New Insulin pump User

[grimgrningghost]

I just started using an insulin pump and I've had it almost a week now. I've been a type 1 diabetic for 24 years and it has felt like learning everything all over again! But eventually I think I am really going to like it. Just wondering how you Disney pumpers handle heat. We've made many Disney trips and I've always used a frio for my insulin. Are you supposed to keep the insulin in your pump from getting hot and if so how?

 

[Jen_in_NH]

My 5 year old son pumps, and we've never done anything special for keeping the insulin cool in the parks. We also go in December, so it's probably less of an issue then. He uses Omnipod , so there would be no way to cool the insulin in the pod, other than to cool him

 

[buffettgirl]

we've never had a problem with the heat and my son's pump.

I do only fill his reservoir with 2 or 3 day's worth of insulin. At home I fill it for a week.

 

[ttintagel]

I don't need to do anything special with the insulin in my pump.

 

[grimgrningghost]

ok good to know. I didn't really see any way I could keep it cool but also I don't understand why it's important to keep my pens from getting hot but that it's not important with the pump because it is exactly the same medicine. Thanks for sharing your experience though if people usually don't have trouble then I won't worry about it.

 

[levenhopper]

ok good to know. I didn't really see any way I could keep it cool but also I don't understand why it's important to keep my pens from getting hot but that it's not important with the pump because it is exactly the same medicine. Thanks for sharing your experience though if people usually don't have trouble then I won't worry about it.

Because pumps have thicker material surrounding the insulin, it takes longer for the ambient temperature to reach the insulin. Pens, with only a thin layer of plastic around the insulin, are more affected by temperature. Also, since a pen can last up to a month, but insulin in a pump is changed (typically) every 3-5 days, it doesn't experience as many temperature highs as a pen might.

That being said, you shouldn't take your pump in a hot tub. The hot water would cause a rise in the insulin's temperature far more quickly than just being outside in the heat, which would damage the insulin.

 

[dentalhygmeech]

We purchased a FRIO for our son's pump. It is pump size and comes with a waterproof liner. With that said we haven't used it yet. We leave for Disney and Disney cruise in 9 sleeps. Will let you know how it works for us.

 

[buffettgirl]

Because pumps have thicker material surrounding the insulin, it takes longer for the ambient temperature to reach the insulin. Pens, with only a thin layer of plastic around the insulin, are more affected by temperature. Also, since a pen can last up to a month, but insulin in a pump is changed (typically) every 3-5 days, it doesn't experience as many temperature highs as a pen might.

That being said, you shouldn't take your pump in a hot tub. The hot water would cause a rise in the insulin's temperature far more quickly than just being outside in the heat, which would damage the insulin.

actually, it's the pump tubing that gives the most trouble if it's hanging outside the person. Like my kid - pump in pants pocket, tubing hanging out flapping in the breeze.

 

[jcano]

Pumping for everyone is different. Having said that we change our daughters insulin each evening while at Disney when it is hot. We found that the insulin does not hold up in the heat and we have better numbers when we change the insuling in the pump daily. Not the site but the insulin in the pump. We run enough for one day. This is what happens to us just in case you see your numbers do something wierd on the 2nd or 3rd day. Of course this is different from person to person. Just went in December and since colder did not have to do this. Each of our September trips we changed out the insulin daily.

 

[ttintagel]

...tubing hanging out flapping in the breeze.

Not to mention within range of the cat's teeth!

 

[buffettgirl]

Not to mention within range of the cat's teeth!

and doorknobs and cabinet knobs LOL.

 

[Rland8228]

I just found this thread as we leave in four days and I am your kid...lol I recently go my medtronic pump two years ago while pregnant and this will be my first trip with the pump. I recently put an order in for supplies wasn't paying attention to the tubbing length ordered way longer than I should have. I put my pump in my back pocket and I catch the tubbing on everything door knobs cabinet drawers. The worst was the other day I came home and the dog jumped up on me her foot got caught in and ripped my site out. . so I am going to have to do something during our trip lol!

 

[TartanPink]

My 10 year old pumps at Disney with no trouble. He uses Medtronic.
Best advice is to bring MANY extra supplies and plenty of insulin. If you indulge at the restaurants you'll need it!

Only heat issue is that sweat or a water ride could make your site fall off. Again, double or triple up on the supplies. You don't want to get stuck. I know Medtronic will FedEx supplies it you're in a jam.

 

[ttintagel]

Only heat issue is that sweat or a water ride could make your site fall off. Again, double or triple up on the supplies. You don't want to get stuck. I know Medtronic will FedEx supplies it you're in a jam.

That happened to me last trip; we had just finished breakfast at Sunshine Seasons and were headed to our reservation at the Behind the Seeds tour, and my whole pod fell off from the sweat. I had to miss the tour, go back to the hotel, and put a new pod on.

 

[buffettgirl]

That happened to me last trip; we had just finished breakfast at Sunshine Seasons and were headed to our reservation at the Behind the Seeds tour, and my whole pod fell off from the sweat. I had to miss the tour, go back to the hotel, and put a new pod on.

We pack at least one site change per day with us, sometimes two, especially if it's summer and we'll be swimming. We also carry one site change with us in the parks.

 

[ttintagel]

We pack at least one site change per day with us, sometimes two, especially if it's summer and we'll be swimming. We also carry one site change with us in the parks.

Yeah, I'll definitely do that next time! I just never wanted to have to worry about carrying a vial of insulin around with me for changes.

 

[ChristineNic]

DH uses Omnipod. He usually places his pods on the front of his upper leg. The last time we were at Disney, he kept getting occlusions. It took us a few days to realize that the extra stuff he was stowing in the pockets of his cargo shorts for the parks kept bumping his pod, thus causing the occulsions.

 

[kimszath]

Don't forget that wearing a pump on a roller coaster isn't recommended. At the very least, disconnect. Pulling G's on a coaster can force extra insulin from the tubing into you, from what I understand. I always have my kiddo disconnect and give me his pump, and I just keep it in a clean baggie while he's meeting his coaster quota. That way, I don't have to worry about a several-thousand-dollar One Touch Ping getting slung out of his pocket. Check BG before getting in line!

 

[ch1ps]

Some excellent advice here. Thanks! I am hoping to get a pump in the very near future and we are travelling in September, so hope to have a good understanding of how to use by then!

 

[CKCruising]

Don't forget that wearing a pump on a roller coaster isn't recommended. At the very least, disconnect. Pulling G's on a coaster can force extra insulin from the tubing into you, from what I understand. I always have my kiddo disconnect and give me his pump, and I just keep it in a clean baggie while he's meeting his coaster quota. That way, I don't have to worry about a several-thousand-dollar One Touch Ping getting slung out of his pocket. Check BG before getting in line!

I have never had an issue on a roller coaster (I have been on them all at WDW). Normally, I disconnect from the site, but it's never done anything silly. I am more concerned that the pump will pop off my belt (I just use the black clip), so I make sure it's tightly secured. It's only rides with magnets that are a concern.

If I had someone to hand it to, I would probably do that, but it's not necessary.