Insulin pumps deliver insulin to a diabetic via a tubing and cannula. The cannula is attached to the diabetic's skin. Insulin is automatically delivered throughout the day. When the diabetic eats a snack or meal, insulin is delivered manually.

Private Companies

There are several manufacturers of insulin pumps, including Animas, Deltec, Disetronic and Minimed. Insulin pumps can be ordered through any of these companies. Many will work with your insurance company and doctor to facilitate paperwork.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies, including Medicare, will pick up the cost of most insulin pumps if a letter from your physician states an insulin pump is medically necessary. Your insurance company may have a preferred brand of insulin pump. If you want a specific insulin pump, you should speak to the manufacturer directly to arrange for payment from your insurance company.

Mail Order Companies

Mail order companies, including American Diabetes Wholesale and Liberty Medical Supply will provide insulin pumps and insulin pump supplies. Depending on the type of health insurance coverage you have, your insurance company may prefer if you order your insulin pump through their affiliated mail order pharmacy.

Physicians

Your doctor may provide you with an insulin pump. This will generally be the case if you have used an insulin pump in the past but want to try a different model or manufacturer. If you like the pump, your doctor will have you order it through the pump manufacturer.

Insulin Pump Trainers

Insulin pump trainers provide insulin pumps to patients who are first starting out on insulin pump therapy. After attending a brief training, which is usually a one-on-one exercise, the diabetic will have access to the trainer for an indefinite amount of time in the event questions about the pump arise.

Source:

Diabetes Network: Comparison of Current Pumps