Thanks Joe. Have a great week!
“Humor can get in under the door while seriousness is still fumbling at the handle.” ― G.K. Chesterton
| joe Member with T1D
August 1 |
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@Sqduarte in my opinion, it proves your theory!
Hi @Sqduarte - I happened to come across your post after searching for data on Omnipods and air travel issues. I have experienced exactly what you have talked about with severe, unexplained lows while in the air, and then rebounding highs after landing. This just happened to me earlier this week. I went from a blood sugar of 120 to 40 within an hour after take off. When I look at the Omni history, it shows zero basal given, and I did not administer any boluses on the flight. After fighting the low for over an hour with carbs and pausing my insulin, I started to rebound. I gave myself a slight bolus to cover some of the carbs I had eaten but I was also very nervous as I was just starting to feel better after hypoglycemic levels. For the next several hours I was fighting blood sugars above 300. I ended up contacting my doctor because I had also tested positive for keytones and was nervous it could lead to DKA. She instructed I go to the ER to get IV fluids and bloodwork. Long story short - there is absolutely an air pressure issue with Omnipods. I never had issues while flying until I started the pump but couldn’t pinpoint what was going on until I started doing a little research. My doctors have taken my situation seriously and are contacting their Omni reps and brining it to the attention of their entire department. Important to create awareness of this - especially for those more sensitive to insulin like myself and it sounds like you as well.
How have you continued to handle flying, knowing about the air pressure impact? My doctors suggested that for my next flight (next weekend) I Pause insulin (while in Manual Mode) before getting on the plane and just give myself insulin with a shot if I eat carbs while in the air. Not a perfect solution but probably the best I have at this point without just taking off the pod and wasting it. I still fear that even Pausing the insulin that it could leak while in the air since it’s still connected to me. Any guidance or tips would be much appreciated!! Thanks!
Hey Jenna. I am thrilled to hear that your doctors are taking it seriously as mine contacted the rep who insisted there was no such issue and she let it go after that. There is something in the product insert that alludes to a potential of issues. Basically what happens is air bubbles form and you can’t see them with the Omnipod. How did I resolve it? I went to a new pump. I am now on the tandem where I can visually see everything. In particular, being thin, it was also not easy to have that box on your abdomen where I would knock it frequently. Plus, it just seem to pull on the little fat in the area that I have. I am much happier on the tandem for many reasons. I was able to file to get the Tandem by stating all the problems I had on the Omnipod. It might be something to consider. like you, I am also super sensitive to insulin and so the Tandem also has more flexibility in that which is worth noting if you should try to go with the Tandem. In general it is a real pump. The Omnipod is almost there, but not quite. Just my experience though.
Hi Susie! Thank you so much for the quick response. That is a little frustrating to hear that the rep insisted there is no such issue; I expect to hear the same unfortunately. Thanks for sharing about your pump change. I’ve heard great things about the Tandem. Being more sensitive to insulin, what type of flexibility and benefits would you say Tandem has over Omnipod? If you are open to sharing some of the reasons you have found Tandem to be better I would love to hear your input! Was it a hard adjustment switching to tubes vs. a tubeless system? That was one of the main draws to the Omni for me. Thanks!
The tandem can be controlled on the pump or via app. Major plus. Tandem connects directly to dexcom so if without cell, still know sugar level. Much lower unit options. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d adjust to tubing but it’s easy as compared to a box on your abdomen, no big deal. Easter I was able to wear a nice dress without a bump and my pump sat easily in my bra. I was worried with running the Omni might fall off when humid or sweating. Well no worries with tubing as weight isn’t all on one small area. I also knocked the Omni a few times and it made me have to switch early. I’m thin and it sticks out a lot. If you’re thin too I’m shocked not an issue. Maybe you’re more careful. Tubing also means you can see bubbles vs guessing. I can also swap the catheter and leave the cartridge in so easier when traveling etc vs having to change each time regardless. Temp rate. ControlIQ. Suspend. Several basal profiles. Easy to create new ones. Bolus from pump or app. Small catheter set. To each her own just better for my life and more options. I am always happy to help if you have any other questions. But I highly recommend it. I have had type one for 50 years so I have seen it all. The Omnipod representative was very dishonest when this issue was brought to them. That was another push in my decision to switch.
I started on Omnipod last summer and when researching it I did see some postings about air pressure issues…Some may have been on this forum but I also hit on links to reddit as well.
I’m not a big reddit user but I think I find mofe complsints and negative comments on the topics I’m checking out, whereas on our JDRF forum people try to be supportive and helpful, sharing downsides to be informative rather them complain outright. All of which is to say, Reddit may be another source to check out although you may want to ask yourself how balanced the info is.