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The History of Insulin Pumps

The first insulin pump was developed in 1963 by Dr. Arnold Kadish of Los Angeles, California. It delivered glucagon and insulin via an apparatus the size of an adult backpack. Medical and electronic technologies have made enormous strides, and insulin pumps have now become smaller, computerized and very accurate.

  1. The 1970s

    • Multiple daily injections of insulin were expected to become archaic with the invention of the first manufactured insulin pump of the 1970s. Resembling a big blue brick, and thus named, user-friendly was not a term associated with this pump. Incorrect dosing was a potentially fatal problem, causing many to revert back to insulin injections.

    The 1980s

    • Insulin pumps of the 1980s continued to be inaccurate and bulky. They had no controls and they required a screwdriver to adjust insulin dosages. Most diabetics who qualified for pump therapy chose not to participate because of the difficulties of operation.

    The 1990s

    • In the 1990s, instant global communication coupled with technological advances made insulin pumps more user-friendly. They became smaller and smarter, with functional controls that permitted interaction with patients. Yet, they were still unable to dispense accurate insulin doses and episodes of hypoglycemia were prevalent among users.

    Y2K

    • The new millennium ushered in a new line of sleek, streamlined and intelligent pump models. Advances in computer chip technology allowed features never dreamed possible by the original developer. Pager-sized, these pumps come with downloadable, upgradable and programmable software. They include options for temporary basal doses, extended bolus doses, multiple infusion sets, and even a vibrate option. The smallest available only weighs 1.9 oz and all have standard water resistance.

    Advantages

    • All the great features available on this generation of pumps allow users to maintain tighter blood sugar control. Other advantages include meal flexibility, accuracy, immediate insulin infusion and less risk of hypoglycemia. They mimic the pancreas and have continuous blood sugar monitoring, eliminating the need for multiple meter tests.

    Disadvantages

    • Some pump users experience weight gain, but with the help of a dietitian this can be avoided if sessions are included with the initial use of the pump. Pump systems can be expensive, multiple infusion sets are required and they must be changed every two to three days. You will be attached to the pump constantly, and at first this can be inconvenient, but with time it will become second nature.

    Warnings

    • According to the American Diabetes Association, the most dangerous concern associated with pump use is the onset of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This is caused by a lack of insulin in the body and may be due to the detachment of the catheter. DKA can lead to coma and death. If you are experiencing vomiting, seek immediate medical help.

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