Jim Davidson
"I believe that the pump, specifically a closed-loop system, would make a significant difference for me, especially in controlling my blood sugar levels overnight."
The journey of living with type one diabetes has been quite an experience for me. I was first diagnosed with type 1 in October 1992, and back then, the available technology for managing diabetes was quite limited. I remember it involved injections, a mixture of slow-acting and fast-acting insulin. I can't recall if I took it once or twice a day, but it definitely wasn't as advanced as it is now.
Over time, technology started to advance, and new options like the Freestyle Libre came into the picture. This was a game-changer for me because it took away the guesswork of managing my blood sugar levels. Even the experts at the diabetes clinic couldn't always provide accurate insights into my blood sugar fluctuations. So, the Freestyle Libre was a significant step forward for me in terms of managing my condition.
When the device first came out, I self-funded it for a few months before the funding from NHS kicked in. Since then, I have been using the Freestyle Libre and I find it to be a fantastic piece of technology.
In terms of other technologies, I have been considering insulin pumps. A few years ago, a consultant suggested that I try using a pump, but at the time, I wasn't keen on the idea of tubes and belts. However, more recently, I learned about the Omnipod pump, which doesn't have tubes and seemed more appealing to me. In January, I contacted the diabetes clinic to inquire about the pump, but I was told that there is an 18-month waiting list.
It's a bit frustrating to know that the technology is available to others, but I have to wait for it. I understand that the clinic prioritises certain people like pregnant women, over me because they consider my diabetes to be managed reasonably well. However, I believe that the pump, specifically a closed-loop system, would make a significant difference for me, especially in controlling my blood sugar levels overnight.
I've inquired about self-funding the pump, but I haven't received a response regarding whether it would remove me from the waiting list. I'm just hoping for some clarity on that front. The cost of the pump and related expenses, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), can add up to around £5,000 a year, which is a significant financial commitment.
Despite the potential expenses, I believe that the benefits of these technologies outweigh the costs. It's a waiting game for now, and I'll have to see how things progress. Ultimately, I hope to have access to the pump and the closed-loop system, as I believe they would greatly improve my quality of life with diabetes.
