Benefits of Insulin Pumps
For many people, an insulin pump - like the Accu-Chek Spirit insulin pump - can offer tremendous benefits:
Improved blood glucose control. The pump is designed to deliver insulin in a manner that imitates normal insulin secretion – bolus insulin at mealtimes and basal insulin throughout the day and night. This helps keep glucose levels within the target range and prevents large spikes or drops in glucose.
Enhanced flexibility. Insulin pumps allow users to adjust insulin at mealtime, potentially providing more flexibility when it comes to when and what you eat.
Greater privacy. An insulin pump can be discreetly worn under clothing or on a belt – generally, a pump isn't much bigger than a PDA or mobile phone.
Fewer episodes of high and low blood glucose levels. With an insulin pump, you may be able to keep blood glucose closer to the range recommended by your healthcare team, helping to avoid high and low blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. An insulin pump may help you live with greater spontaneity while controlling blood glucose more tightly and helping prevent the long-term complications associated with diabetes. But the pump isn't a cure-all. It's an insulin-delivery system, and that's just one part of the equation. It won't test your blood glucose levels, or watch the results. A pump requires additional responsibility on the part of the user.
Frequent blood glucose testing. When using and insulin pump, you'll need to check your blood glucose levels at least four times a day. Your healthcare team can give you a more specific recommendation. After all, the pump works because when your blood glucose isn't on target you can make minor corrections. The only way to know if your blood glucose level is on target is to test it.
Testing for ketones. If you have Type 1 diabetes, and your blood glucose level is over 15mmol/L or another limit recommended by your health care professional, you may need to test your urine for ketones, a build-up of acids in the blood that can make you feel sick or cause diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA), a medical emergency. Some pump users are more prone to DKA because rapid-acting insulin doesn't leave medication reserves in your system.
Patience and attention. It can take a few months to get used to a pump. Working with your healthcare team, you'll start by estimating how much insulin you need, then fine-tune it as you go. You may need to speak to your doctor or diabetes educator every day for the first week or so while you get the details worked out.
In-depth education. It's important to understand how the insulin pump and all its components work, so you can troubleshoot them. In addition, you'll be learning how your body responds to insulin, food, exercise, stress, and illness, so you can adjust your medication as necessary. You will be taught how to use your Accu-Chek pump by a qualified Diabetes Educator or Roche Diagnostics representative.
Always have a back-up plan. For those times when you can't use your pump, you'll want to have syringes (or pens), back-up insulin and other supplies on hand.