Taking care of your insulin pump so it takes care of you

MiniMed 670G insulin pump on hand

If you’ve been using an insulin pump for a while, you’ve likely gotten past that initial learning curve and figured out a routine that works well for you. Since insulin pumps can become so ingrained in your life, it’s helpful to take a step back and look at the things you can do to make sure your pump stays in the best possible shape. 

On a daily basis, consider these tips:

  • Pump cases can help provide a cushion against bumps during your daily activities and protect in cases of accidental drops. We recommend a silicone skin which is low-profile and wraps around your pump clip. We recently improved the design of the silicone skin so it’s a smoother material that has more grip and really helps to protect your pump! They come in a variety of colors and materials too! The MiniMed 670G and 630G systems are waterproof1 but be aware that drops and bumps could damage your pump case and make it more vulnerable to damage from water.
  • If you wear your pump in a place where it touches your skin (like in a bra, or wedged between pants and skin), turn the buttons away from your body to reduce moisture exposure.
  • Keep your pump secure and dry while exercising in a waist pouch.
  • Did you know that lotion, sunscreen, insect repellent, or household cleaners can damage your pump? Make sure to wash and dry your hands before touching it!
  • When pushing the buttons on your pump, use the side or pad of your finger. Try to avoid sharp objects like keys or the tips of long or acrylic fingernails.

Every few weeks, think about these things:

  • If you need to clean your pump for any reason, wash your hands and use a cloth mixed with mild detergent like dish soap and water. Do not place your pump under running water and avoid cleaning it with household agents (all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, etc.)
  • You can also use the bottom of your 600-series pump clip or a thick coin to open and close your battery cap, but don’t overtighten it. If you need a new battery cap, we have them available for purchase here.

And when the seasons change, here are a few things to remember:

  • Plan ahead by reading up on this chart before you enter new environments, from x-rays to airport security, so you know how they could affect your pump.
  • For those of you on the MiniMed 670G  or 630G systems, it’s good to note at the time of manufacture and when reservoir and tubing are inserted properly, your pump is waterproof to a depth of up to 12 feet for up to 24 hours. See user guide for details. Be aware that drops and bumps that occur over time will affect the integrity of the pump and make it more vulnerable to damage from water.
    • The Paradigm platform, MiniMed Revel, and MiniMed 530G systems are water-resistant, so disconnect from your pump when showering, swimming, or using the sauna or steam room. Place it in a safe and dry place, away from moisture.
    • When your transmitter is connected to your sensor, they create a watertight seal in up to 8 feet of water for 30 minutes. If you are wearing CGM and disconnect your pump from your body and, your transmitter will store your data during that time. But keep in mind, if you're away for your pump for 30 minutes or more, you will get a Lost Sensor alert. Speak with your healthcare team to establish a plan if you’re going to regularly disconnect from your pump for longer than one hour.
  • MiniMed pumps are designed to withstand temperatures between 41-104 degrees (F). Insulin can freeze near 32 degrees and become less effective at higher temperatures. If you’re outside in cold weather, wear your pump close to your body and cover it with warm clothing. If you’re in a warm environment, keep your pump in a case or covered under the shade or a beach towel and protect your insulin to keep it cool.

 

1 At the time of manufacture and when the reservoir and tubing are properly inserted, your pump is waterproof. It is protected against the effects of being underwater to a depth of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) for up to 24 hours. This is classified as IPX8 rating. See user guide for more details. The sensor and transmitter are water-resistant at 8 feet (2.4 meters) for up to 30 minutes. CGM readings may not be transmitted from the CGM to the pump while in water.

Important Safety Information 

MINIMED 670G SYSTEM 

The Medtronic MiniMed™ 670G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin (at user selectable rates) and administration of insulin boluses (in user selectable amounts) for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons, seven years of age and older, requiring insulin as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed™ 670G system includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust delivery of basal insulin based on Continuous Glucose Monitor sensor glucose values and can suspend delivery of insulin when the sensor glucose value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values. The system requires a prescription. 

The Guardian™ Sensor (3) glucose values are not intended to be used directly for making therapy adjustments, but rather to provide an indication of when a fingerstick may be required. A confirmatory finger stick test via the CONTOUR®NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter is required prior to making adjustments to diabetes therapy. All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using the CONTOUR®NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3). Always check the pump display to ensure the glucose result shown agrees with the glucose results shown on the CONTOUR®NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter. Do not calibrate your CGM device or calculate a bolus using a blood glucose meter result taken from an Alternative Site (palm) or from a control solution test. It is not recommended to calibrate your CGM device when sensor or blood glucose values are changing rapidly, e.g., following a meal or physical exercise. If a control solution test is out of range, please note that the result may be transmitted to your pump when in the “Always” send mode. 

