What is an Insulin Pump?

[xxlu_luxx]

I may be completly thick here but what exactly is a pump and how does it work? I use a pen and needle.

[Twyla]

An insulin pump is a method of insulin delivery. The user wears it attached to their body basically 24/7 (exceptions can be made for sports, swimming etc.). It is programmed to deliver very low basal rates of insulin and allows the user to administer more as needed to cover meals and snacks (or lack thereof). The insulin is administered via a small needle or catheter and this site must be moved every 2-3. It essentially eliminates the need for administration of insulin by syringe (but you should always be prepared to revert to that in case of pump malfunction or other unusual circumstance). Try googling Cozo, Animus, Minimed and Omnipod. The first three deliver the insulin via plastic tubing while the new Omnipod is directly attached to the body. Good luck! We're not pumping yet but are looking forward to it as it will mostly allow my son to eat when and what he wants rather than when the insulin says so.

Twyla

[Amy C.]

On this site is almost all the information you need to understand how a pump works: http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/pumps/

Check it out!