What Is an Insulin Pump?

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Insulin pumps deliver insulin through a small tube and cannula (known as the infusion set) placed under your skin.

Insulin pumps are small, portable devices that deliver fast-acting insulin 24 hours a day. About the size of a small mobile phone or MP3 player, insulin pumps deliver insulin through a small tube and cannula (known as the infusion set) placed under your skin. The amount of insulin delivered may be tailored to meet your individual needs

You can program your insulin pump to automatically deliver insulin around the clock – that’s called your basal rate – to control your blood glucose between meals and while you sleep. In response to food, you give yourself a bolus dose of insulin when you eat.

You can determine the size of the bolus using calculations based on the amount of carbohydrates you eat.

When you use an insulin pump, you must still monitor your glucose levels during the course of a day. You’ll set the doses of your insulin and make adjustments to the doses based on your food intake and exercise program.You’ll need to change your infusion set every 2 to 3 days.

People of all ages with Type 1 diabetes may use insulin pump therapy. However, your doctor will advise you of your specific suitability for this therapy.

Next: Frequently Asked Questions – Insulin Pumps

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 15 Dec 2008