Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires daily management. People with Type 1 diabetes need to closely monitor their blood sugar levels and take insulin to keep them in a healthy range. There are various ways to deliver insulin into the body, one of which is through insulin pumps. This article will focus on how insulin pumps work and the latest advancements in the field, specifically, the hybrid closed-loop insulin pump.
What are insulin pumps?
Insulin pumps are small, wearable devices that deliver insulin into the body through a catheter. They work by continuously infusing insulin into the body, mimicking the body’s natural insulin secretion.
Unlike traditional insulin injections, insulin pumps allow for more flexibility and better glucose control. They are particularly beneficial for people with Type 1 diabetes who require multiple insulin injections every day to manage their blood sugar levels.
How do insulin pumps work?
Insulin pumps work by delivering insulin through a catheter placed under the skin. The pump delivers a constant, low dose of insulin called the “basal rate.” This basal rate is designed to keep the person’s blood sugar levels stable between meals and sleep.
The pump also allows for additional insulin to be delivered through “bolus” doses, which are calculated based on the person’s blood sugar level and the carbohydrates they consume. For example, suppose a person with Type 1 diabetes is about to eat a meal containing many carbohydrates. In that case, they can use the insulin pump to deliver a bolus dose of insulin to help keep their blood sugar levels in check after the meal.
Advancements in insulin pump technology:
Hybrid closed loop insulin pump The latest advancement in insulin pump technology is the hybrid closed-loop insulin pump, also known as an “artificial pancreas.” This type of insulin pump uses continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on the person’s glucose levels. It can also alert the person if their glucose level is too high or low.
The hybrid closed-loop insulin pump takes glucose readings every 5 minutes and adjusts insulin delivery accordingly, reducing the need for manual insulin boluses. This allows for improved glucose control and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Tandem Diabetes experts say, “An advanced type of hybrid closed-loop system uses a predictive algorithm along with user control.”
Benefits of using insulin pumps
- Improved glucose control: Insulin pumps allow for more precise insulin delivery, leading to improved glucose control.
- More flexibility: Insulin pumps allow for a more flexible lifestyle, as they can be worn during physical activity and do not require frequent insulin injections.
- Reduced risk of hypoglycemia: The hybrid closed-loop insulin pump reduces the risk of hypoglycemia by automatically adjusting insulin delivery based on the person’s glucose levels.
Insulin pumps have revolutionized the way people with Type 1 diabetes manage their condition. The hybrid closed-loop insulin pump represents the latest advancement in insulin pump technology, offering improved glucose control and a more flexible lifestyle. So if you have Type 1 diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about whether an insulin pump is right for you.
