Have You Been Thinking About An Insulin Pump?

Is your blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride every single day? Do you feel unsure about what to do or how to bring your blood glucose levels down? Are you scared to go out and do things with friends or family because of the fear that diabetes brings you on a daily basis? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it is time to think about using an insulin pump to control your blood glucose levels. 

I have been wearing an insulin pump for many years and am here to weigh in on why I feel it is a good option for type 1 diabetics. To some, this option may seem to be overly extreme or a last resort to an unsolvable problem. However, it shouldn’t be viewed this way. I am here to clear the air and answer a few questions about some of the common fears and concerns that scare people away from using an insulin pump.

Question: What makes an insulin pump a great option?

¬ An insulin pump can provide you with the convenience of being able to adjust yourself with insulin wherever you go and without the hassle of having to carry needles, a vial of insulin, etc. Instead, you can simply give yourself the exact amount of insulin you need at any moment.

Question: Is wearing an insulin pump uncomfortable?

¬ No, actually once you get in a routine of where you like to put your pump on your body, you hardly even know it is there. Plus, when you wear a pump you do not have to give yourself shots all the time, which are never comfortable.

Question: What are the benefits of an insulin pump?

¬ Fist of all, it gives you peace of mind that the insulin pump is on you at all times, along with a sense of independence and confidence about your diabetes control. This freedom allows you to not worry about your blood glucose levels or insulin when you go out with friends and family.

¬ By having an insulin pump you are able to set your hourly insulin rate (basal rates) to fit your individual needs, giving you a far greater ability to regulate blood glucose levels as a regular pancreas would.

¬ An insulin pump allows you to conveniently store basal rates and lets you track when you give yourself insulin making it easier to track your daily usage. Also, this information can be downloaded and given to your doctor in a hard copy format giving them an even better overall view of how you are doing.

Choosing to use an insulin pump is a major decision that needs to be discussed with your doctor, family, and yourself. It is not a decision that should be made on a whim because it impacts your health every single day. Hopefully, what I have shared has given you some things to think about. I wish everyone the best of luck with their type 1 diabetes.

Happy pumping!