INPUT is a patient led support group for diabetics using insulin pumps run by pump users and their families, an information centre for people seeking facts about insulin pumps, their use and how to obtain and fund them. We are an independent organisation that offers no allegiance to any manufacturer. Our prime objectives are to increase the awareness and understanding of insulin pump therapy.

Insulin pumps were first introduced in the early 1970's and were relatively crude by modern standards and because the insulin in use at the time was not as stable as today's insulin's, they also had reliability problems. This, together with some poor patient selection, caused a certain amount of distrust within the UK medical profession and this meant that there were only a few consultants and hospitals prepared to recommend and support pump therapy.

Following the publication of NICE guidance on 26th February 2003, this number is growing; many leading hospitals will now prescribe this treatment for diabetes.

Modern pumps, thanks to the advance of electronics have more safety features, are more reliable and much more durable. This, together with new "buffered" insulin's, means that pump therapy is as safe as multiple injection therapy when recommended procedures are followed.

Growing clinical evidence supports the use of insulin pumps as the therapy of choice in motivated diabetics. Insulin pumps provide an important tool that may be effective in reducing hypoglycaemia, maintaining more normal blood glucose levels and in reducing the complications and costs of diabetes, and the flexibility that they provide can improve life quality.

INPUT was formed in November 1998. Our main aims are:

• To raise awareness of insulin pump therapy in the UK diabetes community
• To help, support and educate insulin pump users and their families

We accomplish this by organising and supporting regional “Pump Clubs” throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland. These are both social and educational groups who meet periodically to discuss how best to further the awareness of pump therapy in their area. Each area has a “Pump Pal” who talks to prospective pump patients. The “Pump Pal” also introduces new pump users to the benefits of pump therapy. This follows on from the initial hospital training they received when starting the pump.

We organise Information Days (or Roadshows) where we invite members of the diabetes community to come and meet existing pump users and their families, medical professionals who prescribe pump therapy and the manufacturers. The opportunity to discuss the benefits of this treatment has proved extremely successful in the past and has been one of the prime factors in the increase of insulin pump usage in the UK.

Another important area is our liaison with Diabetes UK, where we have undertaken the education and training of their Care Line Operators. This has given them sufficient knowledge of pump therapy to be able to talk with confidence to diabetics who phone them for information on insulin pumps.

We have a programme of activities to provide the medical profession with the opportunity to obtain the latest information about insulin pump therapy.

If you would like INPUT to come and make a presentation to your hospital or group, please contact us. We are prepared to go anywhere!

9 Grafton Gardens
Lymington
Hants SO41 8AS

Tel: 01590 677911
Email: input@care4free.net
Web: www.webshowcase.net/input

 

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