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Whether you're curious about the basics or an experienced user looking for tips,you'll find it all in this interactive module.
Insulin pumps
What colours are available?
The MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ is available in 5 different colours: Blue, Smoke, Purple, Clear and Pink. A range of SKINs are also available so that you can change your pump’s look and feel as often as you like and to whatever colour you feel like.
How small is the insulin pump?
The MiniMed Paradigm Veo is available in 2 sizes - the 5series (554) and the 7series (754). The 5series insulin pump is the smallest of the two and is about the size of a mobile phone and measures just 5.1 x 7.6 x 2 cm. The 754 model is about 1.5 cm longer in length: Exact dimensions are 5.1 x 9.1 x 2 cm.
How light is the insulin pump?
The MiniMed Paradigm Veo 5series insulin pump is the lightest pump available from Medtronic Diabetes yet! Including battery it weighs just 95 grams. The MiniMed Paradigm Veo 7series insulin pump including battery is just 102 grams.
What is the MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ insulin pump's reservoir size?
The reservoir for the 5series insulin pump (Minimed Paradigm Veo 554) has a maximum capacity of 176 units, which meets the needs of most people who use up to 50 units of insulin daily. The 7series insulin pump (Minimed Paradigm Veo 754) can hold up to 300 units of insulin; it can also use either of the 2 MiniMed Paradigm reservoirs -- the 1.76 ml (MMT-326A) or the 3.0 ml (MMT-332A) reservoir.
Please note: Insulin requirements may change over time, in particular during pregnancy and in adolescence. Therefore, you are encouraged to discuss this decision with your health care professional.
Please note: Insulin requirements may change over time, in particular during pregnancy and in adolescence. Therefore, you are encouraged to discuss this decision with your health care professional.
What is the difference between the MiniMed Paradigm® model 554 and 754 insulin pumps?
MiniMed Paradigm 554 and 754 insulin pumps share all of the same features and capabilities. The difference between the 2 insulin pumps is the size reservoir each can hold. The 754 insulin pump can accommodate either a 3 ml reservoir (MMT-332A), which holds 300 units of insulin, or a 1.76 ml reservoir (MMT-326A), which holds 176 units of insulin. The 554 insulin pump can accommodate just the 1.76 ml reservoir.
How do I determine which size insulin pump is right for me?
Please note: Discuss this decision with your healthcare professional since it relates to your insulin use.
We have designed the 7series insulin pump for patients who use more insulin or anticipate using more insulin - specifically, more than 50 units daily. The 7series insulin pump can hold up to 300 units of insulin; it can also use either of the 2 MiniMed Paradigm reservoirs -- the 1.76 ml (MMT-326A) or the 3.0 ml reservoir (MMT-332A). Therefore, if you are anticipating life changes such as pregnancy or adolescence, you may appreciate the flexibility to upsize or downsize your reservoir. If you currently use more than 50 units daily, you may want to consider the MiniMed Paradigm Veo 754 for its larger reservoir capacity.
The 5series insulin pump can accommodate our 1.76 ml reservoir, and it holds up to 176 units of insulin. It is ideal for people who require less than 50 units of insulin per day. In addition, it is the best choice for people who want the maximum discretion offered by the smaller, lighter-weight member of the Paradigm insulin pump family (the MiniMed Paradigm Veo 554).
Medtronic are the only Company on the market offering this flexibility of different model sizes to suit the different requirements patients may have.
We have designed the 7series insulin pump for patients who use more insulin or anticipate using more insulin - specifically, more than 50 units daily. The 7series insulin pump can hold up to 300 units of insulin; it can also use either of the 2 MiniMed Paradigm reservoirs -- the 1.76 ml (MMT-326A) or the 3.0 ml reservoir (MMT-332A). Therefore, if you are anticipating life changes such as pregnancy or adolescence, you may appreciate the flexibility to upsize or downsize your reservoir. If you currently use more than 50 units daily, you may want to consider the MiniMed Paradigm Veo 754 for its larger reservoir capacity.
The 5series insulin pump can accommodate our 1.76 ml reservoir, and it holds up to 176 units of insulin. It is ideal for people who require less than 50 units of insulin per day. In addition, it is the best choice for people who want the maximum discretion offered by the smaller, lighter-weight member of the Paradigm insulin pump family (the MiniMed Paradigm Veo 554).
Medtronic are the only Company on the market offering this flexibility of different model sizes to suit the different requirements patients may have.
What are the basal rate increments on the MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ insulin pump?
The MiniMed Paradigm Veo can be programmed in 0.025 units/hr basal increments for basal rates of less than 1 unit/hr and in increments of 0.05 units/hr for basal rates of 1 unit/hr or more. This matches all patients needs from early age to adulthood.
