After more than 42 years on multiple daily injections (MDI), I recently took the leap to an insulin pump—a move I never imagined making. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1982 at the age of 14, my early management relied on vials of pork and beef insulin, disposable syringes, and urine test strips instead of glucometers. It was all I knew, and for the time, it worked well enough.
Over the years, advancements in insulin, such as long-acting basal insulin, the consistent coverage provided by Tresiba, and the innovative InPen, have significantly enhanced my experience with MDI.
Here’s my journey—from my past experiences to my present with the Omnipod 5—the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and my advice for anyone thinking about making a change.
Why Make the Switch to an Insulin Pump Now?
What sparked the change? Honestly, it was curiosity. The more I learned, the more I recognized the potential for improved control and greater freedom with a pump. My priority was clear: I wanted a tubeless system, which led me to focus on the Omnipod 5.
At a Touched by Type 1 convention, I met a company rep, asked questions, and got a hands-on look at the device. That interaction, combined with insights from friends and clients, gave me the confidence to give it a try.
Life on MDI: The Early Days
For decades, MDI was my routine. I relied on vials and syringes in the beginning, transitioning to Novolog for mealtime and Tresiba for long-acting insulin. The smart insulin pen, Inpen later revolutionized my MDI experience—it calculated doses, synced with my CGM, and gave me flexibility.
MDI worked well for me. My A1C reflected my efforts, and I felt confident in my ability to manage my diabetes. But the diabetes community and talking with clients kept nudging me to explore pump therapy. Hearing their stories and interviewing pump experts on my podcast sparked my curiosity. In Episode 34, "Insulin Pumps & Automated Delivery with Stormie Baxter," Stormie, a certified pump trainer and fellow T1D, shared valuable insights on pump therapies.
Overcoming My Hesitation: Adjusting to Life with an Insulin Pod
My biggest hesitation was adding another device to my body. While wearing a CGM was never an issue—in fact, I enjoyed it when people asked, “What’s that thing on your arm?”—I wasn’t as excited about attaching the pod. It took some time to figure out the best spots to wear it, sleep comfortably, and stay active without it feeling intrusive.
So far, my initial worries haven’t been a barrier. I even tried wearing the pod on my arm for the first time and welcomed questions about it. While the pod feels a bit large for my arm, the experience was manageable. Another adjustment was changing the pod every three days, but it’s quickly become just another part of my routine.
The Transition: Early Hurdles and Wins
Switching to a pump wasn’t without its challenges. After decades of managing every dose myself, letting an automated system take the reins felt like a loss of control. It took patience and a lot of tweaking for the Omnipod 5’s algorithm to learn my habits—how I eat, exercise, and respond to stress.
The biggest game-changer? Convenience. I no longer have to carry and worry about my Inpen or its storage. Wearing my insulin has freed me in ways I didn’t expect, though the Omnipod’s separate controller (like a second phone) is a minor inconvenience.
Lessons from My First 60 Days
Since starting the Omnipod 5 in October 2024, my time in range has improved, and I’m feeling more confident. Here are the key takeaways from my journey:
Switching from Novolog to Fiasp: I was noticing blood sugar spikes after meals, so my pump trainer recommended switching from Novolog to Fiasp. This faster-acting insulin made a big difference, improving my post-meal numbers and increasing my time in range.
Community is Everything: Talking to others who’ve walked this path helped calm my nerves and build trust in the process.
Be Patient: Adjusting to a pump takes time. Give yourself grace as you and the system adapt.
Ask Questions: From pump reps to diabetes educators, there’s a wealth of knowledge out there. Don’t hesitate to tap into it.
Reflections on the Switch
Looking back, MDI served me well for many years. But the freedom, improved control, and reduced mental load of using the Omnipod 5 have been worth the effort. My husband, who also has Type 1, joined me in trying the pump—his experience with a different model years ago made this transition a shared journey.
Advice for Others Considering a Change
Do Your Research: Understand your priorities and explore systems that meet them. Tubeless was non-negotiable for me. (Blog: How to Choose an Insulin Pump with Confidence)
Talk to Your Team: Involve your endocrinologist and pump trainers to ensure a smooth transition.
Trust Yourself: This is your journey, and it’s okay to experiment, learn, and adapt as you go.
Freedom to Return to MDI: Many of us are fortunate to have insurance that offers choices throughout our diabetes journey. While I’m committed to my pump now, I’ll never say I won’t return to MDI or take a pump break in the future. I’m grateful to have this flexibility, allowing me to adapt to the emotional and practical aspects of managing Type 1 diabetes.
For more on my transition to a pump, tune in to episode 84 of my podcast, where Kaycee Parker interviews me about this experience and what I’ve learned along the way.
Making the switch wasn’t easy, but it’s brought me greater freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. If you’re considering a change, lean on your community, explore your options, and know you’re not alone
Here’s to embracing change and thriving in the process!
Don't forget to Pin this post...
Comments