With diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels under control is essential. One way to do this is by using an insulin pump. An insulin pump is a device that delivers insulin directly into your body through a tiny tube inserted under the skin.
Knowing how to use an insulin pump will help you regulate your blood sugar levels.
Using an Insulin Pump
These are small, computerized devices that deliver insulin 24 hours a day through a small flexible tube (catheter) inserted just under the skin. They are worn outside the body and can be easily hidden under clothing. In addition, you can program an insulin pump to deliver different types of insulin at different times of the day.
Most people who use insulin devices prefer to use rapid-acting insulin analogs because these pumps more closely mimic how the body releases insulin. However, rapid-acting insulin pumps also have a shorter duration of action than other types of insulin.
Using an insulin pump can provide a more continuous insulin delivery than multiple daily injections. Insulin devices can also be programmed to deliver higher insulin doses during mealtimes to control post-meal blood sugar spikes better. In addition, many people find that wearing an insulin pump frees them from scheduling their lives around shots, making it easier to travel.
Adjusting Basal Rates on Your Insulin Pump
If you have an insulin pump, you know that keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range requires careful management. One way to fine-tune your insulin delivery is to adjust your basal rate, the background insulin drip that keeps your blood sugar levels steady between meals and overnight.
If your blood sugar levels are consistently high or low, your doctor may recommend changing your basal rate. For instance, if you tend to have high blood sugar levels in the morning, you might need a higher basal rate at night. On the other hand, if you often have low blood sugar levels, you might need a higher basal rate in the morning.
Adjusting your basal rate can be a helpful way to keep your blood sugar levels on an even keel. However, it’s essential to work with your doctor to make sure that you’re making the right changes for your individual needs.
Using the Bolus Wizard on Your Insulin Pump
The bolus wizard is a feature on insulin devices that helps manage your diabetes. By inputting information about your blood sugar levels and insulin doses, the bolus wizard calculates the amount of insulin you need to take.
You can then use this information to inject insulin more accurately. This can help you avoid high or low blood sugar episodes. In addition, the bolus wizard can also help you calculate how much insulin you need for meals or snacks. This can be especially helpful if you are eating out or away from home.
Experience Convenience and Peace of Mind
Using a high-quality insulin pump can free you from the constant need for injections. For example, Tandem Diabetes offers insulin pumps to help people with diabetes better control their insulin levels.
