Insulin Pumps are becoming increasingly popular amongst individuals who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. Insulin pumps are small computerized devices which are worn like a belt; this amazing machine releases a steady flow of insulin in the body. The pump has a flexible tube with a needle attached at the end of it; this needle is inserted in the skin near your abdomen area and is taped in place.
The insulin pump is designed in way that it provides the individuals with a steady flow of insulin throughout the day. The amount of insulin injected can also be changed using the program installed in the device. The insulin helps in regulating blood sugar levels and makes sure that the sugar level does not increase. However, anyone who uses an insulin pump needs to closely monitor the blood glucose level and check at least 3 or 4 times a day.
Different studies have been conducted to assess whether Insulin pumps really help individuals with Type 2 disease or not. One particular study involved 132 people with type 2 Diabetes, everyone was in the focus group was older than 34 years. Every individual received dosages of insulin over a period of six months; some were given regular dosages while others were given multiple dosages over time. Both the groups had improved blood sugar levels. The findings of this study were published in the September issue of the American Diabetes Association Publication: Diabetes Care.
Philip Raskin, MD, of the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center in Dallas was the lead researcher. Philip said, “Slight advantage in treatment outcome would have been seen in those on the insulin pump if the study had been done at one treatment center instead of multiple centers.” He also said, “My view is that there is probably a small advantage, in terms of control, in using a pump over multiple daily injections. Certainly, our patients liked it better.”
The American Diabetes Association granted a fund recently to carry out a larger testing to prove the positive effects of Insulin pumps on people with type 2 Diabetes over the age of 60.
Health Care professional prefer the use of Insulin Pumps for Type 2 Diabetes because the steady release of insulin mimics the workings of a healthy pancreas. Another advantage of insulin pumps and why patients like it is because it frees them from the trouble of measure insulin in a syringe.
American Diabetes Association spokesperson Nathaniel Clark said, “There are people with type 2 diabetes who, despite multiple daily insulin injections, have problems with unexplained [low blood sugar]. In these patients, I can see a use for delivering a predictable amount of insulin with a pump. Pumps may have a legitimate place in the treatment of these selected patients. But they are not the be-all and end-all for type 1 diabetes, and they are even less so for type 2 patients.”
Hence, experts believe that a patient should not switch from shots to insulin pumps only because it’s easier. An individual should first consider whether the shift will be beneficial or not.
