
October 20, 2001
Exercise and Sports, Insulin Pumps
Question from Irvine, California, USA:
My 21 year old son just began using an insulin pump and is having great difficulty keeping the Sof-set cannula in place while playing golf. He has tried many different areas, but it seems that the cannula is just too short. He is now using the Silhouette, but dislikes the length of the needle. He used Emla cream, but still felt some pain. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Answer:
It sounds like there is an adhesion problem, so if he calls his insulin pump manufacturer, they should send him a kit with a variety of tapes and barriers to use to help hold the set in place so he can use the Sof-sets. If he wants to use the Silhouette, there is a shorter needle that may ease the visual of a big long needle going in, but it still should be long enough, and it is of course at an angle that is less likely to come out. He could consider wearing a pair of biker or similar shorts that are elastic and hug the body tightly so maybe that will help keep the set in place.
LSF
[Editor’s comment: See Products Available to help keep the infusion set on our skin at the Insulin Pumpers web site.
SS]