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4 good reasons to consider an insulin pump

Like many questions, to “pump or not to pump” has multiple correct answers. It’s an important tool in diabetes management and if you're thinking about making a switch to an insulin pump, we recommend discussing these points with your diabetes healthcare team.

  1. Blood glucose control. Because an insulin pump can more closely mimic the way a healthy pancreas delivers insulin, using an insulin pump can help to improve blood glucose control and reduce episodes of low blood glucose.1 With an insulin pump, insulin dosing can be more closely matched to activity and lifestyle needs throughout the day, and can be especially helpful if you're ill. However, if you want to get them most out of using an insulin pump, it will take dedication — monitoring blood glucose, counting carbohydrates and calculating mealtime insulin doses are essential for effective diabetes management.
  2. Precise mealtime insulin. Many insulin pumps now feature on-board insulin advisors that calculate insulin doses based on current blood glucose, carbs to be eaten and insulin already delivered to your body. This more accurate dosing can also lead to improved blood glucose control.2 To make things easy, the Accu-Chek Combo insulin pump system allows you to calculate a bolus dose on the meter and then deliver the bolus dose remotely, without even touching the pump. (Insert page link to Accu-Chek combo insulin pump system)
  3. Fewer jabs than needles. This is an important consideration. Some people find that they prefer to insert an infusion set every 2 or 3 days instead of injecting multiple times each day. Today's infusion sets use ultra-fine needles and offer a range of designs to fit virtually anyone, including young children and those with slender, athletic builds.
  4. Freedom. Some may wonder if having a medical device physically connected to their body might seem restrictive. In reality, some people are surprised to find out that the insulin pump gives them a greater sense of freedom and flexibility, as they can eat when they like and slow down insulin delivery when they're more active. 

So what's best for you? Ultimately, that's up to you and your diabetes healthcare team. If you think that pumping sounds appealing, talk to your healthcare professional to determine whether you're a good candidate for insulin pump therapy.

How an insulin pump mimics a healthy pancreas

Pump therapy closely imitates a healthy pancreas by delivering a flexible "basal" dose of insulin throughout the day, plus an additional "bolus" of insulin at mealtimes, based on carbohydrates eaten.

More discretion. Greater control.
At about the size of a mobile phone, an insulin pump may give you greater control over meals, activity and sleeping late.

  1. International Diabetes Federation. Debate—insulin pump therapy: a matter of choice? Available at: http://www.idf.org/debate-insulin-pump-therapy-matter-choice. Accessed June 30, 2015
  2. Ziegler R, Cavan DA, Cranston I, et al. Use of an insulin bolus advisor improves glycemic control in multiple daily insulin injection (MDI) therapy patients with suboptimal glycemic control: first results from the ABACUS trial. Diabetes Care. 2013;36:3613-3619. Available at: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/36/11/3613.full.pdf. Accessed June 30, 2015.

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