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Should I get an insulin pump?

Introduction

This information will help you understand your choices, whether you share in the decision-making process or rely on your doctor's recommendation.

Key points in making your decision

If you need to give yourself insulin shots every day, you may be thinking about getting an insulin pump. A pump can free you from a strict regimen of meals, sleep, and exercise because you can program it to match your changing schedule. You will no longer need to give yourself shots every day. Instead, you will tell the pump what to do at every meal and sometimes in between.

On the other hand, having a pump won't free you from having to prick your finger 4 or more times every day to check your blood sugar. You will have to re-insert the catheter that connects the pump to your body every few days. And you have to be willing to faithfully count the grams of carbohydrate that you eat.

Consider the following when making your decision:

• If you are already giving yourself 3 or more shots a day, an insulin pump may not improve your control, or it may improve your control only slightly.
• If you give yourself 2 shots a day or less, having a pump may help you keep your blood sugar closer to normal. This can prevent or delay the complications of diabetes.
• Using an insulin pump can keep your blood sugar at a more constant level, so that you don't have as many big swings in your levels. People who use pumps have fewer problems with very low blood sugar.
• After you learn how to work with a pump, it can make living with diabetes easier. But it takes some time and effort to learn how to use the pump to keep it working properly and to control your diabetes.
• The most important part of an insulin pump is the person using it. To be successful, you will need to be motivated and committed to controlling your blood sugar, including pricking your finger for testing 4 or more times a day, and counting your carbohydrate grams often during the day.
• Insulin pumps cost as much as $6,000. Many insurance companies cover insulin pumps but they have strict guidelines that you will have to follow before they will pay.

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