A life-changing device for diabetics
The insulin pump is a small device – around the size of a deck of cards – which supplies a continuous flow of longer-acting insulin through a cannula underneath the skin. This device comes in two forms, tubed and tubeless. Tubed pumps last for multiple years, with the insulin supply getting replaced every two to three days.
Tubeless pumps are worn once and a new pump is applied every two to three days. They are changed often to stop the insulin supply running out and to prevent infection.
An advantage of the insulin pump is that it allows increased flexibility for people with unpredictable schedules or who require smaller doses of insulin. This means that people with changing work shifts, who don’t necessarily eat and exercise at set times each day can still have set doses of insulin.
A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2011 says that 86% of survey respondents cited that the insulin pump fits in with their lifestyle much better than injections.
It is also more convenient to change an insulin supply or pump every two or three days, than it is to inject, on average, four times a day.
However, there are disadvantages with pumps, as they are not for everyone. It may be difficult for people with eyesight or mobility problems to change their pump, but this issue is also related to insulin injections. Cannulas can also bend, restricting the flow of insulin, and the pump can sometimes become disconnected from the tubing without the user noticing.
The NHS only offers insulin pumps to those who experience frequent episodes of dangerously low or high blood sugar without warning. These are known as “hypos” or “hypers”. This means that many people choose to self-fund an insulin pump, which typically costs £2,000-£3,000. On top of that, the cost of the equipment needed costs just over £1,000 per year. That is not affordable for many diabetics.
Dr Iain MacLeod., who works as a GP at Prestonpans Group Practice in Scotland told me that insulin pumps had been “life-changing for many patients”.
“I think [they] have been an excellent addition to the range of options available for managing diabetes,” he said.
Dr MacLeod also expressed that pumps “allow more flexibility”, but that they ”are a lot more expensive than standard insulin therapy so, in these times of huge financial pressures within the NHS, it is probably not realistic for all diabetic patients to get the more expensive treatment options.
“If the pump is the best option for a patient, then I would gladly recommend it,” he added.
Insulin pumps are becoming more accessible – and even more fashionable – with companies selling accessories and pouches to protect pumps. I think this is making it easier to live with and accept the reality of the device, which is often life-changing.
I believe it is important for diabetics to have access to whatever treatment options they need to not just manage their condition, but thrive.
