Researchers from the Schneider Children's Medical Center, Israel, have found that continuous insulin infusion delivered by a portable infusion pump allows young people with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) to maintain better control of their blood sugar levels than is possible with multiple daily injections of insulin.

Continuous insulin infusion is also called basal insulin. Insulin pumps are now not only being used by type 1 diabetics, but also those with type 2 diabetes. With an insulin pump, the use of injections is eliminated. Insulin is also more accurately administered. There are just two of the many other advantages of an insulin pump over injection.

The people with whom I have spoken who have the insulin pump think it is absolutely wonderful in helping to control their blood sugar levels -- a miracle, to them, from the old way of injecting yourself daily with insulin. You can adjust the dosage of insulin, as needed, thereby avoiding extreme highs and lows in your blood sugar levels. Give this serious thought. It's a great thing.

I think the pump definately sounds like it would be more convenient and probably a lot less painful and scary especially for children. I myself have gotten so use dto the injections that they don't bother me anymore.

are there any long-term studies out yet on this? I'm a bit nervous about the idea of having anything implanted for a long time...

First of all its not implanted in yu at all. You use what is called an infusion set. Its a plastic needle that is slid under the skin , placed ina comfortable area. Becuase it is run parallel into the subcutaenous fat layer you really done feel it like a needle stick.
prep pads now have benzocaine in it so its even less painful.
the infusion catheter is left in place for up to a week, Then is removed and placed somewhere else.
The pump can if desired be disconnected at nightime, when swimming or suding exercise to prevent bumps bruises and so on.

Minimed Prdigm is a ocntinuous glucose insulin pump that uses both analog L and R. or single unit combination NPH 70/30.
By letting the pump know how many carbs you have eaten it can adjust bolus doseage to compensate.

It also has a feature for continuos rates but you still have to bolus with meals.
Pumpers are usually good for those who are very active, forget to take a base shot of say Lantus and test their blood regulalry. At this point these criteria allow for doctors to seek compliance.

Some pumpers enjoy the freedom. As a hiker, and outdoorsman, I prefer the good old fashioned insulin shot. I adjust my dose by what I eat and how much I exercise.

I prefer the injection and like that freedom. Maybe when I get into my 70s I may consider the pump.
If you choose one, amke sure that you go to the learning classes for pumper given by the companies. It is very important. Many peopl dont and they get brutes, infections and reuse catheretrs and infusion sets.
julie

Also, I think that insulin pumps are quite costly. so, injection is a better option for me.

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using an insulin pump has a few things that are associated wiht it. First you shoudl be able to handle it. second your disbetes has to be out of ocontro even with your normal care, such as brittle or juvenile needs. And third yo ahve to be willing tobe attached.

Once you get apump, which you can get direct from the cmpany through the pateint partnership program, or through RX access, the price is very small. Theinsulin you use however is limited, R, NpH. 70/30 are the ones most widely used and are relatively easiy to afford and get.

My lantus is not useable in it, nor is byetta( a much talked about insulin), Humulins and humuoogs are insulins of choice.
I have thought about pumping but my control is not that bad and I am able to keep a tight reign on it with bolus of R every now and then.. especially this Halloweena dn the upcomng Thanksgiving oh an heaven forbid the multiple shots during Chanukah!!!!!!!!!!

Actually, insulin pumps DO NOT use ANY long acting insulin (L, NPH). JUST FAST ACTING ANALOGUES LIKE NOVOLOG OR HUMALOG (You can use R but it is not recommended). Your basal insulin is delivered as a constant stream of fast acting. That is what makes them better. You do not have excess or ANY long acting insulin in your system, which helps with weightloss, BG stability, and reduces low blood sugar episodes. You would not use a primarily long acting insulin in the pump either (70/30 mix), because it would make bolusing for meals and high blood glucose impossible.

I use a pump and think it is a MUST for most Type 1 diabetics. Many of us need very small/precise and frequent doses of insulin, which is impossible to achieve with injections for most.

Also, you can NEVER take off your pump for more than 1 hour or so without covering that lost insulin. It would be very dangerous to disconnect for bed, because you would start to go into a DKA coma within 4 hours. I have no idea why you said this as a "diabetic educator". This is VERY dangerous and any RN or MD familiar with diabetes would say this can easily be FATAL for a Type 1 as you have only short acting insulin on board!

Also, anyone can use the pump, although it usually is used by people who need it for control. Some people use for other reasons: so they can sleep in, eat when they want, or reduce their insulin easily for exercise.

P.S. Byetta is NOT an insulin!!!!!!

While many prefer apump theer are many who choose it. Its a matter of taste, preference and medical reasons.
While not for everyone, it can be used for events and for situations.