In the past few years, an alternative to giving yourself insulin shots by hand has come about. The Insulin Pump is the answer. The first insulin pumps were pretty big, but new ones are about the size of a small cell phone or pager. The pump is small enough to fit on a belt or in a pocket, and it gives insulin through a thin plastic tube (called a "Infusion Set") that is put under the skin.
WHAT IS BETTER ABOUT AN INSULIN PUMP?
In a healthy person, the pancreas always makes a small amount of insulin, which keeps the blood sugar level stable. When a person eats a meal, the pancreas sends more insulin into the blood to deal with the food. Insulin that works slowly and insulin that works quickly are used in a standard injection schedule to try to act like the pancreas. A lot more like the pancreas, an insulin pump works like the pancreas. The pump gives a low level of insulin all the time. This is called "basal" insulin. During meals, a "bolus" dose of insulin can be given at the touch of a button to cover the food.
Just like a real pancreas, the basal insulin rate can be slowed down when you are sick or working out. If you don't eat a meal, the bolus doesn't come. So, the pump fits into your life, instead of you having to plan your life around your injections.
CHOOSING AN INSULIN PUMP
Most insulin pumps on the market today have all of the basic features. picking just one
is a lot like choosing a cell phone: it depends on what you like and what you need.
plan to do with it. Those who like water sports can find waterproof ones.
You can get one with PC download if you like to look at data to improve your control.
software for capability and analysis. If you have never used an insulin pump before,
here are some important things to keep in mind:
-
Choose a pump that lets you change the basal levels. Like at night, when you are sick, or when you are working out. This is a very important part of living a full life.
-
Infusion sets that use a standard "Luer Lock" are better for pumps. This means that things we use every day will cost less.
Alerts that tell you when to check your blood sugar make life easier.
-
Check to see what kind of batteries it needs. Standard AA or AAA batteries are cheaper and easier to find.
-
Some more advanced pumps have a carbohydrate calculator that helps you figure out how much Bolus you should take with your meal.
-
Insulin pumps and glucose monitors that work together are coming to the market. The readings from the metre are sent automatically to the pump, which can use them to figure out how much insulin to give.
Other things to look for are that the device is waterproof, has a "carbohydrate food database," and has "alerts" that let you know if you missed a meal or if the infusion set needs to be changed. In short, people who make insulin pumps are
Their products are getting easier to use, and more and more features are being automated. Diabetes patients are getting better care.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q I
What if I don't like the pump? Can I go back to getting injections?
A Yes. It is not a one-way ticket, but most people notice a change in how well they can control their blood sugar and find that their lives get better.
Q I
I have a very busy life, is a pump right for me?
A Yes. People who are very busy are often the ones who see the most improvement. If you have trouble remembering to test your blood sugar and give yourself an injection at the right time, maybe because your meal times change from day to day, a pump could really help.
Q I
I'm thinking about getting a pump, but I might get pregnant. Is that fine?
A Yes. Since pumps usually help you control your blood sugar better, using one during pregnancy and after is usually a good idea. Having blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible lowers the risk of problems during pregnancy.
Q I
How much does it cost?
A Initial costs are around a few thousand dollars, but prices are always going down. Even infusion sets need to be changed every so often. On the web, you can find the most up-to-date prices from a number of diabetes suppliers.
