Insulin Pump Systems

An insulin pump is a small electronic device, about the size of a pack of cards, which is programmed to release small amounts of insulin throughout the day as needed. You can also easily give yourself extra doses of insulin to account for high blood glucose levels and carbohydrate intake.

Accu-Chek insulin pumps are two part systems which consist of the insulin pump itself and a remote control handset. The insulin pump holds a cartridge of insulin and is connected to the body by a small cannula and a thin tube. The handset can be used to discreetly control the pump, so you can deliver insulin without needing to get the pump out or to inject. It also incorporates the same clinically proven bolus advisor^1-4 that you are used to with the Accu-Chek Aviva Expert, to make your transition to the insulin pump simpler.

More flexibility:

• Lead a more independent and flexible lifestyle without daily injections
• Fewer injections – the cannula only needs to be changed every two or three days
• Eat what you want, when you want⁵
• Participate in sports whenever you feel like it
• Go to bed early and sleep late in the morning without worrying⁵
• You could have more energy, even in times of stress or an irregular work schedule⁶
• Discreet diabetes management with the remote control handset

Better control:

• More stable control with better HbA1c values and fewer episodes of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose)⁷
• Reduced risk of severe hypoglycaemia and ensuing complications ^8-9
• An insulin pump can deliver tiny amounts of insulin to benefit people with a very low insulin demand
• Before, during and after pregnancy when the insulin demand can change significantly, the required amount can be easily adapted to individual needs with an insulin pump

Exercise and insulin
A good exercise regime can result in improved blood glucose control, reduced nighttime hypoglycaemia, improved cardiovascular fitness and weight loss. ¹⁰

Exercise also means changing blood glucose levels. During any kind of increased physical activity your blood glucose levels drop as your body works harder and uses up more glucose, so your body needs less insulin. This means that during exercise you need to adjust your insulin intake to maintain blood glucose control, especially when taking part in high-intensity exercise or exercising for a long time.

How an insulin pump can help
An insulin pump provides one of the best and easiest ways to match your insulin needs during exercise. Your pump allows you to quickly and precisely adjust your insulin levels before, during and after exercise, to carefully match your individual needs.

All Accu-Chek insulin pumps are suitable to use during most types of exercise. If you’re new to a pump it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare professional about how to handle your needs for exercise with the pump before you get started.

Using an insulin pump means you can stay more in control of your blood glucose levels – even while you are sleeping.

Sleeping with your pump
It’s up to you where you put your pump at night. You can clip it to your pyjamas, put it next to you in bed, or even put it in a pocket. You’ll soon find you don’t even notice it’s there.

Your insulin pump is a great travel companion. It can help keep your blood glucose levels under control, even when you have to deal with delayed meals, eating and sleeping at odd hours or an unfamiliar diet.

Before you travel:

• Check your level of travel insurance cover if you are travelling outside of the UK
• Inform your airline or travel company about your diabetes and that you use an insulin pump. They should be able to provide you with their latest guidance

Security:

• It is a good idea to contact the airport you will be travelling from for advice on the specific airport requirements for people with insulin pumps
• Do not disconnect your pump for airport security
• You can go through the walk-through scanner with your insulin pump, however should detach it to go through the full body scanner
• Your insulin pump must not go through the luggage X-ray machine while running. If the airport requires the pump to go through the X-ray machine at any point, check the instructions for use

Before you travel:

• Travel delays are common, so make sure you take enough supplies with you to cover possible delays, and more than you need for your time away. Make sure you have easy access to everything you might need during the journey and that you check your blood glucose regularly
• Always put your insulin and insulin pump accessories in your hand luggage, as insulin is unable to withstand the low temperatures in the hold of an aircraft
• It is recommended that you carry a diabetes identity card, and doctor’s certificate or letter from your hospital stating that you wear an insulin pump and need to carry spare equipment – this can help clear up any confusion quickly

For more advice, take a look at the Accu-Chek Combo Travel Guide or the Accu-Chek Insight Travel Guide.

Whether you drive for fun, convenience or work, having diabetes doesn't mean you have to give up driving – but it does mean you have to be well prepared and well controlled. There are, however, some important legal and health issues you should know about.

Please see the driving and diabetes section of our website for more information about the regulations you need to be aware of.

An insulin pump can make managing your child’s diabetes easier for them, you and the staff at their school.

During the school day, children take part in a variety of activities that can have an effect on their blood glucose levels. The major benefit of wearing an insulin pump is that your child does not need to inject, or be injected by a teacher or school nurse, while at school. It is also very easy for the insulin to be reduced for any physical activity, i.e. PE lessons, that your child takes part in.

The added benefit of using an Accu-Chek insulin pump is that it can be controlled discreetly from the handset. This means that, not only does your child not need to inject during the school day, they do not even need to get the insulin pump out of their clothes to deliver insulin or make changes to the basal rate.

For more advice, and support for your child’s teacher, you can obtain an Accu-Chek School Care Plan from your healthcare professional when your child starts on their insulin pump.

Insulin pump therapy can help you control your blood glucose levels both during pregnancy and after the birth of your baby, when your insulin needs will change dramatically with your fluctuating hormone levels.

The challenges
As well as morning sickness, tiredness and odd food cravings, diabetes can add a few extra things to the list of challenges facing an expectant mother. During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes that affect your insulin need, so it’s essential to keep your blood glucose levels under tight control. Careful management of your blood glucose can also reduce the risk of complications for both you and your baby.

Your pump and pregnancy
That’s where an insulin pump can be invaluable. The ability to monitor constantly and make even the smallest of insulin dose adjustments can really help when your body’s blood glucose levels are changing frequently throughout your pregnancy.

Once your baby has arrived and you’re at home, unpredictable sleeping and eating schedules can often be managed more easily with insulin pump therapy, making your first few weeks together much more enjoyable.