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What to Know Before Using an Insulin Pump

By U.S. News & World Report

There is no right or wrong way to manage your diabetes. With that being said, there are a variety of options and devices that can be used for proper diabetes management. Many of my patients choose to use an insulin pump because they find that it provides better control over their blood glucose levels. While a pump can be effective in alleviating some of the challenges associated with diabetes, it is important to know the basics before you decide whether or not an insulin pump is the right fit for you and your diabetes.

The Basics of How an Insulin Pump Works

At its core, an insulin pump is a fancy syringe. Imagine a syringe with a very fine motor that pushes the plunger with great precision. In order for the pump to be effective, the motor pushing the plunger of the syringe has to be extremely reliable and accurate. In recent years, there have been several developments in pump technology, offering users better control of their pump both directly and remotely.

Throughout the day, the pump delivers insulin continuously. By doing this, the pump is attempting to mimic the normal pancreas’ release of insulin, but you must tell the pump how much insulin to inject. The pump delivers insulin in two ways: a basal rate, which is a continuous, small trickle of insulin that keeps blood glucose stable between meals and overnight; and a bolus rate, which is a much higher rate of insulin taken before eating to “cover” the food you plan to eat.

One factor to consider before choosing to use a pump is the differences between a pump and insulin injections. When using a pump, typically a needle is inserted under the skin in the abdomen, and the needle is connected to the syringe in the pump. The needle then stays in place for two to three days, and you simply program the pump to deliver insulin whenever you need it. With insulin injections, you use a syringe or insulin pen device, and you have to manually inject yourself every time you need insulin.

The Pros and Cons of Using an Insulin Pump

Even after discussing the logistics of an insulin pump with my patients, some are still unsure about committing to the device. In this case, I find it helpful to review the pros and cons.

There are several advantages of using a pump — the main one being that a pump is a more sophisticated way to deliver insulin that provides patients with the option of programming their pump with boluses that best match their meals and activity level. Programming the pump in this manner should lend itself to smoother and better control of your diabetes. The pump allows greater flexibility in lifestyle with respect to amount and timing of eating and physical activity.

While the pump does have many benefits, there are some drawbacks. Pump devices are currently worn externally, and so they are more conspicuous than an insulin syringe or pen. And contrary to popular belief, they are not autopilot glucose control devices. Thus, patients have to be committed to checking their blood sugar levels frequently so the pump can be regulated as needed.

Who Can Use an Insulin Pump?

Despite common misconceptions, an insulin pump can be used for both people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Initially, the pump was only recommended for people with Type 1 diabetes, but more recently, there is evidence that pumps may be useful for people with Type 2 diabetes who require insulin. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes tend to have more swings in blood sugars and also tend to be younger with more active lifestyles. Thus a pump offers them more flexibility with their insulin dosing. On the other hand, individuals with Type 2 diabetes tend to be older and generally have smoother sugar control and more predictable lifestyle patterns.

Research also shows that pumps may improve glucose control and cause less weight gain than the traditional insulin injections. It is possible that they experience less hypoglycemia while on the pump and thus eat less and gain less weight. Their total insulin dose via the pump may be less than the total insulin given in the usual two to three injections per day regimen.

Eventually, as insulin pumps get connected to reliable glucose sensors, it will make sense for most people using insulin to also use a pump.

The decision to use a pump or a device to manage your diabetes is ultimately up you as the patient, but I feel it’s important that all my patients have realistic expectations before choosing to use a pump. For people with diabetes who are motivated by the importance of blood glucose control and are willing to work hard, then the pump may be a good option and provide tighter control of your diabetes. If you are considering using a pump, make sure to research all your options and speak with your health care team before making any decisions.

More from U.S. News

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What to Know Before Using an Insulin Pump originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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