Pump Life: The Good, The Quirky and The Unexpected
So, your child has an insulin pump. Whether you’re new to pump life or a seasoned pro, you’ve probably realised by now: this tiny device comes with a BIG personality. From the incredible freedom it offers to the occasional (okay, frequent) pump alarms at the most inconvenient times (why always in the middle of Tesco?!), wearing a pump is a journey full of surprises.
Let’s talk about the good, the quirky and the totally unexpected parts of life with an insulin pump.
The Good: Why We Love Pumps
First, let’s give credit where it’s due. Pumps make diabetes management way easier in so many ways:
Fewer Injections- Say goodbye to multiple daily injections and hello to fewer pokes. Your child (and their skin) will thank you.
More Freedom with Food- Fancy an extra biscuit? A pump makes dosing for carbs as simple as pressing a button- no need to reach for a syringe.
Better Blood Glucose Control- With features like basal rates, temporary settings and correction boluses- pumps help keep glucose levels more stable
Less “Maths Stress”- Many pumps help with carb counting and correction doses, making life a little less like an A-level maths exam.
Lie-Ins are Back!- No more waking up early just for long-acting insulin- Saturdays can actually feel like Saturdays again.
Sounds brilliant, right? But, of course, it’s not always plain sailing…..
The Quirky: Things No One Warned Us About
So, your child is getting on with their pump, and then suddenly you start noticing the little things no one mentioned. Like:
Pump Alarms Go Off at the Worst Possible Times
Middle of the night? BEEP BEEP BEEP!
In a silent classroom? BEEP BEEP!
At the exact moment you’re paying for your shopping? Every. Single. Time.
The Great Tubing Battle
Snagged on a door handle? Of course.
Wrapped around the school rucksack strap? Naturally.
Caught by an overenthusiastic younger sibling? You bet.
Waterproof…ish?
Some pumps claim to be waterproof, others are water-resistant and some just pretend to be.
Always check before you let your child dive headfirst into the pool.
The Bedtime Tangle
Your child goes to sleep with their pump neatly clipped to their PJs…
…only to wake up wrapped in tubing like a mummy, with the pump somehow under the bed.
(Pump belts or pouches help- most of the time.)
The “What’s That on Your Belt?” Question
“Is that a pager? What year is it?”
“No, it’s not a walkie-talkie.”
“No, it doesn’t control a robot (but that would be cool)”
The Unexpected: What No One Tells You (But We Will)
Your Child Might Name Their Pump
Don’t be surprised if your child refers to their pump like it’s a family pet.
“Mum, Sir Pumps-a-Lot needs a new site.”
“My pump and I are best mates.”
“I think Pumpy McPumpface is made at me- it won’t stop beeping.”
Where Do You Even Put This Thing?
Toddlers: Clip-on pouch, tiny packpack, or whatever they can’t yank off in two seconds.
Children: Pocket, belt clip, secret agent-style leg strap
Teens: Hoodie pocket, sports bank, or somehow lost inside their clothes
Pump Site Negotiations Are Real
“Not my tummy. Not my arm. Not my leg. Can we do nowhere?”
“Didn’t we JUST change it?”
(Answer: No, but nice try.)
Low Blood Sugar Drama
“Dad, my pump says I need a snack. I think that means chocolate. And crisps. And maybe a McFlurry.”
Three Capri Suns later: “I feel GREAT! Can I have more?”
The Bottom Line: Pump Life Is a Wild Ride (But Worth It!)
Yes, insulin pumps can be quirky, frustrating and sometimes downright annoying- but they also give our children more freedom, flexibility and control over their diabetes.
There will be days when the alarms drive you mad. There will be nights when you have to do a site change at 3 AM. And there will be moments when the tubing gets caught on a mystery object and rips out (cue the drama).
There will also be easier mealtimes, fewer injections and better blood sugars- and that makes it all worth it.
You’ve got this!