Insulin pump

The insulin pump, or insulin infusion pump, as it may also be called, is a small, portable electronic device that releases insulin for 24 hours. Insulin is released and goes through a small tube to a cannula, which is attached to the body of the diabetic individual through a flexible needle, which is inserted into the abdomen, arm or thigh, as the images show.

The insulin infusion pump allows better control of blood sugar levels and diabetes, and can be used for individuals of all ages with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, under the indication and prescription of the endocrinologist.

The doctor programs the insulin pump with the amount of insulin that must be released 24 hours a day. However, the individual needs to monitor their blood sugar levels through the glycometer and adjust the insulin doses according to food intake and daily exercise practice.

At each meal, the individual needs to calculate the amount of carbohydrate that will be ingested and program the insulin infusion pump to release an extra dose of insulin into the body, called a bolus, depending on that value.

The insulin pump needle should be replaced every 2 to 3 days and in the first few days, it is normal for the individual to feel it inserted into the skin. However, with the use of the pump the individual becomes accustomed to it.

The patient is trained on how to use the insulin infusion pump by a nurse or diabetes educator before beginning to use it alone.

Where to buy the insulin pump

The insulin pump should be purchased directly from the manufacturer which may be Medtronic, Roche or Accu-Chek.

Price of insulin pump

The price of the insulin pump varies between 13, 000 to 15, 000 reais and the maintenance between 500 to 1500 reais per month.

The insulin infusion pump and the materials may be free, but the process is difficult because a lawsuit is required with a detailed description of the patient's clinical process and the need for the physician to use the pump and proof that the patient does not has the conditions to acquire and maintain the monthly treatment.