Question 1

where is an insulin pump placed on the body?

Accepted Answer

On the chest: There is a harness that can be used for placing the pump on your chest.  There is also an arrangement where you can hook it to a bra, or, perhaps, in a pocket.

Question 2

what is an insulin pump?

Accepted Answer

Delivers Insulin: An Insulin pump is a device that holds Insulin in a resevoir and delivers it to the body via a small needle placed, often in the fatty tissue of the abdomen.  Insulin is pumped at a rate set by the doctor/patient to provide a continuous flow of insulin.  Often the patient will press a button to deliver a slightly larger dose of Insulin at mealtimes.  The devices are getting smaller all the time.

Question 3

when is an insulin pump required?

Accepted Answer

Seldom: Required?  Can't think of any situation where a pump is required. A pump may help someone achieve tighter glucose control, including pregnant women, people who need very small doses, people whose activities and schedule changes day-to-day, or people whose basal Insulin requirement varies through the day. Willingness to learn carb counting and to check frequently are key to getting better results.

Question 4

is an insulin pump inconvenient or uncomfortable?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Pumps do take a little getting used to, and some trial and error to learn what works best for sleeping, sex, using the restroom, etc. The nurses and educators who help with the training do a terrific job to help each individual figure out what length tubing works best for them, and how to overcome any problems that arise.

Question 5

how is an insulin pump inserted?

Accepted Answer

Most aren't: A few clinics are involved in research for implanted pumps, where a surgeon places a pump under the skin in the abdomen, and a doctor uses a syringe to load Insulin into the pump once a month.  Most Insulin pumps, though, are external pumps, where only a thin plastic tube, or catheter, goes under the skin to deliver Insulin into the fatty tissue, just as a syringe does.

Question 6

is an insulin pump safe for a 19yr. old guy?

Accepted Answer

Can be: Insulin pumps are excellent for getting tight glucose control, and they are most often used for type 1 diabetes, aka juvenile diabetes.  They do require daily maintenence & attention, and blood sugar check with every meal, so the safety depends a lot on the patient's personality.   There is no substitute for an honest discussion with your doctor.

Question 7

where can i find an insulin pump?

Accepted Answer

Insulin pump: Most Primary Care doctors and Endocrinologists get visits from Pharmaceutical company reps and they often leave "pumps" to show to you.

Every one will tell you which one is better than the others, but that is your choice.

All pumps are excellent and they are improving over time.

Pumps are most often used in type 1 diabetes and that is the best way to go.
The new systems will improve with time.

Question 8

i need more info on a insulin pump?

Accepted Answer

See an endocrine MD: There are many web sites that discuss pumps, both from the pump companies and societies.
See a doctor who does pumps regularly to discuss whether it's right for you.

Question 9

what can i expect when on an insulin pump?

Accepted Answer

Insulin pump: Do not go on an insulin pump until you have had appropriate training from a diabetes educator.
When working properly your health and well being will go up and you will feel great!
If not working properly you will not do so well.

Getting things under control does not happen over night - be patient and careful!

Question 10

how  do  i  get  help  for  a insulin  pump?

Accepted Answer

See your doc: See your physician to discuss appropriateness of an Insulin pump. He/she might send you to a pump nurse/diabetes educator or to an endocrinologist to get things started.

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Where is an insulin pump placed on the body

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Where is an insulin pump placed on the body?

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What is an insulin pump?

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When is an insulin pump required?

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Is an insulin pump inconvenient or uncomfortable?

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How is an insulin pump inserted?

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Is an insulin pump safe for a 19yr. old guy?

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Where can i find an insulin pump?

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I need more info on a insulin pump?

A member asked:

What can i expect when on an insulin pump?

A member asked:

How do i get help for a insulin pump?

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