Manning News Journal (page 7)
October 1st, 2004
Insulin pump helps Guzman live with diabetes… For the past year, Lou and Marci Guzman of Panora, Iowa, have been sharing information about insulin pumps with diabetic patients in this area. While the pumps, an alternative to insulin injections, are not new, neither are they widely used in the Midwest, according to Lou, a Type II, insulin-dependent diabetic who was diagnosed at age 21.

"The technology isn't new, it just keeps getting better and smaller," he said.

A native of Denver, Colorado, Lou has been wearing a pump for the past 29 years. He talks openly about his history of diabetes and mistakes he has made.

The son of a doctor, he said, "I was a wild and crazy kid, so I ignored it for about six years. I gave myself shots, but I never tested. After a while you feel terrible because you're not taking care of it. That's when I surrendered (1970's). I stopped drinking, stopped taking chemicals - yah, I was an idiot for a while, but I got over it."

He continued, "I knew I needed help, so I joined the American Diabetes Association. I started going to national conventions and kept running into people with large pumps."

At the age of 27, Lou said he "got a pump, got sober and began taking care of himself."

He encourages diabetics to learn about their conditions and take responsibility for their health. Lou's pump automatically administers a small dose of insulin continually and when he eats, he manually gives himself a bigger dose, which is gauged by what he eats.

Pumps were rather primitive when Lou started using one. At that time, only one company manufactured them. Today there are five manufacturers. The pumps started out big, clumsy and hard to use. Now they are small and programmable. The new pumps even come with a beeper to remind patients to test.

"You have to test often. You have to know what your blood sugar is," he stated. "Being a diabetic who does not test is like driving a car without a speedometer."

Lou always has a blood meter with him. Recounting various problems faced by diabetics - blindness, kidney failure, muscle loss, the 35-year diabetic stated he has no problems, yet.

"All I figure is that using the pump may have helped," he said.

In July 2003, Lou and his wife, Marci, relocated from Denver to Panora to be closer to Marci's mother, Loyola Mundt of Manning, where they spend a lot of time. Marci, a registered nurse and 1970 Manning graduate, worked as a nurse for 20 years until she met Lou who began selling pumps and diabetic supplies in 1990.

"I joined him ten years ago," she said. "I quit nursing and now work the business with him. We're both certified pump trainers." She said, "I don't like to teach, but Lou loves it, so I handle the insurance work. There is an ongoing business once people get a pump because they need supplies. I take care of all that."

The Guzman's remain in contact with customers and keep them informed through a quarterly newsletter, which currently goes to 500 diabetics. Marci writes all the news items for the publication, which began two years ago.

"I enjoy researching and writing the articles. It keeps me current," she said.

The couple is always on call.

"When Lou puts somebody new on a pump, he calls them every night for a week to make sure they are doing ok. That's how he does it," she said. Some patients try the pump and decide it's not for them.

"You either love it or hate it and you know within a week," Lou said. The Guzman's state their business is unique. They know of no other company that provides a similar service.

"It all started because Lou has the disease," said Marci. "Now some Type II patients are going on insulin pumps as well because they find they benefit more than from the oral medications, but it's still slow in this part of the country. Some doctors out of Des Moines (IA) are prescribing insulin pumps, and there is one lady here in Manning using a pump."

New pumps are small and operate much like a cell phone. They will record doses and blood sugars, and when attached to a computer, the records can be printed. Most pumps are refilled with a syringe. Newer pumps have cartridges. The newest models with blood meter attached sell for $4500.

"They can range from $4500 - $6000, but most insurance will pay for them. Even Medicare and Medicaid," said Marci.

Lou considers accuracy to be the biggest advantage of pump. It can give amounts as small as a tenth of a unit. He said it was hard to live with other people because diabetics have to eat at a certain time, give themselves a certain shot.

"I now eat when everyone else eats. I am able to fit in, but it meant I had to get educated," he stated.

Marci added, "By talking to people about his diabetes, it helps Lou remember what he has to do."

The Guzmans can be contacted at Diabetes Equipment & Referral Service, 866-846-8083.

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