Pump Expeditions from Medtronic MiniMed is a CD-ROM-based program that offers users both entertainment and education.

Using animated videos and interactive content, this multimedia software program can make it easier for children and adults to understand how to use an insulin pump.

Better yet, they learn how to control diabetes using an insulin pump in real-life situations.

A Simulation Game

Pump Expeditions is a simulation game to help adults and children learn about insulin pump therapy.

Players face real-life situations and challenges that show what life would be like using an insulin pump. This is done while they are engaged in solving a mystery.

The main character in the game is Zack, a young wilderness photographer who has type 1 diabetes. One night, Zack sees a mysterious object fall from the sky and sets out the next morning to find it. On a hike into the mountains, the player encounters wildlife, rough terrain, and other hikers who may or may not be trying to solve the same mystery. Players win points by being prepared for the hike, answering questions about using the pump and maintaining good blood glucose control.

The software uses pop-up screens to help educate and guide players during the game. A nurse-advisor character provides answers to quizzes. A simplified insulin pump for basal and bolus interactions focuses the player on basic pump concepts without getting buried in details. A Health Guide offers more in-depth explanations to real-life situations using an insulin pump and managing diabetes.

Playing this entertaining game helps users educate themselves on how insulin-pump therapy works. The game can also be used to help reinforce concepts taught by a diabetes educator.

The game was developed under the supervision of a certified diabetes educator, with physician review and extensive testing at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County in California. Testing showed positive results with both children and adults. Children as young as 6 years old were able to play the game and learn about insulin pump therapy.

Pump Expeditions is available free of charge. Just visit the Web site at www.pumpexpeditions.com to order the software on CD-ROM or to download it directly from the site.

Q: Do I have to be a computer genius to use this software?

A: No. Most people will be able to use the software even if they have little or no computer experience. The ability to use a keyboard and mouse is required.

Q: Would the game really be of interest to adults?

A: Yes. It’s entertaining and very educational. Even an adult who does not normally play video games would enjoy and learn from this software.

Pump Expeditions has the following system requirements:

Macintosh

• OS 8.6, 9.x or 10.x or later
• 128 MB RAM
• Flash 6 plug-in
• CD-ROM drive
• Internet Explorer 5.x or later, or Netscape Navigator

Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP

• 64 MB RAM
• Flash 6 plug-in
• CD-ROM drive
• Internet Explorer 5.x or later, or Netscape Navigator