Wearing the Beta Bionics iLet Pump

[@NanNelson-qz3ej]

I was in the original study of the ilet pump. I have worn the medtronic and tslim. I cried when I had to give back the pump. It was amazing. The pump was delivered this week, I get the training next week. If you have questions for someone who has worn this, send them on.

[@snunnally77]

Do you prefer the plastic or the steel infusions set? Trying to find the one that hurts the least

[@CindyBorodkin]

Great video! I've been using the iLet for just over a month. The first week or two were rocky. At some point it learned me and I learned it. Clarity shows a remarkable improvement in my BG's which weren't bad at the start. I've tried both the steel and plastic infusion sets.There's no difference in the feel. I can't feel either. Customer support is fantastic when you have questions. I'm very happy with my choice.

[@maureenmccarron6766]

Watched this on 9-1-24. Just learned about the iLet & Beta Bionic pump from a DiaTribe post. My endo has not had any experience w/this pump or software, but the diabetes educator in his practice has 1 patient w/it now. I will need Medicare to pay for it & all the supplies. I have used Medtronic/MiniMed pumps since the early 1990’s and Tandem tslim & Dexcom CGMs since I switched to Medicare at age 65. Despite a tremendous amount of work (& quarterly adjustments of all the parameters by my endos) my A1c #’s have hovered around 7.5 for > 20 years. At age 70 (& 46 years since Dx) I’m looking for a pump/CGM that is less labor intensive. Currently, I have no diabetes related complications, but I have always believed in & worked for better glucose control. Would you be willing to write to me about your experiences w/this Beta Bionic iLet pump?

[@ChipHayes3]

Small comment on something you said at the very end. I became diabetic in 1966. At my one year anniversary, I went to a diabetic camp for a week. Back then -1967- the medicos would talk about a cure “still being 8 to 10 years away.” LOTS of good changes since then, but don’t count your chickens yet.

[@4Him4Ever]

There will probably never be a “cure” for diabetes until they find a way to monetize it.

[@Jennifer-ul2vz]

I was told cure was 10 years off at 20...I'm now 58..Nor going to happen for me but I have hope maybe my Grandkids could have a shot at a cure in 30 or 40 years.

[@frankiebigrings7048]

As a diabetic who went and has worked at a diabetes camp for 10 or so years now which one did you go to where was it

[@NanNelson-qz3ej]

I am a physician, I found this pump to be so easy to use. Most if not all the spikes stopped. They asked if I was eating. I tried to keep my diet the same using the Medtronic and the ilet.

[@4Him4Ever]

Regarding at 42 mins (roughly) I’ve had type 1 for 34 years and have ALWAYS had a “diabetes milletus; uncontrolled” diagnosis the entire time. Sure wish they’d change it to “diabetes milletus, good job trying!” diagnosis.

[@maritime-anagram-diceware-mama]

Thank you Mike! (And Justin!!) So valuable seeing an actual user talking about it, I’m glad that Mike was pretty honest about the actual experience and it wasn’t only sunshine and rainbows. As a diabetic “consumer” it’s equally if not more important to know limitations of all of our systems.

[@janansberry6406]

Thank you for having this knowledgeable experienced guest on. I pray that the gas and breaks for type 1 comes sooner rather than later. I hope that others that have used I let pumps also comment.

[@Papamatarese]

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing! Am 40 and have been carb counting since I was 11… Awesome to see not only a type 1 diabetic using this but, also an actual doctor. Just signed up to get one 🥳

[@diabe_tech]

So exciting!! Let us know how it goes.

[@12sethbuckner]

Whats average cost with Insurance

[@Papamatarese]

@@12sethbuckner depends on your insurance but, way cheaper for supplies than my tandem control iq and actually works for me. Always struggled with a higher A1C on tandem pumps no one listened. Seen this video and got one and my glucose average is actually down from 200’s to under 170 for my 3 month average

[@cliffvictoria3863]

Main reason I think many type 1 diabetics don't have pumps and CGMs is cost. Even with good insurance, they aren't cheap. Many people can't afford the "luxury" of a pump and CGM. Which is one of the big problems with medical providers and insurance companies. They put profits ahead of medical customers. I will be replacing my Medtronic pump with an iLet before the end of the year. I already have the G6. After 47 years as a type 1, I like the ideas of less input and an aggressive algorithm to improve on my, already good, A1C and in range numbers.

[@rsilvers129]

Number one reason is they don't care enough to try to get one. There are lots of free pumps for the asking.

[@jlowens6646]

@@rsilvers129 Do tell! I certainly haven't seen any for free.

