Are Insulin Pumps a good alternative for you?
An estimated 200,000 Americans opt to use insulin pumps instead of injecting themselves with insulin multiple times a day. 10,000 of these people have type 2 diabetes. Read on to discover how insulin pumps can be especially beneficial to those 60 years and older.

What is an insulin pump?
A pump is about the size of a cell phone and delivers insulin through a thin plastic tube called an infusion set. This tube is attached to your body (usually the abdomen) and it delivers insulin in two ways:

1.	Continuous amount of insulin throughout the day is called the basal rate;
2.	Before meals, the pump allows you to add more insulin as needed

What are the benefits of pump therapy?

-	The pump provides you with better glucose control, lower HbA1c levels and reduced risks of complications
-	Greater lifestyle flexibility, the pump user can vary meal times and amounts instead of being on a rigid eating schedule
-	Continuous insulin flow can help improve your nighttime sleep and alleviate fears of dropping too low throughout the night
-	Lower insulin doses can often improve a pump user’s ability to recognize when they are going low (hypoglycemic)
-	Some seniors find that as they age, their body becomes less responsive to insulin; therefore, injections may no longer be a viable option
-	Medicare does offer some insulin pump coverage for people with type 1 diabetes

What are the downsides of pump therapy?

-	The user is always “connected” to the pump
-	Slightly higher out-of-pocket costs versus injections
-	Somewhat higher risk of hypoglycemia

Are you a good candidate for pump therapy?
If you answer yes to any of these questions then you might want to consider speaking with your doctor about insulin pumps.

-	Are you testing 4 or more times a day? Taking insulin 3 or more times a day?
-	Are you motivated to getting your HbA1c levels as close to normal as possible to prevent and/or control long-term complications?
-	Are you following your prescribed insulin regimen, meal intake and schedule and exercise routine, and still having problems controlling your blood sugar?

What happens if my doctor and I decide that I should go on an insulin pump?
You will be trained by a qualified pump trainer who can teach you how to use a pump and an infusion set, explain how to count your carbohydrate intake so that you can give yourself the correct amount of insulin before a meal, and answer all of your questions and concerns.

For more information call 1-888-344-3434