What does an insulin pump look like?

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Insulin pumps, the insulin delivery method of choice for many diabetics, have come a long way from their former shape and size. Pumps initially the size of large backpacks, are now easily concealed in or clipped to clothing or attached directly to the skin. They are lightweight and offer various designs to meet the needs of consumers.

Standard Insulin Pumps

Most common on the market today are insulin pumps in beeper-size shapes. At first glance, they may easily be mistaken for a cell phone. These pumps carry a cartridge for insulin, and have a connector at the end for attaching infusion set tubing. Standard weight of these pumps is 1.9 to 3.9 ounces. Sizes range up to 51x91x20 mm.

Visual Appeal

Makers of these standard pumps have found a way to appeal to our fashion sense.
Some screen displays now offer full color instead of grey on grey. Many pump manufacturers also offer color choice, as pumps now come in an array of colors from pink to blue, metallic to black. Stickers or 'skins' can also be added to some pumps, making them especially appealing to children.

Pod Pumps

Pod-shaped insulin pumps are the newest offering on the market. Insulet's OmniPod offers a walnut sized oval shaped pump which measures 1.6 in x 2.4 in x 0.7 in (4.1 cm x 6.2 cm x 1.7 cm). A full pod weighs 1.2 oz. Pods attach directly to the skin. No tubing is used with these pumps, but according to the American Diabetes Association some do not like the bulkiness of the pod. It is by no means low profile.

Patch Pumps

The future of insulin pumps will bring the introduction of patches. These will be disposable, and low profile. Similar to a nicotene patch, they will not require tubes or bulky equipment.

Conclusion

Today's insulin pump user has many choices available in the realm of size, shape and color. This is key when a device is worn 24/7 by children and adults alike. The ultimate goal however, will be to rid the pumper of having to wear a bulky pump or pod. Until newer offerings are available, the pump will not be sight unseen.

Source:

Diabetes Network: Insulin Pump Models

"Diabetes Forecast Magazine": Insulin Pumps

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