As an American learning about and living with diabetes in another country with language barriers has been ..... well, interesting. I informed that I have diabetes type 1 two and a half years ago or 2 months after moving to Germany. Since that time, I have been learning about diabetes and diligently following all directions which are always given in German language. What a ride! I am so pleased to have found this site with such positive friendly people. Thanks for sharing the serious and funny videos/ blogs. I am learning tons and lmao.

Within 3 weeks I will purchase an insulin pump (at my own expense, along with the expense of the ongoing cost of infusion sets, etc) and will begin pump group training/ therapy in early September. The pumps offered in the US are not always the same as the pumps offered here so I am considering the Accu-Chek Combo (pump and remote) made by Roche.

What are the top 5 items to consider when choosing a pump and working with the pump therapist?

Dene,

Here is a great place to start.  http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_presentations/index.php

There are presentations on insulin pumps.  There are comparisons too.

Some of the information might be over the top for a new pumper.  But it has some of the best information on the web.

This was a neat slide I saw

Behaviors That Lower The A1coApproximate A1c lowering effect:

Carb counting – 0.6%

Bolusing on accurate carb count – 0.3%

Record BGs, carbs, doses, & activity – 0.5%

Especially when BG records are used to adjust doses

Frequent monitoring – 0.5-2.0%

Continuous monitoring – 0.6%

Frequent bolusing – 0.5-2.0%

So if you carb count, monitor, and record... you can drop your A1C nicely!  Wow.

I am hoping to get an Accu-chek combo also in September.  They are not available in US.  I will be very interested to know how you get on.  Just got the book 'Pumping Insulin' by John Walsh to try and learn something.

Great book to say the least.  I have seen John Walsh in person, he is a pumper as well.  One of the best books for pumpers out there.

Thanks for the tip.  I looked up 'Pumping Insulin' by John Walsh on Amazon. It was written 3 years ago. I guess pumps have changed alot since then. Do you still think it is one of the best or should I search for a newer one?

John Walsh has a few series of that book.  I still think it is the best out there.  He has information on this site DiabetesNet.com   Look under technologies for some great presentations, you can also buy his and other great diabetes books there too.

Dene,

You can buy 'Pumping Insulin'  from  www.thebookdepository.co.uk  for 16.83 euro including postage.    it's cheaper than Amazon.  Get the one with the yellow writing, it's the newer edition.

Thanks for the UK online bookstore tip. I bought it.