Insulin Pumps
What is it?
Insulin pumps are used by diabetics to help manage
their diabetes. An insulin pump mimics the pancreas by
giving out a basal rate of insulin, which is a constant
infusion of a small amount of insulin. Before each meal, a
bolus dose (a burst of insulin) is taken based on the
amount of carbohydrate to be eaten.
Who uses it?
Insulin pumps have been available since 1979. They have
become increasingly popular over the past several years
because of their convenience, flexibility, and ease of
use. The insulin pump isn’t for everyone, however. The
user must be willing to check their blood sugar at least
four times a day, before each meal and before bed and
remember to bolus every time before eating. Insulin pump
users must also know how to count carbohydrates and should
have their diabetes in control prior to starting the pump.
How does it work?
External insulin pumps connect to narrow, flexible
plastic tubing that ends with a needle inserted just under
the skin near the abdomen. The insulin pump is about the
size of a deck of cards, weighs about 3 ounces, and can be
worn on a belt or in a pocket. Users set the pump to give
a basal amount of insulin continuously throughout the day.
Pumps release "bolus" doses of insulin at meals and at
times when blood sugar is too high based on the users'
programming.
How do I get started?
Training for the pump usually involves a one-hour
training session with a diabetes educator, and a return
visit several days later to set up the pump, set basal
rates and administer a bolus, and learn when and how to
change the infusion set.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
The insulin pump has become very popular because it
offers a lot of freedom, but the user can’t put it on and
forgets about it. Because the pump is a mechanical device,
it requires maintenance. The pump needs to checked
regularly to make sure the battery hasn’t run out, the
infusion set clogged or dislodge or the tube kinked or
clogged. There is also a risk that the insertion site
might become irritated or infected. The user will have to
change the insertion site every two or three days in order
to avoid infection. In addition, there's always the
possibility of forgetting to bolus. This happens more
often with children, particularly teenagers. Users must
also remember they will need to take the pump off if they
swim or engage in contact sports. Since insulin pumps can
cost anywhere from $5,000 to $6,000 and the monthly cost
of pump treatment is about $480, users will need to make
sure their insurance company will cover the cost of a pump
and its supplies.
Self-care tips
For diabetics who choose to switch to an insulin pump,
frequent blood glucose monitoring is essential to
determine insulin dosages and to ensure that insulin is
delivered. In addition, diabetes still must be controlled
through a combination of nutrition, exercise, and
medication.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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