What is the consensus for pump use in children (age 10)? In the case of maturity, excellent support systems, e.g., RN parent, diabetic educator mentor who also uses the pump, support of all except physician who currently has no patients under 13 on the pump. This doctor is the head of children’s endocrinology in our area, has earned the respect he has in his field, and dropped us from his patient list before discussion of his concerns of pump use for our 10 year old. Our child has been exposed to the use of a pump by an RN parent for 2 days during a symposium by MiniMed. I understand that children much younger than my child have had great success in pump use. Is this truly the case as our daughter’s safety and health is our ultimate goal? Are there doctors in our area that may be able to help us in the direction we are considering?

Pumps are wonderful, but they are not for everyone. There is no “age” for pump use, however there is a stage of maturity where a teen can use a pump, making safe and logical decisions. The younger the child, the more involved the parent needs to be on a very close level. Ten year olds can use pumps, if they have excellent support at home and school.

Diabetic ketoacidosis can be a risk after a few hours of interruption of the insulin supply, so there would have to be a plan set up to change the infusion set on short notice, at school, etc. or to take an injection of insulin until the set can be changed.

The decision to use a pump would be a decision for you, your child, and your diabetes team to make carefully. There are centers that have children your age using pumps. If you have thoroughly researched the pump, and feel it is for you, then you may wish to find a center that will help you.

Look at pump information at this web site, as well as links to other sites such as Insulin Pumpers, which has a section concerning children and pumps, and KidsRPumping.

LM

[Editor’s comment: There are many parents who visit the parents and pump users chat rooms who could also help by answering your questions about pump use.

JSH]