Most diabetics who require insulin administration use daily injections as a regulatory method. Mary Elizabeth requires such treatment and has an insulin pump. The insulin pump consists of a pump reservoir filled with insulin. The device resembles a small plastic pager and consists of a battery operated pump and a computer chip that allows her to control exactly how much insulin she receives. The insulin is delivered to the body by a thin plastic tube called an infusion set.
Infusion sets have a needle at the end, through which the insulin passes.
The needle is inserted under the skin at the abdomen and the pump is programmed to administer the insulin according to her requirements. Mary Elizabeth is shown in the pictures to the right, demonstrating the function and characteristics of her pump to Andrea Lindenburg of TV Fox 6, Birmingham, Alabama in a recent interview which aired Thursday, October 12, 2000. Mary Elizabeth is responsible for administering blood glucose testing regularly and takes the duty completely in stride. If asked about her favorite things she'll probably mention Ali, Sarah Ross and Sam, her siblings. Spotte, Belle, Muffin and Purp-purp are her loving pets and of course, macaroni and cheese is her favorite food.