Insulin Pumps

Insulin pumps are used by many people, as an alternative therapy to injections. Pumps are connected to patients and deliver insulin continuously. Patients are connected to pumps by infusion sets, which have either a needle or Teflon Cannula inserted subcutaneously. The infusion set is much like a mini-iv, many are on the market and they vary in lengths. Patients usually replace the infusion sets about every three days, in order to prevent infections and to promote good bg control.
Insulin pumps can offer patients many benefits, including freedom from rigid schedules, better Hba1cs, and overall better blood glucose control. After the initial adjustment period, patients can decide what and when they want to eat, because they will not have 2 insulins peaking simulataneously. This is possible, because the pump delivers a basal rate of insulin continuously, based on the programmed rates. Patients can adjust their basal rates to better suit their needs, such as increasing the rates in the early morning hours to counteract the Dawn Phenomenon. Bolus rates are used to cover meals and snacks, so an excellent understanding of carb counting is a necessity for pump therapy!
Insulin pumps are expensive, running between $5000-$6000 each, not including supplies (infusion sets, reservoirs, tape, etc...) Insurance can help with these costs, but each policy is different. The companies have staff to deal with insurance companies once a patient decides that the pump is the way to go.
It takes a lot of time and effort to use an insulin pump, but with a good education and strong support from medical professionals, this should not pose a problem for patients. The pump may be frustrating at times, but it also offers so many benefits!


There are two companies which manufacture insulin pumps, MiniMed and Disetronic.
MiniMed- Disetronic-
For more information on insulin pump therapy, visit these sites:
MiniMed's Homepage
Disetronic's Homepage

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