How To Use Insulin Pump

The Government Of Canadas Role

Health Canada regulates the safety, effectiveness and quality of medical devices imported into and sold in Canada, including medical devices like insulin pumps. As part of this work, we:

• review insulin pumps to make sure they meet our requirements for safety, quality and effectiveness before we grant a medical device licence to manufacturers
• monitor problems with insulin pumps on the market and work with manufacturers to correct them when problems are identified
• encourage Canadians to report complaints about insulin pumps and other medical devices to our Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate

We also send safety information about medical devices to health care professionals and consumers.

Disconnecting Your Insulin Pump For Showering Or Bathing

Disconnecting your insulin pump before you take a bath or a shower is the safest way to protect it from getting damaged by the water. Instructions for disconnecting and reconnecting your insulin pump depend on the specific one youre using. Whether youre wearing a Medtronic MiniMed, a Tandem T:Slim, a Dexcom, or another insulin pump, you should already be aware of how to disconnect it or read its instruction manual.

Its important to realize that your insulin pump is constantly injecting microdoses of insulin into your body, so disconnecting it may have an impact on your blood sugar levels. To avoid a rise in glycemia caused by a lack of insulin, its recommended to never disconnect your insulin pump for more than one hour. In most cases, disconnecting your device for the time of a shower shouldnt be a problem. But if you want to take a long bath, you should check your blood sugar levels before, during, and after the bath to see how your body responds.

Prevention Of Hypoglycemia With Exercise

Using a randomized crossover design, 49 children, 817 years old, using insulin pump therapy, used the same DirecNet structured exercise session referred to above on two different days.22 On a day in which the insulin was stopped during the exercise, 16% of the youths had BG values < 70mg/dL. On the other day, the insulin was continued, and 43% of subjects experienced hypoglycemia . Clearly, the ability to diminish insulin levels during heavy afternoon exercise is easily possible with an insulin pump and provides a great advantage in reducing hypoglycemia during exercise. When the exercise is less strenuous, a lesser reduction may be all that is needed. For some youth, the initial reduction in insulin may need to occur 15, 30, or 60min prior to the exercise. This is because the current rapid-acting insulins peak approximately 95min post-administration. In addition, if the exercise is 12h after an insulin dose, a 1530-g carbohydrate snack prior to the exercise may help to prevent hypoglycemia. Trial and error can be used to find the optimal management for a given individual and a given exercise, but requires additional BG monitoring.

Some youth experience delayed hypoglycemia during the night following days of heavy exercise. It has been shown that use of a 20% temporary basal rate reduction from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. can be very helpful in preventing the nocturnal hypoglycemia.23

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How Insulin Pumps Work

Insulin pumps are worn externally and deliver a continuous amount of fast-acting insulin 24 hours a day.

There are three main components to insulin pump therapy:

• a pump , which pumps the insulin into your body
• a reservoir or a cartridge, where insulin is held
• an infusion set, which includes a thin tube that runs from the reservoir in the pump to the infusion site on your body, and a short cannula that is inserted under your skin

The main steps to using the pump include placing the insulin-filled reservoir inside the pump, and inserting the cannula under your skin using a needle. The cannula is held in place with an adhesive patch for 24 to 72 hours, after which time it should be replaced. A tube connects the cannula to the reservoir in the pump and delivers a set amount of insulin into your body.

Two types of insulin doses are delivered to your body by the pump:

• Basal insulin doses are delivered continuously over 24 hours and keep your blood sugar levels stable between meals and overnight.
• Bolus insulin doses are delivered when you push a button on the pump – you can use them when you eat to correct high blood sugar levels.

The pump can be worn in many places on your body. It can be attached to your waistband, pocket, bra, armband, or underwear. When you sleep, you can lay it next to you on your bed or nightstand. You can disconnect the pump for activities such as swimming or showering. Insulin pumps that are not waterproof should not be exposed to water.

Every Insulin Pump Has Common Features Youll Learn About Here

This section will give you an overview of basic pump functions to keep in mind when you read the instruction manual for your specific insulin pump.

There are common features to every insulin pump. While you need to read and follow the instruction manual for your specific insulin pump, this section give you an overview of basic pump functions.

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Types Of Insulin Pumps

Insulin pump availability can vary depending on a variety of factors. Also, insulin pump manufacturers may introduce new pumps or enhanced models, and phase out older models.

Additionally, some pumps may be recommended for certain ages or types of diabetes. Its important to talk with your doctor about choosing a pump. This can ensure your pump of choice is the right option for you, your insulin needs, and your lifestyle.

