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Insulin Pump Therapy

Insulin Pump Therapy

2. About insulin pumps

In this section, you will learn:

what an insulin pump is
what the parts look like
what the differences are between pumps with and without tubing
where to carry an insulin pump on your body
what you need to do on insulin pump therapy
what insulin pumps don’t do

An insulin pump is a small battery-powered device. It’s a way to get insulin instead of giving yourself many injections a day (also called multiple daily injection therapy or MDI). An insulin pump:

uses only rapid-acting insulin
is attached to your body 24 hours a day 7 days a week, with few exceptions
stores insulin in a container, such as a reservoir, cartridge, or pod
gives insulin through a small flexible tube (cannula) that goes under your skin
gives basal insulin — background insulin to keep your blood glucose levels stable — 24 hours a day at a rate that you program
gives bolus insulin — insulin you take at meals or to correct blood glucose — when you push buttons

Current as of: June 24, 2021

Author: Diabetes, Obesity, and Nutrition Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services

how to use this learning module

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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