Diabetes Information

If you have diabetes, insulin pumps are small, computerized devices (about the size of a small cell phone) that you wear on your belt or put in your pocket that allow for a continuous flow of a rapid-acting insulin to be released into your body. The pumps have a small, flexible tube (called a cannula), which is inserted under the skin of your abdomen or thigh and taped in place. The insulin pump is designed to deliver a continuous amount of insulin, 24 hours a day according to a programmed plan unique to each pump wearer. The amount of insulin delivered can be changed by the user.

Between meals and overnights, a small amount of insulin is constantly delivered to keep the blood sugar in the target range. This is called the basal rate. When food is eaten, a bolus dose of insulin can be programmed into the pump. You can measure how much of a bolus you need using calculations based on the grams of carbohydrates consumed. When using an insulin pump, you must monitor your blood sugar level at least four times a day. You set the doses of your insulin and make adjustments to the dose depending on your food intake and exercise program.

If your Dr. has recommended insulin pump therapy for you and you are uninsured or underinsured (deductible is $5,000/yr. or more), Please fill out an application. We offer substantially discounted recertified Medtronic insulin pump models 530G, 630G and 670G.

Facts About Diabetes

More than 30.3 million people suffer from diabetes. About half of those people do not realize they have the disease. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, blurred vision, weight loss, fatigue, nausea and frequent bladder infections. Those most at risk of having diabetes are:

• People with poor diets
• People who are not physically active
• Ethnic background – Diabetes happens more often in Hispanic/Latino Americans, African-Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Alaska natives
• People with a family history of diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes – If you had diabetes while you were pregnant, you had gestational diabetes. This raises your chances of getting Type 2 diabetes later in life.

We also have Pumps for People with Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is a medical condition in which the adrenal glands stop making hormones important for certain bodily functions. The condition is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, low blood pressure, and sometimes darkening of the skin in both exposed and nonexposed parts of the body.

More Information

For more information about diabetes, please visit these websites:

American Diabetes Association