If you talk to anyone using insulin pump therapy, most will tell you that switching to a pump has changed their life for the better. Not only do they have improved blood glucose levels, but also more freedom and flexibility in their lifestyle. Based on supportive evidence, here are the top reasons researchers say why insulin pump therapy may be beneficial to diabetes management:
Less extremes in blood glucose levels and improved A1C
Research has demonstrated that insulin pump therapy is a valuable option for people with type 1 diabetes who have difficulty managing their diabetes on multiple daily injections (MDI). Studies confirm an improvement in A1C when compared to MDI, as well as fewer blood glucose fluctuations. In addition, fewer severe hypoglycemic (low blood glucose) events have also been reported on insulin pump therapy (1) (2).
Improved insulin dosing
Have you ever tried giving yourself a ¼ of a unit of insulin using a syringe? Technology has not only made pumps look more attractive and easy to use, but has also improved the precision and consistency of insulin dosing. This has allowed for delivery of very small but accurate insulin dosing. It is also easier to keep your blood glucose within range because correcting a high blood glucose level simply requires programming the pump – you don’t have to pull out an insulin pen or syringe (3).
Another benefit is that insulin “stacking” is less of an issue when pumping insulin due to “smart” features that calculate insulin dose and remembers how much insulin is still active from previous boluses (1).
Live better Perception is reality. If you feel better, you will live better. A review of 23 randomized studies demonstrated that insulin pump users had greater improvements in quality of life, suggesting that insulin pumps were preferred over MDI (1).
More flexibility in lifestyle
Insulin pumps can
be programmed to increase or decrease basal insulin delivery throughout the day
to better match your body’s metabolic needs (2). For example, if you need more
insulin during the early morning, your pump can be programmed to increase the
amount of insulin delivered at that time. The Temp Rate feature allows you to
fine-tune your insulin delivery for special times like workouts, traveling, or
a day at the amusement park. Additionally, you don’t have to eat at the same
time every day, or the same amount of food at each meal; and you can extend
insulin delivery for special meals, eating out, or banquets. Your diabetes
management should be as flexible as your lifestyle.
You manage your diabetes – don’t let it manage you. Based on all the reasons above, it makes sense to try insulin pump therapy. You can decide how to manage your diabetes. Diabetes shouldn’t get in the way of your personal or professional goals. Although it takes commitment, the advantages of insulin pump therapy can outweigh the potential disadvantages (3). Let insulin pump therapy provide you the increased freedom you want.
Always consult with your Healthcare Provider before making any changes to your diabetes treatment.
References:
1. Grunberger G, Bailey TS, Cohen AJ, Flood MT, Handelsman Y, Hellman R, Jovanovic L, Moghissi E, Orzeck EA, AACE Insulin Pump Management Task Force. Statement by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Consensus Panel on Insulin Pump Management. Endocrine Practice, Vol 16, No 5, September/October 2010.
2. Pickup J & Keen H. Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion at 25 Years: Evidence base for the expanding use of insulin pump therapy in type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care, Vol 25, No 3, March 2002.
3. Scheiner G, Sobel RJ, Smith DE, Pick A, Kruger D, King J, Green K. Insulin Pump Therapy: Guidelines for Successful Outcomes. American Association of Diabetes Educators 2008 Consensus Summit. September 18, 2008. Chicago, IL.