WARNING: Medtronic performed an evaluation of the MiniMed™ 670G system and determined that it may not be safe for use in children under the age of 7 because of the way that the system is designed and the daily insulin requirements. Therefore this device should not be used in anyone under the age of 7 years old. This device should also not be used in patients who require less than a total daily insulin dose of 8 units per day because the device requires a minimum of 8 units per day to operate safely.


Pump therapy is not recommended for people whose vision or hearing does not allow recognition of pump signals and alarms. Pump therapy is not recommended for people who are unwilling or unable to maintain contact with their healthcare professional. The safety of the MiniMed™ 670G system has not been studied in pregnant women. For complete details of the system, including product and important safety information such as indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions associated with system and its components, please consult http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information#minimed-670g  and the appropriate user guide at http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library  

 

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Blog comments

Submitted by Scott Sobel (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I do take care of my 670G very carefully and use the Silicone skin. However, I have also joined a facebook group for support of the 670G specifically and notice a surprising number of people with cracks either in the center button or in the body of the pump itself.

I've been using Medtronic/Minimed pumps for 22 years and have never had a crack. I've even dropped my old Paradigm pumps on hard tile floors and never had an issue. When I first started pumping, I was told by my pump trainer that the pump was made from the same plastic as motorcycle helmets.

Is this still the case? Have you noticed an increase in the number of pumps cracking since going to the new body style? Or, did they always crack and I was unaware because I was not on a support site for the pump? Is anyone working on making the pumps more durable?

Please keep in mind that simply replacing the pump at the first hint of a crack is not just expensive for you but is also very invasive to us. There is no easy way to transfer settings. And, with the 670G in particular, one cannot simply start a new pump in auto mode and have it behave as the old pump did that took time to learn the patient.

I travel a lot for wildlife viewing to remote areas of the world. I do get travel loaner pumps. But, I worry a lot more about my pump potentially breaking than I ever did in the past. Am I worrying needlessly?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Scott Sobel (not verified)

Thanks for the feedback, Scott. While we have heard this before, I can't say that it is specific to the MiniMed 670G pump. Our technical support team may have more insights on this, as they would address these concerns. Feel free to give them a call to discuss this in more detail, but in the meantime, I'll be sure to share your thoughts with our development team. Please let us know if we can help with anything in the future, or if you have any other suggestions and feedback for us.

Submitted by Paula Susan Langley (not verified) on

In reply to by Scott Sobel (not verified)

I have the same problem. The 670G is my latest pump and I believe I've had 3 before this one. All the others were durable and never had any problems. This one broke early on. Mine has a couple. One is the thin plastic ring around the well that holds the cartridge of insulin. At the top of where it screws in and a crack on the outside of the same well or barrel that holds the insulin. I have it tapes and held together with tape and Coban to keep it falling apart. I'm afraid it won't stay together and I won't be able to used it. I use the Xxxxx Reg insulin. I am afraid I won't be able to use it and it will be most difficult to use the pump and I will have a predicament if I don't get a new one. Please advise if there is a way to get a new one. I've never had this to happen before.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Paula Susan Langley (not verified)

Paula, I'm sorry to hear this, but our technical support team would like to talk this through with you and see how we can help. Please give our teammates a call at 800.646.4633, option 1. Just a friendly reminder, our pumps are approved to be used with U-100 rapid-acting insulin.

Submitted by Kelly Fredericks (not verified) on

In reply to by Paula Susan Langley (not verified)

I do not have the 670 as you, but I believe mine is a 630. It has a chunk missing where the battery screws in. I am very worried that it will begin to fail. The thought of going back to see real shots a day, and more difficulty in control scares me. Mine is about 6 years old. I cant afford a new pump right now.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Kelly Fredericks (not verified)

Kelly, I encourage you to reach out to our 24-Hour Technical Support team at 800.646.4633, option 1 to discuss your options. If your pump is still under warranty, a courtesy replacement pump can be sent to you as needed.

