Pumping Insulin

Pumping insulin can be an unfamiliar term for those who don't have to live with diabetes. For a diabetic trying to manage the disease of diabetes, the choices of devices used can be overwhelming. There are needles, test strips, syringes, pumping insulin devices, and the list goes on. When someone learns they have diabetes, they learn everything about blood glucose and the role insulin plays in managing the disease.

Pumping insulin - Tools

When a diabetic has to get insulin into their bloodstream, they can choose different methods. Some choose to inject insulin, others choose pumping insulin. To do this, they would use an insulin pump - there are many insulin pumps on the market. Pumping insulin involves attaching an insulin pump via a catheter, which then automatically pumps insulin into the bloodstream as needed. This is determined by a blood glucose reading.

Pumping insulin - Advantages

There are several advantages of pumping insulin versus injecting insulin. Most people turn to pumping insulin because of the fear involved with needles and associated pain. Children are especially vulnerable to this. There is also the convenience factor to pumping insulin - instead of finding time and privacy to inject insulin, and insulin pump automatically does it for the diabetic.

Pumping Insulin - Disadvantages

There are a few disadvantages to pumping insulin, such as worrying about a sometimes bulky insulin pump. Especially when involved in an activity or sport, pumping insulin can be worrisome only because of the pump being in the way. An insulin pump cannot get wet, so when bathing or swimming it must be removed. However, most who decide on pumping insulin feel that the disadvantages are few, and the advantages make pumping insulin worth it.

Pumping Insulin - The book

A book called Pumping Insulin has recently been published, and is a great addition to the library of anyone learning to manage their disease of diabetes. The book claims it offers information for both patients and physicians on the benefits of pumping insulin. Information includes ways to control blood sugar, carbohydrate counting, special pumping insulin instructions for children, and many troubleshooting ideas.

Pumping Insulin - Summary

To sum it up, pumping insulin can be a great way to manage the disease of diabetes. For those who want to avoid needles and would like a little more freedom in their lifestyle, pumping insulin is the answer. When taking into consideration his or her lifestyle and activity level, for the diabetic trying to choose a method for infusing insulin, the answer just might be in pumping insulin.