An Insulin Pump Didn't Change My Life with Type 1 Diabetes but This Did
- Julia Flaherty
- Jun 9
- 5 min read
I have always been a hyper-independent self-manager when it comes to my type 1 diabetes (T1D), except for the three weeks following my hospital stay right after my initial diagnosis at age 10. During that time, I was navigating the stages of grief and was in denial—denial that I was facing a life-altering diagnosis, denial that the life I had envisioned was no longer within my reach. I mourned the freedoms I had taken for granted: the ability to eat, sleep, exercise, and simply exist without constantly thinking about my diabetes.
After three weeks, thanks to my sister, I snapped out of it, and since then, I have been a hyper-independent self-manager. I clearly remember my mom offering to give me my insulin shots, but I took the syringe and insisted I would do it myself. From that point onward, we never looked back. I appreciated being in control. At the time of my diagnosis, one had to demonstrate good blood sugar levels even to be considered for an insulin pump, so I adapted to multiple daily injections (MDI) instead.
After two years, I felt like I had it all figured out. My parents' insurance wouldn’t cover the pump adequately anyway, so that was fine by me—I didn’t particularly like the idea of always being attached to something, and I was still adjusting to MDI at the age of 12. (I was only two years in, for crying out loud.)
I'm Grateful I Tried an Insulin Pump, But it Wasn't for Me
Years went by, and I remained uninterested in an insulin pump. I remember when I started meeting other people with type 1 diabetes, as well as their parents. They were often shocked when I told them I didn’t want a pump. It made me feel like a lousy diabetic or as if I were missing out on something.
But you are lucky if you have choices in your diabetes care plan; that was not always the case for me, and it decided my path for a long time...
I tried an Omnipod for a brief period in 2021. It worked great when it was functioning properly, but when it wasn’t, the issues became more than I wanted to handle. I missed using multiple daily injections (MDI) and preferred to confront the challenges that came with it instead.
I've come to believe that in life, we must always choose which set of problems we want to deal with, as nothing is free of issues. (I learned this from Mark Manson a few years prior to this experience.) We are constantly faced with decisions about which challenges we would rather manage. While we cannot choose to have diabetes or other illnesses, I think that highlights my point.
I Feared Dying Alone Because of Type 1 Diabetes
While my A1C was good, the area needing improvement was my time in range (TIR). Due to a cycle of burnout, I went through ugly highs and lows, and when I started living alone at 21, I realized that MDI and my blood glucose meter (BGM) were no longer sufficient.
I spent about 15 years of my life only using a BGM. Thinking about that today makes me respect my younger self much more. I don't know how she did it because I'd be lost without a CGM today, but I'm getting ahead of myself...
Although I was aware of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), I hadn’t tried one. Again, my parents' insurance wouldn't cover it when I was little, nor would my own in early adulthood until my mid-20s. At 25, I decided to discuss it with my endocrinologist when the fear of "dead-in-bed syndrome" became overwhelming.
I dreaded the thought of dying alone in my bed with no one to check on me. I remembered several nights in my childhood home when my parents and sister suspected I had unexplained seizures due to untreated lows. The doctors could never confirm it, but we all knew something was wrong.
The stress became unbearable. When I spoke with my doctor, she recommended the Dexcom G5, and my life changed significantly. I experienced almost instant relief from finally having a CGM to help me sleep through the night—or to wake me if necessary. That was six years ago, and I have never looked back. I refuse to manage my type 1 diabetes without a CGM. Although insurance can sometimes complicate coverage, having a CGM is worth every penny to me.
My Continuous Glucose Monitor Changed My Life with Type 1 Diabetes
Over time, I’ve learned how to navigate insurance when placing my continuous glucose monitor (CGM) orders. The price can vary depending on whether your insurance prefers a durable medical equipment (DME) provider or a pharmacy. Knowing this can save you a lot of money (and headaches)! Don’t hesitate to try different devices when you can, if one isn’t working well for you. Take advantage of free trials before committing, so you don't have issues switching devices with your insurance. If you switch too early, for example, they may not cover a new receiver.
At the end of the day, it’s a privilege to have options, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I previously tried the Freestyle Libre 2 but prefer Dexcom products because I experienced fewer discrepancies when comparing my Dexcom readings to my blood glucose meter during calibration. I also appreciate Dexcom's ability to calibrate. I have primarily used Dexcom products during this time, as I’ve had the best overall experience with them through my insurance.
I'll elaborate on multiple daily injections (MDI) in another post, but I want to share that I’ve really liked the integration of Medtronic's InPen into my care plan recently! (I shared about this recently on my social media if you're curious.) What works for me doesn't work for everyone.
Likewise, while an insulin pump didn't change my life with type 1 diabetes, I know they support many people, and I am so grateful that those who wear them discovered something that works for them!
Overall, I’m grateful for the advancements in technology and the variety of options available in diabetes care. I hope to see further improvements for those who need it most in the diabetes community for years to come.
What has transformed your life with type 1 diabetes over the years you've had it?
DISCLAIMER: This post is not sponsored. I am simply sharing my experience as a person with type 1 diabetes using various insulin delivery and blood sugar management tools over the past 21+ years.
