The Revel has the same feel as the 522/722, as it is the last in the series of Paradigm pumps (Medtronic has some amazing pumps on the horizon...)
Any user of the Paradigm series will be easily be able to adapt and navigate around the new Revel.
There are some additional features that clarify actions (changing your infusion set), that would be especially helpful for the new pumper.
For example, to change your set now, the menu has been renamed "Resevoir+Set." Pressing ACT will lead you to new prompts (Reservoir Set Up, Fill Cannula) as well as the familiar "History."
To change your set, there are now additional (new prompts). For example, the pump asks you if you are disconnected when priming. Then after priming it asks if you see drops (of insulin) at set. Very nice, again - especially for the noobie.
Reducing your Basal rates is also easier. To reduce by %'s (the best way to go), you previously had to do a couple of extra button clicks, but now it's right there for you under temp basal. As an aside, after exercising I reduce my basal rate by about 15% for 6 hours (or more) depending on the time of day. This simple technique has thwarted a LOT of low blood sugars. Try it, you'll see!
Other differences- the design is basically the same. The buttons are the same (placement), just relabeled. You can assuredly tell this pump is in the Paradigm family tree, it just looks like the best looking and most popular sibling!
The main feature that separates the Revel from it's predecessors is the trending feature. In order to use it, you need to be wearing the CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) Sensor. In laymen's terms, here's what the Revel will do:
-When you wear the CGM sensor, one of the parameters you must set up is your high and low alarms. In a nutshell what that means is that when your blood sugar rises to OVER or UNDER the level you set (say 80 and 200 mf/dl respectiveley) an alarm will sound on your pump notifying you that your levels are off. This is VERY helpful in tightening up your control of diabetes! So the Revel takes it one step further with something Medtronic has titled, "Predictive Alerts." What the Revel will do is actually calculate WHEN your blood sugar will either be higher or lower than your preset levels. It is based off the way your blood sugar is trending (up or down), and is calculated considering the current rate of rise or fall. So if you are told your blood sugar is going to be low in 15 minutes, you can act NOW to avoid it.
Now that, my friends, is AMAZING!
My original review of Medtronic and their products still stands. I fully endorse their line, and believe they are the unmatched leader in diabetes treatment and research. Their pumps are incredible, and their service is equally as awesome. My rep, Kevin Scheffen is a personable, caring professional that seeks to help people live better lives through using the latest advancement in diabetes treatment.
The pump has exponentially changed my life for the better. Let it do the same for you and your loved ones, too. No more excuses, no more delays - every day of high blood sugars is a day you cannot get back. It's imperative that you get on the pump, now. You won't regret it, I personally guarantee it.
Until next time, keep pumpin'...