Tips and Tricks for New Users

Carly at somuchsweeter.blogspot.com started on the OmniPod at the same time I did. I just found her blog and she has some great tips for new users.

+ When filling a new Pod, you do not have to put in a full 200 units. No one mentioned this to me, and I did not stop doing so until I realized I was going through my Humalog bottles like crazy. Just put in what you typically use in 3 days plus about 10 units.
+ After you fill the Pod and it primes itself, I like to use a Q-Tip to gently absorb any insulin that has leaked out into the window area. If you leave the moisture in there, it can make the site swollen and uncomfortable later.
+ There are some back up supplies you should always carry: 2 spare Pods, vial of insulin, backup insulins (I carry one Humalog and one Lantus pen), pen needles or syringes, alcohol or prep wipes, glucose tablets, a spare lancet. Of course you always need your main squeeze (the PDM), finger poker, and test strips. I keep all of this in a clear makeup case that I bought at Target, with my Medical ID card from Omnipod visible.
+ I have found that using alcohol wipes to prep the site preferable to the "IV Prep" wipes recommended by my doctor. The Pod is much stickier with alcohol.
+ I have been successful wearing the Pod on my...abdomen (avoiding the ribs and not within 2 inches of the belly button), upper arms (facing downward on tricep), lower back (can be difficult with jeans).
+ I cannot seem to find a viable site on my thighs. My CDE said to choose a site where you can "pinch an inch" of fat, and it seems to be a useful rule.