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When Do You Need An Insulin Pump


Advantages Of An Insulin Pump

Do You Want To Wear Your Insulin Pump On Your Bra? Check Out How Easy It Is
  • Youâll need fewer needle sticks. A pump requires one shot every few days when you change your infusion set.
  • A pump is more accurate than shots, helping you better manage blood sugar levels.
  • Youâll have fewer blood sugar lows, which is important if you often have hypoglycemia.
  • It may improve your A1c levels.
  • Dosing for meals and snacks is easier.
  • Itâs easier to plan for exercise.
  • Itâs easier to bolus.
  • It helps manage early morning high blood sugar, also called the âdawn phenomenon.â

One thing to keep in mind: Youâll always need to have regular injectable insulin on hand in case the pump stops working.

Do I Need To Consider My Diet While Using The Pump

Absolutely! You should be considering your diet whether you have diabetes or not. Benefits of healthy eating are not limited to good blood sugar control and weight management. Eating a variety of foods found close to nature can give you more energy, clearer thinking and help you fight off viruses and other bugs. Its important to choose foods high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and eat fruits and vegetables daily.

People with diabetes are typically quite focused on their carbohydrate intake. But data suggests that paying attention to fat content can also help blood sugar control. High fat foods can slow the absorption of carbohydrates into your blood stream. High fat foods can also cause insulin resistance. How does an insulin pump helps with this? Well, the insulin pump give you the ability to deliver insulin to meet the needs of a high fat, high carb meal. Its referred to as a dual wave bolus. It will give you part of the insulin up front, and then you can set the duration in which the rest of the insulin is delivered.

Advantages Of Using A Pump With Type 2 Diabetes

  • Pumps more closely function like an actual pancreas. With the basal and bolus insulin delivery, insulin controls effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar, pumps work similarly to the way a pancreas would and can give you less to think about.
  • Weight gain has not been a factor in studies of users testing pump therapy.
  • Discretion: it can be easier to control and conceal pumps, as opposed to opting to give yourself insulin injections in public
  • It makes carb counting easier by automatically calculating how much insulin you need based on how many carbs are in your meal.
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    Benefits Of Insulin Pump Therapy

    • Since the insulin pump delivers rapid-acting insulin on demand, you have more flexibility around meals and activities.
    • The insulin pump reduces the number of injections you must give yourself, as the infusion site needs to be changed only once every two to three days.
    • Since the insulin pump delivers precise doses of insulin on demand, you can have better control over your blood sugar, which can reduce long-term complications.
    • Insulin pumps only use rapid-acting insulin, which means your body gets exactly the amount of insulin it needs, when it needs it.

    If your doctor recommends you use an insulin pump, rest assured that we will be at you side. We will make sure you have everything you need, in terms of supplies and the know how to use it properly.;

    Traveling With A Pump

    Insulin Pumps: What You Need to Know  Diabetes Daily

    When traveling , you should always carry several days of extra supplies and all supplies and medications should be kept in your carry on. Make sure all medications, including insulin are in their original container with the prescription label on it. It doesnt hurt to have a letter from your provider stating you are wearing a medical device. Carry syringes and back up long-acting insulin with you when you travel, just in case. Dont forget extra batteries or your charger cable for you pump or CGM.

    Your pump is OK to go through screening, but not through the Xray machine. You can also request a pat down rather than having to remove your pump.

    If you are going out of the country, many pump companies will offer you a loaner pump to take with you just in case of a malfunction. Its also helpful to change the time on your insulin pump once you arrive at your destination, otherwise you basal rates will not be programmed correctly.

    Further reading:


    If you are going through a very large time change, talk to your educator about how and when to change the time for your basal. Also, if you are going to be more active on your vacation, you may just plan to set a complete separate basal pattern for while you are away. Just make sure to set an alarm in your phone or leave yourself a note at home to change your time or basal pattern back when you return.

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    Who Might Use An Insulin Pump And Why

    Insulin pump therapy can be considered for adults with T1DM who have problematic hypoglycaemia and/or inability to achieve target glycaemic control despite best efforts. Before deciding on CSII as a treatment option, the patient should have tried multi-dose insulin therapy with analogue insulins, undertake frequent self monitoring of capillary glucose and be proficient at carbohydrate counting . Insulin pumps require a high level of self care, are more labour intensive than MDI and have a greater potential for problems if used incorrectly; therefore, they are only suitable for motivated, appropriately educated individuals who engage with their diabetes healthcare team. The greatest improvement in glycaemic control when changing from MDI to CSII is seen in those patients with the worst control pre-pump but even individuals who do not see much change in their haemoglobin A1c show improved quality of life scores. In the UK, the use of CSII is subject to National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance; current criteria do not include using CSII in patients with type 2 DM.

