An insulin pump is a compact device that allows you to control your blood sugar levels by delivering the right amount of insulin through an infusion set. It’s small and portable, so it can be taken wherever you go. Here’s how insulin pumps work and what they’re used for.
How does it work?
An insulin pump is a compact device that you wear on your body. It contains a reservoir of insulin and has a tube that connects to a needle, which is inserted into the body. The pump delivers the needed amount of insulin through the tubing and needle. The pump can be programmed to give different amounts of insulin at different times throughout the day or even all night long if needed. According to experts at Tandem Diabetes, “finding the right infusion set is an important part of successful insulin pump therapy.”
How do you place the infusion set?
It is important to place the infusion set correctly. The following steps will help you to do this:
- Gently clean the area of skin where you want to put your pump.
- Remove the protective cover from your infusion set and gently place it in the skin at least 1/2 inch (0.5 cm). It should not be painful when you place it on your skin but should feel like a little pinch or tug. If it is painful, then remove it and try again with a different site. Make sure that the infusion set is secure and completely inserted into your body by checking for air bubbles around the insertion site every two hours. You can also use alcohol wipes if needed before placing an insulin pump on its location.
How do you get insulin into the body with the pump?
Insulin pumps are designed to deliver insulin into the body in a controlled fashion. Insulin is delivered through a catheter into the subcutaneous tissue and infused over time based on your mealtime bolus and basal settings. The diabetic pumps for type 1 can be programmed to deliver insulin at a certain rate, including continuous infusion (infusing insulin at an even rate throughout the day. Continuous infusion is recommended for individuals who have type 1 diabetes because it mimics how their bodies normally work when they’re not experiencing high blood sugar levels.
When can it be used?
Insulin pumps are specially designed to deliver insulin into your body at a steady rate. It is important to note that it cannot be used on its own and must be used in conjunction with other methods such as syringes or pens to control diabetes.
It can be used by people who are diabetic, but it is also recommended that they eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, keep track of their glucose levels regularly and monitor them closely when using an insulin pump.
The use of an insulin pump helps you achieve better homeostasis when compared to other conventional methods such as syringes and pens because the device works on its own without any human intervention.
With all that you have learned about insulin pumps, you should be ready to use one. The pump is a great alternative to injections, and it can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Whether you are a new user or an experienced diabetic who wants to switch from injections, there are many benefits of using an insulin pump.
