Living with diabetes is a journey full of ups and downs, and for me, the past few months have been particularly eventful. After years of managing what I believed was type 2 diabetes, a hospital visit following my second episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) changed everything. My diagnosis was officially recoded to type 1 diabetes, and while that revelation brought a mix of emotions, relief, frustration, and even a little anxiety, it also opened up new possibilities for better treatment.

Now, with my next diabetes consultant appointment in April on the horizon, I find myself feeling something I haven’t felt in a while: optimism. There’s a real chance I could be offered an insulin pump, and that thought alone is keeping me hopeful.

A New Diagnosis, A New Approach

Being told I actually have type 1 diabetes rather than type 2 was a major turning point. It explained so much, why insulin injections had become increasingly necessary, why my blood sugar levels were so unpredictable, and why my body seemed to be struggling despite my best efforts. While the diagnosis itself was daunting, it also meant that I could finally access the right kind of support and technology to better manage my diabetes.

One of the biggest game-changers in type 1 diabetes management is the insulin pump. Unlike multiple daily injections (MDI), an insulin pump provides continuous insulin delivery, adjusting doses throughout the day to better mimic how a healthy pancreas functions. It can offer greater flexibility, fewer hypos and hypers, and an overall improvement in quality of life. The thought that I might soon have access to one is incredibly exciting.

Why an Insulin Pump Could Make a Difference

Switching from injections to an insulin pump isn’t just about convenience, it’s about better control and fewer complications. Here’s why I’m so hopeful that my consultant will agree an insulin pump is the right step for me:

1. More Stable Blood Sugars

Since my hospital admission, I’ve been monitoring my blood glucose levels more closely than ever. And if there’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s that my levels can be incredibly unpredictable, despite carefully managing my insulin doses.

With an insulin pump, I’d have access to small, continuous doses of insulin (basal insulin) throughout the day, rather than relying on long-acting insulin, which can sometimes be unpredictable. Pumps also allow for precise bolus dosing at mealtimes, meaning better control over post-meal spikes.

2. Reducing the Risk of Another DKA Episode

After experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis twice, the fear of it happening again is always at the back of my mind. Insulin pumps, especially those with integrated continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can provide early warnings of high blood sugar and even adjust insulin delivery to help prevent dangerous spikes.

The idea that I could avoid another terrifying hospital visit due to DKA is a huge motivator for me.

3. More Freedom and Flexibility

One of the hardest parts of living with type 1 diabetes is how much it demands from you, constant calculations, injections, and adjustments. An insulin pump could give me more freedom, allowing me to eat, exercise, and live my life without the same rigid structure injections require.

Some of the latest pumps, like the Omnipod 5 and Tandem t:slim X2, even work with CGMs to provide automated insulin adjustments, making life even easier. The idea of having a system that works with me, rather than me having to constantly manage every detail, is incredibly appealing.

Why I’m Feeling Hopeful About My Appointment

I know that getting an insulin pump isn’t guaranteed. The NHS follows strict guidelines for eligibility, and every case is assessed individually. However, given my recent diagnosis change and my history of DKA, I believe I have a strong case for why a pump could benefit me.

The NHS has also been expanding access to hybrid closed-loop systems, which combine pumps and CGMs for automated insulin delivery. With the recent rollout of these systems from April 2024, more people with type 1 diabetes are becoming eligible for advanced diabetes technology. Timing-wise, my appointment in April could be the perfect opportunity to discuss this with my consultant.

Preparing for the Conversation

To make sure I get the most out of my appointment, I’m planning to go in well-prepared. Here’s my plan:

✏️ Documenting My Blood Sugar Patterns: I’ll bring records of my glucose levels, insulin doses, and any patterns of highs or lows to show where an insulin pump could help.

✏️ Highlighting My DKA History: I want to make sure my consultant understands how much these episodes have impacted me and how an insulin pump could help prevent future occurrences.

✏️ Researching Available Pumps: I’ll read up on the latest insulin pumps available in the UK so I can discuss which might be best suited to my lifestyle.

✏️ Asking About NHS Criteria: I’ll clarify what the NHS criteria are for pump eligibility and whether I meet the requirements.

✏️ Discussing Long-Term Benefits: I want to focus on how an insulin pump could improve my overall health and reduce complications in the long run.

Looking Ahead with Positivity

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by diabetes, especially when major changes like a new diagnosis come into play. But right now, I’m choosing to focus on the positives. If I’m offered an insulin pump, it could be the start of a whole new chapter, one where I have better control, fewer worries, and more freedom to live my life without diabetes dictating every moment.

Even if I’m not approved for a pump immediately, I’ll at least have opened the conversation, taken a step forward, and laid the groundwork for the future. One thing is for sure, I won’t give up on advocating for the best possible care for my diabetes.

April can’t come soon enough, and until then, I’ll hold onto this hopeful optimism.

Have you recently switched to an insulin pump, or are you hoping to get one soon? I’d love to hear your experiences. Let’s support each other on this journey! 💙