Insulin Pumps Give Freedom for Many With Diabetes
Most of the United States became more aware of diabetes mellitus when a recent Miss America was crowned. Both the young lady from Virginia as well as a contestant from New York have had Type 1 diabetes for many years. Type 1 is insulin dependent, needing insulin daily.
Both young women were using a form of treatment known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, more commonly referred to as insulin pump therapy. This therapy is not new. It has been around for almost thirty years or more.
The first type of insulin pump was the size of a large knapsack and was worn on the back. Now the pump is no larger than a pocket pager and it also looks like a pager. However, it serves a much more important purpose. It delivers insulin constantly to the individual and can be adjusted to change its rate similar to programming a VCR. The person using the pump can change the amount of insulin delivered for activities such as exercise, stress and food that is eaten.
It provides a freedom to the individual that no amount of shots (using needles) could ever provide. However, it still requires the person using the pump to continue to do home blood sugar monitoring, sometimes up to four to five times daily. People using the pump also need to manage and measure carbohydrates eaten. This determines the amount of insulin the pump will deliver for the meal, known as the meal "bolus."
The insulin pump has allowed individuals to vary their mealtimes and travel without having to make major adjustments in their dosages. But it is important to remember that using an insulin pump requires a partnership with the patient and physician. Training is extensive and should be done by a certified, experienced pump trainer. The physician, preferably a board certified endocrinologist who is a specialist in diabetes, should also be experienced in pump therapy,. If you feel that this form of insulin therapy is for you, please discuss it fully with your diabetes specialist.
