I have diabetes and am wondering about using a pump. I am currently taking three injections a day – would a pump be better for me?
In order to use the pump there are a few general guidelines – the person must have already achieved good diabetes control but be experiencing an unacceptable number of low blood sugars, must be motivated and be prepared to actively engage with the diabetes team education and have a history of regular clinic attendances and frequent blood monitoring. The pump is not a method of controlling your blood sugars, it is only a different way of giving insulin.
In Ireland, the pump is available free of charge to committed people with the support of their diabetes team as education in proper use of the pump is the critical element of good pumping.
There are many new insulins on the market which make the question of using the pump debatable. These issues must be discussed in collaboration with your diabetes team. The pump may offer greater flexibility but only after much education and adaptation by the person using it.
