How to STOP Wasting Insulin with Your Omnipod System or Pump

[@tinastewart9688]

Thank you for this video! I wasn’t able to ate d the class with my husband and he couldn’t remember how it was done. This brought back his memory and we were able to fill his pod! Thanks again :)

[@Carol_Pearson]

I once left an old Dexcom sensor in (I was also changing the transmitter with that sensor change) and did a double take when I was getting ready to take a shower that evening. Had to remember which was the new sensor/ transmitter. So, yeah, I can see where that might be a thing with the pods too! ;)

[@stevedgrossman]

Why can't you fill it directly with the pen?

[@philaarrtt]

I use my pen needle with my pen to fill my pod, no need to use the syringe. I feel that is unnecessary step.

[@1blondied]

O I did wonder if you could just use pen to fill up pod...Thank you that's a lot easier x

[@Vc80578]

I did this as shown. When I took the pen out of the plunger, it sprayed insulin everywhere and made a hissing sound. So, this technique didn't work for me.

[@abovediabetes]

Oh no! Thank you for letting me know. If it is spraying insulin, that is less about the insertion, and likely more about using an overused area. I would definitely use a different area on your body. If it is a well-used area, it will also negatively impact insulin absorption. Try a completely new place on your body with your next insertion. For example, if you often use your stomach, switch to your sides or arms.

[@Interested1956]

Ariel, very informative video! Do have any experience with FIASP and Lyumjev rapid action insulins with the Omnipod? What type insulin do you use? Thank you.

[@ChrisT-yw2vi]

What app is that i need a app on my phone for the dash?

[@arwaassiri6646]

Thank u so much it was so useful and I’m so thankful ❤️

[@leoguy1609]

Average 42.3 units a day, some days the pod doesn't last me two days and considering going back to the pen. If you have only a few small bubbles, they aren't an issue. Unfortunately my provider wants me to use the vials, this probably has to do with my insurance company than my provider ?

[@eastonguy62]

Very helpful. Thanks. I’m a relatively new type 1. Expired September 2021 but unopened humalog pens kept refrigerated. Would you use or discard? Hate to waste them. Entire unopened box.

[@IHeartQuilting2]

Potency is guaranteed only until expiration date if unopened and stored according to instructions. I'd probably use insulin up to 6 months past expiration and see what effect it had on my blood sugar. I base this on FDA studies done for the US Military that found that IV preparations were still at 95% efficacy at 6 months. Use not recommendation 18 months after expiration. The study was done before modern insulins came on the market, so you are kindof winging it.

[@karenharold81]

Thank you

[@chad74721]

Hey Ariel, thanks so much for your tips and tricks! It looks like you're using an iPhone, but Insulet's site says that the iPhone app is not available yet. I currently have 4 devices (work iPhone, Google Pixel 3a (old personal phone that has my Dexcom G6 app), Google Pixel 6 Pro (new personal phone), and the Omnipod PDM (since Omnipod only supports Samsung for Android))...4 devices (even 3) are way too many for me to keep up with, so if I can get rid of the Omnipod PDM in favor of the iPhone app, it would make my management 25% better! Did you find the app in the Apple App Store, and if so, can you please let me know which app it is?

[@chrisingle8388]

Is that an omnipod 5?

[@milevanfaent]

Is there anything I can do to get insulin out of a pod that I was forced to deactivate? I've got just short of 200 units sitting in the pod I had to take off just now.

[@victoryasokoletsky2495]

What's the name of app that you are using to manage the omnipod??

[@Pot8oes]

Its called loop and you order a thing that you assemble and stuff, it’s just a hastle but it will make your A1c way better because the pod communicates with your CGM

[@ashleysilvestrini6575]

Question!!! How can I extract insulin from the pod when it’s come off early - like a day after changing it out bc of swimming or activities! I hate to waste insulin! I can never extract much and I’ve been told to put 125-150 units in when changing which I now see is hugely wasteful!! My daughter uses only @30-35 units per day! Please help!

[@MollyMA13]

I do it every time. Wasting insulin is offensive to those who have died by rationing in my opinion. You pull out the insulin from the pod the same way you put it in! You usually cannot get ALL of it out, but any is better than none imo.

