What are Insulin Pumps?
Continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy are medical devices that are worn externally, usually on your waist or belt, and deliver rapid-acting insulin through a narrow plastic tube connected to a needle or cannula inserted just under the skin. These pumps continuously deliver small, steady doses of insulin throughout the day and night based on settings that are programmed into the pump by the user. Continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy allow people with diabetes to individualize and customize their insulin delivery to match their lifestyle needs and eating patterns.
How do Insulin Pumps Work?
Continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy work through a process of programmed basal rates and bolus doses. Basal rates deliver a continuous, low level of insulin throughout the day and night to keep blood sugar levels stable between meals and snacks. These basal rates are programmed based on an individual's daily insulin needs and can be adjusted in small increments throughout the day. Bolus doses provide additional insulin during times of rising blood sugar, such as before meals. Users press a button on their pump to deliver a bolus based on what they are eating and their current blood sugar level. Continuous subcutaneous Insulin Pumps require continuous programming by the user to match insulin needs throughout the day and night.
Benefits of Continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy Over Multiple Daily Injections
One of the primary advantages of continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy over multiple daily injections (MDI) with pens or syringes is their ability to more closely mimic the body's natural insulin production patterns. While MDI requires guessing insulin dosing amounts several times a day, continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy allow for customized and flexible basal and bolus delivery. Other advantages of continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy include:
- Increased blood sugar control: With more precise insulin delivery capacity, pumps can help people achieve tighter blood sugar control and time-in-range targets. Studies show A1C reductions of 0.5-2% for pump users.
- Mealtime versatility: Bolus doses from pumps factor in carbohydrate amounts and blood sugar levels, allowing users to be more flexible with mealtimes and portions. Pens and syringes require estimating bolus doses in advance.
- Reduced hypoglycemia: Suspending insulin delivery during activity or illness prevents unnecessary insulin administration and low blood sugar episodes. Correction boluses can also reduce hyperglycemia risks.
- Quality of life improvements: By automating insulin delivery, pumps free users from multiple daily injections and provide discreet, on-demand treatment. This supports an active lifestyle and greater treatment satisfaction.
Continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy Models and Components
While all continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy aim to automate insulin administration, different manufacturers offer various pump models with unique features and form factors. Modern pumps are small, discrete devices worn on the body or in a pocket. All insulin pump systems consist of:
- The Pump Unit: Housing the batteries, electronics, and insulin reservoir
- Reservoir or Cartridge: Pre-filled with rapid-acting insulin that is loaded into the pump
- Infusion Set: Plastic tubing with a thin plastic cannula inserted under the skin to deliver insulin
- Control Unit/Screen: Allows programming bolus doses and basal rates directly into the pump
- Auto-cannulating/Retractable Needle: Optional feature on some pumps for easy cannula insertion
- Connectivity Features: Many pumps can sync with glucose meters and smartphones for remote monitoring
Some popular insulin pump models on the market include Omnipod, t:slim X2 from Tandem Diabetes Care, and the MiniMed 770G system from Medtronic - which has an integrated continuous glucose monitor as well.
Is an Insulin Pump Right for Me?
While continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy are generally recommended for people needing multiple daily injections, they are not suitable for everyone with diabetes. Candidate factors include:
- Type 1 diabetes diagnosed for at least 6 months
- Ability/willingness to test blood sugars a minimum of 4 times a day
- Comfort with programming bolus doses and monitoring pump sites
- Motivation to closely track carbohydrate intake, bolus dosing, and basal rates
- Good problem-solving skills in case of pump malfunctions or site issues
It's advised to consult your diabetes care team about insulin pump therapy options. A pump may provide the most benefits for active lifestyles, occupations with variable schedules, and tight glycemic targets. Trials can help determine individual fit of pumps compared to other regimens.
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About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc.
