Diabetic Insulin Pump: Picture It!

Never seen a diabetic insulin pump? This  page shows you the typical parts to an insulin pump.  BUT  please . . .don't make your decision about a pump based on that alone! Fully inform yourself about the unique benefits (like sleeping in and programming insulin for pizza) and as well as the "cons" to being on pump therapy. (It isn't cheap and you'll need to test your blood sugars frequently!). Talk with your diabetes educator and physician if this is something you want to pursue.  

A diabetic insulin pump is an electronic programmable syringe about the size of a pager. Here are the basic parts to an insulin pump.

Picture of a Diabetic Insulin Pump

The Parts of an Insulin Pump

The diabetic insulin pump itself contains the electronics and motor that power the pump. It is about the size of a pager - some being smaller or larger depending on the manufacturer.  This part of the pump can be carried in a pocket, tucked in a bra, or clipped on your belt/waist.  (I have a pocket sewed into my pajamas to hold my pump at night). The electronics are the brains. They're  the part of insulin pumps  that allow for the flexibility, freedom, less hypoglycemia  as well as  super easy ways to give insulin at meals. 

The Insulin Pump Reservoir

This is a an oblong cartridge that holds the insulin inside the pump. Only rapid insulins like Humalog (Lyspro) or Novorapid/Novolog (insulin aspart) are used in pumps with the occasional use of regular insulin (like Toronto). However, no long acting insulin is used in the pump.  The pump user does not require the injection of  NPH or glargine.  Instead, tiny amounts of rapid insulin are dripped into the body 24 hours per day.  How much? Well. . . however much you program.  Depending on the person and type of diabetic insulin pump, the reservoir might hold enough rapid insulin for 2-7 or more days. 

The Infusion Set

The infusion set contains two parts: 

• A tubing for the insulin to travel from the reservoir inside the pump to your body.
• A cannula (even smaller tube)  that inserts under your skin to deliver the insulin.  

 It comes in different styles, lengths and can usually  disconnect at the cannula (eg. take the tube off but leave the cannula in the skin) to allow for showers, baths, swims and . . . errr... other intimate stuff.  Cannulas are typically replaced every 2-3 days. Of note, there is now an insulin pump that is "cordless" or "tubeless" - no leash connecting you but it still requires a cannula to insert under the skin. It is called the Omnipod.

The Good Part

Don't stop at the description of a diabetic insulin pump.  Keep learning. See how  insulin pumps can help you sleep in, miss meals, prevent lows,  and eat all night long and never get out of your chair to grab an insulin pen. . . err.. . did I really write that? Uhh, well - read on. See how the diabetic insulin pump works and you'll see how it can make diabetes less of a pain in your life. 

          <<<<<PREVIOUS                                                         

Related:

Why you can sleep in, stay up late, miss meals . . . etc on a diabetic pump.

Program the diabetic insulin pump for Pizza or Chinese food.  Creative meal boluses only a pump can give.

Leaving Diabetic Insulin Pump Picture  to go Home: How to to Lower Blood Glucose Levels