Insulin Pump

There are several options for individuals with diabetes to administer their daily insulin. Before, diabetics were required to give themselves daily shots of insulin however the insulin pump changed that. An insulin pump is a medical device about the size of a pager that holds a vial of insulin that is connected to the body through a small catheter. This catheter is inserted into the abdomen through a small needle and then held in place with adhesive.

Benefits of an Insulin Pump

There are many benefits of an insulin pump. First of all, the insulin pump can hold several days worth of insulin. Diabetics will need to average the amount of insulin they use over the course of a few days to know how much to place in their insulin pump. The amount of insulin used must be determined based on several calculations and diabetics will be trained how to use their insulin pump to ensure they have the calculations just right.

Insulin Pump Advantages

Other advantages of using an insulin pump include not having to administer insulin injections multiple times per day. Also, the insulin that is delivered through the insulin pump is more accurate than with injections. A1C is frequently improved with the use of an insulin pump and insulin management is made easier. Individuals need only program the insulin pump and press a little button when they need additional insulin. This makes administering the necessary insulin much more private, especially when dining out, traveling, or exercising, and allows diabetics a new lease on life. Also, individuals who use an insulin pump have fewer experiences with severe low blood glucose and individuals may exercise without having to load up on carbohydrates beforehand.

Drawbacks of an Insulin Pump

There are a few drawbacks to using an insulin pump. First, if the catheter comes out without your knowledge and you don't receive insulin for hours then you may enter diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetics must be attached to their insulin pump at all times, which can be cumbersome or annoying at times. Some individuals will gain weight when they use the insulin pump and others will find it difficult to learn how to use.

Wearing an Insulin Pump

An insulin pump is about the size of a pager and it may be worn in a pocket, on a waistband, on a bra strap, or anywhere else it may be clipped. Each person who uses an insulin pump must find the location that works best for them and some find that it works better in different places based on what they are doing.

Choosing to Use an Insulin Pump

If you are tired of multiple injections on a daily basis then consider an insulin pump. There are drawbacks and benefits to using an insulin pump, however most people find the advantages are worth the few drawbacks that exist.