An insulin pump is a small, beeper-sized device that rests on the outside of the body. The pump delivers insulin to the diabetic via the fatty tissue in place of an injection or insulin pen. The unit needs to be installed by a medical professional in a hospital setting. Education is necessary to assure that the patient understands the operation and the risks involved with the insulin pump.
Function
Many Type 1 diabetics or insulin-dependent diabetics use an insulin pump to better regulate when they have to administer insulin. An insulin pump is designed to be more effective than injections at administering the proper amount of insulin needed. The pump does not detect when the body needs insulin. The patient must be knowledgeable about programming the pump to release the insulin as needed. Glucose levels still need to be checked throughout the day with a meter for accurate blood sugar testing.
Features
The insulin pump has a small tube, called a catheter, that is surgically placed in the belly region of the patient. The tube exits the body through a port that leads to the pump. The port is the separating point between the machine and the body. The port is where the machine can be detached from the body for bathing and exercising as needed. The pump releases tiny amounts of insulin throughout the day much like a healthy pancreas does. It can then be programmed to release designated amounts of insulin after meals. The pump works with both time-released insulin and rapid-release insulin.
Regulating
Insulin pump users need to constantly regulate blood sugar levels until they can adequately adjust to how the pump works. This means at first the patient may find himself testing blood sugar levels more frequently. He may also need to reduce the amount of bolus or insulin they need after a meal or exercise, if he is not as active or eat a larger meal than expected. The basal rate is the type of insulin that flows throughout the day. Basal rates may also need to be adjusted if there is any change in the health of the patient or if he has been exercising more than usual.
Benefits
Using an insulin pump means not having to give injections repeatedly throughout the day. The insulin pump is beneficial to those who have to administer insulin after every meal or several more times a day. The other advantage is the pump is small and does not have to be noticeable to others. It can be held to the body with a strap or clip on to undergarments or clothes. Not having to carry around extra insulin bottles and syringes is also an advantage to some.
Disadvantages
Pumps can be expensive and are not always covered under insurance. In 2006, the average base price for a pump according to diabeteshealth.com was around $6,000. The monthly maintenance for insulin and supplies range between $250 to $500. These prices vary per location and insurance plan coverage as well as the combination of the two. There is a slight risk for infection at the site of the port; this can lead to further health problems and complications.