[@SheaCorporaBrandt]

YES ARTISTS IN MEDICINE!!! This was a small point, but THANK YOU for talking about it. I also have my background in art (theatre specifically) and now work as a Diabetes Educator. More people need to understand hi much art HELPS to be a better / different kind of clinician. I don't think this is understood enough in the health community.

[@diabe_tech]

💯💯👌🏼

[@jaredcoffin3907]

Another super smart video. Thanks again. This kind of info is very special and hard to find presented in such a thoughtful manner. Seriously, you are an amazing interviewer. You ask EXACTLY what one would want to know about.

[@diabe_tech]

:)

[@t1dnerd]

Wow, another great video, Justin. I love hearing from other T1s in the medical field. How can I get Dr Mike as my endo? LOL. Great info on the iLet. So excited about the new technology coming. Thanks again!

[@diabe_tech]

Awww thanks :)

[@kimberlytramontano3172]

Thanks for the videos. They are so helpful. My 11yr will be starting the ilet hopefully this month .

[@diabe_tech]

Best of luck!

[@Dev-cw6jc]

Hey , how’s the device working out for your kid

[@plants4Ever17]

!! priceless insights shared btwn you and Endo Dr. guest. thank you for the work you are doing to enlighten us.

[@sallyl3808]

My understanding is that the temporary suspend and was in the trial and, because of some issue, had to be deactivated because of the FDA (and they are working on getting it reactivated). My family member is on this pump right now and that is really the big gap...it needs a temporary suspend. Unhooking for exercise messes up the algorithm, especially if "exercise" is walking all day on vacation for a week and not time boxed into an hour like a workout. And the part about forgetting to reattach is a real problem. They really need a temp off with a time box [1h, 2h] and scheduling in order for this to really be an effective pump. Same issue when you are sick.

[@hitomihutzell]

Thanks!

[@diabe_tech]

Thank you!!

[@donwilliams9883]

I’m excited about getting this now because I’ve learned that shots are highly irregular no matter how many you do, I’ve been doing mdi for years and now see the need for continuous insulin versus shots even with micro dosing the shots

[@ediesparks4764]

I'm not really sure which type of diabetic I am. I was initially diagnosed as DM2 in 1998 but have never been well controlled. My current provider is finally doing the work to find out if I am a LADA. I think this pump will be such a help in managing this disease. Like other folks on this thread, I have to agree that even with good insurance the cost is almost prohibitive. At this point, I'm at a point when my health is worth the cost.

[@lthomas63]

Question: I watched a few of your videos on this pump and I was wondering, does it actually slow down insulin delivery if it feels that your sugar is going to go low because that wasn’t really addressed?

[@michellecuervo-n7t]

I have a tslim x2 and I’m thinking about the I let bionic pancreas and when I put carbs before I workout and I have it on exercise mode and I work out for 30 to 40 minutes and then after it drops low . Should I suspend my pump for an hour when I workout

[@JammyG82]

If there is no messing around with this pump. Then I hope it comes to the UK surely a blind person could use it?

[@zakm0n]

The best control I ever had was on OpenAPS with an old medtronic because it's algorithm could be so aggressive. Tandem with u200 humalog is better than with u100 humalog, but im excited to replace it with a Beta in January. I am terrible at remembering to prebolus, and I have a fine line between under and over bolusing, and that causes me to shy on the side of a spike. My insulin resistance is crazy high so a typical meal bolus is 15-35u, not something you wanna overbolus on. The UAM feature of OpenAPS worked amazing and hopefully beta's bolus algorithm will too.

[@diabe_tech]

Why did you get off OpenAPS?

[@zakm0n]

@diabe_tech concern with my aging medtronic pump, and issues keeping the hardware alive and connected. Forgetting to turn on tethering, forgetting my APS at home, forgetting to charge the APS, pump battery going from 2 bars to full dead in less than 8 hours, and not having a backup plan killed it for me. The amount of stress lifted by going to the tandem which works so long as it's charged and the CGM is active was crazy.

[@zakm0n]

@diabe_tech also, I would've gone omnipod but 180u isn't enough. My TDD went from 100-150u a day to 200-300 a day on u200 from 2020 to 2022, and I'm working on finding why, but a 300u cartridge is absolutely required for me, even if I were to go back to using u100 and only needed half what I take now, I'd be changing a pod almost daily.

[@xerojer]

For whatever reason Fiasp does not work well for me. There are known occlusion issues with it. I would prefer Humalog or Novalog to it. I use Lyumjev, and it is my preference. Incidentally, my insurance dose not cover it, but they have a savings card so I pay very little out of pocket.

