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Pump Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an insulin pump?

An insulin pump is a small battery-operated device about the size of a small cell phone. It continuously delivers small amounts of insulin through an infusion line placed under the skin. The infusion set must be changed every few days, which you can easily do yourself.

How do insulin pumps work?

An insulin pump has a reservoir that is filled with insulin and a microcomputer that allows you to adjust how much insulin is to be delivered. Pumps only use buffered short-acting or rapid-acting insulin (not long- or intermediate-acting insulin). Basal insulin is delivered continuously over 24 hours to keep your blood sugar levels in range between meals and overnight. You can program different amounts of insulin for different times of the day and night. When you eat, you use buttons on the pump to give you additional or "bolus" insulin to cover the carbohydrates in the meal.

What are the advantages of using an insulin pump?

Some advantages of using an insulin pump include:

  • Eliminating individual insulin injections
  • More accurate delivery of insulin
  • Fewer large swings in blood sugar levels
  • Flexibility about what and when you eat

Are there disadvantages to using an insulin pump?

The disadvantages of using a pump include:

  • If the catheter accidentally comes out and you don't get insulin for hours it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
  • May be expensive
  • It may be bothersome since you are attached to it most of the time

Where do I put the insulin pump when I sleep?

When you sleep, you can try laying the pump next to you on the bed or even on a bedside table. Some pump wearers put it in a pocket in their pajamas or wear it on a waistband, armband, legband, or clip it to the blanket or pillow with a belt clip. Do what works best for you!

Can I take a bath or shower?

Yes. Although insulin pumps are water resistant, you should not set them directly in water. Insulin pumps come with disconnect ports so they can easily be disconnected for showering, bathing, or swimming. Some pumps have special cases you can buy to place them in, which can be hung around your neck or on a shower faucet.

What are the benefits of using Apidra® in a pump?

Apidra® has shown a low rate of pump clogs and infusion site reactions. Apidra® gives you mealtime dosing flexibility because you can set your pump to deliver your dose within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after you start a meal. Apidra® is a rapid-acting insulin that works like your body's natural insulin to help manage your blood sugar.

Is using Apidra® in a pump right for you?

Consider the benefits of Apidra® and talk with your healthcare provider to learn if Apidra® can help you better manage your mealtime blood sugar as part of your overall diabetes treatment plan, which includes diet, exercise, and other diabetes medications.

Important Safety Information for Apidra®

Do not use Apidra® during a low blood sugar reaction (hypoglycemia) or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Apidra®.

You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Apidra®. Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision. Apidra® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.

Apidra®, when given by injection under the skin, should not be mixed with insulins other than NPH. Do not mix Apidra® with any insulin when used in the pump or for intravenous administration.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Apidra®, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia can be dangerous and can cause harm to your heart or brain. It may cause unconsciousness, seizures, or death. Other possible side effects may include low blood potassium, injection site reactions, such as changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, such as itching and rash. Less common, but potentially more serious or life-threatening, is generalized allergy to insulin, including anaphylactic reactions.

Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works. Before starting Apidra®, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

If the pump or infusion set does not work right, you may not receive the right amount of insulin. Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or ketosis can happen. Problems should be identified and corrected as quickly as possible. Change the Apidra® in the pump reservoir every 48 hours.

Indications and Usage

Prescription Apidra® is for adults with type 2 diabetes or adults and children (4 years and older) with type 1 diabetes to improve blood sugar control. Apidra® is usually used with a longer-acting insulin. When used as a mealtime insulin, Apidra® should be given within 15 minutes before or within 20 minutes after starting a meal.

Apidra® may be infused subcutaneously by external insulin infusion pumps.

Apidra® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen.

Click here for additional important information for Apidra®.

Important Safety Information for Lantus® (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection)

Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients in Lantus®.

You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®. Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.

Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution. It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.

The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia can be dangerous and can cause harm to your heart or brain. It may cause unconsciousness, seizures, or death. Other possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.

Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.

Indications and Usage

Prescription Lantus® is a long-acting insulin used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and adults and children (6 years and older) with type 1 diabetes for the control of high blood sugar. It should be taken once a day at the same time each day to lower blood glucose.

Do not use Lantus® to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

Click here for additional important information for Lantus®.

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• Offer is not valid for patients participating in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal- or state funded benefit programs. Offer not valid in MA (except for cash-paying patients). Void where prohibited by law.

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.