What infusion sets are available?
Medtronic offer the widest range on infusion sets on the market to tailor to as many patient needs as possible. Take a look at the full range here7.
When I order the MiniMed Paradigm® System, which infusion set will I receive?
There will be a Quick-set infusion set and inserter within the pump box. However, you will also receive a supply any other infusion set that your healthcare professional has ordered for you at the same time so ask your healthcare professional for advice.
Can I swim or bathe while wearing a MiniMed Paradigm® insulin pump?
The insulin pump is IPX-7, which means that it is protected against water immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. So while it is designed to survive only any accidental dunking or splashing, it is not designed to be swum with. You should temporarily disconnect the pump while bathing or swimming.
How do I decide which set is right for me?
Your decision might be down to lifestyle, bosy type or just individual preference. Take a look at all of our different sets here8 to which might suit you best.
How much Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system data can the insulin pump store?
The insulin pump can store up to the last 90 days of CGM system data, which can be downloaded for historical analysis. This is the longest period allowed with any product on the market to help you and your healthcare professional optimise control.
What period of time is the CGM graphs on the MiniMed Paradigm® System showing me?
You can see either 3-hour, 6-hour, 12-hour and 24-hour trend graphs. You can scroll through the different time periods on the graph using the ESC button on your insulin pump.
I have an older model Paradigm® insulin pump but I think I could really benefit from the features available on the Paradigm® Veo™ System. How can I upgrade my pump?
Although the NHS don't usually upgrade pumps during their warranty period, if you feel that the Paradigm® Veo™ System could really benefit your diabetes management then you should talk to your healthcare team. They will be able to help you assess whether or not an upgrade may be an option.
I am interested in self-funding Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
You should discuss CGM re-imbursement with your healthcare team first to see what their particular re-imbursement situation is as this does vary from hospital to hospital. Self-funding is of course an option though if you do experience challenges with regards to funding. Because the CGM function of your insulin pump can be turned on or off, you can decide to use and fund it when you first receive your insulin pump, or you can start any time at a later date. We have different CGM Starter Kits available so please contact Customer Services to see which would suit you best.
Alarms
How do I set the alarms on my Paradigm® Veo™ System?
Your healthcare professional will advise and help you to set up the alarms and alerts on your Paradigm® Veo™ System. You can also find information about setting up and changing alarms in the online tutorial - just click on the thumbnail at the top of the page.
What different alerts can I set on my Paradigm® Veo™ System?
You can set a number of alerts, such as reminders for calibration, BG readings and missed meals.
If you are using the CGM funstion of your pump then you can set high/low glucose alerts, predictive high/low glucose alerts, rate of change alerts and Snooze alerts for any of these alarms. You can also turn on the Low Glucose Suspend feature.
The Paradigm® Veo™ has more alerts and alarms than any other product on the market, but these can all be customised and can be turned on or off depending on your needs.
If you are using the CGM funstion of your pump then you can set high/low glucose alerts, predictive high/low glucose alerts, rate of change alerts and Snooze alerts for any of these alarms. You can also turn on the Low Glucose Suspend feature.
The Paradigm® Veo™ has more alerts and alarms than any other product on the market, but these can all be customised and can be turned on or off depending on your needs.
What are the highest and lowest glucose alarm thresholds that I can set?
High alarm thresholds can be set as high as 22.2 mmol/L and the minimum low alarm threshold can be set as low as 2.2 mmol/L. High and low threshold ranges can be customised by the user. You should discuss your personal threshold levels and alert settings with your healthcare provider.
The high and low glucose alarms have to be at least 0.6 mmol/L apart. If you set your high glucose limit at 5.6 mmol/L, then you cannot set your low glucose limit greater than 4.9 mmol/L. Conversely, if you set your low glucose limit at 2.8 mmol/L then you cannot set your high limit lower than 3.3 mmol/L.
The high and low glucose alarms have to be at least 0.6 mmol/L apart. If you set your high glucose limit at 5.6 mmol/L, then you cannot set your low glucose limit greater than 4.9 mmol/L. Conversely, if you set your low glucose limit at 2.8 mmol/L then you cannot set your high limit lower than 3.3 mmol/L.
What do the Rate of Change Arrows indicate?
One arrow either up or down indicates that glucose readings have increased/decreased by 1.2-2.2 mmol/L in the last 20 minutes. Two arrows either up or down indicate that glucose readings have increased/decreased by more than 2.2 mmol/L in the last 20 minutes. The rate of change arrows can be used to help a patient detect period when their glucose levels are rising/dropping quickly and act to help to prevent any severe episodes.