[@kimrall7350]

goal range 70-130 within range is 97% it's a PITA, but micromanaging is doable. takes hours out of the day. want a1c to be in non-diabetic range (5 to 5.6). can iLet do this?

[@leonahanson9127]

I use the 780 pump and gaurdian 4 it works great for me being uncontrollable it brought all of my numbers down its amazing the cgm between the glucose reading and the cgm 10 points off. The dexcom was 50 points off so thats why i don't use a pump that goes with dexcom.

[@carebears4295]

I so wish there was a way to brighten the screen

[@TFD1982]

Sucks when I’m in the bathroom or bed room and can’t see anything

[@Eethanchristian]

Hold it down

[@Eethanchristian]

Had the same problem

[@paulfrantzis1]

Soaking the g7 doesn't take any total wearable time away from the sensor. Yes it activates the sensor, but the actual countdown starts when you enter the sensor code

[@amygreen758]

Is Fiasp the only insulin approved for it? I had bad allergic reactions to Fiasp and it's vasodialating ingredient.

[@diabe_tech]

No there are other insulins that are approved for it! Definitely Humolog, maybe more.

[@brendaparker6766]

Sounds so crazy, hope it will be successful

[@dalitex-c4885]

Extremely useful and thanks to to both of you for this video. I was genuinely excited about the BetaBionics for the features however form factory is big turning down point for me.

[@diabe_tech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BernardFarrell]

Yes please, this pump really needs a snack option. As well as an option for exercise/activity.

[@gurugamer8632]

How does target range keep you in range on the Beta Bionics iLet Pump compared to Omnipod 5?

[@dianarodriguez9783]

Omnipod 5 sucks anything is better than ominpod programming they did is stupid.

[@rgmartin1040]

As a TID with gastroparesis, I’m wondering which of these systems would best help with corrections due to extremely unpredictable digestion. Any thoughts?

[@BernardFarrell]

Beta Bionics really needs to help users connect with one another so we can support and help one another.

[@diabe_tech]

Love that idea - you should search for a Facebook group - there must be a few good ones.

[@s.elsworth3068]

The company doesn't even have videos on their device. It's almost like they don't know it's 2024 and there's a thing called KZbin.

[@BernardFarrell]

I gave up using my iLet this week. Just a sad disappointment all round.

[@Not_PretendingTV]

​@BernardFarrell you did? I've been approved for it but I think I'm not going through with it.

[@BernardFarrell]

@@Not_PretendingTV I did use one for about 8 months and for me it was just frustrating. I couldn't get it dose for breakfast correctly after changing my breakfast routine so it always had the same amount of carbs. I started the iLet on humalog and then moving to Fiasp. Fiasp gave me better results but still not great. The Omnipod 5 has been a great pump for me, I almost never wake for lows and most mornings my BG is 110-140. I hope a later version of the iLet is better, and as always YDMV (your diabetes may vary).

[@quratulain4995]

What is the cost of pump and do it have any monthly expenses

[@BernardFarrell]

$3,500 for the pump itself. My insurance covers the monthly expenses, which is cartridges, tubing, and infusion sets.

[@swimm3r137]

28:40 "what if you're in the woods." i caught that you caught that

[@wan2852]

No more carb counting? Have always felt the healthiest diabetics eat the fewest carbs (and take the least amount of insulin...). Carb counting will be eliminated only when CGM's get more accurate. Plug and play!

[@dinkster1729]

I think you should realize, the 2 of you, that there are many disabled people on insulin who could use a plug in and forget about it system like this. Right now, there are lots of people in LTC's (Long term care facilities) and assisted living facilities who are on insulin and can''t begin to understand how to manage their insulin pump and when to change the sets and the sensors or fill the reservoirs. A system that you are describing here has to be better than the nonsensical systems that are in place in our LTC's, acute care hospitals, assistive living facilities, schools, etc. There was an interesting article in our local newpaper on Oct 10, 2023 about a 4 year old on a pump and cgms who is supposed to run the system under the watchful eye of an EA or the principal or the vice-principal. Totally ridiculous, of course. However, maybe, that wee tot would do better if someone only had to enter her weight and the size of the meal.

[@marinakiell1069]

Justin, I just want to make sure you’re okay. Does the reason for having no Friday, 9/29/23 video have anything with the rain and flooding of NewYork? which I presume is where u are now when filming biweekly.

[@diabe_tech]

Awww I love that you sent this message. I am totally ok with the flooding! I'm going to start doing episodes every other Friday moving forward. Podcast will remain every Monday :)

[@marinakiell1069]

Ok, I was wondering why u weren’t showing up this past Friday & was totally expecting one 😉

[@Matt-ce7kq]

What is the cost of this system? Along with the consumables??

