Which Pump to Choose?

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1

Hi guys, my MiniMed Paradigm 515 just completely gave up on me and stopped working (was super glitchy) and it turns out that it was no longer under warrenty. I am shopping for a new pump and need some advice.

I was pretty satisfied with MM and have been using their pumps since I started insulin pump therapy. I do have some complaints, though. I think I went through 3 paradigm 515 pumps because of malfunctions which is a bit worrysome. However, they did replace those pumps no questions asked within 24 hours of contacting them. My other complaint is that when the most recent issue arose, they asked me if I would like to send the pump to them to be analyzed. Of course I said yes! After about 2 weeks I e-mailed the rep asking when I would be getting my pump back (afterall, I paid for it with assistance from the gov't - thank you Ontario, Canada!) and they told me that I would NOT be getting it back and I would never find out what went wrong with it. I guess at the end of the day I don't really need my malfunctioning pump back but the fact that they had me send it back without notifying me that it wouldn't be given back doesn't sit well with me.

That aside, I am kind of leaning towards the new Paradigm Veo mostly out of familiarity with MM pumps but I do want advice from other pump users. I use approx. 55 units of insulin per day so that might be something to consider. I am curious to hear about the Animas and the Omnipod so any advice (pros and cons) for those would be great. I do like that a CGM comes with the Veo, however I do not have insurace that will cover the cost of the supplies. I do get assistance from the government which just barely covers the cost of infusion sets and reservoirs so there is no wiggle room to add another form of supplies. Keeping that in mind, I would like to know if Veo users are content with the pump.

Any help and advice would be GREATLY appreciated. I am currently using a loaner pump from Medtronic and need to make a decision soon.

Thanks!
- Erin

2

Hi Erin,

I use to be on the Spirit from Disetronic and switched to the Omnipod over a year ago from my doctor's advise.  LOVE IT, I have many more sites I can use and it really has been great for me.  i love that it's no tubes and I can put it almost anywhere and it cost less than if I would have reupped my spirit pump.  the first couple of months were hard, I will admit but after I got use to it I controlled the lows and highs better.  I've been pumping for over 14 years and I definately like this one a lot better.  

Good luck on your search.  

3

Hey Erin,

I recently had to purchase a new insulin pump as well. I am glad you posted your daily insulin requirements, because that was the single most important factor for me. I use about 100 units a day, but I am a 200 lb guy (~91kg, in Canadian haha). Minimed 7XX series pumps tend to have one of the largest reservoirs available (300 units), but that doesn't seem like it would be as big a problem for you. The Animas and omnipod pumps have 200 unit reservoirs, and I am not sure about the others. They all have brand specific features, and I have to admit that I thought very hard about going to the omnipod, but I didn't want to change sites every other day. We don't have the veo here yet, as the FDA apparently prefers to use Europe as its laboratory. The only real difference I can find between my revel and the veo is the GCM low glucose auto pump shut off feature. (I could very well be wrong about the VEO, but its something that I am going to ask the rep about the next time I rotate in the diabetes clinic).

That is very strange that they would not return your insulin pump.  You can't sell your insulin pump here, because its a prescription device, so its not like you are really out anything but an expensive paperweight. They offered me a $500 credit for my old pump (they are $7,000 new here) when I upgraded, and it still works!! I don't blame you for feeling that way. They should have told you. However, I don't think you are going to get anything but a headache for your troubles.

If you decide to pursue it, this might be helpful: en.wikipedia.org/.../NATO_phonetic_alphabet

About the Animas and the omnipod: Most people with the animas tell me that it is not fully waterproof, but the warranty covers water damage (triple check this point before trying it!!!). With mm you have to tell them no I didn't wear it in the shower, or the pool, and hope they believe you. I mean personally it's a non issue for me, because I take mine out if swimming, and take the reservoir out of the pump if showering. I do like the remotes for both pumps. They both have good features, where as the mm remote is very primitive. I really like that the omnipod doesn't have tubing; door knobs are not your friend. However, you cannot disconnect omnipod like you can animas or mm, and it can be a problem with some sports and activities (I.e. you have to take the whole thing out, and waste insulin). I have reviewed both pumps extensively, and I have physically held all three pumps in my hands (if you want to message me about this feel free). I can tell you that reservoir size made my decision for me, but that if omnipod had a larger reservoir size, I would probably be wearing that right now... maybe.

