Insulin Pump Technology

The insulin pump is a small, pager-sized portable device, with a refillable storage reservoir for insulin, connected to the body by means of a thin tube, attached to a subcutaneously inserted cannula. The cannula usually needs replacing every 2-3 days. The pump can be programmed to deliver insulin at variable rates throughout the day.

There are two main types of programmable insulin delivery:

• Basal rate insulin supplied continuously: A single, basal insulin rate can be planned and pre-programmed for the entire day (24 hours), or the basal rate can be varied for different times of the day, e.g. based on changing requirements during the day and at night.
• Bolus insulin: Here, a higher insulin dose is given with the press of a button, either as a single bolus, or infused over a short period at meal times. It can also be used to correct high blood glucose levels.

Insulin pumps can deliver insulin more consistently and precisely than pen devices and syringes. Dose adjustments as small as 0.05 units are possible with some pump models, and this can be particularly useful when dealing with smaller children.