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How to Understand Insulin Pumps

Continuous infusion of insulin via subcutaneous pump has become a popular form of treatment for Type 1 diabetes. Insulin pumps allow the user more flexibility, convenience, and overall better quality of life by requiring fewer injections and greatly reducing or eliminating the need for syringes. People with insulin pumps have been shown to exhibit improved glucose control as well.

  1. Mechanics of Insulin Pumps

    • A typical insulin pump is no larger than a pager and is powered by a battery so it remains portable. It can be clipped to a belt, kept in a pocket, or concealed within an undergarment.

      A small catheter, introduced via needle, delivers insulin to the subcutaneous tissue. After insertion, the needle is removed, and a biologically safe plastic tube called a cannula dwells within the tissue.

      A syringe or other receptacle holds insulin within the pump. This reservoir and the cannula must be replaced every three to five days. The patient is instructed on how to do so, and advised to rotate injection sites to minimize irritation or risk of infection.

      Newer devices have eliminated the need for tubing, attach directly to the patient's skin and are discarded after each use.

    How Insulin Pumps Work

    • Insulin pumps work essentially as a normal human pancreas would. The pancreas secretes two hormones, insulin and glucagon, responsible for regulating blood sugar. When we eat, our blood glucose levels rise, and the pancreas responds with extra insulin appropriate to the amount of food we've eaten.

      Insulin pumps are programmed with a patient-specific slow, continuous, or basal, rate of insulin delivery and have the ability to deliver a supplemental dose--called a bolus--at the request of the wearer.

      Recent developments in the field have produced additional devices capable of providing continuous glucose monitoring. These devices work in tandem with the pump to help the wearer better manage his or her blood glucose levels.

    Insulin Best for Pumps

    • Common practice is to use a rapid-acting insulin such as Humalog or NovoLog. These products more closely mimic the body's natural insulin response, allowing for tighter glucose control.

    Wearing an Insulin Pump

    • Insulin pump use requires a working knowledge of the pump itself, along with diligence, patience and organizational skills. Age is not an issue--toddlers as well as the elderly may use a pump provided they, or a caretaker, can maintain the appropriate settings. Patients with poor eyesight, lack of dexterity or mental impairment are not good candidates for pump therapy.

    How to Obtain an Insulin Pump

    • Insulin pumps require a prescription from a physician just as medications do. Typically, if the doctor wishes to initiate pump therapy, the office will work closely with the pump supplier to help the patient acquire a pump.

    The Cost of Insulin Pump Therapy

    • Insulin pump therapy can be expensive. In addition to the cost of the pump, which can be several thousand dollars, there is the expense of supplies including insulin, tubing, reservoirs and site preps or dressings. Most pump suppliers will work with a patient's insurance company to gain coverage for the pump and supplies.

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