Wisdom

Even though my pump has malfunctioned before it is worth having because my blood sugar is more in control when I use it.

Diabetes is one piece of my life that I now have some control over.

This disease is frustrating as it is, but using a pump/meter helps to simplify just one part of it.

I get tired of the CGM beeping at me at times especially if my blood sugar is low and I’m waiting for it to climb, but I’m thankful it wakes me up at night!

I chose to use a CGM and pump because they create a discreet combination that works well.

The more you wear them, the more integrated they become in your life.

I Didn't Decide To Get A Pump Until My Doctor Said To Me, "You Are Giving Yourself The Best Care Possible While On Injections. If You Want Your Numbers To Get Better, The Type Of Technology You're Using Has To Change.

It's worth it to me, particularly when I sleep and wake up to see that the closed loop has gotten my blood sugar down, or suspended my insulin.

I really don't like having to wear two sites, but I love that my pump tailors my basal rate.

Using a pump gives you freedom.

You can see where you are running high or low. Also the doctors can look at your recent numbers and see where you stand as far as your A1C levels.

I want to live the healthiest, longest life I can. If I believe this device is the way to do it, I am willing to pay some extra money for it.

When people ask me about my devices, I tell them. They're really cool!

As I began to trust the system more, I gave it more and more range to have control managing my diabetes, which has worked really well.

I know that devices are getting better and I want to give myself every opportunity to live as long and healthy as possible.

The control, specifically at night, is worth carrying the extra device.

It was kind of like a weight lifted off my shoulders because I didn’t have to worry about doing all that stuff anymore. I was able to just test my sugar, put in the carbs I'm eating, and that was it.

Other than having an endocrinologist in your house, it’s probably the best way and the most accurate way to have the correct amount of insulin delivered. You kinda feel like bruce wayne.

It gave me so much relief to know that all I had to do was wave that little monitor over the sensor and it would just tell me what my sugars were.

I was adamant I’d stop using it once the baby was born but I actually started liking seeing my plots and avoiding the lows and highs.

Keep it as simple as you want to.

My numbers are better with tech than without.

I REALLY don't like the idea of something stuck to my body. I like the relatively low profile that pen injections have, and do not mind the more manual steps it involves- but realize it is not totally intuitive.

Sometimes it is information overload, but I would rather have too much information than not enough.

One of the most impactful things about learning how to manage my diabetes during exercise has been the diabetes community. I have learned so much from others, even other T1D horse people!

It's a ride, and having a CGM that rings if you get low in the night is crucial. The automation works well; you just have to fine-tune it to you.  It is worth it! 

I like the pump, but you still have to be smarter than the pump to avoid lows when exercising. I tried exercise mode, eating carbs first, etc, but it just doesn't allow for spontaneity like using Lantus does. For me, I cannot have any rapid-acting IOB when I start moving.

I selected the [Tandem] t:slim X2 because of how much [insulin] it holds.

The G7 now talks directly to my Apple Watch. I can monitor glucose during activity.

I didn't want to have any extra tubes hanging off my body when I performed physical fitness activities. These two (Dexcom & Omnipod 5) seemed like the most streamlined options.

I also check fingersticks during exercise, because when my blood sugars are dropping quickly, the CGM readings may lag behind my actual glucose values.  I always trust my instincts, and if I feel like I'm getting sleepy all of a sudden while exercising, I know to double-check to be sure my blood sugars aren't dropping.