Type 1 Diabetes, Insulin Pumps & Sensors

Insulin Pump Education Program

Adapted from Insulin Pumps Canada, click HERE for more information. 

An insulin pump is a medical device used primarily by people with Type 1 diabetes. It serves as an advanced alternative to multiple daily injections of insulin using a syringe or pen.

How insulin pumps work

Insulin pumps are worn on the body and deliver a continuous amount of rapid-acting insulin 24 hours a day.

There are three main components to insulin pump therapy:

  • a pump
  • a reservoir or a cartridge filled with rapid-acting insulin.
  • a pod or infusion set, which includes a thin tube that runs from the insulin reservoir in the pump to the infusion site on your body, and a thin tube that is inserted under your skin

Insulin is delivered to your body by the pump in two different ways:

  • Basal insulin doses are delivered continuously over 24 hours and keep your blood sugar levels stable between meals and overnight. This replaces your background/long-acting insulin.
  • Bolus insulin doses are delivered by the pumper when they eat or to correct high blood sugar levels. This replaces the injections of rapid insulin at meals.

The pump can be worn in many places on your body. It can be attached to your waistband, pocket, or under clothes. When you sleep, you can lay it next to you on your bed. You can disconnect the pump for activities such as swimming or showering, but otherwise are worn 24 hours/day.

It’s important to make sure that your insulin pump and related components suit insulin needs and lifestyle. Talk to your diabetes educator for help in choosing an insulin pump that’s right for you.

 

Insulin pumps are becoming increasingly popular. However, it is important to know how to use the pump properly to avoid problems or address them if they occur.

At Diabetes Grey Bruce, Certified Diabetes Educators who are also Certified Insulin Pump Trainers help our patients learn to use their insulin pump safely and effectively. We can also help with the application for funding through the Ministry of Health Assistive Devices Program.

Click HERE for Insulin Pump Failure Instructions

Sensors and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)

Sensors and CGM are becoming an increasingly popular way of keeping track of blood sugar levels and has the added benefit of showing the direction and rate of change of blood sugars.

They can be used as on their own or sometimes integrated with insulin pumps.