Insulin Pump Therapy

2.4 About insulin pumps

Learning Check

1. An insulin pump is a small device that:

A. gives meal (bolus) and background (basal) insulin automatically

B. is attached to the body 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with few exceptions

C. uses intermediate-acting insulin

D. stops all high and low blood glucose levels from happening

Correct!An insulin pump is generally attached to the body 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It won’t automatically give bolus insulin with meals. You need to push buttons to “tell” the pump to give bolus insulin at each meal. The pump only uses rapid-acting insulin. The pump doesn’t stop all high or low blood glucose levels from happening. You need to think about food, activity, and other factors when you’re programming doses.

The correct answer is B.An insulin pump is generally attached to the body 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An insulin pump won’t automatically give bolus insulin with meals. You need to push buttons to “tell” the pump to give bolus insulin at each meal. The pump only uses rapid-acting insulin. The pump doesn’t stop all high or low blood glucose levels from happening. You need to think about food, activity, and other factors when you’re programming doses.

Current as of: June 24, 2021

Author: Diabetes, Obesity, and Nutrition Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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