Last May, I did a post about a great medical item I’d come across online, the i-Port. Basically, this little number works like an insulin pump cannula, but for people on injections – i.e. you insert it once every 3-4 days, and it has a line which goes directly into your subcutaneous layer for insulin to pass in. I actually contacted the company at the time to find out if they supplied NZ and they passed me through to their Australian distributors who pretty much shut me down, saying they were not in a position to distribute to NZ at that time.
I got my copy of Dia-log from Diabetes Auckland yesterday and discovered that they are now selling a product called Insuflon (pictured) which seems to be the same thing.
If I was on MDI still I’d be leaning pretty strongly toward this…. particularly for those of you who are taking 4+ injections a day. Even if you change the cannula once every three days, you’ve saved yourself 12 injections – surely that’s gotta be good?
Sorry, I can’t comment on whether other local societies are stocking this product at the moment but maybe Diabetes Supplies will look at putting it on their website so everyone in the country can access it.
Posted in Technology & Equipment
Tagged as insuflon, MDI
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15 comments have been made on this post
Tory wrote
Great idea for some, maybe kids in particular? I was very brave and inerted a Silhouette in my leg for the first time today
Crystal wrote
Wonder if these work for insulin pens? I hate injected my self
alicia wrote
If these had been around prior to us starting our 3 year old daughter on a pump, we may have been more inclined to stay with MDI’s, and save the money for the pump.
Nic wrote
Way to go, Tory! I’ve not been brave enough to go anywhere else than tummy so far, where in your leg did you insert?
Alicia – hear your point… if reducing the number of injections is your major reason for going for an insulin pump. My personal reasons for pumping are additional to that (I see it as a plus) so I’m still happy to be pumping.
Nic wrote
Crystal – I know you could with the i-port, I’d be surprised if you couldn’t with the Insuflon too.
Gail wrote
Great news for needle phobics and the little ones who can’t come to terms with injections. I shop at DNZA in Valley Road and find them very informative and helpful. Anybody can buy from the Diabetes Auckland Shop. Members do get an extra discount but their prices are reasonable and they have a mail order service as well.
Jade wrote
Hi which Dia-Log? Have looked in summer 09 and autumn 2010 and didn’t see it advertised.
Nic wrote
Autumn, the one with the kid on the front…. it came in the form of an A5 insert booklet with “NEW ITEMS IN THE DIABETES AUCKLAND SHOP” across the top.
Jade wrote
ahhh threw that out without looking at it, have retrieved from recycling xx
alicia wrote
Nic, I agree that there were more then just injections as a reason for pumping – too many to list really. Guess pumping is still quite new for my girl so i still have up and down days like today, but i think these sites would be really helpful for others on MDI.
Good on you for raising the issue on this site.
Nic wrote
Definitely, Alicia…. and as I’ve always said, pumping is not for everyone and MDI works perfectly well for many people I know, so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it (and don’t spend a fortune on a pump and ongoing consumables). So that’s why I thought this device was particularly great… if MDI is your thing and it’s working, you can do one more thing to reduce the negatives (i.e. lots of holes in your skin and pain/stress if you’re a littlie or needle-phobic).
Ali wrote
I’ve never really had an issue with injecting (and I do 6+ a day) but something like this would be great for newbis, kids or if others (e.g. teachers) are having to give injections.
Nic & Tory – I find it fascinating that you’re new to injecting in the leg – that was where I was originally taught to inject (1991) and it took me years (until University!) before I got brave enough to experiment with my stomach.
Nic wrote
Guess it’s all conditioning, eh, Ali…
Karen wrote
Does anyone know if these would be covered by medical insurance? I would be very very keen to try these if they were! I inject in my tummy and legs, but this would totally give me confidence to use my arms and my ‘love handle’ area. It would also mean that I’d be more likely to give myself one or two units for snacks which I usually wouldn’t bother to inject for.
Nic wrote
No idea, Karen – do let us know if you find out though!