Examples of commonly used insulin pumps include:

• Medtronic. Medtronic offers the Minimed 770G system and the Minimed 630G system .
• Omnipod. The Omnipod DASH system is a Bluetooth-enabled patch-based system that provides 3 days of nonstop insulin management. Children and adults can use the Omnipod for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Tandem.Tandem makes the t:slim X2 insulin pump. This pump is intended for people with type 1 diabetes who are ages 6 and older.

An insulin pump can be a convenient way of managing your blood sugar and keeping your diabetes well managed. Lets look at some of the key advantages.

Why Do People With Diabetes Need Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar get into all the cells in the body for energy. Insulin is made in the pancreas and released into the blood when the glucose level goes up. Without insulin, the sugar in blood would get too high.

People with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes need to get insulin by injection or a pump every day. This is because either their pancreas cant make insulin or their cells dont respond to the insulin it does make .

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What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Levemir

Serious side effects can lead to death, including:

Low blood sugar. Some signs and symptoms include:

• anxiety, irritability, mood changes, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and headache.

Your insulin dose may need to change because of:

• change in level of physical activity, weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, or change in diet.

Other common side effects may include:

• reactions at the injection site, itching, rash, serious allergic reactions , skin thickening or pits at the injection site , weight gain, swelling of your hands and feet and if taken with thiazolidinediones possible heart failure.

Get emergency medical help if you have:

• trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion.

Please for Levemir® Prescribing Information.

Levemir® is a prescription medication.

Look up your cost at MyLevemirCost.com.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1800-FDA-1088.

If you need assistance with prescription costs, help may be available. Visit www.pparx.org or call 1888-4PPA-NOW.

Talk to your health care provider about your diabetes management plan, including diet and exercise.

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The Key To Using An Insulin Pump Successfully Types Of Pumps Advantages And Disadvantages

One of the keys to using a pump successfully is to dose insulin appropriately based on your personalized needs. Your diabetes care team plays a big role in educating you so that you feel knowledgeable and comfortable in managing your own insulin pump therapy. Prior to starting insulin pump therapy, your diabetes care team will:

• teach you how to program the pump to provide both continuous insulin 24 hours a day and mealtime doses .

• help you identify how many basal rates setting you will need, as well as what type of mealtime bolus will be the best for you based on the type of meals you eat. It may be best to give bolus insulin about 15 minutes before you eat to help prevent high blood sugar levels after you eat.

• show you how to count carbohydrates and advise you on the ideal quantity of carbohydrates you should eat.

• teach you how to prevent low blood glucose when using a pump and exercising.

• help you figure out the different insulin doses you may need for sick days.

MiniMed 530G with Enlite

All of these factors will help determine how much insulin you need to take.

Your diabetes team will also teach you how troubleshoot unexplained high blood glucose levels, as well as monitor for insulin pump delivery interruption and avoidance of diabetes ketoacidosis.

Also, take the time to read the user guide that comes with your device. Each device contains important info that pertains to the specific brand and model pump.

How Do I Insert an Infusion Set?

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About The T: Slim X2 Insulin Pump

The t:slim X2 insulin pump from Tandem Diabetes Care has an easy-to-use color touchscreen that works like a smartphone. It can use predictive technologies when paired with CGM to automate insulin delivery, or work as a stand-alone insulin pump.

Read more about the t:slim X2 insulin pump.

Unless otherwise noted, all medical information was provided by Jordan Pinsker, MD, and Molly McElwee Malloy, RN, CDCESof Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.

Key Points To Remember

• Insulin pumps dispense insulin to patients with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
• Unlike an insulin syringe or insulin pen, an insulin pump does not require multiple daily injections.
• Your child’s doctor will work with you to determine if an insulin pump is an option for your child.
• There is no minimum age requirement for insulin pump therapy, but generally, those who use an insulin pump are at least 8 years old.
• Once you and your childs doctor decide that pump therapy is the right option, your child will be referred to our Insulin Pump Program coordinator who will provide information about insulin pumps and teach you and your child how to transition to pump therapy.

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Disadvantages Of An Insulin Pump

• Youâll need to enter information into the pump all day and change out the infusion set every few days.
• Youâll need to commit to using it safely, including checking your blood sugar to make sure the pump is working right. Otherwise, you risk a life-threatening problem called diabetic ketoacidosis .
• Youâll need training to learn to use the pump, which means several visits with your health care team or a full day of outpatient training.
• Pump supplies can be expensive.

