Insulin pumps are used by diabetic patients to help manage blood glucose levels. According to "MedSurg Nursing," the insulin pump, which has been available since the 1980s, is a device that imitates the function of a healthy pancreas by delivering a continuous amount of insulin to the patient.
History
The insulin pump, also known as a continuous insulin infusion, consists of a small mechanical pump and a cannula which is placed in an area of skin tissue near the patient's waistline. The pump infuses insulin at a rate prescribed by a health care professional. The pump is about the size of a pager and can be attached to a belt or placed in a pocket for convenience.
Indications
Insulin pumps are used mostly by patients who have type 1 diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes often require the traditional multiple daily injections of insulin. For these patients, the pump may be a better option. According to the American Diabetes Association, people of all ages use the pump and patients with type 2 diabetes have started using them also.
Pump Delivery Settings
The insulin pump delivers rapid-acting insulin as a continuous infusion to prevent irregular fluctuations in the blood glucose levels. Patients will check their blood glucose levels periodically during the day. Working with their health care provider, patients determine a target glucose range. Based on the blood glucose reading, if blood sugar is higher than the target, the patient is taught how to adjust the dose of insulin provided by the pump. The pump can be set to deliver different doses at different times of the day and night.
Advantages
According to "MedSurg Nursing," the most obvious advantage with the pump is that the patient does not require multiple needle sticks to deliver the insulin. In addition, pump therapy is associated with improved glucose control. Patients also have an increased flexibility of daily activities, including meals and physical activity, with the pump. There are few restrictions for pump users, most pumps are waterproof and can be worn during bathing or swimming.
Disadvantages
The American Diabetes Association indicates that the pump can be bothersome because the patient is attached to it all the time. The cost is a concern, and there is a risk of having a hyperglycemic reaction if the catheter comes out and the patient does not get insulin for a number of hours.
References
- "MedSurg Nursing"; Use of Insulin Pumps For Diabetes Management; K. Webb; April 2006
- American Diabetes Association: Insulin Pumps
