Usually Good Pump, But Often Malfunctions

by Jessica
(Minneapolis, MN, USA)

I have used this insulin pump for four years now. When it is working, it is convenient. I have insulin sensitivity, and this device works well in small increments. I also am very active, so it is nice to be able to suspend the pump when exercising and when in cold weather.

However, I have also gone through four pumps in the four years of having one. The same malfunction occurred in each one- button failure. According to Medtronic, this usually only occurs when the buttons are held down for three or more minutes. However, this was not the case in any of my malfunctions. On two of the pumps I pushed the bolus button after a meal and there was no button response. The other time I had suspended my pump during running and when I went to continue my basal, the pump would not leave the "suspended" status. Each time I got the button failure error and no other response. I did not get my pump wet, drop it, etc- so it is unknown why this keeps happening to me.

Medtronic was usually good about getting me a replacement pump the next day. One of the times the replacement pump did not come the next day as expected, which was a pain.

Overall, this is a pretty good insulin pump. Obviously much better than shots! However, it is disappointing that a $7500 medical device malfunctions so often. If you use this pump, be sure to ALWAYS have back-up shots for when it dies!