A wearable insulin pump represents a modern approach to managing diabetes, offering an alternative to traditional insulin injections. These devices are designed to deliver insulin continuously throughout the day, mimicking the body’s natural insulin release. This method aims to provide consistent insulin levels, supporting better glucose control for individuals with diabetes.
What is a Wearable Insulin Pump?
A wearable insulin pump is a compact medical device that adheres directly to the skin, eliminating the need for tubing. This patch-like design makes it discreet and less cumbersome for daily wear.
The device consists of a plastic housing containing an insulin reservoir, a motor-driven system for insulin delivery, and a computer to control dosing. A small, flexible plastic tube, called a cannula, inserts under the skin to deliver insulin. An adhesive patch secures the unit to the body, on sites such as the abdomen, upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.
How Wearable Pumps Function
Wearable insulin pumps operate by delivering insulin in two primary ways: a continuous basal rate and on-demand bolus doses. The basal rate provides a small, steady flow of insulin throughout the day and night, mimicking the background insulin produced by a healthy pancreas. This continuous delivery helps maintain stable blood glucose levels between meals and overnight.
Users can administer additional insulin, known as bolus doses, to cover carbohydrates consumed with meals or to correct high blood sugar levels. These bolus doses are initiated through a separate handheld controller or a compatible smartphone application that communicates wirelessly with the pump. The pump’s computer calculates the appropriate bolus amount based on user input regarding carbohydrate intake and current blood glucose readings. Some systems can also integrate with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, allowing the pump to receive real-time glucose data and automatically adjust insulin delivery to help maintain target blood sugar levels.
Integrating Wearable Pumps into Daily Life
The design of wearable insulin pumps offers convenience and discretion for daily living. Their tubeless, patch-like form factor means they can be worn under clothing without visible connections, allowing for greater freedom of movement during activities like exercise or sleep. This continuous, automated delivery can lead to more stable glucose levels, potentially reducing the frequency of high or low blood sugar events.
Despite their convenience, practical considerations include the need to rotate the insertion site every two to three days to prevent skin irritation or ensure proper insulin absorption. Users also need to monitor alerts for low battery or insulin levels. Some pumps also provide alarms if glucose levels are outside a target range when integrated with a CGM, enabling timely adjustments to insulin delivery.