Advanced Insulin Delivery Systems for Managing Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little to no insulin, requiring lifelong management. While it often appears during childhood, it can develop at any age. Insulin therapy, administered via specialized devices like insulin pumps, is essential. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are also employed to track blood sugar levels precisely, enhancing treatment accuracy.

What is an insulin pump?
Insulin pumps are compact, wearable devices that deliver a consistent amount of insulin throughout the day. They are about the size of a small box and provide fast-acting insulin directly under the skin.

Modern insulin pumps often include integrated CGMs that automatically adjust insulin delivery based on real-time glucose monitoring, offering greater convenience and better control.

How does it operate?
Designed to imitate the pancreas, insulin pumps can be programmed to deliver continuous basal doses, which vary throughout the 24-hour cycle according to the body’s needs. Patients may modify the basal rates as their routines change.

Additionally, most devices can adjust insulin dosage automatically based on CGM data. Patients also have options to manually set doses in consultation with healthcare providers. For bolus doses, users input current blood sugar and carbohydrate intake, and the pump calculates the required insulin, which can then be approved or adjusted before administration.

Types of insulin pumps
Insulin pumps are mainly categorized into two types depending on the presence of tubing.

Tethered (tubed) pumps
These pumps are connected by a thin tube to a cannula inserted under the skin. They feature a display for monitoring and data entry. The device contains a reservoir that can typically hold insulin for two to three days, which users refill as needed. The pump can be clipped onto clothing or placed in a pocket. During activities like showering or swimming, patients can disconnect the tubing if the pump is waterproof and reconnect afterward.

Patch (tubeless) pumps
These small, single-patient-use devices feature a cannula attached to a reservoir patch secured directly onto the skin with adhesive. They are controlled wirelessly and can be replaced every two to three days. Since they are waterproof, users can shower or swim without disconnecting. When the reservoir empties, a new pod is attached at a different site.

Advantages of using insulin pumps
Insulin pumps significantly improve diabetes management, especially for those with type 1 diabetes. They allow personalized dosing adjustments based on meals, activity, and lifestyle. With integrated CGMs, users receive real-time blood sugar data, enabling timely dose modifications. The detailed records can be shared with healthcare providers for better assessment. Overall, pumps provide greater flexibility and a more normalized lifestyle for individuals managing diabetes.