Is there anything I can do to reduce the number of alarms I get?
First of all, it is important to remember that each alarm serves a meaningful purpose and is telling you about something, so you do need to pay attention to the number and type of alerts you receive. You can reduce the number of alarms you get though, by adjusting your user settings or by turning some of the alarms/alerts off.
For example, you can change your high and low alarm thresholds to levels that are appropriate for you. In addition, you can disable the "high glucose" alarm when you know you are going high. Another example is to adjust the time duration of the "snooze alarm" so that you receive fewer reminders. Other alerts can be avoided by taking action before they occur, such as doing your calibration on a regular schedule and keeping your transmitter within 6 feet (2 meters) of the insulin pump so that synchronisation is not lost.
For example, you can change your high and low alarm thresholds to levels that are appropriate for you. In addition, you can disable the "high glucose" alarm when you know you are going high. Another example is to adjust the time duration of the "snooze alarm" so that you receive fewer reminders. Other alerts can be avoided by taking action before they occur, such as doing your calibration on a regular schedule and keeping your transmitter within 6 feet (2 meters) of the insulin pump so that synchronisation is not lost.
What is Low Glucose Suspend (LGS)?
Low Glucose Suspend is a new CGM feature and helps patients who may have a fear of hypoglycaemia or hypoglycaemia unawareness.
If the feature is turned on, the pump automatically suspends insulin infusion for 2hours when glucose levels reach a pre-determined threshold and, without patient intervention, will resume Basal insulin delivery to it’s pre-set rate.
All other sensor functions remain operational during insulin suspension
LGS is a safety feature, rather like an airbag in a car, helping to protect you and providing peace of mind for you, your parent/carer and healthcare professional. It is designed to reduce the severity of hypoglycaemic episodes, NOT to prevent hypoglycaemia itself.
If the feature is turned on, the pump automatically suspends insulin infusion for 2hours when glucose levels reach a pre-determined threshold and, without patient intervention, will resume Basal insulin delivery to it’s pre-set rate.
All other sensor functions remain operational during insulin suspension
LGS is a safety feature, rather like an airbag in a car, helping to protect you and providing peace of mind for you, your parent/carer and healthcare professional. It is designed to reduce the severity of hypoglycaemic episodes, NOT to prevent hypoglycaemia itself.
What should I do if the LGS is triggered?
If you DO NOT respond to the alarm, the pump will suspend insulin delivery, sounds a siren alarm and displays “I have diabetes, call for emergency assistance.”. The pump suspends insulin delivery for 2 hours. After 2 hours pump resumes Basal insulin delivery. If BG still low 4 hours after resuming Basal, insulin delivery re-suspends.
If you DO respond to the alarm, you can choose to suspend or resume Basal insulin delivery. If you resume Basal delivery then your pump will continue to deliver insulin. If you choose to suspend, the pump suspends insulin delivery as above.
When the LGS is triggered the pump will siren to ensure the alarm is heard and acted upon.
If you DO respond to the alarm, you can choose to suspend or resume Basal insulin delivery. If you resume Basal delivery then your pump will continue to deliver insulin. If you choose to suspend, the pump suspends insulin delivery as above.
When the LGS is triggered the pump will siren to ensure the alarm is heard and acted upon.
Why does insulin delivery stop for 2 hours and resume after 4 hours?
The two hour period is based on clinical evidence and allows blood glucose to return to normoglycemia. The 4 hour period for resuming insulin delivery after halting it minimizes the risk of rebound hyperglycemia.
How loud are the alarms? I'm a sound sleeper, will it wake me up?
The alarm has been designed to be loud enough to wake a person to take action. The system emits alarms of more than 50 decibels at 1 meter. This alarm has been adjusted and is now the loudest alarm of all the Paradigm pumps on the market.
What if I want to have silent alerts?
You can choose to set the alerts to the vibrate function instead. You'll find this in the Utilities Menu. Or you can silence them for a period that may be useful when you are in a meeting or in an exam.
What is a CAL ERROR and what should I do when I get one?
A CAL ERROR happens when a meter reading vastly differs from a CGM reading. There are 3 main reasons this can happen:
- If you have an inaccurate meter reading, a long delay between taking your fingerstick and entering your meter value into the CGM system, or if you use more than 1 blood glucose meter to calibrate
- If you calibrated when your glucose is changing rapidly - such as after a meal
- If there is something wrong with the sensor
If the new meter reading is still really different from the CGM reading and the system displays a second CAL-ERROR message followed by a "SENSOR END" message, then you will need to replace the sensor.
I get a WEAK SIGNAL or a LOST SENSOR message. What does this mean?