[@mrdorfy]

@@MollyMA13 yes, wasting insulin is a sin!

[@Pot8oes]

@@MollyMA13 i tried It didn’t work I had 74 units left and the srynge only got filled with air Any clue why ?

[@MollyMA13]

@@Pot8oesIts super weird, but it doesn't always work.

[@MollyMA13]

You can try holding the pod above or below the syringe, or just different positions.

[@lapinou44]

Is this the Dash?

[@_sina_tpwk_]

No

[@MollyMA13]

No, it’s Loop

[@harleydavis99]

This is loop, a diy solution for iOS, there is also a solution for Android. loopkit.github.io/loopdocs/ androidaps.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

[@baileebrowne7696]

How bad does the omnipod hurt?

[@baddog2029]

Ever been stung by a wasp? About 10x worse that that kidding, barely feel it at all.

[@mrdorfy]

Have you ever taken Trulicity? It's painless compared to Trulicity.

[@dawnb2224]

I thought you were on the tandem pump.

[@DCARA06]

Are you on a low carb diet? My 9yr old uses more insulin in a day than you do. She’s on MDI waiting for her omnipod training

[@bemak78]

I just switched from mid to pump They calculate for you depending on how much you take. So it's going to be much less than mdi. In my opinion. I take way less on a pump than I did mdi. Was on mdi for 33 years.

[@Pot8oes]

It depends on the person Maybe she has less insulin to carb ratio than your daughter

[@maryowens8701]

What if I have a pod on my arm and it’s leaking?

[@paigeandcedsister]

My mom uses 36 of Lantus I can literally go through 1 pen in 5 days

[@lungdoc555]

I change my pod every 48 hours (minimizes tissue reaction). I use about 20-25 units per day. Can I used the slow filling method to minimize my insulin use when changing pods?.

[@Pot8oes]

Yep

[@melindacoppak2554]

I have had diabetes for about 25 years. When I was first diagnosed it was gestational. Then after birth. I was told I have type 2. My husband swears iam type 1. I feel like doctors are scared to change that diagnosis. Iam high alot then low. Sometimes in the 50 and 60s. I wear a tslim x2 pump and will have the CIQ in a couple days. I struggle so much

[@lungdoc555]

Easy. Have them check your antibodies.

[@maryowens8701]

I put my pot on and I felt the bakes steam and it hurt then I realize as everything was OK that insulin started leaking underneath my arm what does that mean is my pod defective

[@Vamayerr]

Hi, I noticed you were using an app on your phone to deactivate and change your pod, so i was curious to know what the name of the app is because i have been using a PDM and using my phone would be a lot easier.

[@MollyMA13]

It’s her loop app, it’s if you use the loop system

[@andreaherrera8011]

I am also interested in knowing how you have the system on your phone and not on the device. That would give an opportunity to people who do not have the money to pay for that device that serves the same thing that both the cell phone and the device do. You could share what the app is so I would have more option to buy only the pods. Thank you

[@MollyMA13]

@@andreaherrera8011 Are you familiar at all with the technology? The loop app is a hack not approved by the FDA that serves as a link between the CGM & pump that would usually not be able to link together. You could not buy just the pods, you need the whole system.

[@Pot8oes]

Its called loop and you order a thing that you assemble and stuff, it’s just a hastle but it will make your A1c way better because the pod communicates with your CGM

[@mrdorfy]

Omnipod 5 will have more integration with CGMs and phones in '22.

[@hi1guy1]

If you keep your insulin from getting warm it will last far longer than 28 days. I know this for a fact.

[@katarinaasbury4806]

It seems you were able to use your phone as the PDM, how? Is there an app available now? I have the Dash

[@Pot8oes]

Its called loop and you order a thing that you assemble and stuff, it’s just a hastle but it will make your A1c way better because the pod communicates with your CGM

[@creekboie3277]

I’m supposed to change my tubbing and I have 37 units

[@jgefaell]

Balderdash. A vial will last months.

[@IHeartQuilting2]

Once you've opened a vial of insulin, you have to toss it after 28 days due to bacteria accumulation. That is the sole reason you are tossing it - it might be effective longer, but the bacteria are a problem. Long acting insulins have a different profile and can be opened longer, but they aren't used in pumps.

[@edgarjr2004]

Thank you