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MiniMed Diabetes Pump Information

If you're an insulin-dependent diabetic, you may be considering an insulin pump, and Medtronic's Minimed Paradigm® pump is one of the predominant players in this market. What distinguishes this company? As the oldest pump manufacturer, MiniMed sustains a reputation for technological advancements and customer support. About the size of a pager or cell phone, the MiniMed Paradigm® pump is worn externally and is connected to the body by a small cannula and tubing. Like other pumps, this one provides a continuous flow of rapid-acting insulin, determined by a basal rate, to maintain as close to normal blood sugar readings day and night. This pump relies on preset ratios and manually inputted information to provide insulin bolus recommendations to cover food and activities.

  1. Transforming Insulin Pumps

    • It all started when MiniMed released its first insulin pump, the MiniMed 502, at the 1983 American Diabetes Association convention. Shortly thereafter, MiniMed introduced the improved 502A model featuring technological breakthrough that included a smaller size and programmable options. This tradition continued in 2006 as MiniMed remains at the forefront of technology with the FDA approval for the first insulin pump to integrate with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. One study presented by Medtronic at the 2009 American Diabetes Association meeting in New Orleans indicates that "patients who used Personal CGM more than 70 percent of the time achieved nearly a full percentage point reduction in A1C (average blood glucose levels)."

    MiniMed Insulin Pump Explained

    • Running on a AAA battery, the MiniMed Paradigm pump works in conjunction with a glucose meter. MiniMed has partnered with Lifescan for the One Touch UltraLink meter, which offers the option to send readings using wireless technology to the pump. On the pump, you can receive recommended bolus rates that you can accept or adjust. Boluses can be set in 0.1 increments, while the basal rate is adjustable to 0.05 units. MiniMed also offers to option to use their continuous glucose monitoring system. All data can be uploaded to their website and analyzed for trends using reports.

    The Choice is Yours

    • MiniMed's pump comes in two sizes, the 522, weighing 3.5 ounces and the 722, weighing 3.8 ounces. The 522 holds 176 units and the 722 holds 300 units. With this pump, you may choose from a few proprietary infusion sets, such as the Quick-set™, Soft-set™, Silhouette™ and Sure-T™. Each one is offered with either 43-inch or 23-inch tubing. How do you choose? It's mainly a personal preference and depending on how you wear your pump, how you need to detach or temporarily release it and your body type. Each comes with their own inserter to make it quick and painless. The pump is also available in multiple colors, and you may purchase "skins" separately to decorate the pump's exterior. MiniMed also offers flexible options for wearing the pump, including clips, belts, straps, cases and bags.

    Ahead of the Crowd: Continuous Glucose Monitoring

    • Neither the smallest or largest pump on the market, the MiniMed Paradigm 522/722 can be used as a stand-alone pump or in conjunction with sensor technology to provide continuous glucose monitoring. With MiniMed's integrated use of continuous glucose monitoring and their insulin pump, you are able to review trends, see rapidly changing glucose readings and receive alarms that indicate potential high and low values. Through wireless radio frequency communication between the pump and sensor, you may obtain up to 288 glucose readings per day, which are provided in 5-minute increments. From the pump's display screen, you can review both 3-hour and 24-hour trend graphs to determine if adjustments may be required.

    MiniMed and Customer Service

    • As a medical device, customer service and response time is a critical factor. MiniMed does offer a 24-hour call center that answers questions, provides recommendations, sends out replacements and helps in emergencies. MiniMed representatives also hold local educational sessions throughout the United States. On their website, you can access to pump instruction manuals, training, videos, case studies and their CareLink® site. Through CareLink®, you upload your glucose readings data and select reports to help you and your physician make changes to your diabetes regimen.

    MiniMed versus Other Pumps

    • While MiniMed has been one of the leaders in insulin pump therapy, other pumps pull their own and offer features and options to consider. Most pumps share similarities, such as pricing, warranties, size, weight and a toll-free helpline. Some new features that MiniMed has yet to incorporate include: pump programmability from an external meter, no tubing (OmniPod only), non-proprietary infusion sets providing more choice, better screen contrast, smaller basal and bolus increments for fine-tuning regimen, ability to fill insulin cartridges without air bubbles, meters with food lists and fully watertight systems. Consider what is important to you when researching medical devices and work closely with your physician to select the appropriate one.

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