Kenneth Higby specializes in maternal fetal medicine; as such, he has spent nearly 20 years treating patients with diabetes—and he is very clear: “I think every Type 1 should be on a pump; you achieve better control with less insulin and less fluctuation.” To underscore his point, he describes a recent patient whose "mean blood sugars went from 148 on injections to 90 on an insulin pump.” It is no surprise, then, that of Dr. Higby’s patients with Type 1 diabetes, all but one are on a pump. And nearly 50% of those using pumps use the OmniPod System.

 

Dr. Higby has been offering his patients the OmniPod “since it came out.” Not only do patients choose the OmniPod, but they also like it, so they comply with their therapy. “I have never had a dissatisfied patient on the OmniPod, and I have never had anyone discontinue using it.”

 

Dr. Higby presents his patients with educational materials for a choice of pumps, and describes the pros and cons of each, then lets the patient decide. “Lots of patients don’t like the idea of tubing,” he comments. “They find it too restrictive. So when we explain the OmniPod to them, they like it. They also like the fact that they can keep their PDM in their purse; it doesn’t have to be hooked up to them, and they can wear whatever they want.”

 

Sometimes the choice is a fashion issue.  Many patients appreciate not having to wear a pump; the OmniPod is very inconspicuous.  One of Dr. Higby’s patients is an internal medicine physician and for her it is a work issue.  “She loves not having to carry the PDM while she does her rounds or is in the clinic; a conventional pump is heavy to hang on a pair of scrubs. She loves her OmniPod, and wouldn’t give it up for anything.”

 

Dr. Higby continues, “There are some very clear advantages that the OmniPod has over other pumps.” Dr. Higby likes the OmniPod’s large built-in food library, and the option to program up to seven separate basal programs. The automated insertion and priming help new patients avoid errors; “getting all those air bubbles out of tubing can be tricky.” For some patients, OmniPod’s lower up-front cost is a factor, too. “If you are paying 50% out of pocket, then the lower cost makes a big difference.”

 

At least once, the fact that OmniPod is watertight was the crucial feature.

 

Dr. Higby’s patient Robyn Cox is a dolphin trainer. She spends her days submerged in a tank. Her pump needs to keep pace. In Dr. Higby’s mind, the OmniPod was the only option for Robyn. OmniPod’s choice of basal programs was an added benefit. “Robyn has a completely different set of rules for days she works versus days she doesn’t work, and for days she is on the early shift versus days she is on the late shift. She needs different basal settings, different carb ratios, everything. With the OmniPod we could make those fine-tuned adjustments; with other systems we wouldn’t have had the option.”

 

Dr. Higby smiles and summarizes his views on the OmniPod: “The product is excellent, the customer service is excellent, and the educational materials are excellent.” What more could you want?