By Sion,
Omnipod user/Do it Yourself Closed Looper/Podding Peer Support Participant
Having had diabetes for the last 43 years I have seen a number of technology advancements along the way. Starting with disposable syringes, once daily injections with mixed insulins, and urine testing for glucose levels.
It was a quite a change to move to finger pricking for blood glucose monitoring, and in 1985 I thought I’d reached the pinnacle when I changed to multiple daily insulin injections on receipt of a NovoPen! At the same time I obtained my first blood glucose meter and my time to test reduced from two minutes to 20 seconds.
Over the next 30 years I saw small gains in my diabetes management using newer insulins and DAFNE training. It wasn’t until around five years ago I tried the FreeStyle Libre, and shortly afterwards I received an insulin pump.
As good as it was to have the latest technology, it was a shame that the bits of tech didn’t talk to each other. I still had to do the heavy lifting with all my daily treatment decisions. I knew that my pump communicated with the handset via Bluetooth and a chance mention of Looping by a Diabetes Specialist Nurse sent me down the route of internet searching to gain a better understanding of this technology.
This then opened my world to the prospect of Do It Yourself (DIY) closed looping, but as I didn’t know anybody using this tech I was naturally cautious. The online community was a big help and full of information. Having joined Facebook groups such as Libre Geeks, xDrip, and AAPusers, my first steps were to convert my FreeStyle Libre 1 sensor to a continuous glucose monitor via a device called a Miao-Miao and X-drip software on my Android phone.
I then progressed to buying a smartwatch so I that could see my blood glucose levels on my wrist. Then finally I took the plunge in setting up the DIY looping software called Android APS.
It wasn’t all plain sailing, but having persevered in adjusting my settings to optimise basal rates, carb ratios and insulin sensitivity factors, the closed loop system helps with my control. All I need to do is enter carbs at mealtimes, set up profile changes and/or temporary targets ahead of any activity. I still get the occasional hypo which I need to treat, but thankfully most highs (unless a pump or site issue) are avoided/corrected by the looping software.
“I’m really pleased with the results, not just due to improved time in range, but due to reduced daily mental load, and the ability to eat pizzas and curries without worrying about extended boluses and morning highs.”
My current set-up uses the Omnipod Dash, FreeStyle Libre 2, Android phone, and smartwatch. It enables me also to monitor glucose levels whilst driving (levels broadcast to android auto) or motorcycling (smartphone mount) without needing to pick up a hand held device or look at my watch.
For anyone thinking about trying DIY closed looping I’d encourage you to give it a go. There is so much newfound freedom to gain, and most importantly the technology is available now and not subject to any health authority funding decisions (#WeAreNotWaiting).
For more details/guidance on setting up your own DIY hybrid closed loop system, you are can take a look at the links in the presentation (click on the word 'presentation' for access) which I shared during our October 23 Podding Peer Support meet-up. Or you can always search the internet where there is a community of people with diabetes that have taken the same journey and are more than willing to share advice and respond to any questions.
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