Insulin Pumps
WHAT IS AN INSULIN PUMP?
It is a small electronic device (worn externally) that continuously delivers rapid-acting insulin subcutaneously (just under the skin). Insulin pumps contain a 3ml cartridge/syringe attached to a thin, long (60-100cm) tube with a needle or Teflon catheter on the end. The needle/catheter is inserted into the subcutaneous tissue usually in the abdomen and changed every 3 days. The pump is about the size of a pager and is designed to closely mimic the functioning of a normal pancreas. It is worn in a pocket or on a belt.
WHY USE AN INSULIN PUMP?
A key benefit of an insulin pump is that it can help people with diabetes gain tighter control of blood glucose levels without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia. This can provide both short and long term health benefits as well as a more flexible lifestyle.
An insulin pump costs approximately $8000.
The average life of a pump is seven to eight years, over this period the cost of the treatment (insulin pump consumables) is approximately $3500 per patient per year, a small price to pay for a quality of life close to “normal”, with less risk of diabetes related complications, reduced depression and anxiety, and less time off work due to diabetes related events.
Intensive diabetes management using insulin pump therapy can prevent or delay the occurrence of diabetes related complications, offering a more flexible lifestyle, and therefore a better quality of life. It can allow stabilisation of existing diabetes related complications by attaining improved glycaemic control, and allows the individual to participate in social activities which people without diabetes take for granted
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