According to 2007 data from the American Diabetes Foundation, over 23 million people live with some type of diabetes. Controlling diabetes through diet can be effective; however, in some cases it is necessary to use insulin. Insulin doses can be injected individually, or administered through a catheter attached to an insulin pump.
An insulin pump is programmable to help manage diabetes by taking the guesswork out of insulin amounts and times for injections for delivery of the right amount of insulin each time.
Insulin Pump
According to the American Diabetes Association, an insulin pump administers insulin through a catheter placed under the skin and attached to the pump. An insulin pump gives more control and the ability to participate in daily activities by delivering rapid or short-acting insulin 24 hours a day. People with type 1, and even individuals with type 2 diabetes, choose insulin pumps to gain more control over their diabetes and live a normal life.
Insulin doses are separated into basal rates, which are delivered continuously; bolus doses, which are taken before a meal or snack; and correction, or supplemental doses, which are taken to reduce high blood glucose levels.
Insulin pumps have a tube that connects the pump to the catheter; however, with advances in technology, many manufacturers are making them with wireless communication systems, thereby removing the need for tubing.
OmniPod
Insulet Corporation's OmniPod is the smallest insulin pump made and is quite different than the others. It does not use tubing to deliver the insulin, but is worn on the skin attached to the catheter, with the control pad looking much like a personal data assistant. The OmniPod holds 200 insulin units with seven distinct programmable injection profiles. Waterproof and able to hold 90 days worth of data, the OmniPod allows daily activities to continue with no interruption.
Medtronic MiniMed
The MiniMed insulin pump is a catheter-tubing insulin delivery system. According to Medtronic, the MiniMed is lightweight enough to continue regular activity while using. The MiniMed comes with three programmable insulin delivery profiles, a software program to upload memory data from the unit, and reminders for missed bolus injections, or to warn you before your high or low glucose limits are reached.
OneTouch Ping
OneTouch Ping by Animas is a newer insulin pump. A wireless system for insulin injections, OneTouch Ping gives you the option to use the meter-remote or the pump for many glucose management functions. Waterproof and with a longer battery life, OneTouch Ping provides the ability to lead a normal life even with diabetes. It also has a memory to calculate insulin use, dietary information on 500 foods, and comes with 24-hour support.
