Insulin Pump Safety

Insulin pumps are intended to be used by diabetic patients who do not need supervision or monitoring to safely and effectively use the pump. Improper use of an insulin pump may lead to an insulin overdose or underdose. Either situation is harmful to the diabetic person.

Pump Safety Basics

• Insulin pumps always need to be clean and free of cracks and other damage to the casing. Do not submerge your pump in soapy water or use other chemicals to clean it as this may result in significant damage to the pump's electronic components.

High Blood Sugars

• Dangerous high blood sugars can result if your pump becomes disconnected or if there is a blockage in the tubing preventing you from getting insulin. Checking your site and tubing frequently will help keep blood sugars at normal levels.

Waterproof Pumps

• Although insulin pumps are marketed as being waterproof, it is advisable that you disconnect from your pump while showering. When engaging in watersports such as swimming, if you disconnect from your pump to avoid water exposure, make sure you reconnect within 2 hours so that your blood sugars do not spike to high levels, warns the American Diabetes Association.

Pump Volume Settings

• Always keep your pump volume settings on and set at a level you can hear. This is especially important in the case of low blood sugar and a diabetic person who is not responsive. Other people around the diabetic patient can hear any pump alarms that may have been triggered and address the related issues.

Kids and Insulin Pumps

• Until you are certain that a child is capable of administering boluses on their own via insulin pump, all dosing should be done in the presence of an adult such as a school nurse. Make arrangements with the school nurse, and have the dosing written down in a log that is available for your review.