Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Diabetes: Living With an Insulin Pump
An
insulin pump 
is a tiny computer that is connected to your body 24 hours a day to
give you the
insulin you need. It takes the place of daily insulin
shots. Pumps use rapid-acting insulin. This kind of insulin works very quickly
when it's given. It also stops working very quickly when it is stopped.
The pump sends insulin through a narrow plastic tube that ends in a tiny needle. The needle is inserted into your skin and taped down so that it will stay. The tube and needle are called an infusion set. With most infusion sets, the needle pulls out, leaving a tiny flexible tube called a cannula under your skin instead. You can't even feel that it's there.
The pump gives you a constant trickle, or basal amount, of insulin throughout the day and night to help control your blood sugar. The basal amount is set to keep your blood sugar in the desired range when you are not eating. You tell the pump to give you extra insulin when you need it to cover a meal or to correct high blood sugar.
Test Your Knowledge
An insulin pump is a device that pumps insulin into your syringe so that you can inject it.
TrueAn insulin pump is a device that automatically pumps insulin into your body through a needle under your skin. With an insulin pump, you don't need injections with a syringe.
FalseAn insulin pump is a device that automatically pumps insulin into your body through a needle under your skin. With an insulin pump, you don't need injections with a syringe.
Continue to 
Why should I use an insulin pump?
Return to 
Diabetes: Living with an insulin pump
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS | Last Updated: October 3, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism | |
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
