Made in America

I DVR’ed last night episode of Made In America on the Travel Channel.

Before I saw that segment, I thought Made in America was a good series.  I had no idea how good.  Ratzenburger narrated and his narrative was very carefully researched.  He explained what diabetes does, how a pump makes a difference, etc.  One of the best 10 minute segments on Insulin Pumping and Type 1 Diabetes. 

You really need to see it.  It’s fascinating how the pumps are made.  You actually get to see the individual processes. 
There were a few points I have problems with.  I seriously doubt that there are “millions” of Smith insulin pumps in use.  I also don’t think it is the most portable insulin pump — I think the Animas is, as its profile is smaller, and it’s easier to hide on your body.  I also think they should have pointed out that you still have to poke a whole in your body to get a blood sugar reading.  They made that sound like it was a complete function of the pump and that’s the part I have to educate the most about.

I would have gone with a Smith pump IF they had been more responsive.  When I was initially pump shopping.I contacted all the manufacturers.  It was just after the Minimed / waterprrof debacle and since I have a pool they were completely ruled out.  I was very torn between Smith and Animas.  Here’s what sold me.  Smith sent me a brochure in the mail.  The Animas rep contacted me via email, arranged for me to meet him in person AND other pumpers at an insulin users groups and was 100% proactive.  Good thing for them, because I’ve bought two pumps from them (an IR1000 and an IR1250), and all supplies since I’ve met them.

I don’t remember, but I may have told the Smith people I was Type 2 and what insurance and figured it wasn’t worth pursuing, but they should remember, some people find pumping important enough to lay out the money for it themselves, even if insurance won’t help.