Insulin pump

Insulin pump is a medical device used by people with diabetes to administer insulin. It is an alternative to multiple daily injections of insulin by insulin syringes or an insulin pen and allows for intensive insulin therapy when used in conjunction with blood glucose monitoring and blood glucose sensor.

Overview

An insulin pump is composed of the pump (including controls, processing module, and batteries), a disposable reservoir for insulin (inside the pump), and a disposable infusion set, including a cannula for subcutaneous insertion (under the skin) and a tubing system to interface the insulin reservoir to the cannula.

Function

The insulin pump is used for the administration of insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, also known as simply diabetes. The device configuration may vary depending on design. A traditional pump includes the pump itself (including controls, processing module, and batteries), a disposable reservoir for insulin (inside the pump), a disposable infusion set, including a cannula for subcutaneous insertion (under the skin) and a tubing system to interface the insulin reservoir to the cannula.

Advantages

Insulin pumps are considered more convenient and more accurate than injections. They can deliver insulin in a more predictable and precise manner, which can lead to better blood glucose control and fewer low blood glucose episodes.

Disadvantages

Despite their advantages, insulin pumps can also have some drawbacks. These include the risk of infection at the infusion site, the high cost of the pump, and the need for continuous wear.

See also

• Diabetes management
• Insulin therapy
• Insulin pen
• Blood glucose monitoring