What ever you decide, I am happy for you. Message me if you want to talk more about it! Good luck!

4

Thanks Laura for the input on the Omnipod!

John, thank you so much for the comparison of the three.

A few cooments/questions:

- As for the Omnipod, I dont like the idea of changing sets every other day either (I prefer every 3 days) but I do like that it's wireless (no tubing) - as you say doorknobs have come to be an enemy.

- Waterproof is not a HUGE deal to me although it would be a nice feature. I've never showered or swam with my pump on but I did accidently drop it in the toilet when it fell out of my pocket - in a PUBLIC bathroom once (GROSS I know, I'm such a clutz..) So for accidents like that it would be a nice feature.

- A better remote is also appealing but still not sure if I would come to use it as I don't think I've ever used the MM remote - but as you say, it could be because it is so primitave.

- I'm curious - not quite following the fact that you can't disconnect the omnipod. Since there is no tubing, doesn't that mean that it is always sort of disconnected? Or do you mean that there is no "suspend" function?

- Also, do you use the CGM feature on the MM? How do you find it? I tried the first CGM machine and was really having trouble with the infusion sets and also getting the results even somewhat close to what my glucose levels were doing.

Thanks again for the info. Very, very helpful!

5

Erin,

I have had my Animas Ping pump for about two years. I LOVE it.  I got the Ping because of the waterproof feature. I swim 3-4 times a week and didn't want to have to disconnect all the time for that.  I also love the remote, so that I can wear my pump in, um, well, discrete areas, and still have access to it via the remote.  Both the remote and pump are fully functional. About the only thing the remote can't do is to change basals, but that's not a problem.  I use a Dexcom G4 with it, so I have two devices with me always.  I don't mind that at all, since the G4 is incredibly accurate and I can wear the sensors for a couple of weeks most of the time (don't tell Dexcom that though :). Hope this helps, though it doesn't sound like you are considering switching to Animas. Customer Service is terrific - I have gotten loaner pumps for vacation, and had to get a replacement and they mailed it to me in another location (I was visiting my parents) within 24 hours.  It's great you are trying to get as much information as possible from those of us who really know how these things work.  Smart move!

6

Thanks so much Colleen. This is also very helpful! Made my decision harder though :)  Question: do you have a tester (not a CGM) or do you konw of one that can communicate with the pump on its own rather than having to punch in the reading every time?

7

The Ping remote is a glucose meter and communicates with the pump, so you can do all of your dosing from the meter/remote. No need to re-enter any data to the pump. Also, the pump and meter can be uploaded and the info is really helpful. I assume that is similar to MM. The meter doesn't communicate with the Dexcom though, but the Dex can also be uploaded to the same site as the meter and pump and the info is all integrated. Is that what you meant? Did I answer your question?

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Hey Erin,

I tried to take this point by point. I hope it helps.

“As for the Omnipod, I dont like the idea of changing sets every other day either (I prefer every 3 days) but I do like that it's wireless (no tubing) - as you say doorknobs have come to be an enemy.”

It may last longer for you, because you use less insulin than I do. The omnipod still has a cannula that has to be primed, and if you're like me, you change when you have less than 20 units left. Take that into account, and you are left with 179 units & change of usable insulin.

“Waterproof is not a HUGE deal to me although it would be a nice feature. I've never showered or swam with my pump on but I did accidently drop it in the toilet when it fell out of my pocket - in a PUBLIC bathroom once (GROSS I know, I'm such a clutz..) So for accidents like that it would be a nice feature.”

I am with you on waterproof. I really wish MM would be waterproof, or Animas would get a 300 unit reservoir. This is not critical for me either, but still a nice feature.

