Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Slide show

Slide show: Choosing an insulin delivery device

By Mayo Clinic staff
 

Photo of insulin pump

Insulin pump

If your diabetes treatment plan includes insulin therapy, you can choose between various insulin delivery devices.

An insulin pump delivers infusions of insulin through a catheter placed in the layer of fat under the skin on your abdomen. You program the pump to deliver a continuous (basal) dose of insulin and supplemental (bolus) doses before meals.

Pros: An insulin pump can help you maintain a normal or near-normal blood sugar level, which can help prevent long-term diabetes complications. You'll have fewer injections than you would with other intensive insulin programs.

Cons: An insulin pump requires special training. You may need to check your blood sugar level every three to four hours. Insulin pumps cost more than other insulin delivery devices, and insurance coverage varies.

Next slide

DA00085

March 13, 2008

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.


Text Size: smaller largerlarger