Myth vs reality: Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors

Insulin Pump And Continuous Glucose Monitor

Today, Amanda Griswold from the Customer Experience Team here at Medtronic joins us to talk about questions that people commonly have before going on an insulin pump and/or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). What are some questions you had before trying a pump/CGM and how do you feel now? 

When first thinking about insulin pump therapy or continuous glucose monitoring, did you have questions or thoughts of what it might be like and how it would work? Maybe you were concerned about what the change in therapy would be like? Even though you may wear the pump and/or CGM, you still might not have all of the answers. Maybe friends ask you questions, and you're never sure how to answer. Today, we look at a few misconceptions or myths people associate with the pump and CGM, and we tell you the real answers.

Pump
 

Myth: I don't know a lot about technology, so I could never use an insulin pump

Reality: You know how the latest and greatest cell phone has functions varying from dialing a basic phone number to using an advanced app? That's the way the pump can be, where you learn the necessary ways to use it in the beginning and one day you might want to begin to talk to your healthcare provider about utilizing the more advanced features. Wearing a pump can be simple. Using a pump is often as easy as entering your blood sugar and meal information and pressing enter. Your pump even does the work of keeping track of your insulin, so you don't need to write anything down. 
 

Myth: If I wear the pump, everyone will know that I have diabetes

Reality: Using a pump can be as public or private as you want. Since insulin pumps are about the same size as cell phones, wearing a pump can be very discreet. You can put your pump underneath your clothes or wear it on the outside of your clothes, depending on how noticeable you want it to be. The good news, it's completely up to you where you want to wear it! 
 

Myth: You still have to do shots with a pump, and it's painful

Reality: What you feel when injecting insulin with a needle is similar to inserting an infusion set. However, with a pump you have a dramatic reduction in needlesticks - from 3 to 4 injections per day with multiple daily injections to only 1 needlestick when inserting an infusion set every 3 days with a pump. Learn more here.
 

Myth: Wearing an insulin pump will interfere with daily activities

Reality: Insulin pumps can be easily worn on or under your clothes very securely. There are a variety of cases and clips available to wear with your pump. The pump can also be disconnected from your body for up to an hour for activities like swimming, showering, exercise and other activities you enjoy, so it won't stop you from living your life.
 

Continuous Glucose Monitoring
 

Myth: If I go on CGM, it will replace my fingerstick tests

Reality: CGM therapy today does not completely replace fingerstick testing. Since sensor readings are taken from your interstitial fluid (fluid surrounding the cells in your tissue) and not your blood, you still need to test using a BG meter. This is required to calibrate the sensor throughout the day, to make sure the glucose sensor maintains accuracy over time and always when deciding whether or not to make a treatment decision. Learn more here.
 

Myth: Readings on my sensor should always match the readings on my meter

Reality: It is important to note that sensor glucose readings are taken from your interstitial fluid (fluid surrounding the cells in your tissue) whereas fingerstick tests are taken directly from your blood. There is a natural lag between glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and glucose levels in the blood. Therefore, it's normal, and should be expected, for your sensor glucose readings and BG readings to be different but for the most part they should be close. Learn more here.
 

Myth: I want CGM but I don't want to use an insulin pump, so it's not for me

Reality: Although an integrated insulin pump and CGM work very well together and are convenient, if you're not ready for pump therapy and are on multiple daily injections, you can use a stand-alone CGM device like the Guardian REAL-Time System to help manage your glucose levels. Learn more here.
 

Myth: Wearing CGM will give me information overload

Reality: With alerts, graphs, and sensor glucose readings occurring evrey 5 minutes, it may seem like your CGM devices give a lot of information at first, but with the right product training and an explanation of how to use the information, you will have the tools to help you take control of your glucose management. Incorporating CareLink Personal Software into your management routine brings together critical information from your insulin pump, CGM, and more than 25 of the most popular blood glucose meters allowing you and your diabetes team to view that information in a meaningful way and make therapy adjustments when needed. Work closely with your diabetes team at the beginning to make sure your needs are met, and over time you will gain the expertise to help fine tune your glucose management. Learn more here

Note: Medtronic offers CGM products for adults as well as for children ages 7 and above. 

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

- Medtronic Diabetes insulin infusion pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and associated components are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with the risks associated with the use of these systems. - Successful operation of the insulin infusion pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems requires adequate vision and hearing to recognize alerts and alarms.

Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps

- Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform a minimum of four blood glucose tests per day. - Insulin pumps use rapid-acting insulin. If your insulin delivery is interrupted for any reason, you must be prepared to replace the missed insulin immediately.

Medtronic Diabetes Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems

- The information provided by CGM systems is intended to supplement, not replace, blood glucose information obtained using a home glucose meter. A confirmatory fingerstick is required prior to treatment. - Insertion of a glucose sensor may cause bleeding or irritation at the insertion site. Consult a physician immediately if you experience significant pain or if you suspect that the site is infected. For more information, please visit MedtronicDiabetes.com/isi.

 

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Blog comments

Submitted by Robert Gagne (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Above, it says that using a pump reduces the need for injections to 1 every 3 days or so. I have been on Medtroni0c pumps for longer than I can remember. At least for 15 years. In all that time, I have not needed to take an injection once. I do not even have any needles or pens around the house. I had them at one time for backup in case my pump failed, but then I had to maintain a long acting insulin as well as the short acting that is in my pump. Since my pumps never failed, I never used the long acting and had to end up throwing away perfectly good insulin due to expiration. Since Medicare replaces my pump every 5 years, I have two working (older models, same reservoirs) pumps. I don't know why you would suggest a need for an injection at any time while on a pump.

Submitted by naomi.kingery@… on

In reply to by Robert Gagne (not verified)

Hi Robert, thanks for your feedback and I apologize for the confusion in the way that was written. When talking about the pump we were referring to the needlestick one receives every three days when inserting a new infusion set. I have edited and clarified this above. Thank you.

Submitted by David (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

The notes with CGM and BS reading should always match
Along with lag time ?? You fail to say there is at least
A 25% to 30% difference in readings,,, I use to use
The CGM, tried it for 3 to 4 months this yr. and for the MOST
part was disappointed in the sensor readings,,, many times had alarns going off
Wiith high alert, and my BS was 180,,, sensor !!!

the other issue
Is if people have scar tissue, like I do ( been pumper for about 12 yrs )

I have devolved alot of scar tissue, around my navel area
Which is ONLY area that CGM can go. Had to restick with new sensor
And had to call support to send me a new one,,

These notes is NOT complete,,,,
I no longer use CGM monitor, until the Next product
Is available, will stay with my finger pricks !

Give potential CGM user the WHOLE truth,
I was lucky as to my ins did cover CGM sensors,,,
Our Govt. MEDICARE DOES NOT,,,

Tks for reading,,,
Dave

Submitted by naomi.kingery@… on

In reply to by David (not verified)

Hi David, thank you for sharing your experiences, I am sorry to hear that you have had some issues. You raise important points that we cover in our training such as where you can insert the sensor, how to best set your alarms and when to test your blood sugar to minimize the differences between the BG and CGM reading. We are always here to help, so if you would like I can connect you to a member of our team who may be able to discuss these points in more detail and any other concerns you may have.

Submitted by Greg (not verified) on

In reply to by David (not verified)

I would agree with this prior to the new Enlite sensor. This new sensor is amazingly close to my meter readings. The only time it it's not worth in 5 mg/dl is when BS is changing rapidly. Even then the display shows 1 or 2 arrows indicating rapid change so you know it's less accurate. You should give new sensor a shot. I had stopped using the original but love the Enlite.

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Greg (not verified)

Greg, I’m so happy to hear you’re doing well and enjoying the Enlite sensor! Keep up the good work!

Submitted by Kathy Smiley (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

As grandmother to a grandson with diabetes, I am trying to understand what is going on and how I can assist and be knowledgeable in his quest to manage his diabetes so as to live a long and vigerous life.

Submitted by Roy Taylor (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I need and want the CGM system
I am an insulin dependent diabetic who has used Medtronic Mini Med Insulin Pumps since 1994 and recently upgraded to the 723 Paradigm-Revel insulin pump. Insulin pumps have been a great help to me in managing my diabetes.

I experience sudden low blood glucose readings. My endocrinologist has prescribed the CGM to warn me of these occurrences. However, Medicare does not cover the CGM system, as it is not on their list of approved durable medical equipment.

No one is able to answer why Medtronic’s CGM is not a Medicare approved device. Please advise why Medicare will not cover the CGM system. One reason we were told was that the CGM is not guaranteed for five years and therefore is not considered a durable medical product.
However, the CGM technology has been approved by the FDA for some years and has proven to be extremely effective in warning the patient at least 1/2 an hour before a low or high blood glucose event occurs

There are many seniors on Medicare that have Insulin Dependent Diabetes. Some of us have severe issues with low blood sugars. These include unawareness of lows, passing out, insulin shock, strokes and even death.

