What is an insulin infusion pump?

Infusion of insulin is a small device worn by some diabetics that emit a rapid -acting insulin using a set of pipes connected to a needle or cannula embedded under the skin. This pump can supply insulin at programmed intervals throughout the day and also in response to food. The insulin infusion pump can be set for different infusion formulas, from one large insulin tip to a lower level supplied for a longer period of time. This is determined by the amount and type of food that has eaten a person who wears an insulin pump.

By counting carbohydrates, a person with an insulin infusion pump can decide how much injection and in which pattern. Higher carbohydrate food that causes rapid blood sugar growth may require a larger dose of insulin that comes quickly. High protein diet, lower carbohydrates that gradually increase blood sugar may require a more regular dose that is supplied slowly.

Insulin pump has some advantages compared to traditionIntroduction of insulin with a syringe or insulin pen. Younger people, especially children and adolescents with type I diabetes, are often easier to use a pump than to injection insulin. People who use the insulin infusion pump can eat as they want instead of planning when and what to eat. Hypoglycaemia is easier to control with insulin pump and A1C-long-term measurement of blood glucose levels-often improve.

There are several disadvantages using an insulin infusion pump. It is usually more expensive than insulin injections. There are multiple parts that may spoil: pump itself, infusion and cannula set.

Insertion can be complex and the cannula can come out without noticing the wearer, causing insulin to be delivered and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. Some physical activities such as strenuous sports can also release the pump or be unpleasant to wear. Yet there are many diAbetics who wear insulin pumps are more suitable and more flexible than injections.

The continuous blood glucose monitor is a small device with a needle embedded under the skin that takes blood glucose values ​​at regular intervals. Combined with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), the insulin pump can act almost as a normal pancreatic: it can release the correct amount of insulin in response to a high glucose value. This combination shows a great promise to control type I and type II diabetes.