    Disadvantages Of Using A Pump With Type 2 Diabetes

  • Cost is definitely a factor here. This is the main obstacle in most countries. For others, insurance companies have specific procedures for Type 2 diabetes treatments. Health insurance plans vary and options like Medicaid and Medicare can be helpful in covering costs. Choosing the right health insurance plan is important, especially because not all health plans cover supplies like test strips, meters, and pumps and those without any plan at all will pay entirely out of pocket.
  • Youll need training and support from your healthcare team. Insulin pumps arent difficult to use, but it may take awhile to get used to changing your pump sites every few days. Youll also need to calculate your insulin to carb ratios and insulin sensitivity factor before using the device.;
  • Like all machines, pumps can malfunction or fail. Some people find it hard to trust machines with their life and opting for pump therapy does not mean you can stop monitoring your levels yourself. This can increase the risks of diabetic ketoacidosis .;
  • People with Type 2 diabetes often prefer insulin pumps because of the flexibility that the treatment provides and the freedom from injections. We cant forget that every person with diabetes has specific requirements and that is why its important to choose, along with healthcare professionals, the best possible treatment plan for each individual.

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    Reducing Episodes Of Severe Hypoglycaemia

    Possibly because insulin pumps require less need to plan hours into the future than with injections, pumps are also linked with a lower risk of having a severe hypo

    NICE reviewed 10 studies looking at adult and mixed age groups and found 80% of these studies showed reduced incidence of severe hypoglycemia associated with CSII. Out of 11 studies of teenagers and children, all had reduced incidence of severe hypoglycemia.

    What Are The Advantages Of Insulin Pump Therapy Over Daily Injections For Type 2 Diabetes

    How Many Basal Rates Do I Need in My Pump?

    Studies have shown that A1C reduction can significantly reduce the occurrence of long-term complications.1,2 With insulin pump therapy, you can worry less about your risk for long-term complications, such as:

    Cardiovascular complications1,2

    Insulin pump therapy may reduce some of the hassles associated with other therapy options:


    • Syringe or insulin pen
    • Oral medication
    • Using more insulin

    Insulin pump therapy is clinically proven to reduce A1C better than multiple daily insulin shots for people living with type 2 diabetes.3

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    Traveling With An Insulin Pump

    When traveling with an insulin pump, bring extra supplies including extra reservoir cartridges, infusion sets, batteries, tapes and adhesives, emergency glucagon with a prescription, food and/or glucose tabs/gel, and insulin vials/pens and syringes in case your pump is not working properly. You may consider taking a loaner pump from your devices manufacturer as a backup. Carry all of your insulin pump supplies in your carry-on luggage in case your bag is lost and so that the insulin is not exposed to temperature changes in the baggage compartment. Carry your pump emergency card , which gives treatment recommendations if something should happen to you.

    Notify airport security that you have diabetes and are carrying insulin supplies with you. Insulin pumps, syringes, and other supplies must be accompanied by insulin that is clearly identified with a prescription or pharmaceutical label on it. You are also allowed to bring ice or ice packs to keep the insulin cool. Use Sharps disposal containers for storing used syringes and test strips.

    Do not put the insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor through an x-ray machine as the radiation can harm it and do not wear it through an airport body scanner. Instead, you can ask airport security to hand-check your pump, or you can wear an insulin pump through an airport metal detector.


    Because rules may change, always check with the Transportation Security Administration before you travel.

    Introducing The Minimed 630g Insulin Pump System

    Ask your doctor about insulin pump therapy at your next visit! Print out the below brochure to take with you to your next office visit.

    The testimonial above relates an account of an individual’s experience using a Medtronic device. The account is genuine, typical and documented. However, this individual’s experience does not provide any indication, guide, warranty or guarantee as to the response or experience other people may have using the device. The experience other individuals have with the device could be different. Experiences can and do vary. Please talk to your doctor about your condition and the risks and benefits of Medtronic devices.

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    What Are The Disadvantages Of Aninsulin Pump

    24/7 –One of the common reasons I hear that people donât want an insulin pump, is thethought of having a device on you 24/7, and not knowing how to hide it. Icompletely understand this, I was there too. I was so unsure about getting apump because I felt like I wouldnât be able to escape that diabetes label, Iwould constantly be reminded about it.


    But I honestly can say, having the pumpon me doesnât feel claustrophobic, and with so many places to hide them you donât need to worry about someone seeing it! Ilove fashion, and no one can ever tell I am wearing a medical device. Myinsulin pump, The Accu-Check Spirit Combo also operates via a Bluetoothhandset, so I never actually have to take my pump out; I can bolus via myhandset, so itâs discrete!

    Time-consuming – Yes, the initial learning phase of the insulinpump is time consuming, and you wonât get the hang of it straight away, butisnât that the same with all things new in life? The insulin pump takespractice, but the reward it brings is worth the initial work. Donât worry ifyou are struggling at the beginning, you are not alone!

    Ypsomed Diabetes Care Ypsopump

    Do you know what to do if your insulin pump fails? Do you ...

