Sarah Auletta
Simmons University '24
Sarah Auletta is the president of the Simmons University chapter, class of 2024. She is majoring in Public Health and Spanish and is involved in her student run science magazine, Partners in Health Engage chapter, and campus activities board. She loves all things health, which makes it hard for her to decide what direction she wants to take her career after graduation (but she almost guarantees it includes more school!).
When I was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, one of my first questions was, “How soon can I get on a pump?” A short 30 days later I switched from multiple daily injections (MDI) to a pump and my life, that had just changed became so much easier.
Before Omnipod, I was using a traditional tubed pump with buttons. With Omnipod DASH, I was able to ditch the tubing and the buttons for a Pod and receiver (also called a personal diabetes manager, which I’ll refer to as a PDM) that is touchscreen. I previously had to disconnect my pump to download data or do anything with water and shower, but now I can download data from the PDM and the Pod is waterproof so I don’t have to take it off. Don’t get me wrong, the pump did its job, but when I became eligible to switch to Omnipod DASH, I was thrilled.
“The best part about Omnipod is that it’s a pod without tubing, so it gives you the physical freedom of injections with the lifestyle freedom of a pump.”
Tubing can be a hassle and a tubed pump is also more noticeable. As a senior in high school, I had dealt with tubing for three years and was ready to get back to the tubeless life I had with MDI. The best part about Omnipod is that it’s a pod without tubing, so it gives you the physical freedom of injections with the lifestyle freedom of a pump. If I thought the Omnipod was great, just imagine my reaction to the Omnipod DASH after three years of a traditional pump.
One comment I often get is, “Wow, two phones — you’re young to have a work phone.” Of course, the person is referencing the PDM. The PDM allows me to bolus, control my basal, and enter blood glucose readings, all in the context of how much insulin I have on board. The low-profile design of the PDM makes it not only easy to carry and fit in your pocket, but also pretty inconspicuous in today’s world of phones. If you want to disguise your pump and PDM, DASH has you covered.
“The low-profile design of the PDM makes it not only easy to carry and fit in your pocket, but also pretty inconspicuous in today's world of phones.”
Another aspect I love about DASH is how reliable and easy it is to use and manage. With my other pump I had to make sure I always had a spare battery on me and plenty of extra supplies in case the pump malfunctioned. I find myself carrying fewer things now because the PDM is rechargeable and the infusion set is small because it’s only the Pod. For anyone on the go — school, work, or just a generally busy person — this is ideal.
Finally, DASH provides a color display of all the information you want to know in real time. If you wonder, “what would my basal be if I throw on a temp of 95%?”, you can know get the answer right away! I LOVE to know what is happening and have all the data available, so this is a game-changer. Not only is it a comfort to have information in the palm of your hand, but it is practical for managing type 1. Nothing like a good graph — am I right? I also use the Dexcom G6 CGM and love how it gives me a graph right on my phone. So having a phone-like PDM that integrates all of my favorite features fits perfectly. It is a no brainer to use the Dexcom G6 and Omnipod DASH together.
I’m sure by now you can tell that I thoroughly appreciate and enjoy Omnipod DASH. It has given me the flexibility and freedom that I have wanted since being diagnosed with type 1. It’s not always an easy adjustment to being insulin dependent but trust me when I say the tubeless Omnipod DASH makes it immensely easier.
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