What is an Insulin Pump?
For people living with diabetes who are tired of injections, an insulin pump can bring welcomed relief. Insulin pumps are small, computerized devices that deliver insulin in two ways:
- In a steady measured and continuous dose (the "basal" insulin), or
- As a surge ("bolus") dose, at your direction, around mealtime.
Doses are delivered through a flexible plastic tube called a catheter. With the aid of a small needle, the catheter is inserted through the skin into the fatty tissue and is taped in place. The tube/needle combination is called an infusion set.
The pumps can release small doses of insulin continuously (basal), or a bolus dose close to mealtime to control the rise in blood glucose (blood sugar) after a meal. This delivery mimics the body's normal release of insulin.
The insulin pump may integrate with your continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to help understand how your blood glucose is being affected and change the amount of insulin in some cases. Pumps can help some people reach their blood glucose targets and many people prefer this continuous system of insulin delivery over injections.
Know more about Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM).
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