Insulin Pump For Diabetes Mellitus
Medical Author: Ruchi Mathur, M.D.
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is an insulin pump?
The most recently available advance in insulin delivery is the insulin pump.
In the United States, MiniMed and Disetronic market the insulin pump. An insulin
pump is composed of a pump reservoir similar to that of an insulin cartridge, a
battery-operated pump, and a computer chip that allows the user to control the
exact amount of insulin being delivered.
How big is an insulin pump?
Currently, pumps on the market are about the size of a standard communications beeper.
How does an insulin pump work?
The pump is
attached to a thin plastic tube (an infusion set) that has a soft cannula (or plastic
needle) at the end through which insulin passes. This cannula is inserted under
the skin, usually on the abdomen. The cannula is changed every two days. The
tubing can be disconnected from the pump while showering or swimming. The pump
is used for continuous insulin delivery, 24 hours a day. The amount of insulin
is programmed and is administered at a constant rate (basal rate). Often, the
amount of insulin needed over the course of 24 hours varies depending on factors
like exercise, activity level, and
sleep.
The insulin pump allows the user to program many different basal rates to
allow for variation in lifestyle. In addition, the user can program the
pump to deliver a bolus (large dose of insulin) during meals to cover the excess demands of
carbohydrate ingestion.
Next: How common is an insulin pump? »
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