Delivers insulin and communicates with the other system components to calculate insulin adjustments.
What is insulin pump therapy?
An insulin pump is a small device that can help you manage your diabetes. It delivers continuous and customized doses of rapid-acting insulin 24 hours a day to match your body’s needs. The pump provides insulin to your body in two ways:
Background (basal) insulin
Small amounts of insulin that are released continuously throughout the day.
Mealtime (bolus) insulin
Additional insulin can be delivered on demand to match food intake or to correct high blood sugar.
Components of an insulin pump system
Insulin pump
Insulin pump
Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
Measures sugar levels every 5 minutes, sending data to the pump automatically.
Infusion set
Infusion set
Allows for continuous and discreet delivery of insulin through a thin, flexible tube.
Smart device integration
Smart device integration
Smartphone app - Some insulin pumps are able to share data with a smartphone, allowing the person wearing the pump to see glucose readings and insulin delivery without pulling out their pump.
Apple® Watch - Some insulin pumps are integrated with smart devices to allow for more accessible and discreet views of your pump system data.
How does an insulin pump work?
A pump delivers insulin to the body through a thin, flexible tube called an infusion set.
What are the benefits of insulin pump therapy?
People can experience many positive changes in their life when switching to pump therapy.
Fewer injections
With an insulin pump, you’ll only need to insert an infusion set every few days, and MiniMed offers an even newer set with up to 7-day wear. When using multiple daily injections, people often take shots several times a day.
More convenience
An insulin pump holds up to 300 mL of insulin, so you don’t have to worry about carrying around all of the supplies needed for injections.
Insulin can be easily and discreetly delivered with a few button pushes.
Customization
Pumps can be programmed to deliver basal insulin at different rates throughout the day.
Change your mealtime insulin based on the food you choose to eat.
Mealtime dosing
The bolus calculator eliminates complex math and tracks active insulin. Tracking active insulin can help avoid stacking and going low.
More stable blood sugar
May help you achieve better glucose control with fewer highs and lows.§
Accurate insulin delivery
Insulin pump delivers rapid-acting insulin which minimizes insulin variability.1,2
Delivers basal and bolus insulin to more closely match each individual’s insulin needs.
Who can wear an insulin pump?
Ask your healthcare professional about insulin pump therapy if you:
- Take 3 or more insulin injections per day
- Take other medications in addition to insulin to manage your diabetes
- Would like better management of your diabetes
Frequently asked questions
Will an insulin pump interfere with my daily activities?
Will an insulin pump interfere with my daily activities?
Insulin pumps can be easily worn on or under your clothes very securely. The pump can also be detached for activities like swimming, showering, and exercise so you can continue to live your life.*
An insulin pump can be expensive. What happens if I break it?
An insulin pump can be expensive. What happens if I break it?
Many insulin pumps are warranty-protected for a period of time. MiniMed insulin pumps have a standard warranty of 4 years to help ensure customers have peace of mind.
Is an insulin pump inconvenient and difficult to use?
Is an insulin pump inconvenient and difficult to use?
Many people find that an insulin pump is a convenient way to manage diabetes. For those who struggle using technology, product training and technical support can help ensure that wearing the insulin pump is not difficult.
Is the insulin pump surgically implanted?
Is the insulin pump surgically implanted?
An insulin pump is a small device worn externally that delivers customizable insulin doses. No surgery or hospital time required.
Will everyone immediately know I have diabetes?
Will everyone immediately know I have diabetes?
Insulin pumps are small devices, so wearing a pump can be very discreet if desired. You can even completely hide your insulin pump by wearing it underneath your clothes.
How do I sleep with an insulin pump?
How do I sleep with an insulin pump?
There are many ways to sleep with an insulin pump. You can sleep with the pump clipped to your pajama waist band or undergarment. You can also sleep with a body pillow on the side and put your pump under the pillow. There are other creative ways to sleep with your pump and it all depends on what is most comfortable for you.
Will wearing a pump get in the way of intimacy?
Will wearing a pump get in the way of intimacy?
With the ability to disconnect, insulin pumps are designed to adapt to every moment of your life.