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Insulin Pump

Most people have never heard of the word insulin pump. However, it has become very important for quite a few diabetics in giving them not only their necessary insulin, but also more freedom from the insulin injections, that is. Then, what exactly is an insulin pump?

First of all, a diabetes insulin pump is one way some diabetics, in particular type 1 diabetics, manage their diabetes. Since they need insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels, they may decide to begin using an insulin pump. They may feel that an insulin pump gives them more freedom in matching the insulin with their lives instead of matching their lives with the demands of the insulin injections. The pumps can help diabetics control their blood sugar levels and keep the ranges within target. Even though most individuals who use the pump are of the diabetes type 1 diagnosis, some diabetes type 2 diabetics also have chosen to use it (if on insulin).

The insulin pump gives out a basal rate of insulin (a steady infusion of a small amount of insulin) similar to the pancreas when it releases insulin into the body. A burst of insulin (or bolus dose) is pumped into the body before a meal, depending on the total of carbohydrates to be consumed. The insulin pump is approximately the size of a card deck and weighs about three ounces. An external insulin pump connects to a catheter; its needle is inserted under the skin close to the abdomen. The pump can be put in a pocket, worn on a belt, bra, sock, or underwear. The pump gives a basal amount of insulin steadily through the day. The pump also can release bolus doses of insulin at meals. When the blood glucose is too high compared to the programming in the pump, the diabetic can push buttons on the insulin pump to give the bolus as needed.

Around since 1979, insulin pumps have grown more popular in the last years becoming more in demand. The insulin pump is easy to use, flexible, and convenient. However, not everyone wants or can use one. The person who uses it is required to check their blood glucose four times daily, before each meal, and before bedtime. Moreover, they must remember to give a bolus dose each time before a meal. The individual who does use an insulin pump must have his or her diabetes controlled before using a pump and also must be knowledgeable enough to count carbohydrates.

The diabetic must plan on where to keep the pump when sleeping, when showering and bathing, swimming, exercising, playing sports, or working. As for bathing or showering, the diabetic can disconnect the pump temporarily since all pumps have a disconnect port for such. However, in some sports, if particularly heavy on physical contact, the pump should be taken off; otherwise the pump could be pushed into the individual or the individual could fall on it, resulting in bruising and pain.

The user of the insulin pump must remember some important facts when disconnecting the pump and when all insulin delivery has been stopped: if the pump is stopped in the middle of delivering a bolus, the bolus will not be continued a new one will have to be programmed; do not go longer than one to two hours without insulin; make sure to bolus in order to cover the basal rate that is missed; and be certain to monitor blood sugar every three to four hours.

There are definite advantages of operating an insulin pump rather than using insulin injections, some examples are: it eliminates individual injections; pumps deliver the insulin more accurately; pumps often improve A1C; there are fewer fluctuations in blood glucose levels; an insulin pump makes diabetes management easier; and a pump will reduce the chances for low blood sugar episodes. Some of the disadvantages of the insulin pump include the following: weight gain; it can be very expensive; it also can be troublesome since one has to be attached most of the time; and it can require either spending time in the hospital or as an outpatient for a full day’s training.

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