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Important safety information | Prescribing Information | Glossary | |
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Types of Insulin Pumps
What are the advantages of using an insulin pump? An insulin pump can allow a person with diabetes to effectively deal with common everyday situations, such as eating meals at different times, irregular work schedules, different activity levels, and changes in blood sugar levels resulting from hormonal swings or medications. In addition to helping to reduce the risk of long-term diabetes complications, intensive insulin therapy with a pump can help decrease episodes of severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). What is an insulin pump? An insulin pump is a small battery-operated device about the size of a pager. It continuously delivers small doses of insulin. It can be conveniently clipped to your belt or waistband or carried in your pocket. Although new pumps can have very sophisticated features, they are still only a means of delivering insulin. They do not measure blood sugar levels or automatically deliver a specific dose of insulin. You will still need to do those activities for yourself. How do different types of insulin pumps work? An insulin pump contains a reservoir (or syringe) filled with insulin and a microcomputer that lets you adjust how much insulin is to be delivered. Insulin is pumped through an infusion line fitted with a tiny plastic tube (called a cannula that is inserted just under the skin—usually low on your abdomen—and taped in place. You must change this infusion set every few days. Some people think that the infusion set must be surgically implanted. Not so! You can easily insert the infusion set yourself—thousands of people around the world do it every day. Since a pump allows you to change your insulin regimen when your schedule changes, you may be able to more effectively control your blood sugar levels, and be free from a rigid multi-injection schedule. What type of insulin is used in insulin pumps? Rapid-acting insulin is used in an insulin pump.
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