An insulin pump is a great option that enables diabetics from having to take multiple daily injections of insulin (MDI). Those on the MDI protocol usually have to take a shot of long-acting insulin such as Lantus once daily followed by several shots throughout the day of regular insulin. The Lantus acts as background insulin that would normally and slowly be secreted by a normal pancreas throughout the day. The regular insulin such as Humalog is fast-acting to begin to work on meals that are eaten and whenever blood sugar levels creep up too high and need a boost of insulin to bring them back down.
An insulin pump only uses fast acting insulin that is constantly infused through a tiny flexible cannula that the user changes about once every three days. The cannula is flexible plastic and about the diameter of an insulin needle. It is able to infuse insulin into the subcutaneous space just under the skin in small amounts throughout the day and night as well as being able to bolus larger amounts for meals and to correct any high blood sugar levels.
It is like giving a shot once every three days to insert a new infusion set. The sets are comfortable and the cannula is so tiny that there is rarely any sensation of it being in place. If by chance it should be placed in a spot that has a nerve that is disturbed, it is itchiness that is usually felt. Just use a new set in a new spot to fix the problem.
New pumps even work with the glucometer that will send blood sugar readings directly to the pump. The pump is fully programmable so it will compute the amount of insulin needed to bring a blood sugar level back to normal. It also keeps track of how much insulin is already on board to make such calculations. Wearing a pump daily is like having a tiny pager that is carried everywhere, even to bed. The infusion tubing can be disconnected up at the point where each new infusion set is attached. They stick in place with a round fabric that has adhesive on it. The part that sticks to the body can be disconnected from the tubing and pump. Disconnect it for showering or intimate moments. It takes about one second to disconnect it and only a second to put it back on.
If the thought of MDI therapy is a bit daunting, then consider an insulin pump. It makes managing diabetes much easier.