An insulin pump may not be right for you if:

• You donât want to wear a device that lets people know you have diabetes.
• You donât like the feeling of wearing a device.
• Youâre not comfortable operating the pump.
• You donât want to check your blood sugar at least four times a day.
• Youâre not sure you want to do the work to figure out insulin dosing, carbs, and physical activity.

Who Can Use An Insulin Pump

If you have type insulin-dependent diabetes, your doctor may recommend insulin pump therapy. Insulin pump therapy is also recommended for you if you have difficulty controlling your blood sugar with daily insulin injections to reduce your chance of hypoglycemia.

Do not get an insulin pump if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant as the risk of ketoacidosis is higher during pregnancy.

Also, if you do not like having the machine in your pocket or on your belt or you do not want to frequently check your blood sugar then an insulin pump may not be right for you.

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Inpatient Use Of Insulin Pumps

The Endocrine Society, the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists all encourage supporting patients who are physically and mentally able to continue to use their insulin pumps when hospitalized, with appropriate hospital personnel and policy guidance . The goal of continued insulin pump usage during the hospital stay is to foster continued patient independence with diabetes self-care within parameters that optimize safety and efficacy .

Previous studies showed that maintaining glucose targets with an insulin pump is not inferior to subcutaneous insulin injections. In the largest study thus far of 253 hospitalizations, there was a lower frequency of both hyper- and hypoglycemic events . Patients reported high patient satisfaction when allowed to continue diabetes self-care in collaboration with the hospital staff, and often this can be an opportunity to adjust and optimize pump settings .

The Government Of Canada’s Role

Health Canada regulates the safety, effectiveness and quality of medical devices imported into and sold in Canada, including medical devices like insulin pumps. As part of this work, we:

• review insulin pumps to make sure they meet our requirements for safety, quality and effectiveness before we grant a medical device licence to manufacturers
• monitor problems with insulin pumps on the market and work with manufacturers to correct them when problems are identified
• encourage Canadians to report complaints about insulin pumps and other medical devices to our Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate

We also send safety information about medical devices to health care professionals and consumers.

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Minimed 630g Insulin Pump With Optional Cgm

The MiniMed 630G insulin pump delivers precise doses of insulin to your body. When combined with our CGM, it takes action for you with the SmartGuard Suspend on low feature providing protection that can help keep your glucose levels stable. ,3

Individuals pictured and/or quoted here were compensated for spending the day with us and allowing us to photograph them and their family. Their thoughts and opinions are their own.

Important Safety Information: MiniMed 770G System With SmartGuard TechnologyThe MiniMed 770G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin and administration of insulin boluses for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons two years of age and older requiring insulin as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed 770G System includes SmartGuard technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust delivery of basal insulin based on continuous glucose monitoring sensor glucose values and can suspend delivery of insulin when the SG value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values.

The Medtronic MiniMed 770G System consists of the following devices: MiniMed 770G Insulin Pump, the Guardian Link Transmitter, the Guardian Sensor , one-press serter, the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter, and the AccuChek®Guide Test Strips. The system requires a prescription.

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How Should I Take Novolog

• Read the Instructions for Use and take exactly as directed.
• Eat a meal within 5 to 10 minutes after taking it.
• Know the type and strength of your insulin. Do not change your insulin type unless your health care provider tells you to.
• Check your blood sugar levels. Ask your health care provider what your blood sugar levels should be and when you should check them.
• Do not reuse or share your needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
• Change your injection sites within the area you choose with each injection to reduce your risk of getting lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis at the injection sites.
• Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.
• Do not inject where the skin has pits, is thickened, or has lumps.
• Do not inject where the skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard, or into scars or damaged skin.

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What Are The Benefits Of Using An Insulin Pump

People who use an insulin pump:

• no longer need injections
• often find it easier to keep their glucose levels in their target range
• can adjust their insulin to match their activity level
• rely on their pump to dose insulin precisely
• can get added safety if they connect their pump to their . When its connected, the pump can respond more quickly to changes in sugar levels.

Using a pump gives a person flexibility. They can choose injections instead of the pump anytime. Some people like to take a break from their pump from time to time.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Using An Insulin Pump

Your doctor might encourage you to get an insulin pump if:

• You have big swings in your blood sugar levels.
• You cannot find an insulin dose that keeps your blood sugar under control without also causing low blood sugar.
• Your lifestyle makes it hard to stop and give yourself insulin injections.
• Your eating and activity schedule changes often, so you need a more flexible insulin schedule.
• You need to inject yourself with insulin often.

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