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Peter ( @reedo ) asks:
Hi,
I’m new to this website but was hoping you may be able to offer some assistance, II am a 31 year old type 1 diabetic man, I have had diabetes since I was 17. I have finally been approved for a pump and been given 3 to choose from and I am struggling to decide which one seems the most suitable. The three I have been offered are:
Medtronic Paradigm 515, Animas 2020, Accu-Chek Combo
I was wondering if anyone had opinions on what might be the best option as I know they are not the most recent models… any comments are greatly appreciated!
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Welcome to ShootUp Peter – I think it all depends on what your specific requirements are, so I’d definintely ask to have a play with all 3 and see which you like best.
And because I wrote it, I am obliged to plug my review of pumps available in 2011 which covers all your choices (it talks about the Paradigm Veo but the Paradigm 515 is it’s predecesor and there isn’t a huge world of difference between them). http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/2011/01/picking-a-pump-in-2011/
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Welcome to ShootUp Peter – I think it all depends on what your specific requirements are, so I’d definintely ask to have a play with all 3 and see which you like best.
And because I wrote it, I am obliged to plug my review of pumps available in 2011 which covers all your choices (it talks about the Paradigm Veo but the Paradigm 515 is it’s predecesor and there isn’t a huge world of difference between them). http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/2011/01/picking-a-pump-in-2011/
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I’m starting on an Omnipod next week after 25 years of MDI, it was the lack of wiring that did it for me but will just have to get used to half an egg stuck to me. They are about to be reduced in size by 30 / 40 % anytime now and unusually the UK will get it first.
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I’m starting on an Omnipod next week after 25 years of MDI, it was the lack of wiring that did it for me but will just have to get used to half an egg stuck to me. They are about to be reduced in size by 30 / 40 % anytime now and unusually the UK will get it first.
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Thanks for all your help, was thinking of going for the medtronic but wasnt sure what the difference is between the paradigm 515 and the veo? Im guessing the veo has cgm and the 515 doesnt?
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Thanks for all your help, was thinking of going for the medtronic but wasnt sure what the difference is between the paradigm 515 and the veo? Im guessing the veo has cgm and the 515 doesnt?
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The Paradigm 522 is CGM capable too but I don’t think the 515 is. I’ve never used a 515 but I spent a happy 4 years using a Paradigm 722 RT before I got the Veo. Not that much difference really between the 722 RT and the Veo – the biggest differences I noticed were a few tweaks to the way the CGM works between the two – read more here http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/2011/04/a-shiny-new-pump/
I find it strange you’re being offered a 515 and not a Veo, to be honest I didn’t know you could still get the older models, but that’s probably my ignorance rather than anything else.
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The Paradigm 522 is CGM capable too but I don’t think the 515 is. I’ve never used a 515 but I spent a happy 4 years using a Paradigm 722 RT before I got the Veo. Not that much difference really between the 722 RT and the Veo – the biggest differences I noticed were a few tweaks to the way the CGM works between the two – read more here http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/2011/04/a-shiny-new-pump/
I find it strange you’re being offered a 515 and not a Veo, to be honest I didn’t know you could still get the older models, but that’s probably my ignorance rather than anything else.
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Thanks Alison.Not sure why im being offered the older model didnt realise it was an older model till i started reseaching.
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Thanks Alison.Not sure why im being offered the older model didnt realise it was an older model till i started reseaching.
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Go the Combo!!! My son has had a Medtronic pump for almost 4 years, and we have just recently changed to the Accu-Chek Combo. If you haven’t already decided on the Medtronic, then let me assure you that I find the Accu-Chek Combo absolutely brilliant.
With the Medtronic pump his levels were always mostly high or low, not often in the “range” and the support from Medtronic was fairly bad, insofar as the rep never called me back and still is unaware we have changed pumps (I left a msg on answerphone 3 months ago, still no word). Accu-Chek do free batteries, so no cost to the NHS and have loads of other stuff they simply give you. I find the Combo unobtrusive, as the delivery of the pump is via the handset, which is not attached to you and is much easier to read, and also gives you trends, data etc on the handset, immeidately.
I found the quality of Medtronics quicksets to be of poorer quality over the last 18 months, and my son’s were sometimes only lasting a day, or two days (instead of three days), I also got loads of bubbles, etc, which we don’t now, as the reservoirs for the Combo are larger.
I could go on, so I will, the Advice line from Medtronic is poor, you get America after hours, and they aren’t very helpful (we had to replace his pump twice and I had to call them about setting it up again). Accu-Chek consultants are UK based, and are on-call 24/7. I had to call them twice yesterday for two separate things, and they were very empathetic and knowledgable.
If that’s not enough to convince you, the Accu-Chek Combo supplies (reservoirs, cannulas etc) are cheaper than Medtronic, so there is less cost to you and the NHS. Again, if it’s not too late, choose the COMBO,it’s brilliant!!
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Go the Combo!!! My son has had a Medtronic pump for almost 4 years, and we have just recently changed to the Accu-Chek Combo. If you haven’t already decided on the Medtronic, then let me assure you that I find the Accu-Chek Combo absolutely brilliant.
