Insulin Pumps

For more details on insulin pumps click here. Insulin pumps are designed to give a constant infusion of insulin under the skin (basal insulin) and for you to give extra insulin whenever you eat (bolus insulin). Unfortunately the insulin pump does not measure your blood glucose or automatically give you bolus insulin with each meal, you still need to do this yourself.

Advantages

Needle needs to be changed every 48-72 hours therefore less injections
Excellent control can be achieved with minimum hypos if used properly
Allows flexible life style
Those on the pump report feeling much better generally

Disadvantages

The pump is always with you and has to be worn day and night (can be disconnected for contact sports and swimming)
It is important NOT to misuse or abuse the pump
If pump is switched off or becomes disconnected you have no background insulin, which will lead to high blood glucose levels and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) can develop rapidly (if you want to learn more about DKA click here)

Disclaimer

This website is designed for use by the Leeds Children's Diabetes Team and children and parents referred to their service. Every effort has been made to make sure there are no errors on the website. If you think there are any inaccuracies could you please e-mail us so that we can check. kate.barker@leedsth.nhs.uk