Lesson 2 - The Insulin Pump

Unfortunately, insulin pumps, for all their convenience and comfort, usually fall within the $4000--$5000 range; insulin, cannula tubes, infusion sets, blood testing supplies, and dressings can add up to at least an additional $100--$300 per month of use.

Many insurance companies may cover all or most of the cost; however, some (including Medicare) do not. Be sure to check with your health insurance provider before acquiring an insulin pump, and even consider asking your physician or diabetes educator to write a letter on your behalf to your insurance company. Have them stress how the pump will offer more control over dosage and may help control future diabetes complications--which will equal less expenses for the insurance provider in the future.

Presently, there are two insulin pumps available today:

• The H-TronV plus (which is waterproof and can adjust insulin Basal rates up to 24 times a day).
• The MiniMed 507C (which is splashproof, but comes with a waterproof pouch, and can adjust insulin Basal rates up to 48 times a day).

Be sure to talk to your physician about the pros and cons of each brand, as well as with other diabetics who wear the pump.

Retake the quiz located at the beginning of the lesson, and see if you were paying attention. Hopefully, you'll score higher this time. If not, you'll have to go back and reread this exciting piece until you do!

Choose at least three different people in your life that ARE NOT related to you (boyfriend or girlfriend, classmate, co-worker, etc.) and pretend they notice your pump and ask you about it. Write a small script about how and what you would tell them about having a pump (or if you'd tell them at all).

For the first week, keep a daily journal of your occurrences and experiences with getting used to the insulin pump. See if it gets easier as the week progresses, and if, by the end of the first week, you have already forgotten you have it on.

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