[@seductvebrwngyrl]

My sonnjust got his last week but we are having problems with his going to in the highs to much

[@user-nr5he3ic9o]

This pump would drive me crazy with the no carb counting small medium large dosing. But I’m not burn out yet cause I was diagnosed a couple of years ago. If it gets to be too much work in the future I just might try this pump.

[@diabe_tech]

It’s not for me, but could be great for many.

[@diabe_tech]

It’s not for me, but could be great for many.

[@ScottNipper-xs5zw]

I wouldn't mind getting it if it was wireless I had tandem tslim x2 I hate the wire I ripped it out so much now funny won't ever return to a wire again

[@TFD1982]

EXACTLY keep the idea of what this does just MAKE IT WIRELESS 😭😭 I want my freedom back!

[@Not_PretendingTV]

You ask all the great questions. Did you feel different with your blood sugar being slightly elavated?

[@artistinvermont]

Fantastic so interesting

[@diabe_tech]

Glad you think so!

[@owenbrowning8754]

What about type 2 ?

[@jenniferstroschine7293]

CGMs of all kinds need to improve immensely in accuracy before you make that leap. CGMs have trouble staying in range being accurate or dying before their due date sending you on fun rides. Pumps only work if the CGMS work. Wish some one would improve those first.

[@dinkster1729]

Most pumps do work on manual mnode. Can you imagine you went into Gaza to visit an aging relative and then, the Israelis cut off food, electricity, water and you can't get out???? I figure our host has lived a pretty good life if he can't imagine himself getting caught short like that. All t1d's live a precarious existence dependent on modern conveniences, I think.

[@cwrichardson3]

If you work out before you eat, your energy levels will be lower. If you are lifting heavy, you need those fast acting carbs. I work out after work so i can push those heavier weights. I'm 6'2, 240 with 18% bodyfat.

[@luigifulco4117]

HI, I follow your videos, I find them very interesting and well done. I would like to ask you a question: How do you manage the first 24 hours with the G6 connected to the Omnipod 5? Obviously I think you leave the loop open and therefore lose one day of G6 efficiency which is reduced to nine effective days. I currently use G6+DASH+iAPS and following a normal diet there is no need for any correction, everything happens automatically. Luigi

[@wan2852]

"Time in range" is bogus if your range is 70-180.

[@dinkster1729]

Good point! Increase your range and get a better TIR. My husband's ENT specialist just looked at me sharply when I told him I wait for a good week to get my dh's bg tested for a1c. LOLOL! I guess that's why double blind studies were created. Experimenters cheat.

[@edwinswiers]

Can I be a subject for this company in the Netherlands

[@wan2852]

Anyone on a pump should have a basic understanding of MDI should their pump go haywire. In some (many?) cases doing so has converted pump users back to MDI where due diligence will match pump results.

[@diabe_tech]

yea I feel so behind on MDI haha - I need a refresh, thanks!

[@dinkster1729]

With or without a cgms? My husband was in hospital in mid May for 10 days. The internal medicine specialist asked me about going off the pump--my husband's disabled so I run the pump for him--and giving half the insulin as basal and half as meal boluses with the cgms in place. I just looked at him and said, "Half of what? Some days his TDD (Total Daily Dosage) is 100 and some days, it's 33." Fortunately, the internal medicine specialist in charge of the floor then agreed that my husband stay on his pump and cgms. R.N.'s who are not CDE's are really antsy about pumps. They know syringes and like them even it they are totally obsolete. Even patients like me who aren't that techy can run an insulin pump with cgms. I haven't had no cgms since 2008 so I can't really remember how horrible that was--check bg 2 h. after patient eats. 20.0. Oh. I thought he might be low. Check at 3 h. he's higher now, not low as I thought he might be. Our a1c was only slightly higher than the present one, but I was so stressed out without a cgms and I had to do a lot more bg readings--10 to 15 a day to keep my husband at 7.3% a1c as opposed to 6.9% nowadays.

[@ScottNipper-xs5zw]

Wire being ripped out hurts

[@TFD1982]

Oh hell yeah it does and that my 1 complaint besides not being able to take it off for long periods of time. Showers suck and I’ll no longer be able to go to the pool or beach if I decide to have a vacation.

[@edwinswiers]

With this pump

[@marinakiell1069]

I’ve notice u pronounce Fiasp as Fee-ah-sp. I’ve also heard others pronounce it as Fee-ass-sp Maybe it’s just another You say tomato I say tomahto Potato potahto

[@diabe_tech]

Hahahaa I have no idea but need to find out!

[@johnjoseph8868]

Thanks!

[@diabe_tech]

Thank you for your support, John!