How an insulin pump works

An insulin pump is a small battery-powered device that:

• only uses rapid-acting insulin
• is attached to the body 24 hours a day 7 days a week, with few exceptions
• stores a limited supply of insulin in a reservoir
• delivers insulin through a small flexible tube (cannula) that’s inserted under the skin
• delivers “background” or basal insulin 24 hours a day at a rate(s) programmed by the user
• delivers meal or correction bolus insulin on demand when the user pushes buttons
• replaces multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy

This means that the user has to:

• fill the reservoir with insulin every 2 to 3 days or as needed
• change the cannula every 2 to 3 days or sooner
• check blood sugars and input the numbers into the insulin pump
• count carbohydrate and input into the insulin pump
• make decisions about meal insulin and correction insulin doses
• press buttons to deliver meal insulin and correction insulin
• make decisions about when to inject insulin with syringe/pen to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• adjust basal rates as needed using frequent glucose testing. Program new rates into the insulin pump and occasionally program temporary basal rates.
• attend to pump alarms and review pump functions when problem-solving unexplained high or low blood sugars​​​​​