Insulin Pumps
Insulin Pumps
Insulin pumps are a relatively new piece of diabetes design, invented in the 1970s. A small, compact unit, insulin pumps are portable and attached to the patient.
Insulin pumps are small diabetes monitoring and control devices. At this stage, insulin pumps remain relatively uncommon in the UK, but more and more people with diabetes are getting access to insulin pumps, either privately or through funding to do so.
This section details the different insulin pumps available to people with diabetes in the UK.
Although only around one in every 1,000 person with diabetes wears an insulin pump here, this proportion is growing and Diabetes.co.uk will add more insulin pumps to this section as they become available in the UK.
Guide to Insulin Pumps
One of only three insulin pumps available in the UK, the Combo has arguably a slightly more modern look and feel than some of its contemporaries.
The latest incarnation from Medtronic’s Paradigm range is the Veo System. With expert comments from Sue Marshall.
What type of insulin do insulin pumps use?
Insulin pumps use fast-acting insulin, a variety of which are available. There is no need to take long-acting insulin, because the insulin pump delivers constant amounts of insulin to the body.
What is the advantage of using an insulin pump?
Using an insulin pump has several key advantages. For instance, diabetics can instantly change insulin dose, meaning that changes are quicker to be felt. Furthermore, fast-acting insulin is more easily absorbed by the body, and it is more predictable than long-acting insulin.
Because the body gets a constant, regular flow of insulin, the effect of the insulin is more constant.
How does an insulin pump dose work?
With insulin pumps, two types of dose are taken, basal and bolus. Basal rate of insulin is the same as a long-acting insulin regime for those diabetics without an insulin pump. This program is consistent and regular, and controls the level of insulin getting into the bloodstream. Modern insulin pumps allow users to regulate basal and bolus doses at the same time. Diabetics can adjust the basal rate at any point.
The bolus dose taken with an insulin pump is designed to counteract the food being eaten. Therefore, when a diabetic eats a snack or at mealtimes, the insulin pump can be programmed to provide an extra boost of insulin. Furthermore, pumps can be programmed to release a bolus dose over a longer period, which could be ideal for meals in restaurants, etc.
Are insulin pumps better for diabetics?
Supporters of insulin pumps believe that they allow diabetics to be more flexible, and eliminate the need for a wearing, daily routine. A diabetic with an insulin pump does not necessarily have to rise at a certain time to take insulin. When it comes to the diabetes diet, insulin pumps allow diabetics to be more flexible with that they eat, if they are used in the correct way.
