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Information About Insulin Pumps for Healthcare Providers

Insulin pumps rank as the insulin delivery method of choice by patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. Health-care providers need to have a basic understanding of the device so they can incorporate that information into a patient's care and treatment.

  1. Insulin Pumps

    • Insulin pumps measure about the size of a cell phone. Pumps usually clip to clothing, and can be concealed. Newer "pod-designed" pumps adhere to the skin and are smaller. Pumps give patients with insulin-dependent diabetes an alternative to multiple "stickings" as part of their daily injection regimen.

    How Pumps Work

    • Standard insulin pumps house a cartridge, containing a supply of insulin. An infusion set connects to the cartridge to carry insulin to the patient. On the opposite end, an "introducer needle" slips a thin filament (cannula) into the patient's skin to deliver the insulin subcutaneously. Patients typically change the infusion site every two or three days.

    Misunderstandings

    • It is very important for health-care providers to understand that the pump does not require surgery and is not implanted. The infusion site generally consists of a patch of adhesive, which protects the cannula from being pulled out. Newer pod pumps are tubeless; only the pod can be displaced. The pump still requires blood glucose testing and input of that information, and does not "think" on its own.

    Precautions

    • According to Medtronic pumps, a patient needs to remind his dentist or doctor he is wearing a pump. Concurrently the provider should be alert to this. Having the patient briefly disconnect the pump should not cause problems. However, long procedures and recovery periods may require adjustments to insulin dose. Diabetics should ask their physicians questions in advance of their procedures to develop a plan.

    Insulin Delivery

    • Pumps deliver insulin in what is called a basal dose and bolus. The basal insulin is programmed in and delivered over a 24-hour period, to the specifications set by the patient and her doctor. It can be increased or decreased. Consider this in medical situations. Bolus insulin is delivered by the patient to cover carbohydrates in foods eaten, or to lower blood-sugar levels. It may not come into play in most situations you encounter.

    Considerations

    • A medical professional's understanding of the pump benefits his patients. He might consider accessing articles on the pump, or even having educational sessions for his employees. Most pump companies have area representatives available for such training. Knowing in advance how to work with your pumping patient means they can be confident putting their care in your hands.

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