![]() ![]() Those regional reps can sometimes help out even more immediately by dropping off a new unit to you in case of emergency. If you worked with a local rep to get set up on your pump initially and still have that person’s contact information, feel free to reach out. If it’s determined that you do need a replacement, the units are generally sent by overnight shipment or second-day delivery, meaning you’ll be up and running again very soon. This usually involves contacting a call center, where a representative will take down your product and customer information for their database, and walk you through a step-by-step troubleshooting process to see if they can fix the problem first, without needing to send a new device. Today, with more advanced technology and tighter budgets, that is no longer the case.īut some of the insulin pump makers still offer a travel loaner option, which allows you to borrow an extra pump for a modest fee for a limited time.Īll of the companies now have fairly cut-and-dry recommendations for what you should do if your insulin pump suddenly becomes a very expensive paperweight. Once upon a time, PWDs using insulin pumps were sometimes given two devices, so they’d always have a backup if one broke. (See the paragraphs above about Not Panicking and biding your time until you can get a replacement device.) Some only operate during regular weekday hours, or limit hours on weekends. If you’re sure your pump is kaput, and you do need to call the manufacturer for help, just be aware that not every diabetes device company has 24/7 customer service. See our DiabetesMine guide to Troubleshooting Tips for Common Insulin Pump and CGM Problems. If you’ve been a pumper for many years - like our team here at DiabetesMine - it’s easy to forget that.Īlso, there are several common insulin pump problems - as well as issues with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) - that you can troubleshoot on your own, including “occlusion errors” (blocked cannula) and snagged tubing. Be sure that you have a vial and syringe or insulin pen in your backup kit at any given time. Being prepared will help you avoid panic if and when something goes wrong with your pump. To avoid falling into the trap of overreliance on diabetes technology, it’s important that you have a backup plan to revert to injections if necessary. Remember that before this tech existed, PWDs managed without it for decades. But know that it is certainly possible to live on and manage blood sugar levels without that tech - especially for a short period of time. We can sometimes feel as though we can’t live without a piece of technology, especially if our diabetes management has always included that hardware. The number one piece of advice we heard from healthcare professionals, insulin pump companies, and fellow D-peeps in the community: Don’t panic. ![]()
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