by Kris Erdman RN, BSN, CDE
2. August 2011 04:09
An insulin pump is battery-operated, external medical device for people with diabetes that very slowly pushes insulin just under your skin 24 hours a day through a very tiny plastic tube, called a cannula. Typically, the cannula is inserted into the fatty tissue of the abdomen by an introducer needle, which is removed after insertion. The plastic cannula and tubing, called the infusion set, stays in place with the help of a dressing, for 2-3 days.
Why would I want an Insulin Pump?
Insulin pumps have shown to help people with diabetes control their blood sugars better than shots. Plus it is also more convenient. It can allow you to sleep in, skip or delay meals, calculate your insulin doses without a calculator, all because it acts more like a real pancreas.
So which would you rather have? 120 insulin injections per month, or 12 infusion sets insertions per month? With the insulin pump you only need to inject every 2-3 days – that’s it!
You can shower with it, go swimming, and play sports. In other words, lead a more flexible life!
Do you think an insulin pump would be an option for you? Tell us what you think and take our Insulin Pump quiz to help you determine.
Learn more about insulin pumps
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Diabetes
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