Here are answers to many questions often asked by people considering insulin pump therapy:

• What's it like to be attached to something all the time?
• What happens if my insulin pump breaks?
• Can I feel the insertion site?
• Where do I insert the infusion set?
• Will my insurance company cover a MiniMed Paradigm^® insulin pump?
• How do I wear the insulin pump?
• Where do I put the insulin pump while I sleep?
• Can I take a bath or swim?
• What about intimacy?

What's it like to be attached to something all the time?

Like anything else that is new (wearing a wedding ring, breaking in a new pair of shoes, and carrying a purse), in the beginning, MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump wearers notice the insulin pump far more than they do after a month has gone by. There are times when being connected to an insulin pump is more cumbersome, such as when showering, getting dressed in the morning, or when trying on clothes at a store. In order to make it easier for MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump wearers to handle routine tasks such as these, Medtronic Diabetes developed the Quick Release which allows insulin pump wearers to quickly and easily detach from the insulin pump for short periods of time. For patients using the MiniMed Paradigm model 522 or 722 insulin pump with continuous glucose monitoring, the sensor and transmitter components stay adhered to the skin and do not interfere with showering or getting dressed.

What happens if my insulin pump breaks?

In the event that you suspect something is wrong with your insulin pump, you should call Medtronic Diabetes's 24 hour Help-Line: 1-866-948-6633 (toll-free), option 1. If we are unable to resolve the problem by trouble shooting, we will instruct you on how to return your insulin pump for repair. A replacement insulin pump will be sent out to you by Federal Express for delivery the next day. The MiniMed Paradigm; insulin pump is very reliable and sturdy. Over the years, we have diligently implemented quality improvements in an effort to ensure that our insulin pumps are dependable and long-lasting. With over 25 years of product innovation, and more than 150,000 people on Medtronic Diabetes insulin pumps, we are committed to creating safe, reliable products - and being there when you need us. 24 hours a day, every single day of the year.

Can I feel the insertion site?

The insertion site should be completely comfortable. If you feel the site, you should check it to see if it is red or irritated. The Medtronic Diabetes Sof-set is a special infusion set with a removable introducer needle, only a flexible micro-tube is left under the skin. The Sof-set allows for virtually painless, comfortable delivery even during vigorous activity and exercise.

Where do I insert the infusion set?

The infusion set can be inserted in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen, thigh, or arm. Most people prefer the abdomen because it has the most consistent rate of absorption of insulin. Usually, women place the infusion site in the lower abdomen, while men chose the upper abdomen. You may want to experiment to find the most comfortable position. The important thing is to remember to avoid inserting into bony areas, under belt lines or in other areas where clothing might cause irritation. If you are using continuous glucose monitoring with your insulin pump, the sensor and infusion set sites should be at least two inches apart.

Will my insurance company cover a MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump?

Most insurance companies are aware of the extraordinary findings of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), and therefore understand the importance of achieving blood glucose control as close to the normal range as possible in order to prevent the onset and progression of diabetes complications. Because pumps are only prescribed in response to specific clinical issues (i.e., the inability to safely achieve adequate glycemic control, hypoglycemia during sleep, work/shift schedules that require flexible insulin delivery, etc.), most insurance plans provide reimbursement for insulin pump therapy. However, because there are so many different insurance companies and because each company can have hundreds of different "plans", the only way to determine for certain that your insurance plan covers insulin pump therapy is to do a "verification". This is done by completing an Assignment of Benefits Form and having Medtronic Diabetes's Insurance Verification Department check your coverage. Insurance forms and further information are available.

How do I wear the insulin pump?

There are almost as many answers to that question as there are insulin pump wearers. Because the insulin pump is a small hand-held device, about the size of a cellphone, it is easy to conceal completely. You decide where you want to wear it: in a pocket, tucked into a bra or garter belt, or placed in a case that can be worn on a belt. Some people prefer to have their MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump out where it's easier to get to for programming. This can be done with a simple belt clip available with the insulin pump, similar to that used on beepers.

Where do I put the insulin pump while I sleep?

The answer to this question is: "do what works best for you." With 42 inches of infusion set tubing, there are many options available. Some MiniMed Paradigm; insulin pump wearers place their insulin pump next to them on the bed, while others leave it on a bedside table. Many wearers put it in a pocket of their pajamas. Many insulin pump wearers place the MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump under their pillow so they always know where it is.

Can I take a bath or swim?

Of course! It's true that the pump is a fairly sensitive instrument and should be protected from being immersed in water. But there are several easy ways to handle the pump when bathing, showering, or swimming. Medtronic Diabetes makes several products that simplify this and other every day issues. Many MiniMed Paradigm insulin pump wearers like to use the Medtronic Diabetes Quick Release (QR) so that they can easily disconnect from the pump and tubing about four inches back from the infusion site. Or the pump can be placed in the ShowerPak, a specially designed plastic bag that can be hung around the neck or on a faucet handle during the shower. You can even just set the pump on the floor during a bath, letting the tubing drape over the side of the tub. The sensor and transmitter are fully waterproof. You can bathe, shower, or swim with them connected, but we do not recommend immersing them in very hot water (like a jacuzzi).

What about intimacy?

Most insulin pump users are concerned about this initially, but find that it's not much of an issue as long as it's discussed openly with the partner. If you're both comfortable with the insulin pump, just leave it in place. You may want to use 42" tubing length to allow you to place the insulin pump well out of reach. Many an insulin pump has spent an intimate evening nestled in a garter belt. Many people prefer to disconnect from the insulin pump and tubing before intimate contact by using the Quick Release. With a simple twist, the insulin pump and tubing can be detached so that insulin pump therapy is not a part of intimate moments. In short, you can do anything with an insulin pump that you can do on injections and, perhaps more importantly, just about anything you would choose to do if you didn't have diabetes.