In order to receive signals, your transmitter and insulin pump must be within 6 feet - or 2 meters - of each other. If they are outside of this range, you may lose your signal. Sometimes if you are too close to certain devices, such as mobile phones, cordless phones, wireless networks, televisions and radios - they can interfere with your transmitter signal. A LOST SENSOR message will appear if your signal is completely lost for about 45 minutes.
Calibration
Do I still need to do fingerstick readings if I use the MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ System?
The CGM feature of the MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ System does not replace fingerstick measurements. You still need to use your blood glucose meter to confirm a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) reading before treating or to calibrate the CGM system.
Why do I have to calibrate?
Calibration your system is like setting the time on your and adjusting it occasionally to make sure its still the correct time. To initialise a glucose sensor, you need to enter a meter reading to give the system a starting point. And, just as a watch needs to be adjusted occasionally, so does a glucose sensor. You need to enter at least 2 meter readings a day - once every 12 hours. This aligns the glucose sensor with the meter so that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) readings are representative of your blood glucose level.
How often do I have to calibrate the system?
Calibration is only necessary when you are using the CGM funstion of your insulin pump.
The MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ System must be calibrated a minimum of twice a day (once every 12 hours) by entering a fingerstick value into the insulin pump. However for best results, you can calibrate 3 to 4 times per day, with the calibrations spread throughout the day at periods when glucose is not changing rapidly, this will allow more accurate detection at all levels.
The MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ System must be calibrated a minimum of twice a day (once every 12 hours) by entering a fingerstick value into the insulin pump. However for best results, you can calibrate 3 to 4 times per day, with the calibrations spread throughout the day at periods when glucose is not changing rapidly, this will allow more accurate detection at all levels.
If I calibrate more often, will the glucose sensor be more accurate?
Not necessarily. The best practice is to calibrate 3 to 4 times per day. You need to spread your calibrations throughout the day and try to include stable high and low levels.
How often do I have to calibrate the system?
The MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring System must be calibrated a minimum of twice a day (once every 12 hours). This is done by entering a fingerstick value into the insulin pump. However for best results, calibrated 3 to 4 times per day, with the calibrations spread throughout the day at periods when glucose is not changing rapidly, this will allow more accurate detection at all levels.
If I calibrate more often, will the glucose sensor be more accurate?
Not necessarily. The best practice is to calibrate 3 to 4 times per day. You need to spread your calibrations throughout the day and try to include stable high and low levels.
When should I calibrate?
It is best to calibrate when your blood sugar is not changing rapidly. We recommend that you calibrate on a routine schedule, for instance when you first wake up, before a meal, or before your bedtime snack. Try to find a time during the day when your blood sugar is stable. Make sure you do not calibrate when your blood sugar is changing rapidly, like within the first hour after a meal.
It is important to calibrate when glucose values are not changing rapidly (for example glucose is more stable before a meal. After a meal, it is more likely that glucose will change rapidly to adjust for the food being digested).
It is important to calibrate when glucose values are not changing rapidly (for example glucose is more stable before a meal. After a meal, it is more likely that glucose will change rapidly to adjust for the food being digested).
Glucose sensors
What is a glucose sensor?
The glucose sensor is a tiny electrode that sits under the skin in your interstitial fluid (which is where cells get oxygen and nutrients, including glucose) and measures glucose levels. Glucose sensors are easily inserted using the Sen-serter® automatic insertion device. Like many types of infusion sets, a needle is used to introduce the glucose sensor but is then removed leaving just the tiny flexible electrode just under the skin. The glucose sensor is then connected either to a transmitter or recorder so the readings from the glucose sensor can either be transmitted to your insulin pump or monitor, or recorded for downloading to software once removed.
Does the glucose sensor infuse insulin?
The glucose sensor measures glucose levels in your body's interstitial fluid (fluid between the cells). It does not infuse insulin, nor does the measurement automatically cause the insulin pump to infuse a certain amount of insulin. Insulin is administered through the cannula or needle of an infusion set connected to the inmsulin pump.
Note - infusion sets should be inserted at least 5 cm away from the glucose sensor site.
Do I need to refrigerate my glucose sensors?
Our latest sensors do not need to be refrigerated if kept at temperatures ranging from 2˚ to 27˚ C (or 36˚ to 80˚ F). This temperature labeling applies to all manufactured glucose sensors over the last year. To identify these glucose sensors, look for a temperature graphic on the outside of the individual glucose sensor package, or on the side of the glucose sensor box. Glucose sensors are still being shipped in a protective foam container containing chilled gel packs designed to protect glucose sensors from temperature outside of the 2˚ to 27˚ C range during shipment.
