 Using an insulin pump is one method of controlling diabetes. Do you know what an insulin pump is? If not, you’re not alone. Only a small percentage of diabetics have heard of or seen one.
The pump resembles a beeper in size and shape. What it does is hold insulin (rapid acting) in a reservoir outside the body. It is programmed to deliver that insulin in small (basal) doses, or large (bolus) doses throughout the day the way a a normal pancreas does.
Its delivery is through a small plastic tube (cannula) that resembles an IV. This tube can be easily disconnected for bathing, sports or changing clothes.
Nothing is implanted.
The pump is calibrated by your doctor or educator, as each person’s dosage is different. It can be adjusted to take into account the time of day, different activities and food intake.
It gives much more flexibility in daily life, since the mechanism can be turned off at intervals, depending on your blood sugars and activity.
The goal of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion is improving glucose control and thus improve blood sugars and A1C results. In achieving this, you also lower your risk of developing long-term complications.
Having an insulin pump means having more freedom. You can eat when you want and exercise when you want and never worry about the insulin you took getting in the way.
No more strict schedules. More flexibility in your life. You can live life the way others do!
There are two types of insulin pumps, those with tubes and those without.
Do you qualify for pump therapy? You do if you:
are on multiple injections of insulin
are motivated to lower your numbers
monitor blood glucose at least four times a day
can count or can learn to count carbohydrates
have an A1C above 8%
are trying hard to keep control, but nothing seems to be working
are having frequent low blood sugar episodes
are having frequent high sugars
lead a busy life and insulin injections are becoming a nuisance
are a teenager with changing hormones
are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant NOTE: Type 2 diabetics may encounter problems with the pumps being authorized by Medicare. To qualify for a pump paid for by Medicare, you must be producing little or no insulin on your own. To determine your status, ask your doctor to test you. It can be done with two simple blood tests in the lab. |