For a change I’m not going to write here about the latest insulin pumps, CGMs, and closed-loop systems. This is about insulin pens, and possible compatibility between some models that the manufacturers won’t tell you about. Before I started using an insulin pump, I used injection pens for both my short-acting (“bolus”) insulin and my …
We see “expiry” dates on many medical items, and some of them are often treated with a little disdain. For example, lancets tend to last for aeons, and CGM sensors don’t stop working right when their expiry date passes. The Accu-Chek Spirit Combo pump has a few “features” many people seem to not be aware of, …
“Hard” or “soft” expiry dates: a Spirit Combo story Read More »
The Cleo 90 is an infusion set for insulin pumps which is available through Australia’s NDSS, but seems to have been forgotten by many people. Since 2010 I’ve used a variety of infusion sets with my pumps. The Animas Inset II (and the equivalent Medtronic Mio) and the Animas Comfort (and the matching Medtronic Silhouette). …
Cannulae (the plural form of “cannula”) are the tubes we stick into ourselves to infuse insulin from our pumps. They’re either made of steel or flexible teflon. Some go straight in (90˚) and are available in 6 or 9 mm lengths. Some are a lot longer. Today 6 mm is a common recommendation, although longer …
Pump cannulae and infusion sets: what are the differences? Read More »
In diabetes there are lots of times we stab ourselves with needles, and we see the different needles described in various ways. In fact there are lots of different factors to consider when selecting the needles we will use. Particularly referring to the products available in the Australian market, hopefully this overview will be useful. …
The 1st of April meant lots of things in Australia this year: April Fools Day, Easter Sunday, the end of Daylight Saving Time in the southeastern states, with the clocks moving back an hour, and updates to the NDSS and PBS schedules. PBS – new insulin The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme lists the specific drugs available …