Clinical Advantages of Pump Therapy

Insulin pumps allow for safer reduction in A1C as they reduce risks of hypoglycemia and allow for micro-dosing and more precise corrections in those very sensitive to insulin on small doses

The convenience of blousing and corrections also helps improve compliance in these areas

Because insulin can be more tailored to individual need BG variability is also reduced

Tailored dosing, basal and bolus calculators help reduce severity and frequency of hypoglycemia and automated systems further reduce these risks.

 beyond simply clinical outcomes, insulin pumps reduce the psychosocial burden for many people with diabetes as well as improving quality of life with increased safety, confidence, convenience and flexibility.

As you can see by the graph above, the average basal insulin requirement for an individual varies by age. Overall, teenagers and young adults have the greatest  basal insulin requirement. while young children and older adults require less. During one’s growth years, basal insulin needs tend to be elevated throughout the night, whereas needs peak in the early morning hours once growth years have passed. For most people, the need for basal insulin drops during the middle part of the day.

And that summarizes how the body's needs for basal insulin typically run. But what about the practical aspects of using a pump for basal insulin needs?

Practical Benefits: Pump Basal Aspects

As the graphic below illustrates, all long-acting injected insulin options have a curve of action. Too low a curve of action and large variations in needs can not be met. Too high a curve of action and blood sugar predictability and stability is going to become very difficult.