With the Medtronic pump his levels were always mostly high or low, not often in the “range” and the support from Medtronic was fairly bad, insofar as the rep never called me back and still is unaware we have changed pumps (I left a msg on answerphone 3 months ago, still no word). Accu-Chek do free batteries, so no cost to the NHS and have loads of other stuff they simply give you. I find the Combo unobtrusive, as the delivery of the pump is via the handset, which is not attached to you and is much easier to read, and also gives you trends, data etc on the handset, immeidately.
I found the quality of Medtronics quicksets to be of poorer quality over the last 18 months, and my son’s were sometimes only lasting a day, or two days (instead of three days), I also got loads of bubbles, etc, which we don’t now, as the reservoirs for the Combo are larger.
I could go on, so I will, the Advice line from Medtronic is poor, you get America after hours, and they aren’t very helpful (we had to replace his pump twice and I had to call them about setting it up again). Accu-Chek consultants are UK based, and are on-call 24/7. I had to call them twice yesterday for two separate things, and they were very empathetic and knowledgable.
If that’s not enough to convince you, the Accu-Chek Combo supplies (reservoirs, cannulas etc) are cheaper than Medtronic, so there is less cost to you and the NHS. Again, if it’s not too late, choose the COMBO,it’s brilliant!!
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@Lizz – no. You have to use a Dexcom seperately. (But users I have read say that it is easier with regards to the siting of the sensor.)
Apparently, Roche are currently working with Dexcom on their next pump which will be combined pump/CGM, and which, last time I looked, was due out within 2 years. Believe that estimate if you will.
But the handset puts the Roche (Accutrend) above the Medtronic for me (becasue I cant afford the CGM, and the NHS wont pay, so I discount it when comparing, I’m afraid.) -
@Lizz – no. You have to use a Dexcom seperately. (But users I have read say that it is easier with regards to the siting of the sensor.)
Apparently, Roche are currently working with Dexcom on their next pump which will be combined pump/CGM, and which, last time I looked, was due out within 2 years. Believe that estimate if you will.
But the handset puts the Roche (Accutrend) above the Medtronic for me (becasue I cant afford the CGM, and the NHS wont pay, so I discount it when comparing, I’m afraid.) -
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@jane – congratulations on getting an Omnipod! I’ve been told I can’t have one because the local hospital has done a deal with Roche and they have a cupboard full of their kit. I could pick one up within days if I wanted to but, like you, I think the lack of tubes makes it the Omnipod a no brainer. I am told that, because of the Roche deal (bulk discounts??) the Omnipod is too expensive in comparison!
The choice of pumps (or lack thereof) available to people clearly ;
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@jane – congratulations on getting an Omnipod! I’ve been told I can’t have one because the local hospital has done a deal with Roche and they have a cupboard full of their kit. I could pick one up within days if I wanted to but, like you, I think the lack of tubes makes it the Omnipod a no brainer. I am told that, because of the Roche deal (bulk discounts??) the Omnipod is too expensive in comparison!
The choice of pumps (or lack thereof) available to people clearly ;
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@nigho My hospital has a standard pump which wasn’t what I was looking for (I think it was Roche). When I approached them for a pump, I told them it had to be Medtronic because it was the only one with integrated CGM at the time and that was a requirement for me which I could demonstrate from a trial would deliver health benefits. I talked to them about the need for patient choice and for healthcare to be tailored to the needs of the patient.
I would struggle to make a case to argue that an Omnipod was medically necessary over a tubed pump. I think your only argument would be patient choice.
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@nigho My hospital has a standard pump which wasn’t what I was looking for (I think it was Roche). When I approached them for a pump, I told them it had to be Medtronic because it was the only one with integrated CGM at the time and that was a requirement for me which I could demonstrate from a trial would deliver health benefits. I talked to them about the need for patient choice and for healthcare to be tailored to the needs of the patient.
I would struggle to make a case to argue that an Omnipod was medically necessary over a tubed pump. I think your only argument would be patient choice.
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The hospitals seem to promote the pump they and their training staff are familiar with. As Alison suggests though your best argument is probably patient choice. If you can find a couple of others who would be interested in an Omnipod type pump then ask them to get the Omnipod rep in to talk about it and see where you go from their. I started on the Omnipod yesterday, the nurse seemed to think the whole start up was much easier than the other wired up pumps. For me it seems pretty OK so far but its early days, played squash in the evening with no ill effects ( apart from losing!).
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I’m with @mississippi I’m on a Roche Accucheck Combo & love it, even though there are things with it I’d change.
The Animas 2020 was my second choice but in my case the remote control won me over & is a life saver.
Everyone has there own list of desires & trade offs in a pump, it’ll always be that way or else there would only be one manufacturer & one pump available.
Personally I’d try to see the reps & get a loaner unit, whichever you choose you’ll be using it for the next four years, by which point they’ll be a whole load of new shiny options to choose from
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