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The Curious Bag
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Insulin pumps are devices designed to deliver precise amounts of insulin to individuals with diabetes. Users of insulin pumps experience several benefits not available to users of traditional insulin injections.
The Facts
According to the Mayo Clinic, insulin pumps are small devices worn outside the body that automatically deliver specific, predetermined amounts of insulin through a catheter inserted into the abdomen.
Insulin Pump Advantages
The American Diabetes Association cites several advantages of insulin pumps for diabetes patients. These include limiting swings in blood sugar levels, improvement of long-term blood sugar test (A1C) results and overall easier disease management.
Addressing Patient Needs
An individual with diabetes may need an insulin pump to provide more accurate insulin dosages than conventional injections can provide.
Addressing Additional Needs
An individual with diabetes may also need an insulin pump to provide a general improvement in quality of life, eliminate unpredictable reactions to certain long-acting forms of insulin and decrease dangerous episodes of low blood sugar.
Considerations
Switching to an insulin pump may cause significant routine changes to diabetes patients. Despite the potential benefits, these individuals should consult their doctors before beginning insulin pump use.
Source:
The Mayo Clinic: Diabetes: Treatments and Drugs
American Diabetes Association: Advantages of Using an Insulin Pump
American Diabetes Association: Insulin Pump
More Information:
U.S. Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health: Insulin Pump
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