Which insulin pump is right for you?

When I first got my insulin pump 7 years ago, the only pump company I had ever heard of was Medtronic Minimed. Back then I didn’t do as much research about products because I was new and didn't really have the experience I do now, and just trusted my diabetes care team to help me make the right decisions. Now, there are about 6 different insulin pumps on the market that you can choose from. Gotta love advances in technology!

Before I explain all the manufacturers, I want to give you a fast description of insulin pumps.

What exactly is an insulin pump?

If you don’t know what an insulin pump is, it is a mechanical device that is a little bigger than the size of a beeper. (remember those?) It is worn on the outside of your pants or hooked on to a belt. (below) You can also hide it inside of a bra, put it inside a tight fitted sock or create pump pockets inside of your clothes. The wire is pretty long. (You can really get creative, I even had a pump pocket made inside of my wedding gown when I was married)

This is me wearing my Minimed Paradigm Insulin pump. As you can see I hook it up on my belt.

The insulin pump delivers fast acting insulin (humalog or novolog) into your body through an infusion set and inside your body there is a small flexible plastic needle inside where the insulin gets absorbed.(below)

This is what an infusion looks like when it comes out of your body. I wear the Minimed Quicksets.

You have to change your infusion set 2-3 days depending on how much insulin you use during the day. Most people are about 3 days. You move it around your stomach, thigh, your upper butt and arms. My preference is my stomach (photo 1, above) and butt because it hurts less there, and less likely to get pulled out by accident.

The insulin pump is like a mini computer you program it to tell when you need more or less insulin during the day. Those are called basal rates and act as your “long acting insulin” such as NPH or Lantus. The best part is that you can have different basal rates all day. I have about 6 different rates. If you need more insulin in the morning also known as Dawn Phenonomenon (which being on the pump can help tremendously with) you can set that as a separate rate then lets say then before you go to the gym. It really helps in getting you in better control. Your rates can change all the time depending on hormones, lifestyle changes, stress, and exercise.

Another term you should know is bolus rates. They are your insulin to carb ratios and take the place of sliding scales. You use bolus rates only when you eat. Bolus rates can also be different depending on the time of the day as well. For me I need more insulin at breakfast for the same amount of carbs I have a lunch. Bolus rates can change all the time as well depending on your basal rates.

When you are considering an insulin pump you should really research each company and what they offer to see which is right for you and your lifestyle. I am going to run through each insulin pump on the market today and give you the different features and help take the leg work out, and maybe this can help you with your decision in finding an insulin pump that is right for you.