Insulin Pumps in Diabetes Manage

Insulin resistance (IR) is a major factor to consider when treating diabetes. In addition to IR, other factors that influence insulin requirements are exercise, stress, and changes in diet. Insulin pumps are an alternative to multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) that can provide a more physiological insulin delivery. Insulin pumps are small, computerized devices that deliver insulin in small, continuous doses throughout the day. They are an alternative to multiple daily injections of insulin and can provide more flexibility and better blood sugar control for some people with diabetes “American Diabetes Association, 2022”. Insulin pumps are most often used by people with type 1 diabetes, but they can be used by people with type 2 diabetes who require insulin. The pumps can be worn externally or implanted under the skin. External pumps are about the size of a pager and can be clipped to a belt or worn in a pouch. Implantable pumps are about the size of a silver dollar and are usually placed just under the skin of the abdomen. Pumps deliver insulin through a small plastic tube (catheter) that is inserted just under the skin. The pump is programmed to deliver small doses of insulin continuously throughout the day and night “Paldus, Lee & O’Neal, 2018”. Additional doses can be given at mealtimes to cover the rise in blood sugar that occurs after eating. Pumps can be used to deliver different types of insulin, including rapid-acting, short-acting, and long-acting insulin.

 

           

Rapid-acting insulin begins to work within 15 minutes and has its peak effect within 1 hour. It is used to cover insulin needs for meals and corrections of high blood sugar. Short-acting insulin begins to work within 30 minutes and has its peak effect within 2 to 4 hours. It is used to cover insulin needs for meals and corrections of high blood sugar. Intermediate-acting insulin begins to work within 2 to 4 hours and has its peak effect between 4 and 12 hours. It is used to cover insulin needs between meals and overnight. Long-acting insulin begins to work within 6 to 14 hours and its effects last 24 hours or longer. It is used to cover insulin needs between meals and overnight. 

 

A number of studies have shown that insulin pumps can help people achieve better blood sugar control than multiple daily injections of insulin “Steineck et al., 2015”. In addition, insulin pumps can provide people with more flexibility in their daily routine and may help to reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes. Insulin pumps deliver insulin continuously through a small catheter placed under the skin. The pump is small and can be worn on a belt or in a pocket. The pumps can be programmed to deliver different amounts of insulin at different times of the day, depending on the person’s needs. People who use insulin pumps still need to monitor their blood sugar levels frequently. They also need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you are considering an insulin pump, it is important to talk to your healthcare team about the potential benefits and risks. Insulin pumps are not for everyone, and they require a significant commitment to learn how to use them effectively.

Resources

• “American Diabetes Association, 2022” 
• “Paldus, Lee & O’Neal, 2018” 
• “Steineck et al., 2015”