diabetes 2

In recent years an alternative to manual insulin injections has emerged. Enter the Insulin Pump. The first Insulin Pumps were quite bulky
but modern ones are about the size of a small Cellphone or Pager. The pump is worn unobtrusively on a belt or in a pocket and it delivers insulin through a thin plastic tube (or Infusion Set) that is inserted under the skin.

WHY AN INSULIN PUMP IS BETTER

In a healthy person
the pancreas produces insulin constantly at low levels
keeping blood glucose levels stable. When a meal is eaten
the pancreas will send larger amounts of insulin into the blood stream to handle the food. Using a standard injection regime
slow and fast acting insulin is used to try and mimic the pancreas. An insulin pump much more closely copies the pancreas. The pump delivers a low level of background insulin (called basal) and at meal times can deliver a "bolus" dose at the touch of a button
to cover the food.

Just like a real pancreas
if you are ill
or exercising
the basal insulin rate can be reduced. If you skip a meal
the bolus is not delivered. In this way
the pump fits into your lifestyle
rather than planning your life around your injection schedule!

CHOOSING AN INSULIN PUMP

Most insulin pumps on the market today have all the basic features. Choosing one
is much like chosing a Cellphone
it is a mixture of personal taste and what you
plan on using it for. If you are a water sports fan
waterproof ones area available!
If you love analysing data to improve your control
you can get one with PC download
capability and analysis software. If you are new to the world of Insulin Pumps

here are some key points to think about:

• Choose a pump that allows you to set up different basal levels. For instance at night time
  if you are sick or exercising. This is an important feature to help you live a full life.


• Pumps that use a standard "Luer Lock" infusion sets are better. This means cheaper consumables.


• Alerts to remind you to check your blood glucose level make life easier.


• Check what batteries it takes
  standard AA or AAAs are cheaper and easier to buy.


• More advanced pumps include a carbohydrate calculator to help you figure out what your meal Bolus dose should be.


• Coming to the market are integrated Insulin Pump/Glucose meters. The meters readings are automatically transferred to the pump which can use them to recommend an insulin dose.

Other features to look for include
being waterproof
having a carbohydrate food database and alerts to warn you if you have missed a meal
or the infusion set needs changing. In short
Insulin pump manufacturers are making
their products ever easier to use and automating more and more features. Life is getting better for diabetics!


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q What if I don't get on with the pump
can I switch back to injections?

A Yes. It is not a one way ticket
but most people do notice an improvement in their blood glucose control and find their lives improved.

Q I have a really hectic lifestyle
is a pump for me?

A Yes. Infact people who are extremely busy often see the biggest improvement. If you struggle to remember to test and inject at the right time - perhaps meal times vary from day to day
then a pump could really help you.

Q I am considering a pump but may get pregnant
is that ok?

A Yes. As pumps usually improve your blood glucose control
using a pump through pregancy and beyond is generally a good thing. Having as close to normal blood glucose levels reduces the chances of complications during pregnancy.

Q What are the costs?

A The initial outlay is in the order of a few thousand dollars
but prices are coming down all the time. Infusion sets need changing regularly too. The latest prices can be found from various diabetes suppliers on the web.