Everything That You Need to Know About Insulin Pumps

An insulin pump is not a cure but a method of insulin delivery. It is a small pager-like device that mechanically pumps set amounts of fast-acting insulin into a person’s body. Insulin pumps require you to set “basal rates”–a rate of background insulin that is always present, and the calculation of insulin to food ratios, or bolus amounts, that are used whenever food is eaten.

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What is an insulin pump?
How much does an insulin pump cost?
Do I need a CGM with my pump?
What type of insulin pumps are available?
What is an infusion set?
Where do you insert an infusion set?
How do you wear an insulin pump?
More insulin pump tips.
How to choose the best insulin pump for you.

What is an insulin pump?

Unlike Multiple Daily Injection therapy (MDI), pump therapy does not use a long-lasting insulin. Small amounts of fast-acting insulin are delivered throughout the day. For some this leads to feelings of unease as the threat of DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) is greater. Other people feel a sense of freedom as they no longer are forced to follow the clock. When using an insulin pump you no longer need to be concerned about the peaks of long-lasting NPH insulin or the limitations of a single basal rate offered by insulin glargine.

An insulin pump lets you set a variety of “basal rates” to meet the naturally occurring needs of your body. It further allows you to match insulin to carbohydrate intake rather than having to “feed” your insulin. You now chose to eat, snack or graze when you want and however much you want.

Pumping insulin is not for everyone. It is another method of insulin delivery. Some do not like the idea of being attached to a mechanical device 24/7 but the freedom, flexibility and tight control often outweigh any of the negative concerns.

Please take your time when choosing an insulin pump. You need to the pump to fit with your needs and your lifestyle. We have a detailed outline of each pump company’s current styles and features, as well as opinions for those who are currently using an insulin pump.

Get help finding the right insulin pump for your lifestyle.

How much does an insulin pump cost?

A basic insulin pump system currently costs approximately $7200CAD* and requires monthly pump supplies. These costs are often, but not always covered by private insurance plans. In Canada, some provinces recognize the long-term benefits of covering insulin pumps and supplies under their provincial health care policies. You can learn which provinces offer you coverage here.

Do I need a Continuous Glucose Monitor with my insulin pump?

A continous glucose monitor (CGM) can be a part of an insulin pump. These pumps are known as “sensor-augmented pumps”. A CGM can also be stand-alone device used by both pumpers and those on multiple daily injections.

Insulin Pumps Currently Available

Medtronic 670G

Features: The Medtronic 670G is considered to be the first self-adjusting insulin pump for people with diabetes.

Automatically adjusts your basal (background) insulin every five minutes using micro bolusing based on your CGM readings.
Stops insulin up to 30 minutes before reaching your preset low limits.
Automatically restarts insulin when your levels recover without any alerts
Remote bolusing from Contour next meter
Uses Medtronic patented infusion sets
Uploads to Careline software
300 unit cartridges/reservoirs
CGM integration shows blood glucose readings on the insulin pump screen
every five minutes making it easy to spot trends and make adjustments
You can set this pump to auto mode and the insulin pump will make its own basal adjustments or set to manual to adjust yourself
Temp basal up to 200% for 30minutes-24 hours
Bolus Wizard Calculator to assist in figuring out meal boluses
Waterproof
Predictive alerts
Colour screen
Approved for use in individuals 7 years old and over

OmniPod

Features: The OmniPod is the only tubeless insulin pump currently available on the North American market.

Tubeless
200 unit pods
2 AAA batteries
Batteries last 4 weeks
Automatic inserter with no visible needles
Pink slide insert window to ensure the cannula has deployed
Strong adhesive
Pod has a durable, water-proof exterior shell
Handheld PDM has built-in FreeStyle blood glucose (BG) meter
PDM has large color screen with bright light option
Customizable ID screen
Test strip port light for low-light conditions
Suggested bolus calculator
Downloadable data
Intuitive prompts
Reduced upfront costs
Discreet
Temporary basal rates from 30minutes to 12 hours

Tandem t:slimX2 Insulin Pump

Features: The Tandem t:slimX2 is the only insulin pump currently offering DexCom integration

