First Few Days as a Podder®

Your blood glucose (BG) values may vary. Don’t panic.

Initial settings are usually conservative as you start Pod therapy. If you experience a single BG above or below target during your first days, treat your BG accordingly. A single day or BG value is not enough to make immediate changes. Adjustments to your settings will be based on patterns. If you see extreme high or low BG values during the first few days you should contact your healthcare provider.

During your first few days, try to focus on:

Checking your BG often.

Set a BG reminder on your Omnipod® System or Omnipod DASH® Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) 2 hours after you bolus. BG readings before and after meals will help you and your healthcare provider identify trends in your BG. 

Counting your carbs accurately.

If possible avoid eating out at restaurants for the first few days. Eating at home allows you to read food labels, measure portions, and achieve a more accurate carbohydrate count.

Try to stay as close to your normal activity as possible.

Since activity can impact your BG levels, discuss with your healthcare provider if you should skip your planned exercise during your first day(s) on the Pod. If you do end up exercising, be sure to check your BG before, during, and after your activity. Remember to carry items like glucose tabs, or juice to treat a low BG should one occur.

Doing your first Pod change on your own 

• Schedule a generous amount of time to perform the first 1-2 Pod changes so you don’t have to rush. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro and a Pod change should be quick and easy. 
• Before filling a Pod, ensure that no other Pods are being activated within 1.5m (5ft) of your Omnipod® System or Omnipod DASH® PDM.
• Remember site rotation can help with insulin absorption. Try a different area that you and your healthcare provider have identified as ideal. 
• If you are using the Omnipod DASH® PDM, use the Pod site map to help you track your current and recent Pod site locations.  This feature can be turned on in settings.

Learning about your Omnipod® System or Omnipod DASH™ PDM

• Like your mobile phone or BG meter, you will want your Omnipod® System or Omnipod DASH® PDM available at all times. However, your Pod will deliver your basal rates as scheduled even when it is not in range of the Omnipod® System or Omnipod DASH® PDM. You will need to have your Omnipod® System or Omnipod DASH® PDM within 1.5 m (5ft.) of your Pod when you want to bolus, check your BG, or make any changes.
• Dedicate a spot for your Omnipod® System or Omnipod DASH® PDM in your home so you will always know where to find it and you won’t leave home without it! 
• Your Omnipod® System or Omnipod DASH® PDM does not like to be too hot or too cold so don’t leave it in the elements (i.e. the car). 
• Get into a habit of checking the battery level. Depending on the PDM you have, you may need to replace the batteries, or recharge the PDM.

Other things to do during the first few days

• Remember to carry backup insulin supplies and Pods when you are away from home. 
• Keep an updated copy of your Omnipod® System or Omnipod DASH® PDM settings for future reference. 
• Take notes of any unusual events that may occur (illness, strenuous activity, stress etc.). 
• Keep in touch with your healthcare team as instructed. 
• Our Customer Care is available 24/7. Make sure to save the phone number into your mobile phone for easy access. 

Refer to the Omnipod® Products Guides for complete safety information including indications, contraindications, warnings, cautions and instructions.