Submitted by Donald Joseph Wright (not verified) on

In reply to by Paula Susan Langley (not verified)

My pump 770G has also cracked on the center ring . This is annoying due to the fact my other pumps never did this.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Donald Joseph Wright (not verified)

We're sorry to hear this, Donald, and would like to help. Please give our technical support team a call at 800.646.4633 option #1.

Submitted by Allen (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thanks for interesting tidbits! I have a 670G and live in the sunny, hot, and humid climes of the Florida Keys. As you can guess, I spend a lot of time in the water, salt and fresh. When swimming in the pool I usually leave the pump hooked up. I find that if I spend more than ten minutes at a time in the pool the pump loses contact with the sensor and doesn’t recover for sometimes up to a half hour. When I change sensors I always cover with a 2” x 2” clear plastic bandage. Also when swimming or snorkeling in the ocean I stop delivery and disconnect the pump. I never connect the little plastic piece onto the tubing from the reservoir. Is this an issue? When I disconnect I’ve never covered it and have never had an issue. Also snorkeling sometimes involves going to depths of 20 feet, I know this is beyond recommended depths, but once again hasn’t been an issue. Thanks for great info, look forward to seeing more in the future!

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Allen (not verified)

Sounds like lots of fun, Allen! You're fine not using the plastic cap over your set, this is personal preference. We hope you have a great time and wouldn't mind learning more :) If you're interested in sharing your story and maybe a picture or two, please send us an email to dhelp@medtronic.com.

I am so frustrated that Medicare does not approve the CGM that Medtronic manufactures to use withy pump but does approve the XXXXXX one. Lots of online complaints about Dexcom not delivering supplies and not communicating with customers. Makes me afraid to try it.

I certainly understand, Sharon. We are working with Medicare and the FDA for updated labeling for our CGM products, in an effort to secure coverage consistent with other national payors. While we don't have a timeline to share, we know how important these products are to your daily diabetes management and look forward to sharing updates with our community.

Submitted by Linda Fellman (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

The wide fluctuation in the readings between the CGM reading on the pump screen and the reading on a finger stick often VARY TREMENDOUSLY on the first day a new sensor is inserted. You mention to always make a change in giving an insulin based on the BG reading but I think you and Medtronic should both mention that these varies in readings on day one are very common. I have found your sensors far from accurate and although I wear them I realize their shortcomings. I am surprised that they were ever passed by FDA and I hope Medtronic aims to make more accurate sensors soon, and ones that last for more than a week.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Linda Fellman (not verified)

Thanks for sharing, Linda. Our 24-Hour Technical Support team may have suggestions that can help with your accuracy, especially on day 1 of a new sensor. If you'd like to be connected with a teammate to talk this through, please send us an email with the phone number associated with your account and we'll have a teammate reach out to you.

Submitted by Teresa (not verified) on

In reply to by Nicole (not verified)

I too have found that day one of the sensor is very inaccurate. Interesting that your response is to call technical support??? Last time I called technical support about the large difference ( i.e 40 and dropping vs 150???) they recommended I go to Medtronic web site under community to see if I could find suggestions?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Teresa (not verified)

Thanks for sharing your experience, Teresa. We typically recommend speaking with our technical support team to ensure your devices are functioning as designed. Our Ambassador program may be able to help as well. Our ambassadors are real-life customers who are available to share their experiences with current and potential customers. Check out our website here to view their profiles and connect. In addition, if you'd like to connect with a senior teammate, send us an email at dhelp@medtronic.com and we'll be in touch.

Submitted by Barry Bass (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Thank you fir this helpful information
I travel a lot so it’s very important for me
Barry

Submitted by Sue Mulholland (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Look forward to receiving e-mails. It will be nice to hear from other people who have Type I diabetes and use the insulin pump.

Submitted by Helene Berk (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Hello Katie Schmitz - Thank you for your information on caring for your pump so that it takes care of you. Unfortunately, I am not so fortunate in having a 670G or 630 G pump. I have the paradigm 723 pump which I received via Medicare & United Healthcare. I am not due for a new pump until 2021. I am hoping at that time to have my endocrinologist write a strong enough letter to both Medicare and United Healthcare explaining why I would benefit from using the 670G pump. I have had diabetes for 46 years and am considered a “brittle” diabetic. I am very careful with watching and following a proper diabetic diet as well as incorporate exercise into my daily routine. Sincerely, Helene Berk

Hi, i have been on medtronic pumps for many years. My pump was out of warrenty this past April. I have a new 670G pump now, and I am on Medicare. I have an advantage plan, and had no issues getting the pump .

Submitted by Helene Berk (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Good luck to all the fortunate people who have the 670G or 630G. We need XXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX to provide the pump that the endocrinologist recommends for patients with type 1 diabetes that patients would greatly benefit from.

IHi! I am an active Type I for over 42 years.I work on my retirement farm and my wife and i ride road bikes about 1-2,000 miles/year.My A1c hovers about 7, but should be going down as I love my new 570G. I now have vision issues as a result [primarily] from a genetic retina deformation [veetilla form] so reading the numerals and messages on the pump is becoming difficult in some lighting situations. I carry a magnifying flashlight to help.

Is there any thought of adding an ear-bud sort of device that would talk to me anad give my readings, etc? For instance we often do 30+ mile bike rides in hilly terrain. We come to a stop sign and I have to look at the pump, get the magnifier light and determine what action I need to take..

I long to get the same capability I had with my old 530 [I think it wa] where I could send my BG to my iPhone and have that clipped on display on the handlebar of the bikd. I could see my BG trend line as I rode and take energy drink as needed. We often climg 2-3,000 ft of verticle in a regular ride here in the hilly upstate NY. That displany was incredibly helpful.

Dick Gibbs

Great ideas, Dick. Currently, I'm not aware of any plans for a "talking" pump system, but we'll be sure to let our teammates with our development team know of your thoughts. In the meantime, we are working on connectivity options for our pump systems, similar to the features of our previously available MiniMed Connect. At this time, I don't have a timeline to share, but we hope you'll stay tuned for updates.

Submitted by Robin Blaize (not verified) on

In reply to by Nicole (not verified)

I've been using my 670G for almost a year now. It's an ALMOST perfect system! Almost!! For reasons that remained unexplained by Medtronics, the 670G does not have sharing software like the Guardian system does!! Specifically, the Guardian has a mobile app that allows the pump-wearer to share current CGM readings with up to 5 people via the app. This info is vital to the pump-wearer AND the 5-person support group that is vested in keeping the pump-wearer safe and healthy!! Why isn't this same app available on the 670G??? If you say it is because of all the safeguards built into the 670G system, I can personally attest that it is NOT 100% fool-proof!! I have had EMT visits and a close call while my DO son was in the house while using the 670G.

I sing the praises of the 670G closed loop system with a HUGE warning about not having the mobile app!! Logic and reason escape me why Medtronics has ignored this glaring deficiency!

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Robin Blaize (not verified)

Robin, we hear you and we are making progress. A Bluetooth enabled insulin pump system contains multiple components, including a CGM transmitter, blood glucose meter, and a pump. The approval of the Guardian Connect Bluetooth transmitter completes one of the milestones in achieving pump connectivity. We’ve also selected a Bluetooth meter partner. Our work is now focused on having all components work together seamlessly. Once done we will need regulatory approval as well. Please know we’ve heard loud and clear that having connectivity is important and we look forward to bringing this technology to you in the future.

Submitted by Tony Alvarez (not verified) on

In reply to by Nicole (not verified)

To be honest, I would trade the blue tooth connectivity with your Bluetooth meter partner for connectivity such as suggested by Nicole. There are better blood meter options on the market compared to the one you promote (I actually find the Xxxxxxxx system which requires a very small sample and can used used on alternate sites as a much better option)

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Tony Alvarez (not verified)

We appreciate the feedback, Tony. We'll keep this in mind as we explore future innovation.

There is an error in saying the Mininmed 530 g and the Revel ARE water resistant I believe.

I'm sorry for any confusion, Jenny. Our Paradigm pumps are water resistant, but not waterproof, so while typically they’re fine in the case of an accidental splash or dunk, we don’t recommend submerging them in water. I hope this helps, but if you have any other questions, please give us a call at 800.646.4633, option 1.

Submitted by Paula Rey (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Is there any company that offers sports bras with a pump pocket? Is there any company that has Artful diabetes blood sugar meter kits? Thanks Paula Rey,,,Type 1 36 yrs...14yrs on the pump.

Submitted by Beth brooks (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I still confront confusion and disagreement at airports on whether or not I can go through body scanners with pump attached. I was told not to and always succumb to a full body pat down. Please advise

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Beth brooks (not verified)

Beth, you shouldn't take your pump through the new body scanners or put it on the belt to go through the x-ray. We do have an airport emergency card that you can download, print and bring with you to the airport to help explain your devices to airport officials. You can download it here http://bit.ly/1gXBxBd. You can also check out our website here http://bit.ly/LiIqzf for all of the information you need for traveling and airport security. Best of luck on your next trip!