38% smaller than other insulin pumps
300 unit reservoir/cartridge
Colour, shatter resistant, touch screen
Fastest bolus entry
Can bolus up to 50 units
Site-change reminder w/customizable day and time
Graphic on screen history
Bolus calculator
Temp basal up to 250%, 72 hrs
Can set duration of insulin action in 1-minute increments
IOB shown on home screen
Missed bolus reminders
Warns of high and low insulin temps
Uses Tandem t-lock infusion sets
Uses a rechargeable battery
New Basal-IQ™ Technology with Dexcom G6 available in US markets
remote software upgrades

Ypsomed Diabetes Care YpsoPump®

Features: The YpsoPump® is marketed as an “easy to learn” insulin pump offering the “essential features”.

measures 7.8 cm × 4.6 cm × 1.6 cm and weighs 83 g (including battery and filled cartridge)
4.1 × 1.6 cm, OLED touch screen that uses icons to help you navigate the insulin pump features
Pre-filled, 1.6mL (160 unit) glass cartridges that will last for 7 days in the insulin pump or up to 30 days if filled and kept in the refrigerator
Waterproof rating of IPX8 (immersion to a depth of 1 m for up to 60 minutes)
Bolus delivery in increments of 0.1, 0.5, 1 or 2 units
2 custom basal patterns set in increments of .01 units by the hour
Temporary basal patterns that can be set at 0%-200% for 15 min to up 24 hours. They must be set in 10% increments.
Uses one AAA alkaline battery that lasts for 30 days
Mylife mobile app for smartphones that sync with the YpsoPump® via Bluetooth® technology.
Uses 90degree Orbit steel infusion sets

We can help you choose the right insulin pump for you.

choosing an insulin pump

Insulin pump infusion sets

All tubed insulin pumps require the use of an infusion set. This is the composed of the site (the piece that attaches to the body) and the tubing which attaches to the insulin pump.

Infusion sets come in three basic options…90 degree sets, 30 degree sets and steel cannulas. Consider your weight, activity level, dexterity, and where you are planning on placing an infusion set before you decide which infusion set to use.

90 degree infusion sets

90 degree infusion sets are what the name implies, they are infusion sets with sites that can be inserted straight into the body. They are available in either steel or teflon (clear) cannula.

AutoSoft™ 90For those looking for a softer, teflon cannula, you can order this infusion set to be manually inserter or order the ones that have a built-in inserter. It has a small, flat infusion set design. You can insert them with one-hand when using the inserter. The inserter has a hidden introducer needle which can be helpful for people who are needle phobic. The site is connected to the tubing at the body with this infusion set. It has a convenient needle protector after use. These sets are safe to carry without compromising sterility. They come in 23 and 43 inch tubing and a 27 gauge introducer needle with 6 and 9mm cannulas.

If you have had issues with tissue damage or are prone to kinked cannulas, steel infusion sets could be a great option for you. These infusion sets are manually inserted at a 90-degree angle. You must change them out every 2-3 days.

Cleo

The Cleo infusion set is distributed by Smith Medical® and has a built-in,
automated injector for people using luer lock connections.

30 degree sites

Like the 90-degree sites, 30-degree sites can be manually inserted or placed with the help of a built-in insertion device. You insert these sets at an angle of up to 30 degrees. They are good for active, thin, or muscular individuals.

Using sites with a built-in inserter makes one-handed insertion easy. It has a well-protected introducer needle which makes it perfect for those who are needle phobic. For those who prefer to manually control the speed at which the inserter needle enters the body, a manual version of this site also exists.

The transparent window on 30-degree sites makes it easy to view the skin below.

With this infusion set, you disconnect and connect the tubing at the site on the body.

Where do you place an infusion set?

Just like when using injection therapy, insulin infusion sites must be rotated. Sitemaps like this one may help to keep
track of insertion sites and reduce the chance of hypertrophy.

You can place an infusion set in any of a number of places on your body. Any area that you used for injections may also be used for infusion sets. Here are just some examples…

How do you wear your pump?

This is a question that a lot of people struggle with. They wonder what to do with their pump in their daily lives, at night and during intimate times. It is all a matter of personal preference. You can use pump pouches, clips, pockets, and some people will simply place them in an old sock pinned to the body. Do what works for you but here are a few options.