What is an Insulin Pump?
Insulin pump is a medical device that mimics the function of the pancreas by delivering insulin into the body with two modes of operation:
- Basal Insulin injection which continuously releases insulin into the body over 24 hours, functioning like the natural pancreas.
- Bolus Insulin injection before meals which can be programmed to deliver a specific amount of insulin based on the amount of food consumed to reduce blood sugar levels and prevent high blood sugar after eating.
Components of Insulin Pump Operation
- Insulin pump device: Portable in size, can be carried anywhere. The device gradually releases small amounts of insulin into the subcutaneous tissue through a plastic tube embedded under the skin.
- Insulin reservoir: Available in two sizes, 1.8 ml and 3.0 ml, used with rapid-acting insulin types such as Novorapid, Humalog, or Aprida.
- Infusion set: Includes tubing and a port attached to the patient. The device gradually releases insulin into the subcutaneous tissue through the port with an embedded plastic tube.
Benefits of Insulin Pump
1. BETTER CONTROL
- Improves diabetes management efficiency by reducing average blood sugar levels (HbA1c).
- Reduces the frequency of hypoglycemia by up to 84% compared to patients using multiple daily insulin injections.
2. BETTER PROTECTION
Reduces the risk of long-term complications as follows:
- Cardiovascular damage reduced by more than 41%
- Diabetic neuropathy reduced by more than 60%
- Diabetic nephropathy reduced by more than 54%
- Diabetic retinopathy reduced by more than 63%
3. BETTER LIFE
Reduces the number of painful injections from multiple daily injections because the insulin pump delivers insulin through a small plastic tube attached under the skin, which is safety certified. You can change it yourself every 3 days.
Advantages of Insulin Pump Compared to Injection
|
Topic
|
Insulin Pump |
Conventional Injection |
| Pain from Injection | Reduces pain from needle use by changing the device only once every 3 days. | Requires 2-3 injections per day (or 6-9 injections every 3 days). |
| Control of Average Blood Sugar (HbA1c) | Better reduction of average blood sugar (HbA1c) because insulin delivery closely mimics the pancreas. | More difficult to control blood sugar. |
| Injection Site | Helps reduce Lipohypertrophy (hard lumps from fat under the skin). | Long-term needle injections may cause Lipohypertrophy, reducing insulin absorption. |
| Convenience | Allows frequent insulin delivery according to meals, enabling better blood sugar control throughout the day. | Must carry insulin, needles, and equipment every time; may be inconvenient to find a place to inject, and forgetting to check blood sugar may cause high levels. |
| Reduced Medication Amount | When using an insulin pump and well controlled, doctors often reduce insulin doses and stop oral medications. | Patients often use both oral and injectable medications. |
| Flexibility in Lifestyle | Can exercise without worrying about low blood sugar due to basal insulin cut-off programs during exercise. Eating: If carbohydrate counting is possible, the device has an automatic program to calculate the required insulin dose. |
If eating or behavior does not match the injected dose, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia may occur. |
| Hypoglycemia Issues | The device continuously delivers basal insulin throughout the day, helping to reduce problems and stabilize blood sugar levels. |
Who is Suitable for an Insulin Pump?
- Diabetics already injecting insulin, especially those who inject multiple times a day.
- Diabetics who have not yet achieved good blood sugar control with average blood sugar (HbA1c) above target.
- Diabetics experiencing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
- Diabetics with high blood sugar during pregnancy or planning pregnancy with previously high blood sugar.
- Diabetics who travel frequently, especially internationally.
- Diabetics who regularly exercise or play sports.
- Teenage diabetics seeking convenience.
- Diabetics committed to managing their diabetes optimally.
