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Procedure to Install Insulin Pump

For many people living with diabetes, insulin shots are a necessary part of life. Insulin pumps, however, are helping diabetics control their blood-sugar levels without multiple daily shots. To install an insulin pump, you need to be familiar with the parts of the pump and know how all of the components connect together.

  1. Components

    • An insulin pump consists of three basic components--the pump itself, the insulin reservoir and the infusion set. The controls on the pump allow you to enter how much insulin you need, which the pump then delivers from the insulin reservoir through the infusion set. The infusion set consists of a cannula, small tube, that is inserted under the skin and connects by tube to the insulin reservoir. The reservoir is similar to a syringe that is housed inside the pump and is connected to the pumping mechanism.

    Installing Insulin Reservoirs

    • The insulin reservoir functions similarly to a syringe when filling it with insulin. Attach the needle onto the end of the insulin reservoir. Insert the needle into your bottle of insulin, and pull back on the plunger to fill the reservoir. You need to make sure there are no large air bubbles present in the reservoir. If you notice an air bubble, point the reservoir straight up, and angle it slightly. Thump the reservoir tube slightly until the bubble enters the neck. Push the plunger in slightly to remove the air bubble. Insert the reservoir into your pump, and connect it to the infusion set tube.

    Installing Infusion Sets

    • Insulin infusion sets come in many different varieties, so it is important that you consult the manufacturer's guidelines for your infusion set before you try installation. In general, infusion sets are inserted under the skin at either a 90-degree angle or at an angle closer to parallel with the skin. The infusion sets are typically installed in an area with high body fat, such as the stomach, the top of the buttocks or the thigh. Many pumps require you to pump a specific amount of insulin to fill the cannula after installation. It is a good idea to loop a small section of the tube and tape it to your skin near the installation site. This loop will help keep the tube from being removed if you snag it on something and pull it.

    Wearing the Pump

    • Wearing the pump can be as simple as placing it in your pocket or clipping it to your belt and going about your day. If you want your pump slightly more concealed, there are a few options. Most insulin-pump manufacturers offer thigh holders that will keep the pump next to your leg under your clothing. You can also cut a small hole in your pocket to run the tubing through if you want to hide it under your clothing. The most important considerations are the safety of the pump and your level of comfort wearing it.

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