Different Types of Insulin Pumps

The introduction of insulin pumps for the diabetic has offered relief from multiple self-injections. Prior to their use, diabetics were forced to deal with a lot of supplies and their disposal. Insulin pumps are designed to release a continuous supply of insulin into the body. This helps regulate blood glucose levels and allows the diabetic more mobility. Regular blood glucose monitoring is still necessary; however, measuring insulin and preparing injections are not.

Identification

Insulin pumps are small electronic devices used to regulate the amount of insulin administered to a diabetic. They are helpful with diabetes management and replace the need for individual insulin injections. Insulin pumps automatically release measured amounts of insulin throughout the day, as programmed. There are three types of insulin pumps: tube or infusion sets, tubeless insulin pump and implantable insulin pump. Insulin pumps do not eliminate the need to check blood sugar regularly during a day.

Tube/Infusion Insulin Pump

The tube or infusion set insulin pumps are the most common type used by health care providers and diabetics. The infusion set pumps are small in size--no larger than a deck of playing cards--and are connected to tubing implanted below the skin in the abdomen. The pump, which is worn outside the body, is usually attached to clothing. Tubing can be tucked inside clothing to keep it out of sight.

Tubeless Insulin Pump

Tubeless insulin pumps rest directly on the skin after a cannula is subcutaneous inserted into the skin. The tubeless pump holds enough insulin to last around three days. It can be controlled remotely by a wireless device kept elsewhere, such as a purse or pocket. Further, the pump can be programmed from a computer. The tubeless type is smaller than the tube set pump, weighing around 1.2 ounces.

Implantable Insulin Pumps

Implantable insulin pumps largely exist in the research arena. These pumps are implanted in the abdomen area between the muscle and organs (peritoneal). The insulin receptacle is also housed under the skin and can hold over a month's worth of insulin. The pump is refilled from outside the body through a syringe. According to the American Diabetes Association, the implantable insulin pump is not FDA-approved for general use in the United States. A health care provider could provide information about clinical trials for those interested in participating in such research.

Considerations

Insulin pumps are water-resistant; however, they should never be placed directly under running water. For bathing, pumps can be placed in specially designed cases for them, and set on the side of the tub or around the person's neck. When swimming or exercising, insulin pumps can be disconnected through a disconnect port included on the machines. While the pump is disconnected, insulin is no longer being delivered throughout the body.

References

• Insulin Pump Therapy: Types of Insulin Pumps
• Fountia.com: Diabetes Insulin Pumps
• American Diabetes Association: Advantages of Using an Insulin Pump