulin? They say you can wear the pump in the shower or hot tub but what about the water temps? There isn't a way to take off a pod then put it back on is there? Thanks all.

Permalink Reply by Rebecca on January 10, 2012 at 9:52am

Ellie, while Insulet says that showers and even baths are fine (the water is not hot enough or you're not in it long enough to affect the insulin) they do recommend staying out of hot tubs. If I'm going to be around a hot tub I generally wear the pod on my arm and make sure that my shoulders stay above the water most of the time. You can not take it off and put it back on. The insertion mechanism is a one time device, once it comes off there's no way to get the cannula back in. I do take fairly hot showers and have never noticed a problem with the insulin.

Permalink Reply by Ellie on January 10, 2012 at 9:56am

Thanks Rebecca. I have only used my stomach for my pods. I can't figure out how you'd see to put it on your arm or see if the cannula is in. I only have a dog no mate or kid to peek at it. LOL. Very reassuring about the showers.

Permalink Reply by Bradford on January 10, 2012 at 10:01am

I use a mirror any time I'm doing a pod switch. I can do it w/o one, but I much pref to see where I'm sticking it on my arm or my lower back/side. If the canula is pointing "up" (towards the shoulder) on my arm placement, I can usually see it thorugh the window. If it's anywhere else, I just take my own word for it being in there (if I feel it go in and see my BGs continue to be in line, then I'm good to go). But, I agree that w/o someone else there to verify it (as much as your dog probably wants to help you ;) it's hard to really know if you have an issue or if it's alright...

Permalink Reply by Ellie on January 10, 2012 at 10:06am

Yes she would help if she could. Be nice if she wasn't trying to bump them off cuddling on my lap.

I thought the pod had to be facing down. Gravity?

Permalink Reply by Kate on January 10, 2012 at 10:11am

nope, up or down works fine! I was trained to just make sure that the canula goes with the muscle grain (as opposed to perpendicular to the muscle grain).

Permalink Reply by Bradford on January 10, 2012 at 10:12am

pods can face any way you want (although I'd agree w/ Kate that it works best if you go "w/ the grain" of the muscle in areas like the arms).

Permalink Reply by jla on January 10, 2012 at 10:38am

I've just printed out the info on all the analog insulins and they all say that the insulin should not be exposed to > 98.6 degrees or normal body temperatures. I've seen somewhere that the pod should not be in water >104 degrees.

Permalink Reply by suz on January 10, 2012 at 6:14pm

I use Humalog and have had highs the night before pod changes and the day after. I have had to increase Temp. Basil the night before and the morning after pod changes, and give an extra unit after the pod change.
I do know that after back surgeries, I get great relief sitting in my hot tub. The only way I can do that is when my pod is placed on my arm and I keep it above the water. In those instances, I have no problem. It isn't the water that causes the problem, but the heat.That beats the "never" of the other pumps.

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