Insulin pump therapy, also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, uses a medical device called an insulin pump to deliver insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus as an alternative to injections. A traditional pump consists of the pump itself, a disposable reservoir holding the insulin, and a disposable infusion set that includes a cannula for subcutaneous insertion and tubing connecting the reservoir to the cannula, though device configuration varies by design.
Facts
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Insulin Pump Therapy Online Reference Encyclopedia Article
WikipediaHistory sectionQuote, History section
In 1976, the first commercialized insulin pump was created and was named the Biostator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an insulin pump?
A device that gives insulin continuously under the skin, an alternative to multiple daily injections.
An insulin pump is a medical device used for the administration of insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin therapy (CSII = Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion). It is an alternative to multiple daily injections of insulin by insulin syringes or an insulin pen and allows for flexible insulin therapy when used in conjunction with blood glucose monitoring and carbohydrate counting.
What are the disadvantages of insulin pump use?
Higher cost and a higher risk of diabetic ketoacidosis if the pump malfunctions.
Insulin pumps, cartridges, and infusion sets may be far more expensive than syringes used for insulin injection. Another disadvantage of insulin pump use is a higher risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis if the pump malfunctions. This can happen if the pump battery is discharged, if the insulin is inactivated by heat exposure, if the insulin reservoir runs empty, the tubing becomes loose and insulin leaks rather than being injected, or if the cannula becomes bent or kinked in the body, preventing delivery. Therefore, pump users typically monitor their blood sugars more frequently to evaluate the effectiveness of insulin delivery. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
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