Insulin Pump Instructions

Insulin pumps--also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII)--help diabetics safely and effectively manage their insulin levels by delivering preset dosages throughout the day. Using an insulin pump helps prevent low blood glucose levels and may even allow more dietary freedom. While the benefits are great, learning how to use an insulin pump properly requires a commitment to following your medical team's instructions as well as those of your particular insulin pump model. However, there are some basic instructions that you may familiarize yourself with to get started.

Insulin Pump Setup

• Your insulin pump system features an insulin pump and cannula--which consists of a small needle and tubing apparatus. The pump itself uses a small, disposable plastic tube or cartridge. This is your insulin reservoir. Fill the insulin reservoir with insulin from a vial by using a needle and plunger. Load the cartridge into your insulin pump. Connect the cannula to your insulin pump. Then, subcutaneously insert the needle end of your cannula into abdominal tissue just below the skin. This site is where your insulin pump will inject infusions hourly and at mealtimes. Your catheter may include an adhesive patch or strip to hold the needle end in place. Attach the pump to your waistline or keep it in your pocket.

Infusions and Presets

• Average your total daily total units for several days. Use this estimate to determine how much insulin you should fill the cartridge with. Consult your doctor or diabetes management medical team for any insulin amount conversion questions, especially if you are switching insulin types.

  Divide your daily total insulin unit amount into 40 to 50 percent for basal infusions and 50 to 60 for bolus insulin, based on what your doctor has determined. Then, divide the basal allotment by 24 to determine your initial hourly basal rate. Register this amount into your pump as a preset. The insulin pump will then provide this amount every hour without you having to do anything else. You will only have to adjust the hourly basal infusion rate.

  Use your normal or newly doctor-determined insulin-to-carb ratio to determine an initial carbohydrate dose. Know how many grams of carbohydrates a single unit of insulin covers. Apply this ratio to your bolus infusions at mealtimes. Determine how much one unit of insulin lowers your blood glucose. This is helpful to know for corrective and supplemental insulin doses throughout the day. Keep these numbers as a reference for as-needed dosages and add them to your insulin pump as presets.

Tips and Warnings

• Consult your doctor or diabetes management medical team before starting insulin pump use. Keep in contact with them, especially throughout the first several weeks--or, even month--of insulin pump use to make sure you are using the device properly.

  Replace the cannula every few days or as directed by your doctor. This prevents infection and assures proper cannula functionality.

  Set a timer or alarm to remind yourself to turn the insulin pump on again whenever you turn it off.

  Bring additional insulin supplies such as injections or an insulin pen when you are traveling. This is a safety measure in the event you lose your insulin pump or are unable to use it.