Advantages of Using an Insulin Pump
Diabetes affects the way that a person’s body is able to process sugar available in the bloodstream. This happens because the body is not able to produce enough insulin, which is the hormone responsible for converting glucose in the blood into energy. Many people with diabetes have to supplement their insulin levels in order to manage their condition, which typically means either injecting insulin several times per day or wearing an insulin pump throughout the day and night that continuously provides their body with the insulin they need. Insulin pumps have many advantages over injections, such as improving quality of life and helping to prevent dangerous hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic episodes.
If a person with diabetes ingests too much glucose (sugar), leaving them with too much glucose in their bloodstream, then they are at risk of having a hyperglycemic episode. Hyperglycemic episodes can have serious, and sometimes permanent, effects of the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. In emergency cases, they can even lead to a diabetic coma. Hyperglycemic episodes are less common in people who manage their diabetes with an insulin pump because they tend to have a continuous and standard rate of insulin dispersal, but their blood sugar levels depend on how much they ingest.
For those with diabetes who require insulin therapy in order to manage their blood glucose levels, an insulin pump with smartphone styling is a discreet and convenient option that can give them an increased peace of mind and flexibility to live their lives on their own terms.
Health and Hobbies
Those who choose to use an insulin pump as part of their diabetes management plan often see an improved blood glucose management score after just a few weeks of use. Insulin pumps can deliver more precise and accurate insulin doses than those measured by hand and often result in fewer dramatic swings in blood glucose levels over time.
The piece of mind you gain from knowing that your diabetes is being well-managed can give you the confidence to focus on other aspects of your health, or any hobbies you have. For example, if you use an insulin pump, you won’t have to consume mass amounts of carbohydrates in order to compensate for your exercise.
Work and School
The truth is that most Americans spend the majority of their lives at work. Depending on a person’s chosen career, work can be loaded with stress, deadlines, and commitments. If you have diabetes, then you may find it difficult to keep up with testing and injecting your insulin on a regular basis (like you would at home). An insulin pump, especially one with continuous glucose monitoring, gives you the freedom to focus on your career and your work during work hours. You can even head to the office happy hour without worrying about having enough insulin or rushing home to test.
Friendships, Family, and Relationships
When you aren’t at work, enjoy your time with family, friends, and significant others by giving them 100% of your attention. With an insulin pump, you won’t need to carry around your insulin injection supplies, ensure you have proper storage for your insulin, or worry about sneaking away to inject after meals. An insulin pump has the ability to program basal (regular) doses and bolus (one-time after-meal) doses ahead of time, or manage them in the moment with the touch of a button.
The best part is that an insulin pump can be discreet enough so that no one knows you’re wearing one. You can limit who knows about your diabetes to only those you trust so that you can be yourself-- regardless of your medical condition.
Speak to Your Diabetes Care Team
If you think that an insulin pump would fit into your lifestyle, speak to your doctor or diabetes care team. They will be able to explain the different kinds of insulin pumps, the features available, which kind of pump is right for you, and even how to use it.
