These costs are for ME and are not automatically going to be the same for everyone. It seems that supplies cost different amounts in different regions, so this is just to give a sense of what it can cost and a way to calculate based on your own figures.
Some of the things that affect the cost for each person are:
- how often sets are changed - some people go 2 days on an infusion set and 6 days on a syringe, other go a week on an infusion set and syringe and others change everything every two days.
- how much insulin is used
- what additional supplies are used - skin prep to make tape stick better, disinfectant, tape that is not included with the infusion set
- how many blood sugars are done
- where you buy things - I found a $10 price difference on a bottle of Humalog between several pharmacies in my neighborhood. It pays to shop around.
I have recently upgraded to a Paradigm 712, so will add a page on the costs for this pump. I also changed set type, finally moving to a quick release. The 712 Bolus Wizard and the fact that it takes AAA batteries which are readily available is wonderful. Oh, most importantly, it is purple!
.
These figures are in Canadian dollars (CAD) unless otherwise specified and are before insurance coverage. Each insurance plan is different and many people don't have any coverage. So if you want to figure out your costs, get a current price list from the pump representative(s) and go from there. For more information on exchange rates, you can go to a currency converter.
If you are just starting on the pump, you will probably want to start by following the "change everything every 2-3 days" advice until you have a good sense of what you are doing, then test your boundaries carefully.
The following is a list of things I use, some of which are not factored into the monthly costs but are useful or, like the pump itself, essential. The source for these supplies is denoted by text colour: MiniMed, local pharmacy, and Unique Accessories (see Supplies and Accessories on my Diabetes Links page). The costs for the non-consumables ie the pump and the cases, are what I paid for them when I got them, and may not be the current prices.
| MiniMed 508 Insulin Infusion Pump (Dec 2000) | $4,200.00 CAD |
| MiniMed Sofserter | free |
| Batteries - uses 3 at a time | 9 for $35.00/$3.89 each |
| MiniMed Sof-Set infusions sets (not QR) | 24 for $240/$10 each |
| MiniMed Pump Syringes | 24 for $70.00/$2.92 each |
| Tegaderm tape | 100 pieces for $40/.40 each |
| Alcohol swabs | $1.99 for 100/.02 each |
| Humalog insulin | $18.00 per 10ml bottle/.018 per unit |
| Clip-N-Go pump holder | $14.95US |
| Leg-Thing pump holder | $15.95US |
| Quilted pump "sleeper" | free |
| Shower Allower | $3.50US |
| Glucometer Dex bloodtesting meter and lancing device | $24.88 |
| Dex glucose testing strips | 100 for $94.00/.94 each |
| BD Lo-dose syringes (for emergencies and unexplained highs) | 100 for $25.75/.26 each |
| Sun-Rype Fruit Strips (for low blood sugars, work really well and taste good) | 5 for $2.00 /.40 each |
| Sofsets (5) | $50.00 |
| Pump Syringes (5) | $14.60 |
| Batteries (3) | $11.67 |
| Tegaderm (5) | $2.00 |
| Alcohol swabs (5) | $0.15 |
| Insulin (55 units a day x 30 days = 1650 u) | $29.70 |
| Dex Testing strips (minimum 5 per day = 150 month) | $141.00 |
| TOTAL | $249.12 |
Monthly costs - changing sets every two days:
| Sofsets (15) | $150.00 |
| Pump Syringes (15) | $43.80 |
| Batteries (3) | $11.67 |
| Tegaderm (15) | $6.00 |
| Alcohol swabs (15) | $.45 |
| Insulin (55 units a day x 30 days = 1650 u) | $29.70 |
| Dex Testing strips (average 5 per day = 150 month) | $141.00 |
| TOTAL | $382.62 |
Why I use all those pump cases:
I use the Clip-N-Go case for everyday use, because it is comfortable and protects the pump somewhat from dust and scratches. I use the Leg-Thing when I want the pump someplace inconspicuous or I am wearing something that does not make attaching it to my waist possible. I use the sleep case because when I sleep, the pump is loose on the bed and if it falls off, it is protected and if I roll over it, it doesn't poke me.
I use the Shower Allower pump holder or Minimed's ShowerPaks because I do not take off my pump to shower. I tried Quick Release infusion sets and didn't find them useful. Other people really like them and I can see how helpful QR could be for water sports. I am very used to having the pump with me at all times and it doesn't bother me.
camojo ink © 1998-2003