Glucose pumps -- pager-sized devices that provide insulin through a catheter and cannula system -- work to regulate blood glucose levels in diabetics. Glucose pumps regularly release insulin throughout the day and night to keep blood sugar levels steady between meals and during sleep. Pumps also allow wearers to release extra insulin to prevent rises in glucose levels such as after meals. Glucose pumps are sometimes recommended for children with type 1 diabetes.
Recommendations by Age
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the UK recommends pump therapy for children over age 12 who have used insulin injections in the past, but have had trouble with hypoglycemia, or very low blood glucose levels, while trying to stabilize their blood glucose levels. Pump therapy is also recommended for children under age 12 if the use of insulin injections is impractical or inappropriate, provided they undergo a trial of insulin injections between the ages of 12 and 18.
Advantages
Glucose pumps offer many advantages. Pumps eliminate the need to inject insulin, as the pump regulates insulin the body. Insulin can be released in more accurate measurements, which can help reduce episodes of severe hypoglycemia. Pumps allow more flexibility in meal schedules and food choices. These advantages can lead to a higher quality of life, allowing children to feel more like their peers. An additional bonus is that your child cannot forget his insulin at home as it is already attached to his body.
Education
Pump therapy for your child should be initiated by a diabetes educator. An educator should perform an assessment at the beginning of treatment, and help your child understand how the pump works. The American Association of Diabetes Educators also recommends education and training for the parents and other caregivers of children using pumps such as babysitters or teachers. Education should continue throughout the child's use of the pump, to learn about new pump technologies and diabetes care.
Disadvantages
Glucose pumps also offer a few disadvantages. Pump therapy can cause your child to gain weight, as a more frequent supply of insulin is present in the body. Pump malfunctions, such as the pump becoming unattached from your child's body, can cause hyperglycemia -- high blood glucose levels -- or cause ketoacidiosis, which is a diabetic coma. Pumps are also expensive when first purchased and education sessions with a diabetes educator can take a large portion of time.
Type 2 Diabetes
While the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the UK does not recommend pump therapy for individuals with type 2 diabetes, the American Association of Diabetes Educators does not rule out the use of pump therapy for these children. If your child has type 2 diabetes, speak with your doctor or a diabetes educator for more information on pump therapy.
References
- Medtronic: Insulin Pump Therapy Backgrounder
- Diabetic-Diets.net: Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels for Diabetic Children
- Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: NHS National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence; July 2008
- American Diabetes Association: Advantages of Using an Insulin Pump
- American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Position Statement: Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Therapy Using a Pump; American Association of Diabetes Educators; 2009
- American Diabetes Association: Disadvantages of Using an Insulin Pump
