Pumpers in Paradise: A Support Group for Folks on/Considering Insulin Pump Therapy

02/24/2006

People who are managing diabetes and have an interest in learning about insulin pumps will find support at “Pumpers in Paradise.” Wilcox Memorial Hospital and Animas Corporation are co-sponsoring a free educational and supportive meeting monthly. The next meeting is on Wednesday, March 8^th. Mary Roush, RN, CDE, has been helping people take control of their diabetes for the past 12 years in her role as certified diabetes educator at Kauai Medical Clinic. Together with Kevin Hagar of Animas Corp., she is now offering a support group for those who are using the insulin pump, or anyone wanting more information about this new treatment method.

“Current goals of therapy for people managing diabetes,” said Ms. Roush, “are to achieve near normal blood glucose levels, minimize the risk of severe low blood sugar reactions, limit excessive weight gain, improve quality of life and delay or prevent late vascular complications (amputations, stroke and heart attacks). Insulin Pump Therapy provides a treatment option that can dramatically aid in achieving all of these goals. Compared to taking daily injections, the insulin pump allows our patients to better control their own diabetes.”

Kevin Hagar, territory manager for Animas Corp., a company that manufactures insulin pumps, will assist Mary Roush in facilitating the support groups. “I have had Type I Diabetes for 26 years,” said Hagar, “and have been on various insulin pumps for over 7 years. I want to help others understand why this treatment option is beneficial to them, and to be able to educate and support anyone wanting to know more about them.”