Philson was on 100% on multiple daily injections (MDI) for 5 months upon diagnosis and moved to a ‘hybrid’ model with Omnipod and MDI on weekdays and weekends respectively. As parents, we researched extensively on the available technologies globally (given the limited options in Singapore) and decided to try the Omnipod as it has lower barriers (cost) to entry compared to ‘investing’ in a tubed pump with high upfront costs. Secondly, the tubeless form and closed loop therapy also suit toddlers’ active and unpredictable activity levels!

The key benefit is lower frequency of hypoglycemia (i.e. low blood glucose) episodes as the pump is able to give micro boluses of 0.05 units, just 10% of the minimum 0.5 units required by MDI. A second benefit is receiving buy-in from his preschool teachers to assist in bolusing with the pump as they are hesitant to assist with MDI, this freed up plenty of caregiving time for us and was much more discreet as he did not have to step away from his lessons to receive his boluses.

Inevitably, we faced more skin sensitivity issues as the Dexcom CGM competed for space with his Omnipod 5 pump. Moisturising his skin daily and generously assisted in healing his skin (arms and thighs) while applying Apicare lotion allowed the scars to subside more quickly. This is also the reason why we are on MDI on weekends, as it gives him skin some time to breathe and recover, before resuming pump therapy on weekdays.

While these are the current technologies that we are incorporating in his life, we trust that he will soon find what works best for him as he matures. As he grows and has a better understanding of his body, we want to empower him to make his own decisions and adopt the technologies that work best for him and his lifestyle.