Answers to life’s question or just the diabetes ones

As a person with diabetes for more than nine years, and a pumper for over seven, I have had my fair share of questions. Questions for my endocrinologist, questions for my general healthcare provider, questions for the 24-Hour HelpLine.

When I have one of these questions come up, it’s often followed by a second question: “Who should I contact to ask this?”
I sat down with the 24-Hour HelpLine Team to get clarity on when customers like me should call them and when we should call our healthcare providers so we don’t have to waste our time in repeating a question to different people. Here is what I found out:

Call your healthcare provider for:

• Medical advice

• Blood glucose, insulin management, diabetes management questions

• Advice on highs and lows

• Guidelines for exercise

• Planning for blood glucose issues on sick days

• When you are sick, spilling ketones or vomiting

Call the 24-Hour HelpLine Team for:

• Technical assistance with your insulin pump, linking blood glucose meters, infusion sets or reservoirs

• For technical assistance with your glucose sensors or transmitter

• If you’re having trouble uploading to CareLink

• To report issues or concerns with Medtronic products

In addition to the HelpLine Team, another option is to visit the Help & Support section on the Medtronic Diabetes web site where you can learn about CareLink, device settings, glucose sensors, site locations and alerts and alarms as well as many other topics.
You can also read your workbooks and user guides that were provided at your initial training (if you can’t find them, or want digital downloads, these are also available in the Help & Support section!)
I hope this helps the next time you have a question!

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

– Medtronic Diabetes insulin infusion pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and associated components are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with
– Successful operation of the insulin infusion pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems requires adequate vision and hearing to recognize alerts and alarms.

 the risks associated with the use of these systems.

Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps

– Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform a minimum of four blood glucose tests per day.
– Insulin pumps use rapid-acting insulin. If your insulin delivery is interrupted for any reason, you must be prepared to replace the missed insulin immediately.

Medtronic Diabetes Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems

– The information provided by CGM systems is intended to supplement, not replace, blood glucose information obtained using a home glucose meter. A confirmatory fingerstick is required prior to treatment.
– Insertion of a glucose sensor may cause bleeding or irritation at the insertion site. Consult a physician immediately if you experience significant pain or if you suspect that the site is infected.