Insulin Pumps
What is an Insulin Pump?
An insulin pump is a small, computerized device that delivers short acting insulin continuously throughout the day. It mimics the pancreas's release of insulin, but you must tell the pump how much insulin to inject.
It delivers insulin in two ways:
- a basal rate which is a continuous small amount of insulin that keeps blood sugars stable between meals and at night OR
- a bolus rate which is a much higher rate of insulin before eating to "cover" the food you plan to eat.
Safe Use of the Insulin Pump Requires:
- Willingness to check your blood sugars at least 4 times a day, every day
- Utilizing carbohydrate counting
- Ability to adjust insulin doses based on your blood sugar levels, carbohydrate amount, and exercise
Advantages of Pump Therapy
- Increased flexibility in lifestyle
- Precise insulin delivery
- Ability to deliver 1/10th of a unit of insulin
- Tight blood sugar control, while reducing the risk of low blood sugars
- Decreased amount of hypoglycemia
- Reduces wide swings in blood sugar
- Helps to avoid early am low blood sugar
Disadvantages of Pump Therapy
- Potential skin infections at the catheter site
- Risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) from pump malfunction or absorption problems.
- Cost - pumps are expensive, plus there is a continuing cost of supplies; some insurance plans do not provide full coverage
- You must check your blood sugars at least 4 times per day
Is Pump Therapy for You? Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you ready to be attached to a device that lets people know you have diabetes?
- Do you have realistic expectations? It is not an instant answer that will solve all your blood sugar problems.
- Are you comfortable with the technology and mechanics of operating a pump?
- Are you committed to checking blood sugars at least 4 times per day?
- Are you committed to put in the work to monitor blood sugars, carbohydrate amounts and activity levels consistently?
- Do you have a Diabetes team that is familiar with insulin pump that you are willing to work with?
Insulin Pump Companies
Animas
Makers of the R-1000 Insulin Pump
Disetronic
Makers of the H-Tron, D-Tron, and Dahedi 25 Insulin Pumps
Minimed
Makers of the 508 Insulin Pump
Deltec
Makers of the Deltec, Cozmo Insulin Pump
OmniPod
Makers of OmniPod insulin management system