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1) Who can use insulin pumps?
- People with Type I diabetes
- People with Type II diabetes
- People who are female
- People who are male
- People who are underweight
- People who are overweight
- People who are just the right weight
- People who are 92 years old or more
- People who are less than 92 years old
- People who have a high blood sugars
- People who have low blood sugars
2) Who CANNOT use insulin pump therapy?
People who don’t have diabetes. (lucky, them! :)
3) Do you need surgery to use a pump? Is it implanted?
4) What is a pump?
A small battery operated device about the size of a pager. The pump is programmed to give your body the insulin it needs 24/7.
It is also designed so you can tell it when you are eating and how much you are eating by pushing a few buttons.
Eat whatever you want.
Whenever you want.
Imagine that!
5) What does a pump look like?
6) How does it work?
The pump holds a small container. This container holds 3 - 6 days worth of insulin. When you need insulin for food the motor in the pump pushes insulin out of the container and into a thin, flexible tubing.
This tubing is connected to a very small tube (called a cannula [kan-u-la] ) that you insert just under your skin (This is what we mean by “one injection every three days”. You change this - like taking one needle - about every three days).. It is held in place by a small adhesive patch.
The insulin pushed out of the (reservoir) container, through the tubing and then through the cannula into your body.
7) What supplies does the pump use?
The main pump supplies are:
- A battery (AA or AAA)
- An insulin reservoir (AKA cartridge)
- An infusion set (tubing to connect the insulin reservoir to you and the adhesive patch with small tubing to go into your skin).
8) Where do I buy pump supplies?
9) Can you disconnect from the pump?
Yes, for short periods of time like for showering, dressing etc.
10) How do you wear the pump?
Many people wear it on their belt, like a cell phone.
You can keep it in your pocket or your bra!
The pump is small enough that you can keep it almost anywhere!
11) How do you sleep with it?
Same question we all had. Know what? This is probably the easiest thing to get used to when starting to use a pump! Most people just place it under their pillow or on the mattress beside them. Again there are many accessories and “tips and tricks” for where to put the pump during the night. Trust us though, this is a question always asked but its also the thing no one thinks about ever again after being on the pump for a few days!
12) Does it hurt?
No. Occasionally some people experience minor discomfort but most of the time you don’t know its there nor that your getting insulin delivered to you 24/7!
13) I don’t want to be attached to anything!
Everyone says this! We said this!
Most pumpers agree it’s an attachment to freedom!
Seriously though, most people do get used to it within 30 days.
The number one comment from new pumpers is: “I should have done this years ago”!
Here’s just one comment from a new pumper:
“With the insulin pump I was able to regain control of my life. I began to enjoy eating for the first time in 17 years! I was able to go on multi-day back-country hiking trips, work shift work, sleep in - and best of all, lose 30 pounds.” - Andrea, Adult Pumper
14) Is there a pump that works without you being attached by a line to something?
Yes!
These are called “patch pumps”.
These are not yet available in Canada.
They work just like an insulin pump that uses tubing except there is no tubing! How? The entire pump is disposable and is replaced every few days. It is held onto your skin by an adhesive pad. You control this type of pump with a remote control.
15) Do pumps ever break down?
Rarely, but it can happen. WHEN THIS HAPPENS the company which SOLD you the pump can usually have it replaced within hours or a day. During this time you may have to temporally go back to injections.
16) How long do pumps last?
17) Does the pump work automatically?
Yes and no. Once the pump is programmed with the appropriate amounts of insulin to deliver for YOUR body, you still have to tell it:
a) when you're eating and how much you're eating.
b) if your blood sugar is too high or too low.
18) Will the pump monitor my Glucose levels
The pump does not sense anything. It does not sense blood glucose levels, but if you tell the pump what your blood sugar is then it can automatically give you the correct amount of insulin required to bring your blood sugar back to normal range!
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems are a relatively new technology that allows a device to “sense” what your blood sugars are 24/7!
It is NOT a replacement for regular blood sugar checks done with a standard meter and lancet.
It works by means of a small needle and sensor (replaced by you every 3 – 6 days) being inserted into your skin and held in place by an adhesive patch (not unlike the small tube used by insulin pumps to deliver insulin to your body). It sends data to a remote device you wear which translates the data into a real time blood sugar level. Caution though. These “blood sugar levels” should be verified by a standard finger prick and blood glucose meter before making a decision based on these results.
The only Continuous Glucose Monitoring System available in Canada is sold by Medtronic Canada.
19) How does the pump work?
The pump holds a small container. This container holds 3 - 6 days worth of insulin. When you need insulin for food the motor in the pump pushes insulin out of the container and into a thin, flexible tubing.
This tubing is connected to a very small tube (called a cannula [kan-u-la] ) that you insert just under your skin. It is held in place by a small adhesive patch.
The insulin pushed out of the (reservoir) container, through the tubing and then through the cannula into your body.
20) How much do pumps cost and how can I get one?
Pumps cost $6,000 - $7,500. There are currently 3 insulin pumps available in Canada:
ACCU-CHEK SPIRIT | ANIMAS | MEDTRONIC MINIMED
Pump supplies can be purchased directly at your pharmacy.
Many private insurance plans cover most of the cost of pumps and pump supplies. Some provinces have coverage as well! Below is information on the coverage programs in various regions:
British Columbia - Click here
Newfoundland - Contact the Canadian Diabetes Association, Newfoundland Branch
Ontario - Click here
Saskatchewan - Click here
All Northern Territories - Contact the Canadian Diabetes Association
21) How do I start using one?
22) Where do I buy pump supplies?
:: Sound too good to be true? Click here to see what actual pump users have to say! |
