Living with an insulin pump
What is an insulin pump?
An insulin pump
is a tiny computer that is connected to your body 24 hours a day to give you the insulin you need. It takes the place of daily insulin shots. Pumps use rapid-acting insulin. This kind of insulin works very quickly when it's given. It also stops working very quickly when it is stopped.
The pump sends insulin through a narrow plastic tube that ends in a tiny needle. The needle is inserted into your skin and taped down so that it will stay. The tube and needle are called an infusion set. With most infusion sets, the needle pulls out, leaving a tiny flexible tube called a cannula under your skin instead. You can't even feel that it's there.
The pump gives you a constant trickle, or basal amount, of insulin throughout the day and night to help control your blood sugar. The basal amount is set to keep your blood sugar in the desired range when you are not eating. You tell the pump to give you extra insulin when you need it to cover a meal or to correct high blood sugar.
Test Your Knowledge
An insulin pump is a device that pumps insulin into your syringe so that you can inject it.
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Why should I use an insulin pump?
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| Author: | Cynthia Tank | Last Updated: July 16, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology | |
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