What proportion of people are running system automation now?
Am I the only one who isn’t?
Can we run a poll?
Is this a situation of me chronically not updating my tech and getting totally left behind? I never update.
I just haven’t thought about it much since 2019. Now I’m talking to a bunch of diabetics in a group chat and am struck by the sudden realization that I should maybe, at least have the option to run some automation.
You are not the only one, though I do think we are in the minority, at least in the internet connected first world, USA centric group that hangs around forums. I don’t even run a pump yet. I did buy a couple used pumps when there were no commercial APS systems available and that was the only way to build a functioning OpenAPS. After getting the software running on a raspberry Pi my next step was to start using a CGM so I could tie that in. But after getting my CGM running, and embracing the Sugar Surfing book, I found I could do what I wanted with the CGM and Tresiba only, so those old pumps are still in my closet, even older now.
I believe @allison is also taking an extended pump break, though maybe she has returned to her pump by now?
And sorry, I don’t know how to create a poll.
Yep! If you develop the questions, I will create the poll for you.
You have a good memory (or are good at searching 
). I started using a pump in 1997 and took a couple of very short breaks in there. Most recently I was using the Tandem with ControlIQ. In August 2024, I started another pump break and haven’t gone back. It is glorious!
When you say “system automation” do you mean a pump, a CGM, looping? All of the above? Also I’d be interested to know what tools/products you are using. Thanks.
I am on G7 and Mobi and would really like to have tighter BS control so am interested in learning more about using open source SW to help with that. I have also thought about taking a pump break as the ups and downs do stress me out a lot. I can appreciate Allison’s comment.
Good point. So, terminology might be important here.
In the olden days (2019), we called them APS systems - Artificial Pancreas Systems. Now they call them AID systems - anything using software to make predictions on how much insulin you dose.
Omnipod 5 has BOTH an automated mode AND a purely manual mode.
Loop was a “HYBRID” system, meaning it required the user to input data into it, but it also used software to do a lot of decision making.
The question for a poll might me, “Are you currently using tech that automates insulin dosing?”
Is that the right way to ask the question? Is that language clear/descriptive enough?
That’s a more accurate name. I cringe every time I read artificial pancreas in an article.The organ’s islets secrete 6 endocrine hormones for glucose regulation also produces and routes the exocrine enzymes that allow us to digest fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It would be a miracle of modern science, engineering and technology to build an artificial pancreas.
I’m unsure how I would answer…I use Omnipod 5 primarily in Manual mode but occasionally (maybe 3-5 times per week, about 10% of the time) will use Auto mode which is the AID system. Later this afternoon I will be a YES for a few hours but the rest of the time I am a NO.
Maybe expand the question to:
“Are you using tech daily that automates insulin dosing for at least half of each day?” (Or something like that, I had a teacher in HS who dubbed me Mr. Wordy Awk).
We could stick with the original question, but make the answer a scale like (always, usually, sometimes, rarely, never) rather than yes/no.
And then there is me who is using a pump and MDI at the same time. Not Loop and the beginning of the year I took a pump break. But I returned because using a pump helps with the DP and FOTF I have. But using MDI as bolus and some MDI basal guarantees me some insulin all the time because I have a problem with site failures with the pump.
I think I will return though to total basal through the pump and bolus through MDI.
Very good points. I had never thought about it in that light before.
That’s wild, but are you running your pump as an AID system? That’s really the info I would hope to glean from you with a poll.
I’m actually not running Omnipod 5, I’m running Omnipod Dash.
I actually do a lot more MI for meal bolus than I used to since upgrading from Omnipod classic because my dash is always running out of batteries.
See, I’m running Dash manually because I hoped to preserve my ability to run Loop as an AID system. That prevents me from ever trying Omnipod 5’s AID system. Like, I can’t even play with it. I wish that I could just try Omnipod 5 without getting forced into it on a permanent basis.
If you upgrade to Omnipod 5, can you fall back on Dash?
@mohe0001, that might be a question that @Eric or @ClaudnDaye might be able to answer for you. They are some of several resident Omnipod experts that seem to have a handle on the supply issues and the AID aspects here at FUD.
@mohe0001 I am using Omnipod Dash too. And I can’t stand it’s limited battery life.
We went from MDI for the first several months, to Eros PODs for about 5 years and then to the Dash PODs for the remaining 4 or so years. Never went to O5 based on the commentary here in the forums and my own personal motto of “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.” So I’m not sure if you can go back once you switch, but I believe anything should be possible if you can find an Endo that’s agrees. I wouldn’t think the company should care which you are using so long as they get paid. I could be wrong though! It happens a lot!
We run Omniloop and do all insulin regulation and administration through it. No additional MDI. As far as the battery life questions, the battery is what it is…each one lasts 80 hours…it’s how they were designed.
Sorry I couldn’t be any help in the question!
Apologies @Marie my feeble memory…..
Me too! Im currently using a Mobi with ControlIQ+, AND I still use Toujeo for roughly half of my basal AND I supplement with an InPen.
And sometimes I get fed up with the tape and the refilling and the charging (or end up not packing not something vital when heading off for a week, ooops) and switch back to full MDI for a few weeks.
It drives my NP bananas, but she finally put in my notes that I insist on keeping these extra prescriptions “ due to patient mistrust of pump”. And while I mostly trust the tech, theres a lot of room for user error that tech can’t fix, like ripping off an infusion set at a BBQ and not noticing until later, forgetting to refill the cartridge before going to work, driving to the middle of nowhere without a charger… and keeping my semi-untethered approach means swapping in and out of systems is heaps easier!
It depends on what you mean.
If you mean - “Are the PDMs and Loop technology compatible between Dash and O5?” - no, the are not interchangeable. Dash Loop apps and PDMs only works with Dash pods, and O5 PDMs and apps only work with the O5 pods. You can’t switch between them.
If you mean - “If you have a script for O5 can you switch and get a script for Dash?” - yes, if your endo writes it for you. If not, you can get a different endo. There should not be an issue with insurance because it is not a durable medical device, it is disposable. So the insurance stuff should not be a hassle.
@ClaudnDaye My current Dash PDM I’m using only stays charged for 12-16 hours and I don’t even turn it on that much. It’s done that from the start. They sent me a new one because it started sometimes not even lasting a day and I just haven’t switched to it yet. But the impression I got from them was as long as it lasts the day it’s okay??? I remember I had to tell them it isn’t always even lasting the day now !!!
It’s the PDM Dash charge I hate, the pods at 80 hours I am used too!!! I’m sure if I switch to the new one they sent it might be better. I’ve just been lazy to program it.
@elver I don’t know of anything you have to apologize for!!!