Intro to the Insulin Pump

People are attracted to insulin pump therapy for many reasons – some may be misconceptions. Some people refuse pump therapy because they don’t fully understand its benefits over multiple daily injections. As a diabetes educator I’ve seen all scenarios. Even as a pumper myself, I originally refused the therapy years ago until a 12 year old convinced me to learn more. (Yes, how humbling). The intention of these pages is to provide information to help you make an informed decision about this therapy, together with your health care providers.

Some surprising advantages of diabetes pumps and disadvantages

Are you a candidate to pump insulin?

A day in the life of a pumper.

• Pumps do not cure diabetes.
• Pump therapy is also called continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or CSII.
• Continuous insulin infusion provides more ways to prevent high and low blood sugars than do injections.
• Diabetic pumps can be used in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Pumps do not do all the work of managing diabetes for you.
• Successful CSII therapy is often more work than multiple daily injections.
• Insulin pumps do not require surgery.
• Pumps are not appropriate for everyone with diabetes.
• Diabetic pumps can accommodate erratic and flexible lifestyles better than multiple daily injections.
• There is no age restriction for pumping insulin, as long as other factors are met.

A pump is a huge investment in money and your time and effort. It's great that you are researching this therapy prior to jumping into it. It's true that very few people give up pumping after having started, however, MANY do not realize the commitment required to gain the full benefits of this therapy. So many people could be achieving better results and better quality of life. Read on and inform yourself. Even if you decide against an insulin pump, you will have made an informed decision.