[Diabetes-talk] Pumps

[Kelly Thornbury]

I was on a pump back in the mid/late 90s when you could still buy pre-filled cartridges, and it was sight loss and blindness that sent me back to the pens. 

So, it looks like there are several pump users here, and I'm curious as to the models you use, and your vision level if you choose to share as I'm now shopping for a new pump. 

So far, in talking to company reps, the Accu-Trend Spirit seems to be the most "accessible," as it is one of the few pumps I've found where every time you enter a menu the selector starts at the top of the menu. It also has the beeps and vibrations as you navigate menus and make selections. 

I looked at another, which I've forgotten the name of, which automatically primes and inserts the needle, and the "unit" is controlled entirely by a remote. I asked their tech support about the possibility of a smartphone app to program and control the unit, but never heard anything back. 

Then, my doctor has been talking about a Johnson and Johnson pump supposedly up for FDA evaluation with speech capabilities. My doctor has seen pictures of the pump, but I lack the credentials to find any information on it or it's progress. I know J&J was recently in trouble with quality control, but I'm betting that now that the FDA has come down on them their quality control will be significantly improved...hopefully. 

So, any ideas on pumps and accessible features would be appreciated. 

Thanks,
Kelly