Glucose sensors must not be frozen.
If you choose to keep your sensors in the refrigerator anyway, allow approximately 15 minutes for the sensor to warm up to room temperature before you use it.
How long do glucose sensors last? Do they expire?
Each glucose sensor can be worn for up to 6 days at a time.
Glucose sensors have a 6 month expiration date from the time they are manufactured. An expiration date will appear on the outside of the glucose sensor box and on each individual glucose sensor package.
Note - glucose sensors used for the iPro system should only be worn for up to 3 days at a time.
Glucose sensors have a 6 month expiration date from the time they are manufactured. An expiration date will appear on the outside of the glucose sensor box and on each individual glucose sensor package.
Note - glucose sensors used for the iPro system should only be worn for up to 3 days at a time.
Where should I wear a glucose sensor?
Placement of the glucose sensor may be affected by clothing, comfort, individual preference or experience. In the case of people using insulin, users may want to avoid recent infusion sites. While many people choose the abdominal stomach area, an alternative location is on the upper buttocks. This location is less likely to be bumped or affected by clothing at the waistline.
My BG Meter reading and my sensor reading are not the same, why?
This is quite normal. BG Meters take glucose readings from Plasma and Sensors take readings from Interstitial Fluid and the physiological difference has what is called "lag time". This can be a difference of as much as 10-15mins from that of the blood sugar (finger prick readings)
Sensor readings may never actually quite reach the apexed highs or lows of your blood sugar due to the lag time between blood glucose and sensor glucose. i.e. the blood sugar may have reached a high and then quickly begin to fall and the sensor glucose will be following this in relation to the calibration factor applied to it and thus begin to fall with the blood sugar in order to track as closely as possible to blood sugar readings.
Sensor readings may never actually quite reach the apexed highs or lows of your blood sugar due to the lag time between blood glucose and sensor glucose. i.e. the blood sugar may have reached a high and then quickly begin to fall and the sensor glucose will be following this in relation to the calibration factor applied to it and thus begin to fall with the blood sugar in order to track as closely as possible to blood sugar readings.
Other
Will MRI or X-ray equipment interfere with the system?
If you are going to have an X-ray, CT scan, MRI or other type of exposure to radiation, please take off your insulin pump, transmitter, and glucose sensor and remove them from the area.
Is the MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ System affected by computers, mobile phones or airport detectors?
The MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring System is designed to withstand common electromagnetic interference, including airport security systems.
The Bayer Contour Link meters and MiniLink transmitter send information to the insulin pump using radio frequency. So if other devices that use radio frequency are in use, such as mobile phones, cordless phones or wireless networks, they may prevent communication between the insulin pump and the meter. This interference will not cause incorrect data to be sent and will not cause any harm to your insulin pump or meter so moving away from or turning off these other devices may help.
The Bayer Contour Link meters and MiniLink transmitter send information to the insulin pump using radio frequency. So if other devices that use radio frequency are in use, such as mobile phones, cordless phones or wireless networks, they may prevent communication between the insulin pump and the meter. This interference will not cause incorrect data to be sent and will not cause any harm to your insulin pump or meter so moving away from or turning off these other devices may help.
Can I use the MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ System on an airplane?
You can continue to use your insulin pump as normal during your flight.
If you are using the CGM funstion of the pump, International standards and U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations require that devices using radio frequency capabilities should not be used on an aircraft. So you must disconnect the MiniLink transmitter from the glucose sensor. It is not sufficient to simply turn the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) feature off on the insulin pump because the MiniLink transmitter will continue to transmit on the RF frequency and will only stop if disconnected from the glucose sensor. While in flight, you need to manually test your glucose levels using your BG meter.
Note - when downloading data and reviewing historical reports, you will notice "data gap" where information is missing during this period of time.
If you are using the CGM funstion of the pump, International standards and U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations require that devices using radio frequency capabilities should not be used on an aircraft. So you must disconnect the MiniLink transmitter from the glucose sensor. It is not sufficient to simply turn the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) feature off on the insulin pump because the MiniLink transmitter will continue to transmit on the RF frequency and will only stop if disconnected from the glucose sensor. While in flight, you need to manually test your glucose levels using your BG meter.
Note - when downloading data and reviewing historical reports, you will notice "data gap" where information is missing during this period of time.
How do you turn off the transmission from the MiniLink transmitter to the insulin pump?
The MiniLink transmitter starts to transmit as soon as a sensor is connected to it. The MiniLink will transmit even if the CGM function of the pump is turned off. You need to physically disconnect the glucose sensor from the transmitter. It is ok to leave the glucose sensor inserted in the skin.