Insulin Pumps

Individuals with diabetes may choose to use insulin pumps to receive their insulin. Insulin pumps are rather new, but they are catching on because they allow diabetics to skip the daily insulin injections. A medical device, insulin pumps are about the size of a small cell phone and are connected via a catheter to the abdomen. A small vial of insulin is kept inside insulin pumps, which are programmed to deliver certain amounts of insulin throughout the day or after meals, snacks, and/or exercise. The diabetic must still prick themselves to use insulin pumps, but it's one prick every few days rather than multiples every day.

Major Benefit of Insulin Pumps

Insulin pumps offer diabetics many benefits including the fact that insulin is stored for a few days at a time. Diabetics will need to work with their doctor to determine how much insulin they need for the insulin pump and each person will be different. It requires some mathematical ability to determine how much insulin is necessary, but there are formulas to follow and doctors will ensure individuals are well trained.

Advantages of Insulin Pumps

Insulin pumps offer diabetics more advantages than administering their daily insulin through injections. Not only are insulin pumps more accurate, they also eliminate the need for individuals to excuse themselves to administer their insulin. With insulin pumps insulin can be discreetly administered at the press of a button. Diabetics experience a newfound freedom through insulin pumps because they don't have to carry their insulin and syringes with them and find private places to administer it.

Problems with Insulin Pumps

While insulin pumps have been benefits there are also some potential problems. For example, diabetics may find themselves in ketoacidosis if the catheter comes out of the skin and insulin is not administered for hours at a time. It is a necessity for wearers of insulin pumps to always have the catheter connected to the body. Other potential problems are the difficulties learning to use the pump as well as potential weight gain.

Where to Place Insulin Pumps

The idea of wearing an insulin pump is a little strange to some people because they wonder where they will put it. Anyone who carries a cell phone or pager can use their insulin pump in the same way. It can be worn in a pocket, on a belt buckle, attached to a bra strap, or clipped anywhere on the body or clothing that is convenient.

Deciding to Use Insulin Pumps

Making the decision to shop for insulin pumps can be difficult because it is a big change. However, it is definitely a change that is worthwhile for many diabetics. Consider the advantages and drawbacks before making your decision.