My Omnipod 5 Experience so far…
The Omnipod 5 is a tubeless insulin pump delivery system that became widely available in the summer of 2022. Some love it, others quickly switched back to a different system. I hope you’ll read on….I hung on, and I’m glad I did.
When the Omnipod 5 system was released I knew I wanted my hands on it. I had tried the original Omnipod system back in 2009 and it just wasn’t for me, then. After wearing the bionic pancreas in 2013 as part of the super cool Beta Bionics Clinical Trial, I was easily convinced to wear the Tandem system and never looked back. The ability to have now, the upgraded software Control IQ technology with the built in trust of overnight sleep and “grazing” at a party knowing the automated delivery of insulin will kick in is amazingly reassuring.
BUT, with 2 small kiddos at home I just wanted to try tubeless. I wanted a break, change it up.
I put on my first pod in mid August, 2022. I’m exactly 8 weeks in and here’s been my top ten learnings so far….
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Many clinicians and fellow OP5 wearers have said “give it 3-4 pods of wearing…” for me it took about 5-6 weeks where I felt like the system and I became friends and I wasn’t immediately seeing a number well over 200mg/dl within 10 mins after eating. It was so frustrating, and I was ready to throw in the towel. I was higher than I’d like to be, a lot! I was determined to make the system and I get along, but the first month was rough on my mind.
I reduced my active insulin time in settings all the way down to 2 hours. This allows the system to be more aggressive with correction dosing and give me insulin sooner after a meal.
I increased my carbohydrate ratio. (I thought to myself, how could I suddenly need so much more insulin??)I honestly compared it to being pregnant with T1D again, constantly adjusting ratios and correction factors, but after looking at some data, I realize I am actually taking less insulin by 1-2 units total per day, it is just getting delivered differently). For example, I was using 1:12 and I am now down to 1:10 grams and seems to be ok…for now.
I absolutely love being tubeless. The ability to just “not have to worry” about where to put the pump, tubing bubbles and occlusion alarms, and whether or not it is actually attached to me is so freeing. The last few days of summer and beach days there was no thought of clipping to a dress, bathing suit, or thinking or planning about where to put it.
That being said, using an IOS operated phone, having to haul around the device makes it mentally easier to forget to bolus before meals, and I often find myself fishing around my purse or racing around the house to locate the controller to give insulin and end up giving insulin either with or immediately after. I do miss the accessibility of the delivery of insulin option physically attached to me.
I have had some serious skin issues…like lumps and bruises. I am not usually someone who is sensitive to any adhesive or has skin irritation with either CGM or pump sites, but the pod for whatever reason often leaves a bigger than desired lump/redness. I use coconut oil and apply any Neosporin to any area that just doesn’t look right.
I’m not “wasting” insulin. There is no insulin in the tubing or as much “leftover” insulin inside the pod as I felt like with other systems.
Packaging! There is ONE piece of packaging, so instead of hoping I grabbed the 4 pieces of equipment I need-it's all in one.
Pharmacy benefit! This is huge for me as there is no third party or extra layer of prescription or supply order or additional 1-800 number to add to my favorites list in my contacts. I can pick up my pods or have them delivered directly from CVS, and if I don’t want to fill them that month, or decide to switch back to a different system or just not use a pump for a few months, I can. The flexibility is there. Not locked in for 4 years.
Whether a pro or a con, the Omnipod forces me to change the site every 3 days. Rotating sites on the body never hurt anyone.
Is it a perfect system, no, of course not. For right now I am going to stick it out. I feel like after 8 weeks it is responding more quickly to out of range high blood sugars, and I think I have treated a low blood sugar with food maybe once. I’d say that’s pretty good. I’d love to know your comments?
Also-the best way I have found to REALLY get the tips and tricks is through others experiencing the same stuff. Check out the BEtA BOOTCAMP Family Support Program to get you and yours feeling confident on all things T1D.
