Insulin Pump Therapy
Insulin pump therapy, also referred to as CSII (Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion), most closely imitates physiological insulin delivery in the healthy pancreas. Pumps deliver rapid-acting insulin subcutaneously over 24-hour periods.
An insulin pump is composed of a pump reservoir similar to that of an insulin cartridge, a battery-operated pump, and a computer chip that allows the user to control the exact amount of insulin being delivered. Pumps help individuals requiring insulin therapy match their insulin intake to the amount of food they eat and the extent of their physical activity. Pump therapy is, therefore, more conducive to lifestyle flexibility.
Approximately half of the total daily insulin requirement is preprogrammed and is administered at a constant rate (basal rate). Basal insulin represents the body's insulin requirement without food. The pump will deliver additional insulin to cover meals containing carbohydrates or to correct an elevated blood glucose level (Bolus insulin).
Bolus insulin is delivered by the user as needed and is not preprogrammed. The total daily insulin requirement over the course of 24 hours varies and is dependent on factors such as exercise, activity level and sleep.
Currently pumps are approximately the size of a pager or beeper. The pump is attached to a thin plastic tube connected to an insulin cartridge on one end (the infusion set) that has a soft cannula at the other end through which the insulin passes. This cannula is inserted under the skin into the subcutaneous tissue. The cannula is changed every two to three days.
The tubing can be disconnected from the pump while showering or swimming.
Insulin pumps can help keep individual blood glucose levels within required target ranges. Insulin pumps may be recommended for all age groups and for all types of diabetes which require insulin therapy.
The best candidates for insulin pump therapy are those who actively practice diabetes self-management. They monitor and record their blood glucose levels frequently throughout the day, count carbohydrates, and visit their health care team on a regular basis. However, it has been found that many people who have managed their diabetes poorly with multiple daily injections may be very successful using pumps if they are motivated to achieve intensive treatment goals. Changing the insulin therapy method gives one the opportunity of starting with a "clean slate" - having another chance at changing from negative to positive behaviors regarding self-management of their diabetes.
An insulin pump is composed of a pump reservoir similar to that of an insulin cartridge, a battery-operated pump, and a computer chip that allows the user to control the exact amount of insulin being delivered. Pumps help individuals requiring insulin therapy match their insulin intake to the amount of food they eat and the extent of their physical activity. Pump therapy is, therefore, more conducive to lifestyle flexibility.
Approximately half of the total daily insulin requirement is preprogrammed and is administered at a constant rate (basal rate). Basal insulin represents the body's insulin requirement without food. The pump will deliver additional insulin to cover meals containing carbohydrates or to correct an elevated blood glucose level (Bolus insulin).
Bolus insulin is delivered by the user as needed and is not preprogrammed. The total daily insulin requirement over the course of 24 hours varies and is dependent on factors such as exercise, activity level and sleep.
Currently pumps are approximately the size of a pager or beeper. The pump is attached to a thin plastic tube connected to an insulin cartridge on one end (the infusion set) that has a soft cannula at the other end through which the insulin passes. This cannula is inserted under the skin into the subcutaneous tissue. The cannula is changed every two to three days.
The tubing can be disconnected from the pump while showering or swimming.
Insulin pumps can help keep individual blood glucose levels within required target ranges. Insulin pumps may be recommended for all age groups and for all types of diabetes which require insulin therapy.
The best candidates for insulin pump therapy are those who actively practice diabetes self-management. They monitor and record their blood glucose levels frequently throughout the day, count carbohydrates, and visit their health care team on a regular basis. However, it has been found that many people who have managed their diabetes poorly with multiple daily injections may be very successful using pumps if they are motivated to achieve intensive treatment goals. Changing the insulin therapy method gives one the opportunity of starting with a "clean slate" - having another chance at changing from negative to positive behaviors regarding self-management of their diabetes.