    Features: The YpsoPump® is marketed as an easy to learn insulin pump offering the essential features.;

    • measures 7.8 cm × 4.6 cm × 1.6 cm and weighs 83 g
    • 4.1 × 1.6 cm, OLED touch screen that uses icons to help you navigate the insulin pump features
    • Pre-filled, 1.6mL glass cartridges that will last for 7 days in the insulin pump or up to 30 days if filled and kept in the refrigerator
    • Waterproof rating of IPX8
    • Bolus delivery in increments of 0.1, 0.5, 1 or 2 units
    • 2 custom basal patterns set in increments of .01 units by the hour
    • Temporary basal patterns that can be set at 0%-200% for 15 min to up 24 hours.; They must be set in 10% increments.
    • Uses one AAA alkaline battery that lasts for 30 days
    • Mylife mobile app for smartphones that sync with the YpsoPump® via Bluetooth® technology.
    • Uses 90degree Orbit steel infusion sets

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    Components Of An Insulin Pump

    The insulin pump has buttons to program your insulin, an LCD screen, and a reservoir compartment to hold the insulin. Youll need to change insulin cartridge every two to three days.


    A small tube goes into and just under the skin, allowing insulin to pass from the tubing into the body. The cannula is inserted with a small needle that is removed after it is in place. It is placed in areas similar to where you would give yourself insulin injections. The cannula is held in place by an adhesive patch. The tubing is changed every two to three days.

    Benefits Of Using An Insulin Pump

    Studies have shown that an insulin pump can improve diabetes control and lessen the risk of hypoglycemia. Many people find increased flexibility in the timing of meals and exercise when wearing an insulin pump.;

    Sharing insulin pump data with your care team between office visits helps to make the most of the time you spend with them during your appointments.;Uploading your pump reports;allows the care team to track patterns and make adjustments to your care plan if needed.;

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    How An Insulin Pump Works

    The device releases insulin almost the way your body naturally would: a steady flow throughout the day and night, called basal insulin, and an extra dose at mealtime, called a bolus, to handle rising blood sugar from the food you eat. You program the pump for both basal and bolus doses. If you eat more than normal, you can program a larger bolus to cover the carbs in your food. A bolus can bring down high blood sugar at other times, too.


    The pump is about the size of a smartphone. You attach it to your body using an infusion set: thin plastic tubing and either a needle or a small tapered tube called a cannula you put under the skin. The place where you put it in — your belly, buttock, or sometimes thigh — is called the infusion site. Some pumps come with inserters for easier placement even in hard-to-reach areas.

    Insulin pumps use short-acting and rapid-acting insulin, but not long-acting, since the pump is programmed to deliver a small amount continuously to keep your blood sugar levels even.

    Finding Whats Right For You

    How High-Tech Insulin Pumps Make Managing Diabetes Easier

    The insulin pump is an exciting piece of technology, but its not for everyone. If you are wondering whether a pump would be a good idea for your child, discuss this with both your child and your childs health-care team. If your child is currently using a pump and is having difficulty with it, you and your child should discuss this, too, with your childs health-care team. Whats important is that you find a method that works for you.

    For a list of things to things to think about when considering insulin pumps, see Before You Get a Pump. For more information on insulin pumps, see For Further Reading.

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    Where Do You Put Your Insulin Pump

    This is a question that a lot of people struggle with. They wonder what to do with their pump in their daily lives, at night and during intimate times.; It is all a matter of personal preference.; You can use pump pouches, clips, pockets, and some people will simply place them in an old sock pinned to the body. Do what works for you but here are a few options.

    Using An Insulin Pump For Type 2 Diabetes

    Many people with Type 2 diabetes can simplify diabetes management by using an insulin pump instead of taking injections.

    People with Type 2 diabetes may need daily insulin for either of the following reasons:

    • Insulin resistance:;This is when your body isnt responding to normal amounts of insulin and isnt able to use that insulin effectively to manage your blood sugar levels. Some insulin resistance can be improved through lifestyle changes . For some people, insulin resistance is a deeper issue that cannot always be easily changed. This means you may need support from diabetes medications or insulin to help you manage healthy blood sugar levels.
    • Beta-cell dysfunction:;This is when your body struggles to produce normal amounts of insulin. Beta-cells are produced by the pancreas, then those cells produce insulin. In many people with Type 2 diabetes, your body struggles to produce normally functioning beta-cells which means you dont produce enough insulin. This can worsen over time, and your body is able to produce less and less insulin over time. This means youll need more support from diabetes medications or insulin to help you manage healthy blood sugar levels.

    Today, there are a variety of options

    People with Type 2 diabetes who require insulin have several options today:


    • Taking multiple daily injections with syringes or a pen, with rapid-acting and long-acting
    • Using rapid-acting inhaled insulin ;
    • Using an insulin pump with rapid-acting insulin

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