Insulin pumps can offer an alternative to injections for some people with Type 1 diabetes. They can help to improve overall diabetes control, enabling a better quality of life.
Insulin pump therapy (also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or CSII) is becoming more popular but it isn’t suitable for everyone so talk to your child’s paediatric diabetes team about whether or not it’s right for them.
A pump is about the size of a small mobile phone and delivers a steady flow of rapid acting insulin round the clock.
The pump has a reservoir, which usually holds about two to three days’ supply of insulin. This insulin is delivered through an infusion set – a very fine tube that runs from the pump to a cannula (a very thin and flexible plastic tube), which is inserted under the skin. The cannula can be left in for two to three days before needing to be replaced and repositioned somewhere else on the body. The pump is battery operated and indicates if power is low.
The pump delivers a varied dose of rapid-acting insulin continually during the day and night, at a rate that is pre-set according to your child’s needs (known as a basal rate). Then, when your child has something to eat, you or your child can give extra insulin (known as a bolus dose) by pressing a combination of buttons. Your nurse or dietitian will teach you and your child how to work out the carbohydrate content in your meals and snacks so that you’re able to give the appropriate bolus dose. A bolus can also be given if blood glucose levels have risen too high.