| Insulin pumps are designed to mimic the functions of a healthy pancreas. Today's pumps are small, sleek, and safe machines, about the size of a beeper.
Just like a pancreas, an insulin pump releases small, continuous amounts of insulin into the bloodstream. In pump terminology, this is known as "basal" insulin. And, just as a pancreas produces insulin quickly to counteract carbohydrate intake, an insulin pump allows its wearer to dial in additional insulin to cover the amount of carbohydrates ingested. This insulin is known as a "bolus" of insulin. The combination of correct basal insulin rates with additional bolusing allows the person with diabetes to achieve the closest thing possible to a functioning pancreas. With over thirty years of technology behind them, today's insulin pumps contain tiny computers, and run on batteries. They are extremely safe, comfortable and easy to wear. Insulin is delivered through a thin tube that is connected both to the pump and to the person wearing the pump, through a needle or catheter, placed under the skin. Most pump users connect at the abdomen, although others use thighs, hips, upper buttocks, or even arms. The tube can be easily detached for some activities, such as showering, that are easier to do without the pump on. Insulin pumps allow their users to continue any physical activity they're involved in – they don't inhibit sports, recreation, work or sex. In fact, because the pump user is able to lower the basal insulin rate during exercise or other activities that normally lower blood sugar, he/she will generally experience fewer hypoglycemic episodes. There are many different reasons to choose pump therapy over multiple injection therapy and Insulin Pump Therapy Demystified explores them all, along with the fears and concerns that potential pump users may face. Top Ten Reasons for Choosing Pump Therapy:
|