Diabetes And Insulin Pumps

Learn how insulin pumps can change a diabetes management plan, often for the better...

The purpose of an insulin pump is to mimic the action of the pancreas by continuously giving the body a supply of insulin mechanically to maintain blood glucose levels within a normal range.  The pump works 24 hours a day.

The two modes of operation of the pump are called "basal" and "bolus"  The Basal infusion provides continuous delivery of small amounts of inulin to help control a person's blood glucose
between meals.  The Bolus infusion is the additional insulin needed at mealtime or when the blood glucose rises due to other factors.

EXTERNAL PUMPS

The external pump is a mechanical/electronic device.  Some are about the size of a pack of cigarettes and are worn close to the body (at approximately waist level) 24 hours a day.  The insulin is delivered from a reservoir (a syringe inside the pump) by a flexible plastic tube connected to a needle which is inserted under the skin of the abdomen.

Sine the needle remains under the skin, irritation has been one of the main problems with this pump.  The most common complication as a result of the irritation is infection.  Since the needle is in the skin 24 hours a day there's a hole where bacteria can enter.  Because of this the needle and tubing have to be replaced every few days.

PUMP IMPLANTS

This type of pump is implanted in a person's abdominal wall.  The surgery to insert this type of pump is similar to that used for implanting a pacemaker.  This pump has no external features so
nothing can interfere with the person's movement and there is no entrance to the body for infectious bacteria to enter.  Because of this the internal pump is more appealing.

Although minor surgery is required to implant the pump the reservoir of the unit can be refilled and the batteries recharged without further surgery.

The insulin can be delivered directly to the portal blood vessels, that same vessels that naturally carry insulin from the pancreas to the liver.  Or it can be delivered into the abdominal space where it is rapidly absorbed into the portal blood vessels. Many people feel this is the ideal way to get insulin to their body since it mimics the way insulin would get to their body if they weren't diabetic.

Insulin pumps aren't a cure for diabetes and are not appropriate for all diabetics.  A diabetic using an insulin pump still have to watch their diet and exercise regularly.