If you have diabetes and you need to take multiple daily insulin injections to keep it under control, an insulin pump may be an option for you. An insulin pump offers accurate insulin dosing which gives you better blood sugar control. This can help you feel better by preventing blood sugar swings. It can also reduce the risks of long-term complications of diabetes. An insulin pump is also quite convenient.

Unlike shots, an insulin pump lets your insulin delivery fit in with your lifestyle, not the other way around. But it's important to be realistic about what an insulin pump is and what it can and can't do. It takes some training to learn to use it. It's also expensive and may not be covered by your insurance.

What is an insulin pump?
An insulin pump is a computerized device that delivers insulin into your body. About the size of a cell phone, you can attach the pump to a belt or bra, or keep it in a pocket. It holds about two to three days' worth of short-acting insulin. When programmed to do so, a plunger inside the device pumps out a measured amount of insulin through a thin tube (called a catheter). The tip of the tube, called the cannula, is placed just under your skin.

The insulin pump delivers insulin in two different ways:

• Basal insulin is programmed to pump small amounts of insulin continuously, much like your pancreas would. You can set it for different amounts of insulin to be pumped in at different times of the day or night.
• Bolus insulin can be set to give you extra insulin whenever you need it, such as at meals or if your glucose level becomes too high.

It takes teamwork
An insulin pump is just one tool in your diabetes management plan. It can give you more control and flexibility, but you must still take an active role in your diabetes management. As with any other kind of technology, an insulin pump can't think for itself. It's up to you to make sure it does its job effectively. To get the most out of your pump:

• Check your blood sugar (glucose) often. Using an insulin pump helps you maintain good blood sugar control. Be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels frequently so you know if you need to make any adjustments to your insulin dosage. Ask your doctor how often and when you should be testing.
• Count and convert carbs. A major benefit of an insulin pump over insulin injections is that have more flexibility in what and when you eat. In exchange for that flexibility, though, you need to do your part counting carbs. Before each meal, add up the amount of carbohydrates (nutrients that affect your blood sugar level) in it to figure out how much insulin you'll need. Then set the pump to release it. Your doctor or diabetes educator can help you learn how to do this.
• Restart when you reconnect. Although you can exercise and play sports with your pump on (keeping it in a pump case or under an elastic band), you can disconnect and take it off for short periods of time too. You may also want to take it off when you bathe or swim. However, remember to reconnect and reprogram the pump to make up for the insulin doses you missed. Don't disconnect for more than one to two hours at a time.

Using an insulin pump can bring you better glucose control and improve your quality of life. Talk to your doctor to see if an insulin pump is right for you.

Related Articles Just Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes? 4 Steps to Take Control Easier Than Ever: Insulin Syringes and Injection Aids Tips to Avoid Insulin Mistakes Hyperglycemia: Preventing High Blood Sugar When You Have Diabetes Insulin Pens: Making Diabetes Management More Convenient

External Sources Ritolz MD, Smaldone A, Lee J, Castillo A, Wolpert H, Weinger K. Perceptions of psychosocial factors and the insulin pump. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(3):549-554. American Diabetes Association. Insulin pumps.. Accessed November 29, 2007 American Diabetes Association. About insulin pumps.. Accessed November 29, 2007 American Diabetes Association. Insulin pumps. Conditions and treatment.. Accessed November 29, 2007 Ritolz MD, Smaldone A, Lee J, Castillo A, Wolpert H, Weinger K. Perceptions of psychosocial factors and the insulin pump. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(3):549-554. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Alternative devices for taking insulin.. Accessed November 29, 2007 American Diabetes Association. Diabetes forecast: 2007 resource guide. Insulin delivery.. Accessed November 29, 2007

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.