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Insulin pumps may be an important tool for anybody with diabetes, particularly type 1, who needs to administer insulin.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that in the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled.
The primary treatment for type 1 diabetes is the administration of insulin.
This article discusses what insulin pumps are and who would benefit from using them. It also explores features of insulin pumps, insulin pump products, and some frequently asked questions.
A person wears an insulin pump outside their body. It is a small machine that provides bursts of insulin through a tube and needle as and when needed. Some insulin pumps do not use needles and tubes but attach directly to the skin.
People may need to take insulin if their body no longer makes it. A person with type 1 diabetes is likely to use an insulin pump. However, people with type 2 diabetes may also benefit from using one.
Learn more about insulin.
A person may wish to consider some of the following features when buying an insulin pump:
People will need a prescription to purchase an insulin pump and should never purchase one from a company that does not require a prescription.
Learn more about basal-bolus insulin therapy.
Medical News Today chooses medical equipment that meets the following criteria:
Below are some insulin pumps for a person to consider. People who wish to buy a pump should contact the manufacturer with their healthcare and insurance details.
This model from Medtronic comes with an optional CGM so a person can also monitor their blood glucose levels using the same device. It is also compatible with the Contour Next Link 2.4 blood glucose meter.
Medtronic claims that this system makes a person four times more likely to reach their target A1C level, which is their average blood glucose level over about 3 months.
Other features include:
Some of the features above require a CGM.
Individuals should change the tubing every 2–3 days.
Using an insulin pump with an integrated CGM can make it easier for some people to reach their target blood glucose levels. Users say the sensor integration function of this pump is well done.
This alternative device from Medtronic is an upgraded version of the previously listed MiniMed 670G system.
Additional features include:
Some of these features require a CGM.
This unit comes with an exercise setting that adapts glucose levels automatically, which is useful for very active adults and children.
The Omnipod Dash insulin pump does not require tubes. The pump inserts through a device that enters the skin at the push of a button. A person can wear it on their body where they would usually inject insulin.
Other features include:
Many insurance companies cover the Omnipod Dash. It is also available through pharmacies with a prescription.
This pump from Tandem has a slim design. The company claims it is 38% smaller than competitors’ products.
Additional features include:
This CGM device can measure glucose levels every minute through its LibreLink app or a handheld reader and sensor.
According to the company, the FreeStyle Libre 14-day states this device can provide up to 14 days of accurate glucose readings due to its long lasting sensor, which users apply themselves. A person inserts this sensor just under the skin on the back of the upper arm.
Individuals can use their smartphones to track their glucose levels, receive alerts, and review trends. They can also set up the LibreLinkUp app to share their information with up to 20 people, such as family members or healthcare professionals.
The long lasting sensors help this device provide continuous coverage.
According to the company, at half the weight and size of comparable insulin pumps, the Dana Diabecare IIS is a comfortable and affordable tool for managing diabetes.
Its small size and weight make the product a good choice for those looking for portability. The reservoir and infusion set should be changed at least every 72 hours.
It requires a medical professional to change the unit’s default settings for:
The Roche Accu-Chek system consists of an insulin pump and a CGM, all linked through a Bluetooth connection that supports real-time diabetes management.
The Bluetooth connection allows individuals to remotely control bolus delivery, view pump status and activity, and email or fax reports to healthcare professionals.
The unit offers programmable reminders, while a temporary basal rate function lets people make changes quickly to meet changing conditions. Onscreen graphs help individuals track data and trends.
A 2019 study shows using insulin pumps to manage glucose levels in children with type 1 diabetes results in the following:
The key characteristic behind this improvement is the ability for adults to remotely manage the insulin pump.
Insulin pumps may effectively help children and caregivers to better manage the condition by avoiding insulin injection schedules.
People just beginning their insulin pump journey should work closely with their diabetes care teams to learn how to use them properly. Important elements of this training include:
Below are some of the most common questions and answers about insulin pumps.
A person may be able to get an insulin pump if they are currently taking insulin injections. A person should discuss this with their doctor or healthcare professional.
Generally, insulin pumps should not cause pain and should be easy to use. However, some pumps have tubing that can catch on clothing or become tangled. This could cause strain and soreness at the infusion site.
Costs of insulin pumps can vary without insurance. However, many companies offer financial assistance and payment plans if required.
The American Diabetes Association describes insulin pumps as small, computerized devices. They deliver insulin in a steady and continuous dose, or basal rate, which the user typically programs themselves. They also deliver insulin as a surge dose, or bolus, under the user’s direction.
The insulin enters the body through a thin tube attached to a needle that goes under the skin. People refer to the tube and needle together as an infusion set.
To insert the infusion set of an insulin pump:
Some insulin pumps come with applicators to make this process easier.
An insulin pump is not necessarily better or worse than using injections to manage diabetes, but it is different. Using an insulin pump is not necessarily a permanent choice, although switching back and forth is something a person should do with the support of their diabetes care team.
An insulin pump could be a suitable choice for a person if:
The American Diabetes Association states that the only absolute requirement for using an insulin pump is a commitment to use it safely. People with type 1 diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes who take insulin during the day can use insulin pumps.
Some insurance policies will cover the costs of insulin pumps, but not all, so individuals should check their coverage. People with Medicare plans can get a portion of the costs of their insulin pumps covered, but they should contact their plan provider for confirmation.
Insulin pumps may play a vital role for those with diabetes who need to administer insulin. Pumps can be an alternative to a person injecting themselves with insulin several times a day.
Many insulin pumps have smart features and can be compatible with smartphones or CGMs.
A person must have a prescription to receive an insulin pump, and insurance may cover the cost.
Last medically reviewed on November 23, 2022
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7 of the best insulin pumps for diabetes in 2023: Products and more – Medical News Today
Byadmin
Nov 24, 2022