Preparing for Pump Therapy

Guest Blogger
Category: Science and Technology

Preparing for Omnipod® Training

Understanding Basal and Bolus Insulin

Before you start using your new Omnipod® System, it may help to understand some key concepts and expectations. This guide will define key terms as well as provide you with insights and tips.

insulin pump insulin pump

Get to know your Pump settings

Basal Rate(s) – the dose of insulin that is delivered continuously throughout the day to keep fasting blood glucose (BG) values in range. Basal rates are specified in units per hour (U/hr) and can be adjusted throughout the day to meet your specific insulin requirements

Bolus Calculator – feature that can suggest a bolus dose of insulin based on your BG level and carbohydrate (carb) intake. These calculators also take into account previous boluses to ensure you do not take too much insulin!

How are pump settings calculated?

Your healthcare provider will calculate your insulin pump settings based on your current insulin doses, BG levels and weight, as well as other factors such as schedule and lifestyle.

Settings in the bolus calculator include:

  • Insulin-to-Carbohydrate ratio (IC ratio) – amount of carbs (in grams) covered by one unit of insulin
  • Correction Factor – a value that indicates how much one unit of insulin will lower your BG
  • Target Blood Glucose – the ideal number at which you would like your BG level to be
  • Duration of Insulin Action (also known as Active Insulin or Insulin on Board) – the length of time that your insulin remains active and available in your body after a bolus

While waiting to start on the Omnipod® System it would be useful to:

Check your BG more often.

It is recommended to check when you wake, before each meal, 2 hours after each meal, bedtime and occasionally in the middle of the night.

Keep a diary.

Include food eaten (portion size, grams of carbs), insulin taken, activity and illness.

Refresh your carb counting skills.

Measure your portions with measuring cups, a food scale, or use a carb counting app on your smartphone.

Preparing for your Omnipod® System

Ready to start?

Questions to ask yourself:

❑ Do you have what you need? Your healthcare provider will provide prescriptions for vials of insulin, test strips, lancets and other items you might need.

❑ Have you checked out digital resources? You can often download online resources to help you get started*.

❑ Do you have instructions on how you should take your insulin prior to starting on your pump? Be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Prepare your questions

During training you will learn in detail how the Pod and the Omnipod® System PDM operate. You will need to pay attention. You may like to attend your training with a list of pre-prepared questions.

 

Tips for a successful training session

eating time eating time
  • Be prepared: Complete any pre-work that your Healthcare Provider may have asked you to do
  • Be on time: The training itself will likely be a few hours – allowing the entire time will make sure there is no rush through the information. 
  • Bring someone: Having support at your appointments can be helpful, so bring a significant other/friend or family member to the training. 
  • Be focused: If possible arrange for a babysitter for your children during the training, if you are bringing a child for training, try and find a babysitter for any siblings that they may have. Put your phone away so you are not tempted to check calls and voicemails. 
  • Bring food: Bring a snack or glucose tabs in the event of a low blood sugar.

 

What to expect after you start your insulin pump

Changing how you manage your diabetes can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can help. 

  • Try wearing your pump in multiple locations on your body to find the spots you like best. Getting used to wearing a device can take some time.  
  • Check your BG more frequently, at least 4 times a day or as indicated by your healthcare provider’s instructions. Any change in your diabetes therapy can cause changes in your BG. 
  • Keep your normal routine. Changing your routine could affect your BG. Try to avoid starting your pump before travel, holidays, surgery or unusual work, school, and leisure activity schedules. If you do have to make a drastic change in your routine consult with your healthcare provider first.

 

Where to wear your Pod?

pod placement pod placement
References:

  • Bolderman, K. Putting your patients on the pump. 2nd ed. American Diabetes Association. 2013.

  • ABCD DTN-UK Best Practice Guide. CSII. A clinical guide for adult diabetes services. 2018. https://abcd.care/dtn-uk-best-practice-guides

  • † © 2002 by the American Diabetes Association®. Smart pumping for people with diabetes. Reprinted with permission from the American Diabetes Association®.

  • *The Omnipod® System Digital online Resources: https://www.myomnipod.com/en-gb/podder-resources-troubleshooting

This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately. The opinions and views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, health practice or other institution.