I have been attached to my pump now since January, it goes everywhere with me and is as much a part of me as any bit of my body. Weird really when back in January I was hesitant about having a blue tooth contraption anyway near me.

My consultant had tried for two years to persuade me it would be in my best interests - but as always my stubborn side won. I

was positive I didn't want one especially when I had a sensor attached for 3 days. Horrible bulky thing, no vanity was much more important.

Early retinopathy (bleeding blood vessels in the back of the eye) soon made it clear to me, my health was paramount, I was going to have the pump. When my consultant asked again I replied immediately with a precise YES, I think he nearly fell off his chair.

Insulin pumps aren't given to everyone and I personally think all children should have them. The usual reasons for issue are repeated episodes of hypoglycaemia despite good self care, reduced awareness of hypos, rise in blood glucose levels in the early hours of the morning 'dawn phenomenon', wide fluctuations of glucose levels, pregnancy and HbA1c over 8.5% (mine had never been lower than this so I was a prime candidate.)

Having a pump initially is daunting you have to be motivated to succeed, able to self manage and solve problems (when I realised maths was involved I panicked, I hate maths.) You have to be prepared to test your levels at least 4 times a day, be competent at carbohydrate counting, competent at insulin adjustment for carbohydrate, blood sugar and lifestyle. Phew!!

The first day was hard, like anything new it always seems more difficult than it actually is, putting in the cannulas was a hesitant job, I still don't particularly like it!!

Programming it was a feat in itself to find out personal ratios etc but after a week I had it sussed and actually got excited when all my blood levels were under 8. I found that if I had the carbohydrate amount right I was perfect. At first I ate the same foods, it was safe and as soon as I became more adventurous I had the odd higher ones and certainly a fair few lows but all in all it was the best thing I could have done. My Hb1c last month was 7.8 my best ever!

Of course there is always a down side. I found that I had to tuck it in my bra strap, every day, it was attached 24/7 apart from having a bath/shower and going to bed with my pump was a new experience. Getting up in the night for a toilet, half asleep, stumbling out of bed and realising you have left your new pal on the floor and he's (got to be a he) dragging on the floor behind you. Quickly retrieve him strap around your neck and go!!!!!!!

Another problem was getting undressed in front of my husband, where as before I wasn't shy, I suddenly became very conscious of what I looked like. Plastic tubing weaving across my body, um not really a sexy sight. This was the hardest part for me in the beginning and actually got depressed about it. I hard to remind myself my health was more important than vanity.

Talking of not feeling or looking sexy, something they don't discuss at your hospital visits is sex - why is this word so taboo with the Brits? Yes I found being attached to the pump limiting. You are only supposed to take it off for an hour so if you are planning marathon sessions - forget it. Impulsive can work if you keep your clothes on and then again when I disconnect there is always that little bit of plastic dangling. I bet you are conjuring up a pretty picture !! I have to say I am used to it and have taken it off for longer than a hour and have just given myself a correction dose.

Once I did get thoroughly fed up with it and removed it for 24 hours, it felt liberating and free but at the same time I missed the security of what the pump could do. My glucose levels in the morning were 30!!! Needless to say I soon reconnected.

Anyone that is unsure, give it a go, for my part it is my lifeline and the best treatment for my diabetes.

I'm thinking my pump needs a name, any ideas - he's black and boring but very clever!!