Insulin pumps, diabetes treatment solutions, how to use, and advantages

Insulin therapy is the main treatment for type 1 diabetes. However, there are some obstacles that may be faced when using insulin injections, such as missed schedules or diabetics (people with diabetes mellitus) may be afraid of needles. Well, the insulin pump can be a solution for insulin therapy that is easier and more practical.

How does the insulin pump work?

Insulin pumps are electronic devices that can automatically deliver artificial insulin into the body. It is the size of a mobile phone and can be attached to a belt or slipped into a trouser pocket.

Although insulin therapy is more commonly used in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, this tool can also be used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes insulin.

The way the insulin pump works is similar to the way the pancreas works in the body. The pancreas works for 24 hours by releasing the hormone insulin little by little to balance glucose levels in the blood.

Described by the American Diabetes Association, the insulin pump works in two ways, namely:

Releasing insulin in basal doses: a consistent, measured, and same dose continuously throughout the day. Usually you can adjust the amount of insulin given at night or during the day.
Delivering insulin in bolus doses: a bolus dose is a dose set by the user in different amounts, usually dispensed around the time of a meal. How to determine the bolus dose is to calculate how much carbohydrate intake and the estimated number of calories expended during the activity.

You can also use bolus doses to lower high blood sugar levels. If the sugar level is high before eating, you must increase the bolus dose so that the blood sugar level can return to normal limits.

Get to know the components of the insulin pump

The insulin pump has several components that you need to pay attention to and know well, so that its use can run optimally. The components in this pump consist of:

Container / reservoir: where the insulin in the tube is stored. You have to make sure this insulin container remains filled to maintain the supply of insulin into the body
Catheter: a small needle and tube that is placed under the fatty tissue in the skin (subcutaneous) area that will deliver insulin to the body. The catheter must be replaced regularly to avoid the risk of infection
Operation keys: used to regulate the supply of insulin to the body and bolus dose regulation at certain times.
Hose: to deliver insulin from the pump to the catheter.

How to use an insulin pump for diabetes

Anyone who needs diabetes treatment can use this tool. Insulin pumps are proven to be safe for use by diabetics of all ages.

During your activity, you can keep your insulin pump in your trouser pocket, attached to your belt, or attached to your clothes.

The pump can still be used even if you are undergoing vigorous physical activity, such as exercising. Don't forget to adjust the insulin dose before you use the pump.

You can still use the insulin pump while sleeping, but make sure the pump is stored securely as it is placed on a table beside the bed.

Always check your blood sugar levels while using the pump to make sure the insulin dose given is correct. Check your blood sugar at least 4 times a day

Knowing how many doses are needed also needs to adjust to food intake and activities carried out. Consult with your doctor to determine the amount of basal dose and bolus needed.

How to remove the pump

Sometimes, there are certain activities that may require you to remove the insulin pump, such as taking a shower. You can remove and place this appliance in a place protected from water. Even safer, if the pump is stored in its storage container.

But it is important to remember, when you decide to remove the insulin pump, you will stop all insulin supply that enters the body. That is why, there are several things to note:

If you stop the pump while the middle bolus dose is given, you will not be able to administer (continue) the remaining dose when you put the pump back on. You may have to repeat a new dose from scratch.
Make sure that the bolus dose can meet the basal dose that may be lost because you disconnect the pump. If the blood sugar is below 150 mg / dl, you can wait an hour for the bolus dose to be administered.
You don't want to get insulin for more than 1-2 hours.
Monitor your blood sugar every 3-4 hours.

The advantages and disadvantages of the insulin pump

Just like other diabetes treatments, the insulin pump also has advantages and disadvantages in its use.

Advantages

1. Easier, safer and more comfortable

The use of injectable insulin requires high discipline because you have to inject on a certain schedule. While the insulin pump can automatically flow insulin according to the dose that was set in advance.

That way, you no longer need to give insulin manually or worry about skipping treatment because you forget it.

2. Releasing insulin slowly

Some doctors recommend giving insulin with this tool because of its nature that releases insulin slowly, much like the natural pancreas. This method can provide insulin in a more appropriate dose so that blood sugar levels are more stable.

Better blood sugar control is also effective in preventing side effects of insulin such as hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar) or blood sugar fluctuations.

Deficiency

1. Its use must be fully understood

In using this tool, users need to monitor how this tool works properly. Even though it works automatically, you must pay attention to how the body responds to the insulin delivery from the pump.

Therefore, you need to check your blood sugar levels more frequently (at least 4 times a day) and carefully calculate your carbohydrate intake from food to determine the correct bolus dose. In addition, you also need to take into account the number of calories spent through the activities you do.

2. Risk of infection and complications

There is also a risk of infection at the catheter insertion point. That is why, like insulin injections, change the catheter insertion point regularly, about 2-3 days to avoid the risk of infection.

There is also a risk that you could develop complications of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if there is damage to the pump.

3. The price is quite expensive

The price of the device, which is quite expensive, also makes many people with diabetes tend to choose treatment with insulin injections.

Apart from the advantages and disadvantages, the use of an insulin pump is actually an option. The end result of treatment from this tool is the same as insulin injection, which aims to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits.

If you intend to choose insulin treatment in this way, consult your doctor first to understand its use more precisely.