Different Choices for Diabetic Insulin Pumps

Insulin pumps are beneficial for both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, especially for those whose conditions do not improve much by insulin injections. Insulin pumps can be categorized by the connection methods to the body. Currently, they are available in three connection types: tube, tubeless and implantable.

With insulin pumps, injections are no longer necessary.

Insulin Pumps with Tubes or Infusion Sets

This device consists of an insulin pump or reservoir, a digital display for programming the doses, a cannula or a small needle for inserting under the skin and a thin plastic tube called an infusion set that delivers insulin from the reservoir to the cannula. This type of pump can be worn like a pager, put in a pocket or strapped to the arm. Most brands also provide extra tubing about several feet in length, in case you want to place the pump on the nightstand when you sleep or put it outside the tub when you bathe. Insulin pumps with infusion sets are usually water-resistant, though waterproof ones are also available.

Tubeless Insulin Pumps

This kind of insulin pump is directly attached to the cannula and sits right on your skin. It also comes with a separate electronic device called a personal diabetes manager or PDM, which controls the insulin delivery by sending wireless signals to the pump. In addition, you can use the PDM to measure your blood glucose levels and calculate appropriate insulin doses. The most convenient thing is they are waterproof so you can wear them in the shower or even in a swimming pool.

Implantable Insulin Pumps

The reservoir of this insulin pump is surgically implanted beneath the skin in the abdominal area and is refilled about every 45 days using a syringe. It is said to effectively mimic the work of a healthy pancreas. That's why it is also known as an "artificial pancreas." An implantable insulin pump is programmed to release small doses of insulin throughout the day. Before a meal, you can program it to deliver a bigger dose of insulin, with a click of a button on a separate device called a pump communicator.

Advantages of Insulin Pumps

The best thing about insulin pumps is that they are easy to use and allow you to be more flexible with your lifestyle. With an insulin pump, you don't need to inject insulin several times a day, eat high-carb snacks before exercising, or have to be so worried about when or what to eat. Plus, they can deliver insulin more accurately than injections, resulting in better blood sugar control.

Disadvantages of Insulin Pumps

The prices of insulin pumps are pretty high. The average price is around $6,000, and the periodic supplies can cost up to several hundred dollars per month. In addition, if the pump falls off by accident and you can't get insulin for hours, it may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can result in a diabetic coma. Lastly, not having to worry about what you eat may result in weight gain. You should continue to watch the amount of food you eat and limit your carbohydrate and fat intake even though you use an insulin pump.

References

• The Everything Health Guide to Diabetes; Paula Ford-Martin; 2008