An insulin pump consists of a pump reservoir filled with rapid-acting insulin, a small battery operated pump, and a computer chip. Newer pumps also integrate blood glucose monitoring capabilities.
An "insulin pump" consists of a pump reservoir (like a regular syringe, but bigger) filled with rapid-acting insulin (Regular, insulin glulisine, insulin lispro, or insulin aspart) a small battery operated pump, and a computer chip that allows the user to control exactly how much insulin the pump delivers. It is all contained in a plastic case about the size of a beeper. The pump reservoir delivers insulin to the body by a thin plastic tube called an "infusion set." Infusion sets come in various lengths and have a needle at the end, through which the insulin passes. The needle is inserted under the skin, usually on the abdomen. The process of putting the infusion set in place is called "insertion," and is very much like giving a standard insulin injection. The infusion set is changed approximately every two to three days.
The pump is intended to be used continuously and delivers insulin 24 hours a day according to a programmed plan which is unique to each pump wearer. A small amount of insulin is giving continually (the "basal rate"). This insulin keeps blood glucose in the desired range between meals and over night. When food is eaten, the user programs the pump to deliver a "bolus dose" of insulin matched to the amount of food that will be consumed.
Insulin pumps are not automatic. The user still has to decide how much insulin will be given. But the pump is the most accurate, precise, and flexible insulin delivery system currently available. Using the results of blood glucose monitoring, the experienced pump user can use this device to obtain excellent blood glucose control while living a normal lifestyle, free of the strict scheduling demands that are required by conventional insulin regimens.
Recent insulin pumps are sometimes linked to blood glucose meters, so that the results of your blood sugar are captured into the pump's memory, and can be used to help adjust your pump settings.
Should I use an insulin pump?
Yes, if you have been frustrated with taking multiple injections, and are willing to use a mechanical device around-the-clock instead. In summary, if you are having trouble managing this complicated disease, you should consider using an insulin pump as part of a Very Intensive diabetes treatment Program.
Maybe, if you are a woman with diabetes who is considering pregnancy soon, or if you are presently pregnant and have elevated blood sugar levels.
No, if you have been satisfied with your present diabetes control. Getting better blood sugar control takes a lot of work, whether you are using shots or pumps. If you are already doing okay with shots, using a pump will not automatically make things "better."
No, if you have been unwilling to check your blood sugar levels several times a day. "The pump" only delivers the insulin; it cannot check blood sugar levels for you.
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Also see
Websites by pump manufacturers, together with the name of their current pump:
Animas, OneTouch Ping (http://www.animascorp.com)
Insulet Corporation, OmniPod (http://www.myomnipod.com/)
Medtronic Diabetes, Paradigm (http://www.minimed.com) (formerly Medtronic MiniMed)
Nipro Diabetes Systems, Amigo (http://www.niprodiabetes.com)
Roche, ACCU-CHEK Spirit (www.disetronic-usa.com) (formerly Disetronic)
Smiths Medical, Deltec Cozmo (http://www.cozmore.com/) (No longer sold, but still supported by the manufacturer)
Sooil, DANA Diabecare IIS (http://www.sooilusa.com/)
Insulin Pumpers (http://www.insulin-pumpers.org) "Insulin Pumpers provides information and support for adults and children with diabetes and their families interested in insulin pump therapy. There is a special section devoted to children with diabetes and the stories about how an insulin pump has changed their lives."
Is Pumping For You? (http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/presentations/pumps/sld001.htm) A slide show about pumping, written September, 1999.
Pumping Insulin: Everything You Need to Know to Use an Insulin Pump Successfully by John Walsh and Ruth Roberts. 156 pages. 4th edition (2006) Torrey Pines Press. Available from Amazon.com. — updated 05Oct2009
Nicole Johnson "Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999, is an international diabetes advocate. She travels extensively promoting awareness, prevention, and intensive management of the condition she has shared for fifteen years." Nicole uses an insulin pump. — updated 05Oct2009
Pump Wear, Inc. (http://www.pumpwearinc.com) "I am a mother of a 3-year-old toddler who recently went on an insulin pump. At the time we couldn�t find a way to hold the insulin pump that my daughter was comfortable with. My best friend and I decided to change that and we formed www.pumpwearinc.com."
Comparison of Current Pumps At Diabetes Mall.
pumps in the UK by John Neale
rewriting the diabetes rulebook by John Neale
Insulin Pump Therapy At Diabetes Care Group.
Better is Better by Chuck Eichten — Link added 03Feb2007
Better is Better (book excerpt) by Chuck Eichten — Link added 04Feb2007
Evolution of Pumps Jan Hughey's pictorial history of insulin pumps. — Link added 05Oct2009
