A Primer on Insulin Pump Therapy for Health Care Providers

Nurs Clin North Am. 2017 Dec;52(4):553-564. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2017.07.005. Epub 2017 Oct 5.

Abstract

An estimated 1 million people use an insulin pump to manage their diabetes. Few medical professionals understand or feel comfortable caring for people who use an insulin pump. This article will help the medical professional understand the reasons why the insulin pump helps the user to achieve better glycemic control, have more flexibility, and enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, this article discusses the advantages, disadvantages, candidate selection, contraindications, basic functions, and troubleshooting of the insulin pump.

Keywords: Advantages/disadvantages/candidates selection/contraindications; Basal and bolus rate; Insulin pump; Troubleshooting insulin pumps.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Disease Management
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Infusion Pumps, Implantable / statistics & numerical data*
  • Insulin / administration & dosage*
  • Insulin Infusion Systems / statistics & numerical data*
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin