Pump Therapy FAQ
FAQ: The Practical Things...
What's it like to be attached to something all the time?
Like anything else that is new (wearing a wedding ring, breaking in a new pair of shoes, and carrying a purse), in the beginning, Medtronic Diabetes insulin pump wearers notice the pump far more than they do after a month has gone by. There are times when being connected to an insulin pump is more cumbersome, such as when showering, getting dressed in the morning, or when trying on clothes. In order to make it easier for Medtronic Diabetes pump wearers to handle routine tasks such as these, Medtronic Diabetes developed the Quick Release which allows pump wearers to quickly and easily detach from the pump for short periods of time.
Does the
pump require any special care or maintenance?
The Medtronic Diabetes pump is designed to be durable and maintenance
free. An alarm will sound approximately every 1-3 weeks to alert
you that the batteries need to be changed. Medtronic Diabetes pumps
require one Alkaline AAA battery, which is available
in Supermarkets and Service Stations. Most people keep the pump
in a specially designed case to minimise cosmetic damage caused
by bumps, perspiration, dirt and grime. To clean the pump, it should
be washed with a damp cloth and mild soap. No other regular maintenance
of the pump is required. There are no parts which need to be replaced
and no required check-ups or inspections. The pump has multiple
built-in safety systems to ensure that you are alerted to a problem
should one occur.
What happens if I drop my pump?
The Medtronic Diabetes pump has been designed to withstand all the normal things that happen in life. No matter how careful anyone is, occasionally the pump will fall to the floor. If this happens, you will need to check the pump display and make sure the tubing and reservoir are intact. For the next 24 hours you should pay particular attention to your pump to ensure it is responding to your button presses and displaying the correct information. Medtronic Diabetes pumps are water resistant, so it should be OK if your pump is accidentally dropped in water, or if you are splashed. If you have any concerns regarding the operation of your Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Pump, please do not hesitate to call the 24-hour Pump Help Line.
How do I know if my pump is working?
For Paradigm 512/712 insulin pump, the word 'Minimed' is always displayed on the Medtronic Diabetes pump screen. If you have a Paradigm 515/715 or Paradigm 522/722 insulin pump, you will see the time of the day and 2 icons on the pump screen instead of the word 'Minimed'. This means that the pump is on and delivering the programmed amount. Your Medtronic Diabetes pump has multiple built-in safety alarms to alert you if your pump stops delivering insulin, including alarms for low and depleted batteries, empty reservoir, and clogged infusion set. The pump has an infrared motion detector which checks to make sure the motor is working properly. A series of safety checks are performed every minute, every motor stroke, and upon each programming change.
What happens if my pump breaks?
In the event that you suspect something is wrong with your pump, you should call the Medtronic Diabetes 24-hour Pump Help Line.
Can I feel the insertion site?
The insertion site should be completely comfortable. If you feel the site, you should check it to see if it is red or irritated. The Medtronic Diabetes infusion sets have a removable introducer needle, and a flexible micro-tube that is left under the skin. The infusion sets and inserters allow for painless, comfortable delivery even during vigorous activity and exercise.
Where do I insert the infusion set?
The infusion set can be inserted in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen, thigh, or upper buttocks. Most people prefer the abdomen or upper buttocks because it has the most consistent rate of absorption of insulin. You may want to experiment to find the most comfortable position. The important thing is to remember to avoid inserting into bony areas, under belt lines or in other areas where clothing might cause irritation.
What happens if I forget how much insulin I programmed?
The Medtronic Diabetes pump has the ability to display the time, day and amount of the last twelve meal boluses. This feature is particularly useful for recording information in your log book and for troubleshooting the causes of unexplained blood glucoses.
Will my Health Fund cover a Medtronic Diabetes insulin pump?
If you are a member of a Health Fund, with Full Hospital Type cover this means that the cost of the insulin pump will be covered 100% by your health fund. Your health fund is the most appropriate one to provide you with advise regarding your insurance plan and your eligibility for benefits, particularly in relation to any exclusions or waiting periods that may apply.
How Do I Wear the Pump?
There are almost as many answers to that question as there are pump wearers. Because the pump is small, it is easy to conceal completely. You decide where you want to wear it: in a pocket, tucked into a bra or garter belt, or placed in a case that can be worn on a belt. Some people prefer to have their Medtronic Diabetes pump out where it's easier to get to for programming. This can be done with a simple belt clip available with the pump, similar to that used on pagers.
Where do I put the Pump while I Sleep?
The answer to this question is: "do what works best for you." There are different infusion sets and lengths of infusion set tubing 60cms to 110cms so there are many options available. Some Medtronic Diabetes pump wearers place their pump next to them on the bed, while others leave it on a bedside table. Many wearers put it in a pocket of their pyjamas or place the Medtronic Diabetes pump under their pillow so they always know where it is.
Can I Take A Bath?
Of course! It's true that the pump is a fairly sensitive instrument and should be protected from being immersed in water. But there are several easy ways to handle the pump when bathing or showering. Medtronic Diabetes makes several products that simplify this and other every day issues. All of our Medtronic Diabetes infusion sets can be easily disconnected from the cannula. Or the pump can be placed in the ShowerPak, a specially designed plastic bag that can be hung around the neck or on a tap handle during the shower. You can even just set the pump on the floor during a bath, letting the tubing drape over the side of the tub.
So That Means I Can Swim, Too?
Absolutely. For swimming and for contact sports, you simply disconnect from the pump temporarily. For more rugged sports like snow boarding, mountain biking or jet skiing, it is best to use the Medtronic Diabetes SportGuard™, a hard, protective case that protects the pump from shock and water. The SportGuard is great for all types of sports, but for activities that involve a lot of vigorous contact (eg football, soccer, or hockey) disconnecting from the pump and tubing using the Sof-set QR might be preferable. During skiing, skating and other winter sports, you will keep the pump under all your layers of clothes where it will be protected and warm so that your insulin won't freeze.
And Speaking of Layers of Clothing....
What about intimacy? Most pump users are concerned about this initially,
but find that it's not much of an issue as long as it's discussed
openly with the partner. If you're both comfortable with the pump,
just leave it in place. You may want to use the 110 cms tubing length
to allow you to place the pump well out of reach. Many people prefer
to disconnect from the pump and tubing before intimate contact.
With a simple twist, the pump and tubing can be detached so that
pump therapy is not a part of intimate moments. In short, you can
do anything with a pump that you can do on injections and, perhaps
more importantly, just about anything you would choose to do if
you didn't have diabetes.
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