For many diabetics, there has been a newly advanced treatment introduced for controlling blood sugars more consistently. They are called insulin pumps, and are provided by different pharmaceutical companies, and they have been FDA approved for usage here in the United States. Familiar companies that manufacture insulin pumps are Accu-chek, Medtronic, and Animas just to name a few.
An insulin pump is a small device which uses batteries to remain automatic. Some insulin pumps can monitor blood glucose levels, as well as provide a wizard in order to deliver required insulin dosages based on these glucose levels. So, technically, the insulin pump acts as a ‘pancreas’ that is worn outside the body.
These pointers will be helpful for the users of the mentioned insulin pumps, and to any potential pumpers who may find themselves interested in changing their current treatment to this one.
Wait at least two hours after inserting cannula, to check your blood sugar level, and try to avoid insertion at bedtime. Good hand-washing practices are very important before handling any of your diabetic supplies, and be mindful of using soap, water, and alcohol swabs as necessary to prevent infections. When changing sites, make sure that ample space is left between the old and the new site, to allow proper healing. The best time to change a site is usually before meals. This allows the bolus insulin to push the new tissue out of cannula to avoid clogging. A bolus dose of insulin lasts approximately four hours, and is independent of a set basal rate of insulin. When insulin pump is detached for two hours or more, testing the blood sugar occasionally during this time is important because of potential elevations in sugar levels. Always remove the insulin pump when showering, swimming, having a medical procedure like an x-ray, MRI, or CT-scan. Always carry an emergency diabetic kit: this may include, but is not limited to glucose tablets, sugar packets, pump batteries, fast-acting insulin and syringes. Recognize signs and symptoms of infection at the site, which may include redness, swelling, pain, itching, and fever.
With regard to the fact that many patients will have different diabetic educators; the information used in this article may not match what a pumper initially learned before receiving their pumps. The main purpose of the article is to share with pumpers the importance of safely using this device, while at the same time, knowing how important the pump is when it comes to diabetic health.
The insulin pump has advantages, as well as, disadvantages for its use. But those issues can only be pointed out by its users. The pointers listed above are believed to be practices used by pumpers who rely on insulin pumps for treatment.
Currently, I use an insulin pump for treatment because I am a type 1 diabetic. I am also a Registered Nurse. For any information on diabetes regarding treatment, research, dieting, or any new information on diabetes research, visit my blog site at http://diabetichumility.com.
Reference: Diabetes Community Center, 2009. Pump Pointers, retrieved on October 9, 2011, from http://www.dcccolorado.org/sites/default/files/forms/Pump%20Pointers.pdf