INSULIN PUMPS

Insulin Pumps- An electronic device for controlling Diabetes mellitus

An insulin pump is a battery powered, computerized device which delivers insulin subcutaneously as programmed, to people who have it installed on their body (generally Diabetics).


Various parts of the Insulin Pump

• The pump is about the size of a pager.
• Inside it, is a vial of insulin with a gear driven plunger.
• There is a 21to 43 inches long, thin tube attached to the pump.
• The other end of the tube has a needle or the catheter.

Utilities of the Insulin Pump

• The Insulin Pump controls and gets your blood glucose (blood sugar) level closer to normal, working better than insulin injections.
• The wide variations in blood sugar levels can be avoided as this device smoothes out blood glucose swings.
• Human body needs less insulin at night and more at dawn, and only Insulin Pumps can take care of night time lows and morning highs. One can adjust the insulin rate according to the body needs with these pumps.

Usage of Insulin Pumps

• The needle on the catheter is inserted under the skin, usually in the abdomen or thigh.
• Insulin is delivered via the tube, catheter/ needles into the body.

Programming the Insulin Pump

• The pump can be programmed as per how much insulin is required by a person and at what times.
• It also can be programmed to give tiny amounts of insulin continuously throughout the day and night (Basal), just the way a normal pancreas does and deliver extra insulin just before the meal (Bolus).

For how long does one wear the Insulin Pump?

• The insulin pump is to be worn pretty much all the time. It can be kept inside or outside the clothes.
• It should be removed before showers and swimming to avoid damage to the machine.
• Having the pump off, for more than one hour, may result in need for an injection of insulin.
• One can carry on with all his/ her regular works with pump.
• As a precaution it is mandatory to check the patient’s Blood Sugar level every day.

Precautions

Ketoacidosis

Although the pump works regularly, there is a rare chance of, the pump getting blocked and hinder the passage and delivery of insulin into the body. This may cause Ketoacidosis- a dangerous build up of ketones in blood. That is the reason why patients on pump are advised to check blood sugar daily.


Infection

• Sometimes the skin, where the needle or the catheter enters the body may become infected. To lessen the chances of infection, the area where the needle is to be inserted should be cleaned thoroughly.
• Also the site where the needle enters the body should be changed every 48 hours.

Skin allergy

Some people may develop allergic reaction around the catheter. In such cases, non- allergenic tape or Teflon catheters can be tried.