T1 teenager about to go on Omnipod but I'm concerned

[eyeslikebutterflies]

DS is not managing his T1 very well. Typical teenager, won't inject in public, won't eat at school, high a LOT, thinks he knows best etc. His consultant recommend he go onto a closed loop pump (Omnipod 5) and we've just had the first training session. But, it has made me worried it's not for him.

• He is saying he won't carry the 2 devices (phone and handheld control) he needs to operate both pump and sensor
• He is saying he won't use the handheld device in public to tell the pump to administer insulin when he eats
• Tbh it feels like a lot: a big bulky sensor (he has to move from the tiny Libre3 to the huge Dexcom); a big bulky pump; his mobile phone (to operate the sensor) and and equally big handheld device (to operate the pump)
• We'd also have to take spare injector pens/insulin with us wherever we went in case the pump fails.
• He will have no basal insulin, so will be less protected from ketones when he is high. Which, if he isn't using the pump properly, he will be. Currently, his high blody sugar is not converting into ketones.

He is being a bit of a dick about managing his diabetes and this was supposed to solve that problem - but it feels massively invasive, complicated (all those devices - four!) and like he'll actually be more unwell because he won't use it properly.

Does anyone have experience of a T1 teenager on the Omnipod? Is it going to be OK? Should I keep him on injections??

Hi. I feel for you. We are on onmipod dash and are down to go over to 5. The lack.of basal is an issue - he can't allow himself to.run high for too long. My boy ended up in hospital the second week we moved over. However, when he got his blood down to normal levels, he realises how.inwell he had been feeling g generally and that was a huge help in improving his management. Will your son speak to.the psychologist? Is there anyone else in school with type 1 he can be buddied up with?

Hi,

I have a t1 teenager, she's on the t-slim pump and Dexcom, the only device she carries about is her phone.

Could your health team explore the t-slim pump as an alternative option? It also delivers her basal insulin throughout the day, rather than in one go. She was having the same issues in regards to not injecting at school or in public and the t-slim has been a game changer.

I had similar issues with T1 DC. I would not be going ahead with a pump at this stage. T1 diabetes can cause some deep seated insecurities in teens and lead to the issues you are describing. Before trying a pump system I would strongly recommend some psychological therapy for your son. My DC is 19 now and has just finished a year of fortnightly therapy sessions and the change in attitude and acceptance as been rewarding to see. They are now comfortable with openly managing their diabetes in public and are far more involved in their own health care. It is now starting to show in a gradual reduction in high blood sugars. Our therapy was arranged by our juvenile diabetes unit so it may well be worth asking your keyworker nurse?

I have T1 and so does my son- Medtronic and Dexcom here. It has honestly changed our lives. Get your child to understand that it will make his life so much better if he invests a little time now,