Insulin Pumps
How do insulin pumps work?
Insulin pumps are an alternative to multiple daily injections of insulin. They are devices that deliver rapid-acting insulin through a cannula (a small plastic or metal tube) inserted underneath your skin. The pumps deliver a continuous small dose of insulin (basal) and larger doses (boluses) when you eat or when your glucose is high. Insulin pumps can integrate with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in order to adjust the amount of insulin you receive based on your current glucose level.
How to use them?
When you are on an insulin pump, you no longer have to receive long-lasting or rapid-acting insulin through a pen or syringe. The pump is inserted directly on your body or connected to your body through a tube (infusion set), depending on the pump you choose. You will fill the pump with rapid-acting insulin before you place it. You will let the pump know when you eat – for some pumps, you will enter the amount of carbs that will be eaten and your current level, and others you will just enter the size of the meal to be eaten. Pumps / infusion sets will be changed every 2-7 days depending upon the chosen pump and insulin needs.
With guidance from your health care team and/or diabetes educators, you will learn how to set and adjust your insulin so that a steady basal rate is delivered throughout the day. You will also learn how to program the pump to deliver the right amount of insulin when you eat. Depending on the type of pump, you may either enter the number of carbohydrates you plan to eat along with your current glucose level, or simply select the meal size you are having.
What kind of info can be learned from the use of these devices?
When using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), your glucose levels can be tracked closely in real time. This can help prevent both high and low glucose levels. Some insulin pumps can be programmed to pause basal insulin delivery if your glucose is predicted to drop too low, helping to prevent dangerous hypoglycemia.
Many people prefer the reduction in injections and the increased flexibility that insulin pumps provide.
