Updated: 10-05-2025
What is an insulin pump?
An insulin pump, as the name suggests, is related to delivering insulin to the body continuously throughout the day.
It is a small computerised device that mimics the functioning of the pancreas in releasing insulin, but for proper release of insulin, it requires you to tell it the exact amount of insulin to be injected.
The insulin is delivered in two ways:
- When the insulin is released through the pump continuously, it has to be released at a basal rate during which a small insulin trickle keeps on flowing down, keeping the blood glucose of your body stable between the day meals and during the night.
- In a bolus rate, a higher rate of insulin is released just before eating to cover the type of food you are planning to eat at that particular meal.
Main Goal Behind Using an Insulin Pump
The main goal behind using an insulin pump is to control blood sugar levels to live a life free of any complications.
An insulin pump helps you to manage your day-to-day diabetes demands and manage this health issue along with other demands of life.
With the help of an insulin pump, you can manage the requirement of your insulin and also carry along with your regular lifestyle.
This saves you from having to undergo the hassle of taking injections and keeping track of insulin daily.
For the initial few days, you should work with the diabetes care team so that you understand your target levels for understanding your particular requirement of blood glucose levels.
People of all ages having type 1 diabetes can use the insulin pump.
Lately, even people with type 2 diabetes have started using them.
Advantages of an Insulin Pump
- Precise delivery of insulin
- Flexible lifestyle
- Accurate control over 1/10 unit of the insulin
- Reduces the chances of severe hypoglycemia
- Help manage the dawn phenomenon
Disadvantages of Insulin Pumps
- Risk of diabetic ketoacidosis due to absorption or pump malfunction problems
- Skin infection risks at the site of the catheter
- Expensive insulin pumps.
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