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574118 tn?1305135284

Insulin Pump for diabetes type-1

I just registered to this forum. My cousin has diabetes type-1. He asked me to write to you as his English is poor.
He wants to know whether the pump is really practical to use. i.e. does it need hand monitoring or it is automatic, does it need regular spare parts. How long does it last or is disposable after a while Does it really replace the pancreas, or you add additional skill to use it
thank you
Ezz
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574118 tn?1305135284
I forgot to ask one more question
After he had started to inject insulin I noticed that he put on some weight. Upon asking him for the reason he said insulin is a fat storage hormone. Now the company selling the product (pump) told him that one of the advantages of the pump is that the pump injects insulin like the pancreas when needed only so that each drop of insulin is used. So he is asking whether by using the pump can he reduce his weight i.e. resolve this obesity issue.
many thanks
Ezz
Helpful - 0
15695260 tn?1549593113
Hello and welcome to the forum. Thank you for the question worded so well for your  cousin.  His doctor is his best source of information, always.  But we will try to help provide some information.  Here's an article on the insulin pump and advantages to it.  https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/insulin-pump  It states that doctors like the pump because it delivers insulin SLOWLY like the pancreas, mimicing that better than injections.  IIt also can be set to delvier different amounts at different times of the day.  t is computerized so considered to be more accurate and exact. It also really helps with the morning sugar issues so many have issues with.  Research shows that it's usage improves glucose blood levels greatly.  It gives patients greater flexibility around meal times. The down side is that he will be attached to the pump inputting information several times a day.  And it can have a financial cost associated to supplies.  Hopefully that is a non issue for him.  He also will need to check his blood sugar which is very important when using the pump. There is a learning curve to using it.  

Weight gain is a common thing that happens when using insulin.  This article discusses that and has ideas of how to combat that. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/insulin-and-weight-gain/art-20047836  Diet and exercise is still key.  
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