According to CDC, 34.2 million Americans live with diabetes. For type 2 diabetes, the body fails to effectively use up insulin, which results in high blood sugar levels.
The insulin pump is one of the most useful tools for anyone living with diabetes. It releases small insulin doses throughout the day and an extra amount during mealtimes to manage blood sugar levels. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your tool.
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Check Your Blood Sugar Often
Self-testing your blood sugar will help you better manage your situation. Test your blood sugar before each meal and input the values in the insulin pump Bolus Wizard TM Calculator. It will help you determine the amount of insulin required.
For better results, check your blood glucose when you wake up, before meals, two hours after your meals, at bedtime, and after three to four hours during sleep. This way, you will understand what events, foods, or activities trigger high or low sugar levels in your blood to make the necessary adjustments.
Disconnect Your Pump During Sports
Although you need to keep the pump attached most times, you can disconnect it during sports. Still, remember to test your blood sugar level before, during, and after the sports activities to see what works best for you. You can even take a bolus with a few snacks before disconnecting the pump for a more extended period. It will help cover the basal rate you will miss while disconnected.
Note that people react differently to treatments, so it would be best to talk to your doctor before disconnecting. Some people are strong enough and can even wait for an hour before taking a bolus.
Remember to check the glucose level before disconnecting and never attempt to go for more than one to two hours without insulin. Again, most pumps aren’t waterproof, and you might therefore need to disconnect them while swimming or doing other water activities. If you plan to be in the pool for the entire day, you can place it in a waterproof case but talk to your doctor first and inquire about swimming with your pump. If you disconnect it, come out of the pool regularly, and connect it to replenish your insulin levels.
Change Your Infusion Site
The infusion site is the part on your body where you insert the pump cannula that delivers insulin into your body. It’s essential that you change the site every two to three days or as often as your doctor dictates. Set the new infusion site at least 2.5 centimeters away from the previous one. Site rotation helps ensure maximum absorption of insulin over the years.
Again, your healthcare professional will help you choose the right infusion sites, be it around the hips, belly, or thigh areas. Also, note that scar makes it hard for the pump to get insulin into your body appropriately, and you should thus place it about 2.5 centimeters away from your belly button or any other scar. Avoid wearing the infusion set below your waistband or a tight seam that might rub against it and loosen the tape.
Set Reminder Alarms for Bolus Doses
It’s easy to over or underestimate carbohydrates intake. Hence, the bolus dose helps keep glucose levels at control following a meal. Still, some people can unintentionally forget to take their bolus doses. As a result, they begin to have periods of too high glucose levels. To avoid this, set a reminder alarm on the pump.
Use a Mild Detergent to Clean Your Pump
It’s also necessary that you clean your pump from time to time. First, wash your hands before starting the procedure. Next, get a mild detergent like dish soap, mix it with some clean water, and then use a cloth to wipe your pump.
Avoid using household agents but instead, opt for alcohol wipes for disinfection or a clean and dry cotton tip to eliminate any battery residue. Note that there isn’t a specific time for cleaning your pump, but you should ensure it’s in good shape.
Conclusion
An insulin infusion pump is a lifeline for anyone living with diabetes that helps keep records of your carbohydrate intake, blood glucose level, and change in insulin dose. Hopefully, the above tips will help you use the pump better.
