Patients with diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, may require regular injections of insulin. Insulin pumps offer an alternative way for diabetics to receive insulin via a continuous infusion, rather than regularly undergoing injections.
Cannula
Most insulin pumps involve a thin tube, which is attached to another thin tube known as a cannula. This cannula contains a very thin needle which can be easily inserted under the skin and then connected to the main insulin pump. This allows the insulin pump to be outside of the body and still be able to infuse insulin under the skin.
Support
In most cases, small straps or support pieces can be purchased for insulin pumps. This allows the pump to be clipped to garments, the patient's waistband or a pocket , where it can then be kept out of site.
Refilling
One of the reasons why insulin pumps must be kept outside of the body is that the insulin supply needs to be periodically refilled. Most of these pumps have a small reservoir that can be swapped out using premade canisters or refilled using a syringe and needle.
