Insulin pump

What is an insulin pump?

An insulin pump is a treatment implemented by a mechanical and electrical device that ensures 24/7, fast-acting insulin administration to people who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

The device works by releasing a given amount of insulin subcutaneously (underneath the skin) and continuously. It is small and portable.

Image representing diabetes, which an insulin pump can help to treat

What is an insulin pump for?

Insulin pumps are prescribed to people who need constant insulin administration, offering a great help for those who have to live with diabetes. It can ensure a much-improved quality of life, as a result of properly managed diabetes.

How does an insulin pump work?

The insulin pump is as big as a small mobile phone. It is equipped with a processing module, linked to the insulin reservoir. The pump is placed on the abdominal area or on the buttocks; it is linked to the subcutaneous tissue with a small cannula. It then releases a minimal and continuous amount of insulin (as close as possible to your real needs), with variable speed during the different phases of the day.

During the night, different amounts of insulin are released as you are asleep and not eating meals. If you eat, you can press a button on the pump to give an additional boost of insulin – this is called a bolus and can meet the needs to eating a larger meal than average, for example. You can also take a bolus if your blood glucose levels are high.

How can I ensure that an insulin pump is effective?

Having an insulin pump, however, does still require frequent measurement of your blood glucose levels.

The following criteria are generally recommended for ideal insulin pump candidates:

  • Having a good understanding of your diabetes.
  • Being prepared to measure blood glucose levels throughout the day.
  • Understanding the impacts of exercise and diet on your blood glucose levels.
  • Willing to wear the device at all times.

Are there disadvantages of having an insulin pump?

There are some points to consider when using an insulin pump to treat your diabetes. These include:

 

Getting used to the device

Things like changing infusion sets, which can be a longer process than taking a single injection, setting basal rates and avoiding issues such as bubbles take some time to figure out.

 

Frequent blood glucose testing

As mentioned above, frequent blood glucose testing of at least 4 times a day is still required if you have an insulin pump.

 

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) risk

Problems like getting air in the tubing, or having a blocked cannula, can develop. This means you may not get enough insulin, and this could lead to ketone rising. In turn, this could lead to an increased risk of ketoacidosis. 

 

Skin infections

There is a risk of skin infections occurring because insulin pumps involve having a catheter implanted under the skin for a number of days. Thankfully, they should be rare as long as correct procedures are followed. 

 

Catching the tubing on objects

This can be an issue especially if longer lengths of tubing are used. It's potentially painful and can leave the infusion site sore for some time.  

 08-31-2023
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Insulin pump

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Dr James Greening - Paediatric endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism

Created on: 07-07-2016

Updated on: 08-31-2023

Edited by: Karolyn Judge

What is an insulin pump?

An insulin pump is a treatment implemented by a mechanical and electrical device that ensures 24/7, fast-acting insulin administration to people who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

The device works by releasing a given amount of insulin subcutaneously (underneath the skin) and continuously. It is small and portable.

Image representing diabetes, which an insulin pump can help to treat

What is an insulin pump for?

Insulin pumps are prescribed to people who need constant insulin administration, offering a great help for those who have to live with diabetes. It can ensure a much-improved quality of life, as a result of properly managed diabetes.

How does an insulin pump work?

The insulin pump is as big as a small mobile phone. It is equipped with a processing module, linked to the insulin reservoir. The pump is placed on the abdominal area or on the buttocks; it is linked to the subcutaneous tissue with a small cannula. It then releases a minimal and continuous amount of insulin (as close as possible to your real needs), with variable speed during the different phases of the day.

During the night, different amounts of insulin are released as you are asleep and not eating meals. If you eat, you can press a button on the pump to give an additional boost of insulin – this is called a bolus and can meet the needs to eating a larger meal than average, for example. You can also take a bolus if your blood glucose levels are high.

How can I ensure that an insulin pump is effective?

Having an insulin pump, however, does still require frequent measurement of your blood glucose levels.

The following criteria are generally recommended for ideal insulin pump candidates:

  • Having a good understanding of your diabetes.
  • Being prepared to measure blood glucose levels throughout the day.
  • Understanding the impacts of exercise and diet on your blood glucose levels.
  • Willing to wear the device at all times.

Are there disadvantages of having an insulin pump?

There are some points to consider when using an insulin pump to treat your diabetes. These include:

 

Getting used to the device

Things like changing infusion sets, which can be a longer process than taking a single injection, setting basal rates and avoiding issues such as bubbles take some time to figure out.

 

Frequent blood glucose testing

As mentioned above, frequent blood glucose testing of at least 4 times a day is still required if you have an insulin pump.

 

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) risk

Problems like getting air in the tubing, or having a blocked cannula, can develop. This means you may not get enough insulin, and this could lead to ketone rising. In turn, this could lead to an increased risk of ketoacidosis. 

 

Skin infections

There is a risk of skin infections occurring because insulin pumps involve having a catheter implanted under the skin for a number of days. Thankfully, they should be rare as long as correct procedures are followed. 

 

Catching the tubing on objects

This can be an issue especially if longer lengths of tubing are used. It's potentially painful and can leave the infusion site sore for some time.  

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Dr James Greening

Paediatric endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism

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