The CGM is expensive; however, its annual cost is low when measured against the cost of one ER or hospital stay due to a serious low and or high blood glucose event.

It is no longer reasonable for Medicare or health insurance companies to not provide coverage for diabetes patients who need better glucose control to improve the health and quality of their lives.

What action can you take to get Medicare approve and cover the CGM system

Your prompt attention to my request will be greatly appreciated. .

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours truly,

Roy Taylor

Submitted by naomi.kingery@… on

In reply to by Roy Taylor (not verified)

Hi Roy, thank you for taking the time to leave me this comment. You raise some good points and you’re correct, Medicare does not cover CGM for most patients. Medtronic is actively working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ultimately establish coverage consistent with other healthcare insurance companies in the US. Our goal is to ensure consistent access for CGM and insulin pump therapy for all who can benefit. The first step is to work with CMS to assign CGM to a benefit category. We are excited to work this through with industry partners and will keep our community updated. We do offer financial assistance to those who qualify, which you can learn more about here www.medtronicdiabetes.com/billing. Please let me know if you have any other questions or if you would like to be connected with a team member to learn about your options.

Submitted by derek (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

not-a-myth: the infusion set adhesive doesn't work well on hair, so men are much more limited in acceptable surface area. Which takes a toll on tissue integrity and insulin absorption! Thus medtronic stock photos are always skinny hairless women... Maybe they can invest in better glue technology with increased profita from moving to Ireland.

Submitted by David (not verified) on

In reply to by derek (not verified)

Only one answer to that, shave.... I have to.

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by derek (not verified)

Derek, I’m sorry to hear you’re having issues with your infusion set adhesive. We recommend not taping directly to body hair, and keeping the site areas clean shaven. You may find our new tape tips resource informative that you can find here: http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/sites/default/files/library/download-l…. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Submitted by Kimberly Evans (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Got a CGM. I received a list of things to do before the trainer would ever see me. Finally hooked it up when a Friend came to my house. My friend is a CDE. :(

Submitted by LOOP Blog Editorial on

In reply to by Kimberly Evans (not verified)

Kimberly, I’m sorry to hear about this. I’ll have a member of my team reach out to you to make sure you’re taken care of.

Every body is different , you need cgm and blood glucose plus a medical proffesional to monitor your pump therapy .plus the concept of carb counting .the pump can be made silent by using the feature silence alearts .here you can put a time line you want sensor not to disrupt you with alarms .

Submitted by Scott Bell (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I've been 0n a pump for a long time,a tried and true Paradigm model out of warranty. I'd like to upgrade to a new Medtronic pump,don't need CGM at this time. Are there any Medtronic pumps that can be used without CGM?

Thanks!

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Scott Bell (not verified)

Yes, Scott. If you'd like to discuss options available to you, please give us a call at 1.800.646.4633, option 3 when you are ready.

Submitted by Eduard (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Hi there,

This may have been asked before. I'm T1 - can I get a CGM system as a standalone and sync/ link the data to my phone for warnings and trends etc.? I don't mind the pen injections... there has to be such a system out there?

Thank you for your answers.

Submitted by Karrie Hawbaker (not verified) on

In reply to by Eduard (not verified)

Eduard, great question! At this time, we do not have a standalone CGM system. We do have a team working hard on future technology though.

Submitted by Mary Conrad (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I currently have a CGM and use multiple shots daily but am thinking of going to an insulin pump, my insurance will cover the XXXX pump. Will I still be able to use my current CGM? It looks like from what I have been reading that the XXXXX has a different CGM

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Mary Conrad (not verified)

Thank you for reaching out, Mary. These products are not manufactured by Medtronic, so I don't have any information to share. If you'd like to speak with one of our therapy specialists about options for Medtronic products, please give our team a call at 800.646.4633, option 3.

Submitted by Tracy (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

My daughter is 9 years old and has had the Medtronic pump for 4 years now. I am trying to figure out where else I can place her port. We always use the left or right side of her lower stomach. I've noticed when I place it on her right side, that her glucose readings are higher verses putting it on her left side, and it's totally different readings. Can you please help me so I can help her. Thank you.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Tracy (not verified)

Hi there, Tracy. Check out our website here http://bit.ly/2S9TaJ2 for information on approved insertion site and rotation tips. If you're using Medtronic products, please feel free to reach out to our 24-Hour Technical Support team to learn more.


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