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FAQ: Everything you need to know to start insulin pump therapy
If you're considering insulin pump therapy to help manage your type 1 diabetes (t1d), you might have some questions before making any changes to your routine. We've gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions about getting started, so let's dive in!
Common questions about starting insulin pump therapy
1. What is an insulin pump and how does it work?
An insulin pump is a medical device that delivers insulin for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes. Using information programmed into the pump to help calculate your doses, it then delivers the insulin under the skin into a layer of fat.
There are a few components of an insulin pump. In a tubed pump, the main pieces include:
- The body of the pump where settings are stored and insulin delivery is programmed
- A cartridge for insulin storage, which is often referred to as the resevoir
- The infusion site where the insulin enters the body, which is also where the tubing connects to make insulin delivery possible
- The flexible plastic tubing, which connects to the resevoir in the body of the pump on one end and to the cannula at the infusion site on the other end
In a tubeless pump, the body of the pump is a controller that is physically separate from the patch pump (think personal digital assistant or cellphone-style handheld device). The patch pump uses adhesive to be worn directly on the body. It contains both the insulin reservoir and the infusion site, with a short cannula under the skin instead of longer tubing.
2. What are the benefits of using an insulin pump?
Every individual who uses a pump has a unique perspective about which benefits are most important to them, including precision dosing, needing fewer shots, having more flexibility in lifestyle, and the convenience of bolusing from a medical device already attached to the body versus having to prepare a syringe or pen every time you need a correction or need to eat.
3. Is an insulin pump right for everyone?
Insulin pump therapy may not be right for everyone. It's most important to use the method of delivery that helps you to live your healthiest life with t1d. Pumps can be a powerful tool to keep people living with t1d healthy, but if not given proper attention, they can also be dangerous, which underscores the importance of education, preparation, and maintenance for pump users.
There may be times throughout your journey managing diabetes when different tools or philosophies work better than others. Your needs at diagnosis versus your needs five, 10, or 20 years down the line may be entirely different, so keep your options in mind. Consult with your doctor to figure out what's working and what has opportunity for improvement. They are an excellent resource to learn more about the options that are available to you, and can provide insight on how certain options may work well for your lifestyle and medical needs.
4. How does an insulin pump work with CGM devices?
Closed loop and hybrid closed loop insulin delivery systems require a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) and an insulin pump to work. The CGM sensor value is communicated to the insulin pump, which then has the ability to adjust insulin delivery based on the data.
5. What are the insulin pump manufacturers and differences between each of their products?
There are three insulin pump manufacturers active in the U.S. at this time, each with something different to offer. Here are some highlights of the latest available models:
Medtronic MiniMed™ 770G System
- Automatically adjusts background insulin every five minutes using real-time glucose readings
- Offers a mobile app view of current pump and CGM data for the user and a connected app for caregivers
- Enabled for future software upgrades
Medtronic MiniMed™ 630G System
- Uses SmartGuard technology to pause insulin delivery for up to two hours if sensor glucose values fall below the threshold
- Operates with predictive alerts that indicate a predicted high or low blood sugar up to 30 minutes in advance
- Waterproof up to 12 feet for 24 hours
Tandem t:slim X2™ with Control IQ
- Can be used as a standalone insulin delivery device or integrated with the Dexcom G6 CGM to utilize hybrid closed loop technology
- Includes optional settings for sleep and exercise to adjust treatment ranges based on your needs
- Performs remote software updates available for in-warranty pumps
- Has a waterproof patch pump controlled by a smartphone-like Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM)
- Offers wireless software updates, a mobile app for user data, and a connected app for caregivers
- This item is a pharmacy-only product, meaning your coverage will come from your pharmacy benefits instead of durable medical equipment (DME) coverage under your health insurance policy
6. How do you go about getting an insulin pump?
As you explore the option of insulin pump therapy, work with your physician to determine the right model for you. They can write the necessary prescriptions to get you started, and their office will work with your insurance company or direct diabetes supplier, like Edgepark, to have your request approved. In the meantime, you can speak with your insurance company or supplier to find out where you can order your insulin pump and supplies.
7. How much does an insulin pump cost?
The cost for an insulin pump will vary based on your health insurance coverage. Some pumps have a higher initial cost with consumable supplies that cost less over time, while others have a different distribution of cost. Work with your insurance company to determine what this will look like for you.
8. Are insulin pumps covered by insurance?
Most health insurance policies will cover insulin pumps. However, not all pump manufacturers and models are covered by all insurance companies. If you experience a denial, your doctor may be able to assist you in working with your insurance company to access coverage for your preferred pump that is medically necessary. The appeal process begins with finding out why you were denied, then working with your doctor's office to facilitate next steps, which may include paperwork for a prior authorization (PA), a peer-to-peer review with your doctor and someone from the insurance company, or other similar actions.
9. How do you order a pump through Edgepark?
The process of ordering your insulin pump through Edgepark begins with creating an account, which can be done at Edgepark.com. Once you place an order, Edgepark takes care of the rest- verifying coverage, collecting required medical documentation, and shipping the order right to your doorstep. Once you get up and running, check out the Reorder Reminder program to stay on top of reordering your supplies.
Is insulin pump therapy right for you?
Ultimately, you're the only one who can determine whether an insulin pump is right for you. Hopefully, exploring the answers to these frequently asked questions about insulin pumps has helped you to understand your options. Still undecided? You can always consult your doctor for more answers about this therapy option that are specific to your medical history and needs. If you're new to insulin pump therapy, you may need additional information. Learn the basics of using an insulin pump on the Health Insights diabetes blog.
