Home
- Just Don't Do Nothing
You can view the current or previous issues of Diabetes Health online, in their entirety, anytime you want.
Click Here To View
See if you qualify for our free healthcare professional magazines. Click here to start your application for Pre-Diabetes Health, Diabetes Health Pharmacist and Diabetes Health Professional.
Latest Insulin Articles
Popular Insulin Articles
Highly Recommended Insulin Articles
‘Pump Bumps’ and Other Strange Events
Some odd occurrences in the day-to-day management of an insulin pump
A few pump users have noted some odd occurrences in the day-to-day management of their insulin pump. Skin problems are a real concern and, sometimes, a puzzle to solve.
Skin Problems
Marge notes several red, raised dots at previous insertion sites. Are they the result of an infection or allergy, or just a sign of irritation or a rash?
Inserting a set through skin still wet from alcohol or skin barrier solution can lead to red spots at the site. Be sure to wait until the alcohol is dry or the skin prep solution is “tacky.”
Could you be sensitive to the skin prep solution? Try a different product.
Mechanical irritation or movement of the cannula or needle at the site can also cause a local skin reaction. Secure the set to prevent movement of the cannula. Use a transparent dressing on the skin, insert the infusion set through the dressing and secure the infusion set to the first layer. This “sandwich method” helps prevent “pump bumps” for some people.
Metal sensitivity or sensitivity to the flexible cannula is another possible cause of irritation. If you experience local irritation, try an alternative set or an alternative brand.
Early Sign of Infection
Infection is always a possibility. Re-evaluate your skin prepping techniques and follow the recommended guidelines. If you know your prep technique is not the problem, maybe you need to change your sets more frequently. Ask your physician if applying an antibiotic ointment after site removal could prevent the red spots or help heal them.
Observe the site for the next few days. If the red area becomes larger, more painful and hard to the touch, you might have a developing abscess. Seek medical attention.
Adhesive Allergies
Reactions to site base adhesive usually produce inflammation and itching under the adhesive itself. Using a hypoallergenic tape barrier such as Hypafix or MVP tape (Smith and Nephew) or Tegaderm HP (3M) transparent dressing may be a solution. Products are available at pharmacies, medical supply houses or from the pump manufacturer’s supply order department.
Device Problems
Pump alarm vs. cell phone: Bob checks a beeping alarm on his pump only to discover the beep came from his cell phone, which he wears on his belt next to the pump. Solution? Wear the pump on the opposite side from the cell phone or at least six inches away from the phone.
Garage-door opener: Jane pulls into the driveway, grabs her pump, aims it at the garage door and presses a button. The garage door is not rising. Looking at the gadget in her hand, Jane discovers her error. She usually removes her pump from the waistband when driving and places it in her lap. Solution? Keep your remote openers, cell phones and other gadgets in more secure locations.
Editor’s note: This will be Barbara Bradley’s last Up and Pumping column. The staff of Diabetes Health would like to thank Barbara for years of sharing her expertise on this topic. We are a better magazine because of her. Thank you, Barbara.
Categories: Diabetes, Diabetes, Insulin, Insulin Pumps
You May Also Be Interested In...
Click Here To View Or Post Comments
Dec 1, 2006
-
Diabetes Health
Diabetes Health is the essential resource for people living with diabetes- both newly diagnosed and experienced as well as the professionals who care for them. We provide balanced expert news and information on living healthfully with diabetes. Each issue includes cutting-edge editorial coverage of new products, research, treatment options, and meaningful lifestyle issues.
-
Topics
- Diabetic / Diabetes Health
- Type 1 / 1.5 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Blood Glucose / Sugar
- High/Low Blood Sugar / Fast Acting Glucose
- Insulin- Pumps, Pens & Syringes
- Continuous Glucose Monitors, CGM, Infusion Sets
- Type 2 Medications
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia
Email to a Friend
Send a link to this page to your friends and colleagues.