What You Should Know About Insulin Pumps

Choosing a Pump

Whether you decide an insulin pump is the way you prefer to take insulin or you want to update the one you're currently using, ask yourself these questions before buying:

1. How good is your vision? If your sight is impaired, look for an insulin pump with big numbers or vibration and sound components. The Roche Accu-Chek Spirit allows you to reconfigure the screen when you wear the pump upside down.

2. Are you tech savvy? If you like advanced computer features, you might research pumps that work in combination with an optional continuous glucose monitor (CGM). To date the Medtronic pump is the only one with an internal CGM.

3. Does size matter to you? Pumps come in different shapes and sizes. The pump will always be with you, so you need to be comfortable with it.

4. Do you want the color to match your wardrobe? It may sound vain, but your pump will be a permanent accessory.

5. How durable does your pump need to be? Is the pump tough enough for your level and degree of physical activity? If needed, look for one that's waterproof (not splash resistant) and hardy (has survived high drop tests and static discharge).

6. Which pumps will your health plan cover? Insulin pumps are covered under Medicare if you meet their specified criteria, many private insurance plans, and group health-care plans, usually under the durable medical equipment provision. Most insulin pump companies help you and your health-care provider complete the paperwork to order a pump, such as a reimbursement-assistance center that works with your insurance company to determine your eligibility and specific coverage.

7. How much insulin will the pump hold? Most pumps hold either up to 200 or 300 units of insulin. The goal is to have this amount last you for about 3 days.

8. What's the smallest dosing increment? This is mainly important for small children because their dosing needs are lower than those of adults.

9. How helpful is customer support and are they available around the clock? Test a pump company's customer support by calling the toll-free number before you buy. Are you satisfied with the quality of help they provide?

10. Does your health-care provider recommend and work with this brand of pump? If not, make sure you discuss other options.

Make sure you like the format for daily insulin totals, bolus information, and blood glucose values. Check how the pump alerts you to highs, lows, missed bolus doses, or other problems. By looking at trends, you and your health-care provider can adjust your insulin doses or carbohydrate intake.