Archive for the 'Supplies' Category
Just a few decades ago, type 1 diabetics had little choice but to inject themselves with insulin several times each day just to survive. Without a fully functioning pancreas to produce insulin and control blood sugar levels, there was really no other option. By the 1970s, more doors had opened and insulin pumps had become a reality. These pumps provide an essential infusion of insulin, working as a sort of artificial pancreas.
As you might expect, diabetes supplies and pump technology has come a long way since its beginnings in the ’70s. Whereas the units were once bulky, uncomfortable, intrusive and overt, they are now small, easy to wear, safe and discreet. The user only needs to feel the prick of a needle once every few days when the tubing is changed. Some pumps are even water-resistant, allowing the wearer to keep them on in the shower.
Controlling diabetes with a pump
For people with Type 1 diabetes who depend on daily insulin injections, changing to an insulin pump which delivers a regulated amount of fast-acting insulin might be an alternative they would want to look at for a number of reasons.
Because the pump can be programmed by the user to deliver varying amounts of insulin 24 hours a day, diabetics can more precisely control their insulin intake and quickly adjust for unforeseen adjustments. Users can also temporarily modify their bolus rates to account for a change in their daily habits (vacations, long travel periods, non-routine days).
The pump can be more convenient to use than needles or insulin pens. It is much less conspicuous to deliver a mealtime bolus at the dinner table with a pump than via manual insertion. Dosages can be controlled very tightly and with proper training from a doctor or diabetes educator, it is virtually seamless to set the pump to deliver several units of insulin immediately and then spread out a different dosage over the next 2 hours.
Some diabetics find the pump more comfortable than using syringes. Fewer injections means fewer injection sites. There are multiple injection delivery options, giving the user choices in picking the most comfortable type for them.
Tight blood-sugar control is key in controlling diabetes with a pump. Glucose should be tested at least 5 times a day and the user should be diligent in keeping track of not only the test results but also carbohydrate counts, corrections amounts and exercise.
Consulting with a doctor or diabetes educator is the first step in making the change to using a pump. Training can be extensive but the results can be more than worth the effort.
Diabetics are at risk of cutting back on necessary supplies, medications and check-ups during these tough economic times, putting even more strain on an already taxed health system. A recent AP study found that doctors are reporting more patients skipping regular visits, diabetics cutting back or even eliminating daily testing, and drops in sales of top-selling diabetic drugs.
Even with a good health plan, it can cost upwards of $200 a month to maintain proper control (insulin, test strips, associated medications, office visits) and without insurance that cost can skyrocket to over 5 times that amount.
It’s critical for controlling diabetes to maintain a regular regimen of blood sugar checks; for Type 1 diabetics that means 5-6 tests per day. By not keeping a tighter control on blood sugar levels Type 1 diabetics risk greater chances of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) which will cause long term damage, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that can have drastic immediate effects by causing dizziness, blurred vision, and unconsciousness.
As tough as it is, diabetics can not afford to spend less on their essentials. They need to talk to their health professional about less expensive alternatives (generics) and learn how to lessen their dependence on medication if possible. By sticking to a better diet, checking blood sugar regularly, and regular exercise diabetics can get better control over their diabetes and ease some of the monetary burden.