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Diabetic Insulin Pump Technology

From its introduction at the American Diabetes Association convention in 1983, the insulin pump has become a popular technological device which frees diabetic patients from multiple daily shots. Current pumps, now the size of pagers, are constantly being modified and improved upon.

  1. Insulin Pumps

    • Insulin pumps consist of the actual pump itself and a reservoir which the insulin supply is stored in. Newer pod-style pumps still hold the insulin, but are designed to be disposable. Eliminating the tubing through which older model pumps deliver insulin to the body is the newest idea behind the pod style. In both instances, filaments under the skin (cannulas) deliver the insulin, but the pod design eliminates the tubing.

    Common Features

    • Features common to pumps include similar pricing, four-year warranties, customer support and training. Safety checks, lighted screens, disposable batteries and the ability to personalize features are to be found in most pumps. Basal (the 24-hour dose) insulin delivery can be set up with multiple programs for changing events such as exercise or illness. Bolus insulin (taken to cover carbohydrates in meals or to correct high blood sugars) can also be set up according to your calculated needs.

    The Pods

    • The desire to eliminate the tubing which ties the insulin pump to the infusion site, has resulted in the new pod-style pumps. The pods contain insulin cartridges, but connect directly to the skin to deliver insulin. A remote device communicates with the pump for all functions. Pods will eventually be smaller or even patch-like, according to WebMD's Diabetes Health Center.

    Continuous Glucose Monitoring

    • Continuous blood glucose monitoring is a feature now being integrated into pumps. Consisting of a subcutaneous sensor (separate site from the infusion site) and a transmitter, the CGM systems allows a patient to see what his blood glucose is in real time, 24 hours a day.

    Artificial Pancreas

    • The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Artificial Pancreas Project presents the ultimate goal of insulin pump technology. This program will automate the process of blood sugar management for people with diabetes, according to the JDRF. The pump and CGM will work together and automatic increases and decreases in insulin dose will be possible. Patients will still need to program insulin in for things like dosing before meals, but some features will be partially automated.

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