Re: Re: No Math Insulin--Concept vs. Reality

May 28, 2004

In a message dated 5/28/2004 12:55:05 PM Pacific Standard Time,

wambo1941@... writes:

>

> GREETINGS --

> The concept of reflected in the Medtronic MiniMed Paradigm Insulin

> Pump and Glucose Monitoring System is certainly a heartening one, but

> there is still a long way to go before the concept becomes a fully

> functional reality. Presently I believe there is only one meter

> compatible with the Paradigm system and many users who have been

> attracted to the BD meter involved have stopped using it because of

> accuracy problems and quality control problems with the test strips.

> It is still necessary to prick your finger 4-6 times per day to

> measure your blood sugar whiich will then be inputted into the pump's

> computer, it will also be necessary for each user to establish the

> other inputs (# of points elevated blood sugars drop per unit of

> insulin, # of grams of carbohydrates covered by one unit of insulin,

> number of ounces of protein covered by one unit of insulin)(and

> change them as their situation changes), factoring in the volume of

> carbohydrate and protein in each meal or snack that you consume, and

> come up with the $6,000+ it will cost for all of the goodies -- when

> insurance companies balk at the price of a fully loaded cadilac when

> a VW will do the basic job. I use insulin (Humalog and Lantus) and

> do all of the things described above anyway -- and will continue to

> do them since it is the only way (except use a pump) that I am able

> to keep my A1c's below 5.5%.

> wambo1941

>

Hi, I understand the problems with the cost of the pump, as meditronic makes

the intrathecal catheter my husband has had for 10 years. His run 3-k and the

meds are horribly expensive (pharmacists words as he is the compounder, I

have never seen a bill for them) I do think they will reduce in price

eventually, but by hom much I am not sure. U really want to see smart insulin,

but like

you say, they can talk about it, but lets see it in action! Hugs, marilyn

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