Insulin Pumps

Managing diabetes with an insulin pump, rather than multiple daily injections, is a major decision that cannot be taken without expert advice from your health professionals.

This brief overview does not pretend to offer advice whether a pump would suit you, or which pump would be right for you.

It provides a brief description of what a pump is and suggests some things to discuss with your healthcare professional.

There are two funded pumps in New Zealand for those who fulfil the criteria set by Te Pātaka Whaioranga PHARMAC (The Pharmaceutical Management Agency). It is best to discuss with your healthcare professional whether in fact you do qualify for a funded pump. See Special Authority form

An insulin pump is a small electronic device, weighing about 100 grams and is smaller but a little thicker than an iPod! It is either powered by a battery or recharged via a cable.

The pump can help you mimic the way a healthy pancreas functions, replacing the need for frequent injections. The pump delivers precise 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:

Basal: Small amounts of insulin released continuously throughout the day to mimic the background insulin production of the pancreas.

Bolus: Additional insulin can be delivered “on demand” to match the food you are going to eat or to correct high blood sugar.

The pump is connected to the body via an infusion set, which includes a thin cannula that goes from the reservoir to the infusion site on your body. The cannula is inserted into the site- similar to where you would give insulin injections. The infusion set is changed every 3 days.

A plastic cartridge that holds the insulin and is locked into the insulin pump. A reservoir can hold up to 300 units of insulin and is also changed every 3 days.

You can further improve control by using some additional components like Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). A transmitter and sensor wirelessly transmit your glucose readings to your pump, giving you early warnings of highs and lows. Each funded pump has their own CGM.

The Tandem t:slim X2TM is water resistant (IPX 7) and the Medtronic MiniMed® 770G is waterproof (IPX8).

For further information:

Tandem t:slim X2TM Read more here

Medtronic MiniMed® 770G Read more here