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Insulin Pump Supplies
What you need for insulin pump supplies.
Things to consider when purchasing pump supplies.
Insulin
pump information - why is this gadget so grand?
Below is a list of possible insulin pump supplies you might need if on, or
considering, a "diabetic pump" to help lower blood glucose levels. Some of these supplies are absolutely
essential, whereas others are optional. These pump supplies are all
consumables so need to be purchased regularly. They are not
"accessories". Many of my patients don't realize this when first
considering pump therapy. Remember, not all pumps are
equal. For
more information on the exciting features of insulin pumps, please check here. And please check with your health care team for a complete list of your personal pump supplies.
- Infusion sets are the most ordered of insulin pump supplies. You need a
new one every 2-3 days. They're pricey too - we all hate ruining one by
mistake. Of interest, the Omnipod requires no tubing. You
can read a wee bit about the Omnipod here near the bottom of the page (no.
17/18) or find the link for the company
that sells the Omnipod here.
- Reservoirs. They hold the insulin. Some people re-use them once. However,
I've heard that the plastic reservoir can degrade the insulin if
left in too long. Don't know if it's true. You can talk with your educator
about re-using these once if finances are a concern.
- Batteries (maybe). As far as insulin pump supplies go - this one may just
be an off the shelfer. Some pumps take regular batteries. Some don't. I have
to order my H-TRON batteries but each set lasts me 3 months. Other people
have Paradigm pumps and need to change batteries every 2 weeks - but they're
off the shelf. Stock up either way.
- I.V. wipes (optional) - to sterilize the area. Some of us just use soap
and water. Check with your diabetes educator.
- Adhesive (optional) - to make the sticky pad that holds the cannula in,
well, stick better. Eg. for swimmers, those who sweat a lot, active with
sports etc ...For some, a wipe on or paint on adhesives are necessary
insulin pump supplies.
- Tape/sticky remover (optional). Yes, to remove the "gum" left
behind by some of the adhesive pads.
- Emla cream (optional) - helps numb the skin before putting in the cannula.
Very useful for some.
- Second skins (optional) - clear breathable membranes that you can place
over the cannula once inserted. Extra protection to keep it from being
yanked out. Most people I see on pumps don't use this but they are out there
if you need them. Online ordering and home care supplies as well as
specialty pharmacies can be great resources for some of these special
insulin pump supplies mentioned above.
- Insulin (Obvious, I know). Of note, only rapid or fast acting insulins are
used.
- Test Strips (yes, you need to test mega on the pump).
- Glucose tabs (because, shouldn't we all have them).
- Emergency supply syringes or insulin pen (just in case pump stops
working- rare but it is only a machine so take precautions.)
- Tubing set for the continuous blood glucose monitor if you have the
Minimed Paradigm Real-Time insulin pump and choose to use the feature.
These pumps require two sets of tubing - one for insulin, one for continuous
blood glucose monitoring . Don't expect to use the continuous blood
glucose monitor option all the time - too pricey as insulin pump supplies
go for the normal folk.
Always have extra insulin pump supplies on hand - particularly infusion sets.
Every once in a while you'll ruin a set or yank it out by mistake. (Sounds
painful but it isn't.) Keep a set in your purse/glove
compartment. Carry a pen vial of insulin and a syringe in purse, wallet just in
case. You never know when you'll ignore or forget you heard the low
insulin remaining alarm. Been there. Done that. And I'm a diabetes
educator.
- Telephone or online order or via pharmacy? They vary in cost and ease.
- How quick can you get the order of insulin pump supplies? (I gave up
getting from my local pharmacy because they took too long. I now phone in my
order and
have it couriered to me the next day at no cost to me. So yes, there are
benefits to ordering on the phone or online depending on the company.)
- Price? This is important, but not always the most important criteria. See other issues
on this list.
- How many months supplies at a time? (Sometimes companies ship for free if
you buy enough at once. Typically I know people to buy 3 months at one
time.)
- Types of insulin pump supplies Eg. types of infusion sets carried. I tried to buy once
at Cost-co but they didn't have what I wanted and couldn't be sure how long
it would take to get them. Timing is important.
- Can they deliver all necessary insulin pump supplies or do you need two suppliers? (eg.
can they deliver your infusion sets and your reservoirs?) I'm lucky that
my supplier carries all my insulin pump supplies -- specialized batteries,
reservoirs and cheaper infusion sets. If I went with my local Cost-co I
wouldn't be able to get my batteries and reservoirs. (I have an H-Tron)
- Shipping costs? Remember, some will ship for free check around.
- Dispensing fee? Yup, if I ordered through my local pharmacy they charged
me a dispensing fee - and they took days longer to get my supplies. Ordering
through distributors cut out the dispensing fee. Might not be the same
scenario for you, but do compare the prices and compare the service. Every
pharmacy is different.
- Insurance coverage? Some U.S. insurance companies may only cover one brand
of infusion set or insulin pump supplies. Some insurance will only cover the
cost if you purchase through a pharmacy. Check it out.
If
you landed here but really want more information on insulin pumps and insulin
pump therapy, try here.
Leaving Insulin Pump Supplies to go Home: How to lower blood sugar.
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