An insulin pump is a small wearable electronic rig that helps regulate insulin andblood glucose(sugar) levels.
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What Is an Insulin Pump?
Some people with diabetes need to take insulin, a hormone that manages blood sugar levels.
Courtney Hale / Getty Images
An insulin pump is a substitute for multiple dailyneedle injections of insulin.
It helps regulate insulin and blood glucose levels for people with diabetes.
The small electronic unit can be worn throughout the day and night.
How Does an Insulin Pump Work?
This mimics insulin secretion similar to the body’s normal regulation of insulin.
It can be adjusted for physical activity and keep blood glucose levels in a normal range.
How Is an Insulin Pump Worn?
This is usually in the belly, hip, thigh, buttock, or upper arm.
Together, the tube and needle are called an infusion set.
When placed correctly, you shouldnt feel the catheter.
you might go about your usual daily activities and go to sleep wearing it.
Depending on the pump, you may even be able to wear it while bathing or swimming.
Why Would Someone Choose to Use an Insulin Pump?
There are many advantages to using an insulin pump over injections.
However, you should take certain factors into consideration before deciding if a pump is right for you.
Instead, the liver breaks down fat for energy, which produces a byproduct calledketones.
Having too many ketones in the body at once is very serious and life-threatening.
Are There Different Types of Insulin Pumps?
In addition to traditional insulin pumps that have already been described, other types of pumps are available.
Patch insulin pumpsdo not use tubing.
Instead, the patch contains the insulin reservoir and the infusion cannula and adheres directly to the skin.
Patch pumps are programmed to deliver insulin through the infusion cannula from a remote gadget using wireless technology.
Sensor-augmented pumps (SAPs)combine an insulin pump and CGM in one system.
In an SAP system, the insulin pump pairs with a CGM gadget and acts as the receiver.
The CGM glucose sensor readings are then displayed on the pump’s screen.
This makes it easy to view glucose level information and plan insulin delivery on one machine.
Closed-loop pumpsare sometimes called “artificial pancreas” or automated insulin delivery systems.
An automated insulin delivery system consists of an insulin pump and a CGM machine.
The first generation of automated insulin delivery systems is known as ahybrid closed-loop (HCL) system.
HCLs actively adjust basal insulin delivery.
However, users are still required to manually calculate and program bolus insulin doses for meals or correction doses.
What Is a CGM?
Many CGMs have alarms that will alert users whose glucose readings are too high or too low.
Some have carbohydrate calculators built in to help determine bolus doses.
Others can connect to ablood glucose monitoror CGM, making it easier to manage blood glucose levels.
The size, weight, and color of the pump will also vary depending on the brand.
They can let you know if there’s a pump they recommend or prefer.
How Do I Know if I Qualify for an Insulin Pump?
American Diabetes Association.Insulin pumps: relief and choice.
KidsHealth.What is an insulin pump?
American Diabetes Association.Who should use a pump.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetic ketoacidosis.
2019;32(3):194-204. doi:10.2337/ds18-0091
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Continuous glucose monitoring.
