Advantages of Insulin Pumps Studies show that, with proper use and medical treatment, patients on insulin pumps may achieve meticulous regulation of their blood sugars. Pumps are also a more flexible way to control diabetes. Patients on pumps have much more freedom in their ability to choose their eating schedule and variations of activity. Disadvantages of Pumps Despite these definite advantages, pumps are not for everyone. They are the most expensive form of insulin therapy.
Blood sugars can vary much faster in patients on pumps than patients on other forms of therapy.
Therefore, patients on pumps should measure their blood sugars more often than patients on traditional insulin treatment. Some people dislike the constant presence of the little box on their side. Finally, if something goes wrong with the pump or the infusion sets that connect the pump to the skin, severe hyperglycemia will occur much faster than with traditional therapy. Deciding on Pump Treatment Because of the many questions in regard to insulin pumps, we believe that patients should have a chance to assess pump therapy before they become committed to it. We have developed a protocol which allows people the time to judge whether this form of treatment is right for them.