How does it work?

The theory behind insulin pump therapy

Insulin pump therapy aims to mimic the pattern of insulin release that is seen in someone without diabetes. You may already be using what is known as a basal-bolus insulin regimen with insulin pens.

In a ‘basal-bolus’ regimen:

• A long-acting insulin analogue is injected once or twice daily over a 24 hour period. This is the ‘basal’ (or background) insulin.

• A “bolus” of quick-acting insulin analogue is injected approximately 10 minutes before, during, or after a meal.

Insulin pumps only use rapid-acting insulin which is administered continually (called the basal rate). The rate of which is usually pre-programmed but can be adjusted at any time. In addition, a bolus dose of insulin is delivered by pressing buttons on the pump or on a separate handset to cover mealtimes. The amount taken depends on the amount of carbohydrate in food eaten and the blood glucose level at the time.

There is no need to use a long-acting type of insulin when using a pump. Insulin pump users usually require no injections with an insulin pen, however insulin pens should still be carried in case of emergency.

The pump is programmed to deliver continuous specific basal rates to match your own requirements. You can increase or decrease the level of insulin for various reasons such as during illness, or exercise.

How does an insulin pump work?

Insulin pump therapy delivers insulin into the body using the following components:

1. Insulin pump: a small battery-powered device with a screen and buttons to programme your insulin doses.

2. Reservoir: a plastic cartridge containing insulin that is inserted into your insulin pump.

3. Flexible tubing: for insulin delivery, this tubing runs between your reservoir and your infusion set.

4. Infusion set insertion device: for quick and easy set-up of your infusion set.

5. Infusion set: this is where insulin is delivered into the body. A small tube called a cannula is inserted here which is held in place and changed every 2–3 days.

6. Insulin enters the body

What about wireless pumps?

A wireless or patch insulin pump attached directly to your body so there isn’t the additional tubing you have with standard insulin pumps. They are slightly smaller than traditional pumps and are operated by either a remote control unit or smartphone with an integrated bolus calculator.

At the moment there are three patch pumps that are currently on the market in the UK, these include:

• Omnipod DASH

• Accu-Chek Solo

• A6 TouchCare System

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Although the features vary between each model of patch pump, they all operate in a similar way – all of them have an insulin reservoir or ‘pod’ which delivers the insulin and a handset which allows you to control and monitor insulin delivery.

You can learn more about wireless pumps in our ‘My Insulin Pump’ course which can be accessed through the homepage.