Diabetic Guidelines for an Insulin Pump

Many diabetics have the option of receiving their required insulin doses through an insulin pump. Some diabetics are not good candidates for the insulin pump. Those that do qualify are encouraged to use their insulin pumps exactly as directed by a doctor. Insulin pumps are medical devices that are battery powered, worn externally and used to regulate insulin levels within a person. Many insurance policies, including Medicare, cover the cost of purchasing and using insulin pumps. A person's doctor should make the overall decision whether an insulin pump is a feasible option for a person with diabetes.

How They Work

• Employing an insulin pump eliminates the need to keep up with daily insulin injections. Insulin pumps deliver insulin to the bloodstream as needed. The insulin is delivered from a device through a thin needle that is inserted beneath the skin. Usually, the needle is kept in place for up to three days before it is recommended that it be relocated to another area on the abdomen or buttocks. Needles can easily be changed or replaced by the user.
  The pager-sized device contains a reserve of insulin, a computer and a pump. Digital displays are featured on most insulin pumps. The computer measures precise amounts of insulin and pumps it into a person's body delivering a much more accurate dose than manual injections. The computer makes it easy for the user to adjust her insulin levels. Employing an insulin pump may require the user to administer extra doses during meals or certain other activities.

Using Insulin Pumps

• Insulin pumps need to be worn 24 hours each day, seven days each week with minimal interruption to avoid the health risks associated with diabetics not getting proper insulin doses. The insulin pump itself is connected to the needle via a flexible plastic tube specially designed for use in insulin pumps. During the day, insulin pumps can be clipped to a belt or kept in a pocket. At night, insulin pumps can be worn on a waistband or armband, kept near a person's pillow or placed on a nightstand. Most insulin pumps are water resistant but should not be placed directly under water. During showers, insulin pumps can be disconnected or put in special cases and hung around the neck or a faucet.