General questions

What is it like wearing a pump 24 hours a day?

Today's insulin pumps are about the size of a mobile phone and weigh only a few ounces. During the day, you can clip it to the waistband of your clothing or put it in a pocket. Some women even wear the pump in their bra. You have choices at night, too. Some people clip the pump to their pajamas, while others put it in a pocket or under their pillow. Many people simply lay the pump next to them.

General questions

What is a bolus?

The amount of insulin delivered (in addition to the basal rate) to cover the intake of food and to correct high blood glucose levels. The bolus amount is determined by your doctor or healthcare professional.

General questions

What is a basal rate?

This is the amount of insulin delivered per hour that is required to cover your basal, meal-independent insulin needs. In insulin pump therapy, your basal rate is determined together with your doctor or healthcare team and can be adjusted to meet your individual physiological needs throughout the day. Your basal rate is delivered by your insulin pump according to the curve of your personal Basal profile or profiles.

General questions

If I use an insulin pump will I automatically have good control of my blood glucose level?

Good, or tight, control requires a balanced approach. Insulin pumps can certainly help you control your blood glucose level, but eating properly, monitoring your blood glucose and regular activity are equally important. The insulin pump doesn't take care of your diabetes—you do.

General questions

How safe are insulin pumps?

Insulin pumps are proven to be safe. They have been used by hundreds of thousands of people around the world for years. Today's technology has only served to make them even better. For example, the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump performs over 9 million safety checks each day.

General questions

How much do supplies cost?

Costs vary depending on your insurance coverage.

General questions

How long have insulin pumps been available?

Insulin pumps have been available for decades. Today's insulin pumps, however, are much more advanced than early models. Modern pumps use the latest microprocessor technology to regulate insulin delivery and provide safety checks. For example, the Accu-Chek Spirit Combo insulin pump performs over 9 million safety checks each day.