Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States, and that may be underreported. Approximately over 34 million people in the United States are living with Diabetes. This makes it all-important to manage and treat Diabetes as earliest as possible.
One of the major ways to treat Diabetes is by the use of Insulin Pumps. Insulin pumps are very useful when it comes to keeping the blood sugar of diabetes patients in check because they lead to fewer complications among Diabetes patients. In addition to helping out a person with Diabetes control their condition, this form of technology may also help you save some money. Certain life insurance companies will view an applicant who uses an Insulin Pump more favorably, and they may qualify for discounted premiums. Life insurance for type 1 diabetes will always be more expensive so these discounts do add up over time
Shopping for an Insulin Pump can be very intimidating for any diabetes patient, whether newly diagnosed or even one who has used an Insulin Pump before. The following are some of the important things to consider before purchasing an Insulin Pump:
What is meant by bolus?
One of the most frequently used terms among Insulin Pump users is bolus. So what does it mean to bolus? A bolus refers to a single dose of insulin administered to a diabetes patient through an Insulin Pump or a shot to control a rise in blood sugar. It is mostly administered during meals.
The size of a bolus administered varies according to the age of the Diabetes patient. Children will require a smaller bolus of about 0.05 and below as compared to teenagers and adults.
Can the bolus delivery be changed?
A large-sized bolus or a speedy intake might be uncomfortable for many. So is there an alternative to this? The answer is yes. Various types of Insulin Pumps can deliver bolus doses at a slower rate and more manageable for a patient.
During your “happy meal,” you want to be as comfortable as you can be and not stuffed with a bolus dosage! It’s also important to understand that a Diabetes condition may vary from one patient to another, making what applies to one patient not suitable for another.
A patient should take a bolus dosage they’re the most comfortable with.
Do you have to be tied to your Insulin Pump around the clock?
Being tied to an Insulin Pump 24/7 is a patient’s choice. If you’re okay with being attached to the insulin pump all day and night, get a tubed one. But if you’re bothered by the idea of being tied to your Insulin Pump every time, a Patch Insulin Pump and PDM are more suitable for you.
What is meant by a basal rate?
Another term you might have heard in use among Diabetes patients or medical personnel is the basal rate. A basal rate refers to the rate at which an Insulin Pump fills small doses of “background” doses of short-acting insulin.
Within a day, the basal flow of insulin makes up for over 50% of a patient’s daily insulin required.
An insulin pump will ensure that you set the basal rates you’ll require on that day. These basal rates can be affected by factors such as the patient’s age and the Insulin Pump’s sensitivity.
How do you determine the basal insulin you need?
The simplest way to calculate the basal insulin you need across the day is to get the total of all the basal insulin you use in a day and then divide the number by 24. The result will give you the amount of insulin you need your Insulin Pump to deliver each hour.
For example, if a patient uses up to 24 units of insulin in a day, they will require basal rates of 1 unit every hour. A doctor sets a patient’s basal rate, and they vary from time to time. Basal rates are likely to be higher in the morning as compared to other times throughout the day.
How much insulin can your cartridge hold?
Different Insulin Pumps have different cartridge sizes, which determine after how long you’ll need to refill them. The YpsoPump can hold up to 160 units of insulin in its cartridge. The Tandem and the Medtronic 670G hold at least 300 units of insulin.
A larger insulin container is necessary for the patients who use more amounts of insulin.
What are the payment options for your Insulin Pump?
Insulin Pumps can be paid for either in cash or by an insurance cover. If you don’t have cover, it’s advisable you talk through the payment options with your representative.
An Insulin Pump is something you’ll be carrying around for a long time; it needs to be the one that fits your lifestyle.
Summing up
Before purchasing an Insulin Pump, it’s better to go through the insulin pump for sale options to find the most suitable for your needs.