“A better remote is also appealing but still not sure if I would come to use it as I don't think I've ever used the MM remote - but as you say, it could be because it is so primitive.”

Yeah the MM remote I had could only do “quick bolus” functions, and you “dialed” up the insulin you want by using using the beeps/vibration for feedback. Remotes don't bother me, because I have a problem with anyone who has a problem with my insulin pump! The remotes, as nice as they are, are also bigger than my iphone. That is definitely one downside of the nicer remotes. The MM remote is extremely (3 button) primitive, but it fits on my key ring, and that is a plus.

“I'm curious - not quite following the fact that you can't disconnect the omnipod. Since there is no tubing, doesn't that mean that it is always sort of disconnected? Or do you mean that there is no "suspend" function?”

There is a suspend function, but unlike MM or animas pumps that let you disconnect the tubing and leave the site in, the omnipod attaches as a single unit. You cannot disconnect the pod from the site. You have to tear the whole thing out, and start over. Something I should explain about the omnipod, the remote is the expensive part, and the pods themselves you change out just like an infusion set. So you get boxes of pods, but only one permanent remote. So what I am saying is that you have to start a new pod if you have to take the current pod out for some reason.

“Also, do you use the CGM feature on the MM? How do you find it? I tried the first CGM machine and was really having trouble with the infusion sets and also getting the results even somewhat close to what my glucose levels were doing.”

I have not used a CGM yet. My insurance will only partially cover of the cost of CGM. CGMs are also not meant to replace finger sticks. There can be as much as a 15% difference between the interstitial glucose your CGM is reading, and glucose from capillaries (sounds like you experienced that first hand). It's still nice to know that a low or high is coming, but it's not worth the cost to me. I mean if it could completely replace finger sticks I would buy stock in it, but until then I am going to save my money. That's just my take on it. If you have a cheaper way to get a CGM, and want one, go for it.

Also (I hope you don't mind me chiming in Colleen), the MM, the Omni pod, and the Animas all have meters (finger stick variety) that talk to the pump. Omnipod and Animas are both meter/controller combos, where as MM is just a meter (although the new one is a cool meter).

Personally, I think MM, Animas, and Omnipod are all great products. You can't go wrong. I went with MM because of the 300 unit reservoir, but it's also a solid pump. Animas has lots of features, and omnipod is just cool.  I know that is probably making it harder than easier to choose, but you really can't go wrong.

9

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. They have been extremely helpful! This decision is so hard and unfortunately my educator (nurse) is unable to meet with my until April and I'm feeling the pressure since I've been using a loaner pump since early January.

I really wish I could compare all 3 in hand but I'm not sure if that's going to be an option for me so again, all of this info you're giving me is very, very helpful. I've bookmarked this thread so I can keep coming back to update my pros/cons list.

You've definitely made some things clearer for me.

If only this decision were easier!

10

I am in the same place as you, but this will be my first pump.  Of my research, everything I've read on this thread seems to be true.  I will say that I ordered a demo Pod from the Omnipod website so you can wear it to see if it's comfortable.  You can't load the demo pod with insulin and they don't send you the remote (which has the freestyle meter in it).  One factor for me is the integration with my CDE.  The Medtronic can be uploaded online, and my CDE can access it to review my progress, and she indicated that the others weren't as easy to monitor/download as the Medronic.  I would definitely check with your CDE before making a final decision.  

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I have an omnipod -- and its the only pump i have ever had. I love the fact that there are no tubes, and I can throw the testing meter in my purse and not have to worry about it. At first, the pump itself is a little bit difficult to wear... so try it on your stomach area or on your side (the one you dont usually sleep on). The first time I wore it, I put in almost right next to my belly button --- and it felt VERY awkward.

At first, do not try your arms... you'll learn that you will turn the corner into another room, or get it stuck/rip it off while trying to get into the car and stuff too.

Again, I LOVE my omnipod, and I dont mind that the CGM isnt attached to it. I like the freedom it gives me, and that I dont have to have the device constantly on the side of my pants. If you have any other questions -- let me know. Ive been using it for 7 years now.