Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects most of the organ systems of the body. Those with Type 1 diabetes and some with Type 2 diabetes must take insulin to manage the disease. An insulin pump, or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, is a device that delivers insulin at a programmed rate, according to Johns Hopkins. Since an insulin pump is programmed to administer a specific amount of insulin throughout the day, there is no need for daily injections. An insulin pump delivers insulin in a way that is similar to the action of the pancreas.
Step 1
Consult a physician about using an insulin pump. Your doctor will also advise you about which insulin pump is best and how to use it.
Step 2
Know your insulin dose regimen. Your physician will prescribe an insulin dose regimen tailored to your personal needs. The insulin dose regimen provides the formulas needed to calculate the amount of bolus insulin needed at mealtimes and for snacks, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. It will also allow you to correct elevated blood glucose levels.
Step 3
Find your background insulin dose, called your basal dose. The basal dose is 40 to 50 percent of the daily insulin dosage. It's used to replace insulin overnight and during daily fasting periods. To calculate your basal dose, first divide your body weight by four. Record this number in a daily journal. The basal dose of insulin is found by dividing the number representing one-fourth of the body weight in half. The insulin pump delivers this dose of insulin throughout the day.
Step 4
Determine your blood glucose level. Use a blood glucose monitor and testing strips to find your current blood glucose level. It is essential to know the current glucose level in order to calculate the correct dosage for bolus insulin. A bolus is a single, larger dose of insulin typically delivered at mealtimes, according to the website Islets of Hope.
Step 5
Calculate the beginning carbohydrate dose, or insulin-carbohydrate ratio. This is calculated by dividing 450 by the total units of insulin for the day. This number tells you the grams of carbohydrate that are disposed of by one unit of insulin, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Step 6
Calculate the carbohydrate coverage of bolus insulin for each meal. This is calculated by dividing the total number of carbohydrates in the meal by the grams of carbohydrate that are counteracted by one unit of insulin found in Step 5. Typically, one unit of rapid-acting insulin will counteract 10 to 15 g of carbohydrate. This tells you how large the bolus dose should be for the meal.
Step 7
Determine your blood sugar correction dose of insulin, when necessary. Find the difference between the elevated blood glucose, as measured in Step 4, and the target glucose level. Divide that number by a correction factor. Typically, one unit of rapid-acting insulin will lower blood glucose by 50 points. The correction factor would then be one unit for every 50 points, in mg/dL, that your elevated blood glucose is above the target level. Add that many units of insulin to the bolus dose.
Things You'll Need
- Appointment with physician
- Insulin pump
- Insulin meter and test strips
- Journal and pen
- Calculator
