Pump Life
I know of a few women that have gone on the pump only during pregnancy. I chose to stay on it for a few reasons. First, I felt I had a little more control over when and what I ate. Any mom can attest to the hectic schedule of babies and toddlers, and the pump gave me that flexibility. I'm not an expert in any way on the use of pumps by kids, but I'd guess kids would deal with fewer highs and lows counting carbs on a pump, but that's just my opinion.
The high and low sugars were another reason I stayed on the pump. I wasn't bottoming out every time I took my insulin and then, for whatever reason, ate late. I wasn't running high in the morning either when I couldn't sleep and ate an apple at midnight. In the summer, as long as I count the right carbs, there's little reason other than watching my weight, I can't share a s'mores with my kids. (I know no doctor in his or her right mind would condone, that but I'll admit I do it once or twice a summer. Thankfully, I don't really care for chocolate so it's not a problem for me to say no!)
I do believe there is a big difference between adults on the pump and kids on it. Since I was twenty-five when I went on it, I can only speak on my adult experiences. I can say there have been very few times I've encountered a low in the middle of the night and I don't recall any scares while out walking or swimming or even biking. My A1C holds at about a seven, which is markedly different from the eight with shots.
The difference in A1C is one of the few drawbacks to the pump. I'm more aware of what my blood sugars are because I generally test six to eight times a day. I admit I can be a bit obsessive-compulsive to knowing where I stand, so it's not an issue with me. The testing is necessary though. Sometimes a rise in the blood sugar may be the only warning the pump is either a) not in a spot that is absorbing properly or b) kinked inside. I believe some of the newer pumps are more sensitive and will sound an alarm if it's not working, but testing is still the best
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