Shopping for an insulin pump case for a child or a teen can be a daunting task, with so many options available in the market. Click here for a table comparing some of the case manufacturers we reviewed.
An insulin pump is a device about the size of a cell phone that is connected to a diabetic’s body 24/7 and is responsible for taking over some of the functions of the pancreas–which in a diabetic has stopped functioning correctly. It’s function is to deliver insulin to the body to help regulate the blood sugar level.
The pump sends insulin through a narrow plastic tube that ends in a tiny needle. The needle is inserted into the skin and taped down so that it will stay. The tube and needle are called an infusion set. With most infusion sets, the needle pulls out, leaving a tiny flexible tube called a cannula under your skin instead. The cannula is so small it can’t be felt.
The pump gives a constant trickle, or basal amount, of insulin throughout the day and night to help control blood sugar. The basal amount is set to keep the blood sugar in the desired range when not eating. The user tells the pump to give extra insulin before eating carbohydrates (food with sugar–natural or processed).
Filling the insulin in your pump can often create a lot of challenges and frustrations—especially for new pump users. One of the things that is most annoying are those little bubbles that form in the tube that holds the insulin. Here are some tips for how to deal with them:
1. Use room temperature insulin—bubbles form more easily in insulin that is cold
2. Pump your vial to ensure that it moves smoothly BEFORE you try putting insulin into it.
3. When filling, go slow. Too fast and you risk sucking air also into the tube. Firm consistent pressure works the best.
4. Overfill the tube and then push back some of the insulin. This often clears most of the bubbles, if not all, the first time.
5. If you get a tube that has really a lot of fine bubbles, consider changing it. We have had tubes that for some reason or another are just not smooth surfaced and no matter how hard you try, there are still some bubbles—in this case it is sometimes easier to take a new tube and start again.
6. Tap on the opposite side of where the bubbles are with a pencil or pen. This pushes the insulin hard against the bubbles and pushes them up to the top.
7. If there are a lot of bubbles and you are still having trouble, try sucking purposely more air into the vial to create “one big bubble,” then push that big bubble out.
8. Fill the your tube the night before and let it sit. Normally the bubbles will work themselves back to the top. Reattach your needle and push the air out.
Remember, a little patience in doing this goes a long way towards ensuring that your pump has no air bubbles.
Welcome to our blog on living with an insulin pump. We hope to be able to provide all our readers with up-to-date information on living with a pump and some useful tips that will help you to manage better.
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