Insulin Pump Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

In recent couple of years, insulin pump therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus has replaced the traditional needles for injecting insulin. Results of many studies have shown that insulin pump therapy is an effective way of managing glucose level in diabetics. These devices automatically deliver insulin in a pre programmed intervals. This duration can vary from one to two days.

An insulin pump is a device that automatically delivers insulin in pre programmed intervals over a 24-hour period. The patient wears the pump continuously and the device replaces the traditional needles and bottles of insulin. While insulin pumps provide advantages over traditional delivery methods, some patients may have reservations about using the device. Ultimately, the decision to use the pump rests with the patient, but the right information can facilitate decision making.

[Read: How Insulin Works in Diabetes]

Benefits of Insulin Pump therapy

A diabetic person generally requires multiple injections of insulin. With insulin pump therapy one can eliminate the need of injections. The patient just needs to get a needle of insulin pump inserted which can be reinserted after every two to three days.

Unlike insulin injections that have fast acting insulin with pump therapy the patient gets continuous low dosage of insulin. This help in maintaining blood glucose level and keep a check on rapid drop of glucose level. Besides this, with a simple push of button extra insulin (bolus) can be given to the diabetic person.

[Read: What are Normal Insulin Levels in Diabetes]

Insulin pump therapy improves overall diabetes management. For instance, if you are not able to take a meal or have to eat at odd timings then it helps your body to adjust to these circumstances.

Another advantage of using insulin pump for type 1 diabetes is that it is helpful in managing low reactions of blood and sugar. Technically termed as hypoglycaemia these low blood sugar reactions are mainly caused by insulin injections.  With the continuous dosage of insulin i.e. 24 hours a day the risk of low blood sugar is decreased. It is consider effective during the night as well.

[Read: Alternative Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes]

Even though insulin pump therapy surely have an upper edge over the traditional methods of injecting insulin but it is better to use it under proper medical supervision. 

Read more articles on Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment