Learning how to work an insulin pump is an essential first step for anyone thinking about using one. Whether you just purchased your first insulin pump or you’re considering switching over to a wearable insulin delivery system, we’re here to provide guidance on your journey. Here’s everything you need to know!
What Is an Insulin Pump?
Insulin pumps are small devices that connect to your body and deliver insulin as needed throughout the day and night. Many use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology to automatically adjust and provide insulin doses based on your current blood glucose levels. They’re an alternative to the traditional method of using insulin syringes or a diabetic pen.
As you learn how to use insulin pumps, remember that there are many different brands and models, with Omnipod, Tandem, and Medtronic diabetes pumps being the most popular. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, talk to your health care professional.
This guide will provide a general overview of insulin pumps, but it’s very important that you follow the specific instructions included with your device. Although the overall functionality of insulin pumps applies to the majority of the devices on the market, there may be certain features and settings specific to yours.
Components of an Insulin Pump
Before you start learning how to use insulin pumps, take a moment to get familiar with the different parts. How to work an insulin pump properly requires that you understand what each component does.
There are two main types of pumps: tethered (tubed) and patch (tubeless).
A typical tethered insulin pump includes the following:
- A small pump machine with a display screen
- An insulin pump infusion set with a cannula that attaches to the body
- An insulin pump reservoir that holds insulin
Tethered pumps are usually worn in a pouch, pocket or on a belt. Patch pumps are similar in design, but they attach directly to the body and don’t require tubing. They’re an ideal choice for those seeking the most compact, low-profile style. They are best for an active lifestyle.
Types of Insulin Doses
To understand how to use insulin pumps, you must learn about the two different ways insulin doses are delivered: basal and bolus.
- Basal Dose: Basal insulin refers to the small, baseline doses of insulin delivered throughout the day and night. These doses can be set manually or automated to meet your changing needs over the course of 24 hours.
- Bolus Dose: Bolus insulin refers to a larger dose of insulin that’s delivered when blood glucose levels rise, such as when eating.
If your pump doesn’t monitor your blood glucose levels in real time, a major part of learning how to work an insulin pump involves calculating the correct amount of insulin you require and programming the pump accordingly. A health care professional can show you exactly how to use insulin pumps and program them to fit your unique diabetes management plan.
The Basics Steps for Using an Insulin Pump
As previously mentioned, the directions may vary by make and model. Here’s a general look at what you can typically expect when operating an insulin pump:
1. Load the Insulin
The first step is to fill the pump with insulin. You may need to use a vial to fill a reservoir, or you may need to load an insulin cartridge. Follow the instructions included with your pump.
2. Attach the Tubing or Device
If you’re using a tethered pump, you will need to connect the infusion set to your skin. Common locations include the buttocks, thighs, hip, upper arm, and stomach, but a healthcare professional should recommend how to use insulin pumps in a location that fits your needs. If you’re using a patch pump, the pump itself will attach directly to your skin.
3. Program the Basal Dose Rate
Now, in order to understand how to work an insulin pump, you’ll need to determine if your pump automatically adjusts the insulin dose based on your blood glucose levels, or if you’ll need to set the dose and rate yourself. Either way, you’ll need to program the device to deliver insulin properly.
4. Program the Bolus Dose Rate
Similarly, you’ll need to either program the device to know when to deliver bolus insulin, or deliver it yourself manually as needed when your blood sugar levels are high.
5. Rotate the Cannula Site
As you get familiar with how to use insulin pumps, you’ll find which part of your body works best and is most comfortable. It’s important to rotate sites every 2-3 days to avoid complications, such as irritation, infection, or allergic reaction.
6. Monitor Results
Once you’ve started using your insulin pump, you’ll need to carefully track your blood sugar levels and insulin doses to ensure optimal results. The pump may do this for you if it has a built-in glucometer, or you may need to use diabetes testing kits.
Save on High-Quality Insulin Pumps & Supplies
Now that you’re familiar with the fundamentals, it’s time to find the perfect insulin pump for sale at ADW Diabetes. If you have any questions about our pumps or how to use insulin pumps, feel free to contact us. We’re known for our superior customer service, and we’ll be happy to assist you in choosing the insulin pump that checks all the boxes on your list.
If you already own an insulin pump, start ordering your essential insulin pump supplies, insulin pump accessories, and skin prep products here. We offer a wide selection of discount diabetic supplies, and our prices can’t be beat!
We hope this guide on how to work an insulin pump is helpful. Keep reading our diabetes management blog for more guides, tips and tricks, product recommendations, and so much more.
Learning how to use insulin pumps is the first step toward a happy, healthy future. Explore our high-quality pumps now, and download the ADW Diabetes app for easy, secure shopping on your mobile device.
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