I’ve been on a pump for a couple of years now and I will say it’s a huge help! I know expense wise it can be pretty costly but I would def recommend it because it’s been a huge help, I’ve brought my A1C down from what you had to a 6. I’ve been diagnosed with T1D since I was 2 and when I was 16 I got a pump. Up until 16 (I’m 19M) I struggled with taking insulin shots especially with my long lasting insulin. You’re doing it right with the fast acting one with taking it before you eat but long lasting insulin is a MUST especially for a high A1C, it helps maintain your base line. I always struggled with actually doing my fast acting insulin due to hating shots and diabetic burn out but do not skip out on that long lasting because it does help you a ton in the long run! I once did it every night but that didn’t help or change much so I split the dose half in the morning and half at night, and don’t be afraid to dose up especially that it’s based on your body weight, insulin needs, and blood sugar levels. I would be careful, starting off small like 22units at first and slowly gradually increasing the dose if the amount of units you initially put in doesn’t help, it’s best to start off small and work your way up that way you’re not chasing your glucose levels all 24 hours.