Battery Tips For Keeping Your Insulin Pump Running
Have you ever been woken up by a low battery warning on your insulin pump?
As a mother of a type 1 child, this has happened to me. Running through the house, in the middle of the night – especially in the winter is definitely not my definition of having fun. But believe me – I learned my lesson.
HERE ARE SOME GREAT ADVICE FROM SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES AND MYSELF:
The MiniMed™ 640G and Paradigm™ Veo are often used with sensor technology. Using only the sensor alerts that are of value for you and your doctor will not only reduce alerts but will also improve the battery life of your insulin pump.
If you think that the pump battery is draining too quickly, it may help to lower the brightness of the screen, shorten the stand-by time of your pump and switch off the vibration function. The more you interact with your pump the faster your battery will be depleted.
I always keep a spare battery in my son’s meter case. Others prefer to keep an extra one in the drawer next to their bed and at the office. It is however important not to store it where it can be exposed to extreme heat.
When replacing a battery, make sure to install the new battery within 10 minutes. If there is no voltage on the insulin pump for a long time, you must reset the time and date.
Use the belt clip to replace the battery, but make sure you do not overtighten the battery cap.
ABOUT MINIMED™ 640G INSULIN PUMP
We recommend AA Lithium batteries (1.5V), as Alkaline batteries have a considerably shorter life. AA Lithium batteries last for about three weeks. Do not use other batteries, such as zinc carbon batteries.
ABOUT MINIMED™ VEO INSULINE PUMP
We recommend one new Energizer AAA-Alkaline battery. This battery lasts about two weeks. Do not use a different brand, as this can cause fluctuation.