Insulin Pump Preparation, preventing infections

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Prevent Infections

Bio-occlusive dressings are preferred for the skin. They allow sweating but keep bacteria from passing through to the skin. This can greatly reduce the risk of an infection through the hole created by the infusion set. IV 3000 by Smith and Nephew or J&J's Bio-occlusive Material are great for blocking bugs. Other tapes which are not bio-occlusive but which have good adhesion are Tegaderm HP by 3M, and Polyskin by Kendall.

If redness or inflammation occurs at a site, assume the worst. Immediately change to a new infusion site using a new infusion set. Call your physician immediately if the inflamed site is larger than a dime. A topical antibiotic cream used early may slow an infection when on is just starting.

If you have an infection, give insulin by injection until an oral antibiotic has been started and the site clears. Do not use the inflamed site again until the inflammation and swelling have totally cleared. You may not even want to use your pump until an antibiotic has been started, as an infection can spread to a new site.

Nonfatal toxic shock has been reported from infusion site infections. One case was reported in an unwilling teenager, and another was in a pumper who followed instructions that used only alcohol as a disinfectant and allowed several days to pass between infusion site changes. Always treat site infections with the utmost care. If you are prone to skin infections, you may want to discuss with your physician having a broad spectrum antibiotic on hand for early treatment of a site have also been reported.

Other Helpful Info

Read Pumping Insulin for easy steps on how to succeed with your insulin pump.
Compare Current Pumps - Compare the facts on the most used pumps on today's market.
Differences in calculating BOB - Different insulin pumps will recommend very different bolus amounts. Find out why these differences are important and when they will occur by viewing our BOB slideshow
Infusion Set Review - List ofinfusion sets available to the public and their compatibility with the various pumps.
New Advanced Pumping Slide Show - Presentation covering the function of a pump, the proper use, rules for control and much more.
Pump Help - Covers of common pump-related problems and solutions.
Pump Life - Testimonial from a veteran pumper.
Pumps and Children - Children with pumps information
Pump Accessories for Children and Adults - Packs and other fun pump accessories

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