Insulin Pump Therapy Benefits

I remember when I was just a young lad going to visit my endocrinologist and hearing the words insulin pump therapy. At first I was told that I would be an excellent candidate for the pump. But I was a little unsure of what it was.  So I did a little research. I found that it was a medical device that diabetics wear at all times that constantly administers insulin.  My first thought was that it was permanently attached to your body.  However this was untrue.

The Insulin Pump is not a device that permanently attaches to you.  Rather it is more like having a patch attached to a beeper that you replace every two to three days. The part that you replace is the tubing and the attached infusion set on your body. You also have to replenish the insulin supply inside of your pump.  This is all done at the same time every two to three days as recommended by your doctor.

There are many benefits to insulin pump therapy.  For one, it is a lifestyle upgrade.  You are freed from the regimen of insulin injections. This means that you no longer have to take injections or shots every day. While it is not recommended to overdo it you have more of a freedom over what you can eat.  One of my favorite benefits is the added control an insulin pump gives you.  If you have a high blood sugar you can quickly give yourself extra insulin to bring it under control.  And if an unexpected meal should come up there is no worry to have to prepare for it. 

The best advantage of insulin pump therapy is the overall control of your blood sugar. Done correctly this intensive treatment method will allow you to get close to normal blood sugar levels.  Studies have shown less hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia episodes when using an insulin pump.

However there are some drawbacks to insulin pump therapy.  These can be prepared for however are not always avoidable.  Our next upcoming article in this Insulin Pump Series will document some of these.

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This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.