Insulin Pumps

Insulin Pump

Inulin pump is a device that delivers insulin to diabetes patient without needing an injection. The insulin delivery system of a pump consists of two parts, first is the continuous delivery or "basal insulin" and the second is the coverage for meals or "bolus insulin". The pump delivers only one type of insulin, rapid-acting insulin. The basal insulin is equivalent to long-acting insulin and the hourly rate at which a pump delivers insulin is called "basal rate". For example, if the basal rate is set at 1 unit per hour throughout the day, the total amount of basal insulin would be 24 units. As for the bolus insulin, The amount depends on the amount of carbohydrate and the blood sugar level before the meal. The calculation method is identical to the multi-dose insulin injection regimen but the pump will automatically calculate the dose based on the programmed carbohydrate ratio and insulin sensitivity factor after the patient enters the amount of carbohydrate and the blood sugar level. The pump settings are usually set by the healthcare provider.

Insulin is usually stored in the reservoir and is delivered through a plastic tube and then enters the body via a plastic catheter. This plastic catheter is inserted under the skin by the patient or the caregiver. The catheter can be left under the skin between 2-3 days.