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.

FAQs-How much does the OmniPod cost?

The answer is located on the official OmniPod FAQ website.

FAQs-Is the OmniPod available in my area?

Go to this link on the OmniPod website to find out if the OmniPod is available in your area.

FAQs-Can I download data from the OmniPod?

The PDM (Personal Diabetes Manager) has an IR (infrared port) that can be used to download data. Comments in other forums report that the software can be obtained by contacting Insulet directly.

FAQs-General

As I browse the diabetes blogs and forums and read the comments, there seems to be a lot of people asking the same questions about the OmniPod. Many of the answers to the questions can be found in the FAQs on the official OmniPod website. If you don't see the answer to your question there, just post a comment here or at the OmniPod group on tudiabetes.com.

As new questions are asked, look for the answer on this site. Just click on the FAQs label/tag to find the answers.

Or checkout the FAQs written by another OmniPod user on DiabetesMine.com.