Accu-Chek® Combo

We recommend the use of Lithium batteries where possible. The Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump uses 1 AA battery (LR6 1.5 V AA alkaline, FR6 1.5 V AA lithium or 1.2 V rechargeable NiMH HR6 AA). You must select the correct battery type in the insulin pump setup when you replace your battery.

Do NOT use carbon-zinc, nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or super heavy duty batteries.

An insulin pump can be superior to daily injections for many reasons—the greatest being that its use provides for a much greater ability to manage and control diabetes. The insulin pump provides a continuous flow of insulin, which minimises unwanted variation of insulin action you may experience with multiple injections. The pump also gives you a precise dose of insulin based on your current needs—even as those needs change.
However, despite the advantages of using an insulin pump, treatment outcomes still depend on how well you take care of yourself. Eating well, staying active, checking blood glucose frequently are all important aspects of optimising your health. When in the hands of a person committed to better health, supported by an experienced healthcare team, insulin pump therapy can make managing diabetes easier and far more flexible than ever before.

Battery life depends on Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump use, including daily insulin requirements, frequency of delivery and backlight usage.

For example

If used in a typical usage pattern of 50 Units / day using U100 insulin and normal operating temperature (23 °C ±2 °C [73 °F ±4 °F]) the battery life is approximately:

• Alkaline: 70 days for Bluetooth^® off; or 30 days for Bluetooth^® on
• Lithium: 200 days for Bluetooth^® off; or 80 days for Bluetooth^® on

NiMH: 100 days for Bluetooth^® off; or 40 days for Bluetooth^® on

While you may feel a small pinch when inserting the set, many people find infusion set insertion more comfortable than giving injections. Once the set is under the skin, it is so comfortable that many people forget they're wearing it.

We recommend the use of Lithium batteries where possible. The Accu-Chek Performa Combo meter uses 3 AAA (1.5V) alkaline batteries.

There are several ways to find other insulin pump users. Ask your healthcare team about pump groups or pumpers you can talk to about their experiences. The Internet is also a valuable resource for contacting pump users.  

To help protect the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump, the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo adapter and battery cover should be replaced every 2 months.

There are three things that determine how long it takes:

1. How well you understand diabetes care
2. How well you understand insulin pump therapy
3. How well you operate the pump

Understanding diabetes care involves the basic principles of nutrition, activity and medicine. If you're experienced in diabetes care, you probably already know these principles. If you're new to diabetes, you can attend an education program in your community—ask a healthcare provider for information on local sessions.

Understanding insulin pump therapy involves a training session with a diabetes educator and a personalised therapy plan.

Learning to operate the pump takes training and practice. We offer comprehensive training, insulin pump manuals, as well as other materials written for insulin pump users.

Absolutely. You can easily pair a new replacement Accu-Chek Performa Combo meter with your pump. Simply call the Accu-Chek Pump Hotline on 1800 633 457

Insulin pumps have been available for decades. Today's insulin pumps, however, are much more advanced than early models. Modern pumps use the latest microprocessor technology to regulate insulin delivery and provide safety checks. For example, the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump performs over 9 million safety checks each day.

The Accu-Chek Combo system consists of the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump and the Accu-Chek Performa Combo meter to provide blood glucose monitoring, bolus advice, remote control of the pump and extensive data management capabilities. It's discreet, customisable to your own needs and designed to be easy to use.

The Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump can withstand brief accidental water contact such as rain, water splashes or accidental immersion (IPX8). Before taking a bath or going into a whirlpool, shower or swimming pool, you should disconnect and remove your pump. Your Accu-Chek Performa Combo meter is not waterproof and must be kept dry at all times.