Submitted by Rod Rider (not verified) on

In reply to by Nicole (not verified)

When I flew recently the TSA Agent told me it was okay to wear the pump through the full body scanner. I had asked for a personal check but he said it was okay. Was this wrong? Has the TSA changed their machine to make them less of a problem for medical devices such as the pump?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Rod Rider (not verified)

Rod, we always recommend the pumps be removed because full body scanners may have magnets that may cause internal damage to your pump. We'd recommend contacting our 24-Hour Technical Support team to make sure everything is working as designed.

Submitted by Antoinette Brown (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

What can I use to make my sensor stick longer in the hot seasons. It never last more thank 3-4 days

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Antoinette Brown (not verified)

Antoinette, you've come to the right place. Our community has a wealth of information that may be able to help. In the meantime, our 24-Hour Technical Support may have suggestions for you as well. Please feel free to give them a call at 800.646.4633, option 1 at your convenience.

Hi Ernie! The magnets in x-ray can damage your pump, so you should not send your device through the x-ray machine or body scanner. Metal detectors are safe for your pump. You can learn more here: http://bit.ly/LiIqzf . Have a great trip.

Submitted by Pat Howell (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Only because of this email about pump and travel hints, was I made aware of my 670G being waterproof upto 12" for 12-124 hours. REALLY! I hadn't heard this and wasn't made aware of this during my training with this new pump. I've been pumping for over 20 years and have fallen into a lake with a pump on years ago but was able to get it out immediately and not sustain any damage. I don't think I'm going to just take it with me swimming or intentionally get into the water with it, but knowing this sure relieves me of a bit of stress around water activities.
I can't find anything in the Getting started Booklet about this, so I called Medtronic to find they were closed...after 6pm.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Pat Howell (not verified)

Hi there, Pat. I'm glad to hear you've learned about the waterproof capabilities of your MiniMed 670G system. This information is included in the user guide on page 32, but if you have additional questions, please give our technical support team a call at 800.646.4633, option 1, they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

I love my pump the first 6months I had it the sensor did not work and I was ready to give it up, but I got a new sensor and it had been working great. My A1c is dropped. I’m a nurse and understand the knowledge. I am worried about traveling and going to a airport. I would appreciate feedback on this subject. Medtronic has been very helpful with any problems I’ve had.

Sounds like you're doing a great job, Jenifer, keep up the great work. We have several helpful tips for travel, which you can find here: http://bit.ly/LiIqzf . Have fun :)

I just completed a trip from Oregon to the BWCA in Minnesota. The airport was a breeze. TSA has seen insulin pumps before, they seemed to know what it was. I did have to go through the "x-ray" machine and a very brief, simple pat down from a same gender agent. She never handled my pump and I did not have to disconnect. It was quite simple and easy. No worries.

Submitted by Wayne Wassmuth (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

I wish Medicare would support your system.

a CGM that is not compatible seems stupid to me.

Why do I have bubbles to fight constantly resulting in high Glucose?

I'm sorry to hear this, Avis. This is a good conversation to have with our 24-Hour Technical Support team. They may have suggestions that help with this. Please give them a call at your convenience at 800.646.4633, option 1.

Submitted by Deborah Jeffery (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE work on getting the FDA to approve the Guardian sensor so it will be covered by Medicare. It is very expensive to pay out of pocket for these sensors and those of us that are older with TY1 for many years no longer feel the lows until they are life threatening. The sensor helps with this. It is so important for Medtronic to work on getting these covered by insurance/Medicare. I am on a support group through Facebook and so many of us on Medicare feel this same way.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Deborah Jeffery (not verified)

I understand this is frustrating, Deborah. We continue to partner with healthcare providers and work with government insurance providers to provide greater access to people with diabetes. In the meantime, we do offer financial support options. To learn more, please give our team a call at 800.646.4633 option #4.

Submitted by Randy (not verified) on

In reply to by Commenter (not verified)

Do you know any way to remove small scratches from my 630g screen thanks

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Randy (not verified)

Great question, Randy. Our 24-Hour Technical Support team may have suggestions for you to remove any scratches, you can reach them at 800.646.4633, option 1. For the future, you can order a screen protector that can help prevent them in the future. You can find them here: http://bit.ly/2PCPWLp


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