Insulin Pumps - An Overview

What Does an Insulin Pump Mean?

An insulin pump is worn by individuals who have diabetes. The device supplies a continuous flow of rapid-acting insulin, an alternative to taking insulin in multiple injection forms. These small pumps are battery-operated and deliver short-acting insulin continuously. Most of the pumps integrate with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, which can adjust insulin dosage based on current glucose levels.

What Are the Different Types of Insulin Pumps?

There are two types of insulin pumps. They are:

• Tubed insulin pump.

• Tubeless insulin pump.

Tubed Insulin Pumps

In this, a long, thin tube connects the pump to a cannula under the skin to deliver insulin. The parts of this pump are:

• Pump Machine and Its Technology: Durable plastic and metal are the composition of the machine. The screen allows users to select different settings and data.

• Tubing and Infusion Set: The tube connects the insulin reservoir present in the pump to an infusion that is set on the skin. This infusion set sticks to the skin with the help of adhesives and has a small plastic tube that runs beneath the skin. It should be changed every two to three days. The reservoir must be changed if it runs out of insulin.

Tubeless Insulin Pumps

Tubeless insulin pumps are also known as patch pumps. In this, a flexible plastic tube known as a cannula is placed under your skin. However, the insulin reservoir, along with the cannula, sits on your skin with the help of an adhesive patch. External tubing is absent. The pump is operated wirelessly with the handheld controller.

How Does the Insulin Pump Work?

Insulin is continuously delivered to the body with the help of an insulin pump. Rapid-acting insulin is used by the device except in rare circumstances. Different doses of insulin can be released by programming based on your blood glucose levels.

There are three types of insulin doses. They are:

1. Basal Dose: Throughout the day and night, insulin in small amounts is delivered. The basal insulin amount can be controlled by the pumps that are being delivered at different times of the day. The amount of basal dose can be customized all day and night, which is one of the greatest advantages over injected insulin.

2. Bolus Dose: Insulin is given at meals in a higher dose when there is a rise in blood sugar levels due to carbohydrates in food. The pump can be programmed to deliver the bolus (single, concentrated dose of medication) doses in different patterns, and this is also one of the greatest advantages.

When Is an Insulin Pump Required?

All age groups can use insulin pumps, and it is the individual’s personal decision whether to use them or not. The pump works the same as multiple insulin injections. Blood glucose goals can be reached both with insulin pumps and injections.

A pump can be used only if you and your caregivers are ready to use it willingly. It is important to check the blood glucose levels as it warns you if your pump or your infusion set stops working.

Insulin pumps are not supposed to be used when there is:

• Issue with manual dexterity.

• Blindness and low vision.

• Issue in keeping the pump attached.

What Are the Components of Insulin Pump Therapy?

The components of insulin pump therapy are:

1. Insulin Pump: It is a small, durable electric device that will program your insulin and also show how you are tracking. This device will have a reservoir component.

2. Infusion Set: A thin cannula is included in this set that goes from the reservoir to the infusion site on your body. In a manner similar to the insulin injections given, the cannula is inserted into the site. Every two to three days, the infusion set is changed.

3. Reservoir: It is a plastic cartridge that helps to hold the insulin and is locked into the insulin pump. 300 units of insulin can be held up by the reservoir, and it should be changed every two to three days.

4. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): This will measure the glucose levels every five minutes, sending information to the pump.

How Is the Pump Used?

A cannula is a soft catheter that is inserted using a very small needle in the upper arm, belly, hip, glutes, or thigh. There is a thin tube that connects the catheter to the pump. This pump is worn in a pouch, pocket, or on a belt. The infusion set includes the catheter, needle, and tubing. A programmed amount of insulin is delivered throughout the day and night that passes through the tubing and catheter into the body.

This pump can be worn throughout the day and night, even while performing day-to-day activities, including sleeping. It can also be worn while bathing or swimming. The catheter needs to be replaced every two to three days.

What Are the Advantages of the Insulin Pump?

The benefits of this pump are:

• Injections are not required.

• It becomes easy to keep their glucose levels in the target range.

• Insulin can be adjusted to match their activity level.

• The pump helps to dose insulin precisely.

• Connecting the pump to the continuous glucose monitor is an added safety.

• Flexibility is given to the person by using the pump.

• Insulin can be delivered more accurately and can deliver a fraction of a unit.

• Fewer episodes of low diabetes or low blood sugar levels.

What Are the Disadvantages of the Insulin Pump?

The disadvantages are:

• There can be an increased risk of weight gain.

• If the pump does not work properly, diabetic ketoacidosis can occur.

• At the application site, there can be an increased risk of skin infection or irritation.

• Most of the time, it needs to be attached to the pump.

• It becomes obvious to others that you have diabetes as the pump has to be worn all the time.

• Batteries need to be replaced, and doses need to be set as well.

• It takes time to adapt to using pumps.

• Blood sugar levels should be checked often, and you can record how much carbohydrate is being consumed.

• They are more expensive than using insulin by injection.

Conclusion

Insulin pumps are one of the best options to deliver insulin. These pumps are more comfortable than injections. It is important to discuss with the doctor before using this pump in order to avoid gaining weight. It is essential to pack extra supplies while travelling. It is always better to carry extra insulin in a syringe in case the pump does not work and there are some issues.

Key Takeaways From iCliniq

Insulin pumps can be attached anywhere in the body and help with the continuous supply of insulin. They are waterproof and therefore can be used while swimming too. This device can adjust the insulin dose to different modes based on your blood glucose levels. This device is one of the best alternatives to multiple injection sites. The doctors at iCliniq can guide you in detail on how to use and connect the pump device.