subject: Using a Diabetic Pump to Maintain Insulin Levels [print this page] Using a Diabetic Pump to Maintain Insulin Levels
An insulin pump is also known as a diabetic pump. These are small and computerized devices and resemble a mobile phone. It can be attached to your belt and thus worn on your waist or even kept inside your pocket. This facilitates the continuous flow of fast acting insulin that can be released into the body. The pump is equipped with a flexible tube which is also known as a catheter. It is attached with a fine needle on one of its end. The needle is inserted into the skin of the abdomen area and strapped into position.
The diabetic pump is designed in a manner that it ensures a consistent flow of insulin round the clock. The dosage is set as per a pre programmed plan. The amount of insulin that is injected can be altered by the user from time to time. The pump is designed in a manner that the insulin is delivered continuously to keep the blood sugar levels well in control especially overnight and in between meals. This keeps the blood sugar levels well under control. This is also referred to as the basal rate. After the consumption of a meal, the device can be programmed to infuse a set dose of insulin. You need to determine the amount of insulin that you would eventually need. This is done by after carrying out calculations and depending on the amount of carbohydrate intake by the patient.
It is necessary that the blood sugar levels are monitored closely and continuously whenever you are using an insulin or diabetic pump. It is necessary that the blood sugar levels are measured at least four times on a regular basis. The insulin dose is set and the consequent adjustments made depending on the food intake. The amount can also be set as per the exercise program followed by the patient.
There are some physicians who recommend the use of the diabetic pump on account of the fact that it enables slow and gradual release of the insulin. This is in fact quite similar to the way the pancreas releases insulin. There is still some difference of opinion when it comes to determining the fact whether the pump works better in controlling blood sugar levels in comparison to regular insulin injections. One factor that works in favor of the diabetic pump is the fact that patient does not need to measure insulin every time they are about to inject it with the help of a syringe.
