Common Questions - Page 1 of 6
Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
1. What is an insulin pump?
An insulin pump is designed to deliver insulin continuously under the surface of the skin (referred to as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, or CSII), and to help keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Scientific studies (DCCT and UKPDS) show that maintaining blood glucose levels at or near normal levels greatly decreases the likelihood of complications from diabetes.
2. What are the advantages of an insulin pump?
The greatest advantage of an insulin pump is that it can help you better manage your blood glucose level. In addition, it can provide you with lifestyle flexibility - you can travel, exercise, work or eat without worrying about injections and when the insulin will take affect. Health advantages may include lowering of an A1c level, fewer low blood glucose (hypoglycemic) reactions, the reduced likelihood of diabetes-related complications (heart and kidney disease, vision loss and nerve damage), and improved physical and psychological well-being.
3. Does an insulin pump work better than injections?
An insulin pump is far superior to the more conventional practice of daily injections for many reasons, the greatest being that it’s use provides for a much greater ability to manage and control diabetes. The insulin pump is a delivery system that gives you a continuous flow of insulin. This minimizes the peaks and valleys of insulin action you may experience with multiple injections. The pump also gives you a precise dose of insulin, based on your current needs. If you are exercising rigorously, you set a custom dose for exercise. If you are relaxing, you set a custom dose for taking it easy. If you are sick, you can set the exact amount needed to deal with your illness.
However, despite the advantages of using an insulin pump, total success will
still depend on you and how well you take care of yourself. Good nutrition and
exercise habits, testing blood glucose frequently, and making decisions about
how much insulin to take for your food are all important aspects of optimizing
your health. When in the hands of a person committed to better health,
supported by an experienced healthcare team, insulin pump therapy can make
managing your diabetes easier and far more flexible than ever before.
4. Do I have to have surgery?
No. Insulin pumps are external devices that do not require any surgery or invasive procedures and can be disconnected as needed.