A Patient's Guide to Insulin Pump Therapy

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is like a speed bump in the way your body uses sugar. Normally, a hormone called insulin helps your body use sugar for energy. But when you have diabetes, your body either can't make insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or can't use it properly (Type 2 diabetes). This means sugar builds up in your blood, which can lead to health problems.

What makes type 1 and type 2 diabetes different?

In type 1 diabetes, your body stops making insulin altogether because your immune system accidentally destroys the cells that make it. This type is less common. In type 2 diabetes, which is more common, your body still makes insulin but doesn't use it well.

Can I stop prediabetes from becoming diabetes?

Yes! Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It's a wake-up call, but with healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management, you can turn things around and lower your risk of getting diabetes.

What harm can diabetes do over time?

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause long-term damage, affecting your blood vessels, eyes, blood pressure, nerves, kidneys, and heart. That's why managing your blood sugar is so important.

Who benefits from insulin pump therapy?

Insulin pump therapy can be great for people who are dedicated to their diabetes management. It's especially helpful for those who understand the ins and outs of insulin management and can maintain realistic expectations. Remember, an insulin pump is a tool, but its success depends on you using it properly.

How does the insulin pump work?

An insulin pump is like a mini-pancreas outside your body. It delivers a steady, small amount of insulin (the basal dose), and can give larger doses (bolus) when you eat or when your blood sugar gets too high.

Is an insulin pump inserted into my body?

No, insulin pumps stay outside your body. They send insulin under your skin through a small tube that you change every three days.

What are some worries about insulin pump therapy?

Some people worry about having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) more often, or think pumps are too complicated. Others fear damage at the tube insertion site. But with proper use and training, these issues are generally manageable.

What are some common misconceptions about insulin pump therapy?

Some people think the insulin pump does all the work for them, that you can't use a pump if your A1c is under 7%, or that pumps are only for type 1 diabetes. Others think pumps are too complex or require high tech skills. None of these are true!

Does the insulin pump give insulin all day and night?

Yes, the insulin pump works round the clock, just like a healthy pancreas would.

What kind of insulin does the pump use?

Insulin pumps use short-acting or rapid-acting insulin.

How does the insulin pump know when I eat and how much insulin I need?

The insulin pump doesn't automatically know. You'll need to tell it how many carbs you're eating and then it gives you insulin based on your insulin-to-carb ratio.

Will I still use basal and bolus insulin with the pump?

Yes, the pump gives you a steady dose of insulin all day (basal) and larger doses (bolus) when you eat or your blood sugar gets too high.

Can I shower and swim with the pump? You'll need to disconnect the pump for activities like showering and swimming, but don't worry, it's a simple process.

Why do some people stop using insulin pump therapy?

One of the most common reasons people stop using insulin pump therapy is the cost or loss of insurance coverage.

Do I need to be tech-savvy to use an insulin pump?

Not at all. While you'll need to understand the basics of pump therapy, these devices are designed to be user-friendly.

If you have any more questions about pump therapy, don't hesitate to ask our team. We're here to help!