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������������������������ I'M PUMP‑POSITIVE�������������������� ���������������������� by Sally York ���������������������������������� ���� From the
Editor:� Sally York is on the
Board of our Diabetes Action Network, where she energetically works
to help blind diabetics.�� ���� I am an
insulin‑dependent diabetic, and have been a "pumper" since August 1997.� My MiniMed insulin pump has given me back my independence, and I can't imagine
going back to multiple injections.� When I started using the pump, my glycosolated hemoglobin (A1c numbers, the best test
for how well you are managing your diabetes) went down
into the non‑diabetic "normal" range.� The pump can do that for you. � ���� My diabetes
has a complication: " gastroparesis", delayed, unpredictable stomach emptying.� That makes my eating irregular, and makes it hard to keep my blood
sugars so tight.� At
first, I had quite a few hypoglycemic reactions.� Then
my doctor has advised me to try to keep them slightly higher than I was doing, and things are
now OK.� As we all
know, it's a challenge to walk that tightrope between being too low and too high!� My pump has made it easier to be more in control, given me more peace of
mind, and more flexibility in my meal and exercise schedules. ���� It took
me awhile to convince my medical team that a blind person, living alone, could use the pump.� I didn't give in ‑‑ they did.� My doctor sent me for training.� I went to my dietitian to learn about carbohydrate counting.
Then my diabetes nurse educator provided me with literature and videos.� Finally,
when she felt I understood its concept, and the pros and cons of its use, I was taught
how to operate the insulin pump.� ���� My team
and I brainstormed together, and came up with ways for me to use the pump with my limited vision.�
When filling the insulin reservoir, I use plenty of light,
and then check for air bubbles with my magnifier.� Inserting the thin needle under my skin and attaching the tubing
can be done by feel.� Giving
myself a dose of insulin (a bolus), is easy, as the pump has an audible beep for each half
unit taken.� I sometimes
require the eyes of a family member, to help me read the display screen, when I make infrequent adjustments to my dosage regimen.� (Editor's Note:� Many totally blind people successfully use insulin pumps,
and have evolved techniques to adjust them without sighted
aid.) ���� If it appears
that the pump is the answer to perfect blood sugar control, it is not.� It is also not for everyone.� It
requires a good deal of commitment in the education process, and then being vigilant in doing
frequent (even more frequent) blood sugar monitoring. ���� I can honestly
declare my pump has given my life a positive boost.� We
are partners in living with this challenge, in the truest sense of the word. |
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