The Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System has truly transformed how I manage my diabetes. I’ve been living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for 15 years, and the Omnipod was my first experience with an insulin pump. Growing up in a rural town, I was the only person with T1D, which made me feel isolated and ashamed of my condition. The thought of using an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) terrified me, as I feared that others would notice my devices and think something was wrong with me. But as life got busier in college, I decided it was time to try an insulin pump. After looking at the options, the choice was clear—Omnipod 5 offered the security and freedom I had been searching for, with the added benefit of being tubeless.
When my Omnipod 5 System arrived in the mail, I was beyond excited. It felt like receiving a special package and I immediately scheduled a training session with a diabetes nurse educator. Since this was my first time using a pump, I wanted expert guidance and hands-on training to make sure I was comfortable with the System.
I’ll be honest—the first day after starting Omnipod 5 was strange. For the first time in 10 years, I didn’t constantly worry about my blood glucose dropping low and I didn’t feel the pressure of having to manage my blood glucose within a narrow range myself. It was a new kind of freedom I’d never experienced in managing my diabetes.
Now, nearly five years later, I’ve learned so much from using the Omnipod 5 System, and I’d like to share a few tips and insights:
Tips and Tricks That Worked for Me:
- Stay Consistent: I’ve found that sticking to a consistent schedule works really well for me. When I eat and exercise at the same times each day my blood glucose levels stay more consistent.
- Make Adjustments: When my schedule changes, like when I travel, I may need to make adjustments. For example, I typically workout in the afternoon, but when I travel, I don’t, so I’ve learned to make adjustments as needed.
- Take Care of Your Skin: Proper skincare is essential to prevent irritation. I always clean my skin thoroughly before and after applying a new Pod, and I use Aquaphor after removal to keep my skin moisturized.
Highlights:
- A1C: Before starting with Omnipod 5, my A1C was 7.5%. Thanks to the automated insulin adjustments, I’ve seen significant improvements to my A1C. I’m excited to continue making progress in my diabetes management with the System’s help.
- Lows: One of the biggest sources of anxiety for me used to be the risk of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). My endocrinologist recommended an insulin pump to help prevent these lows, and I’m happy to say that the Omnipod 5 System has been a game-changer. My time spent below target has reduced and I no longer experience the constant fear of going low. I have peace of mind knowing that the System is working to keep me in range.
- Phone Integration: I can’t put into words how incredibly freeing it feels to no longer need an extra device to control my Omnipod 5. The seamless phone control with the Omnipod 5 App has truly revolutionized my diabetes management. It’s not just about convenience, it’s about empowerment. The App is so user-friendly and functions just like the traditional Controller, but with added ease and efficiency. Now, everything I need for my diabetes care, from insulin delivery to tracking, is consolidated into one App. The App has also provided simplicity and freedom into my life. It’s more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a transformation in the way I manage my diabetes.
Learnings:
- Activity feature: While I’ve learned a lot about managing diabetes during exercise, I still haven’t found a perfect solution for me, including the Activity feature. Diabetes is so personal though, so try out different things and see what works for you.
- Extended Bolus: One feature I’d love is the ability to use the extended bolus in Automated Mode. When I eat a high-carb or dense meal, I switch my pump to Manual Mode to deliver an extended bolus, which helps prevent my blood glucose from spiking by extending the insulin delivery over a longer period. I’d love for this feature to be incorporated in Automated Mode, as it would allow for even more seamless insulin delivery, especially during larger or more complex meals.
Overall Thoughts
In the end, I absolutely love the Omnipod 5 System. The hybrid closed-loop system and the reduction in my low blood glucose anxiety make it a fantastic tool in my diabetes management. 10-year-old me would never have imagined that I would proudly show off my diabetes devices, but here I am, grateful for the freedom and shift in perspective that Omnipod has given me. The ability to be tubeless has truly changed the way I manage my diabetes, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.
Thank you to Insulet for sponsoring this article!