Infusion Sets

Insert the infusion set into the skin through the bio-occlusive adhesive. If using an infusion set with a needle, position the metal needle so it is parallel to your belt line but not underneath it. If using a teflon set, fill the dead space in them after insertion.

Although patch pumps applied directly to the skin are more available, most pumps infuse insulin from a pump reservoir through an infusion set. No single set works well for everyone. The type of set shipped with a new pump is usually one manufactured by the pump company and this set may or may not be the best choice. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to choose from.

Insulin and plastic are not always happy campers together. If insulin crystallizes in plastic tubing, it is usually at the end of the infusion set. This can block insulin delivery and cause high blood sugars. When delivery stops, the pump will sound an occlusion alarm.

There are a wide variety of Infusion Sets available. Many have an adhesive surface that sticks to the skin. Shown to the right is a Rapid set which has a small 90 degree needle thats easy to install. In this example, a paper covering is removed from the adhesive surface before placing it through the IV 3000 dressing on the skin.

For sites, most pumpers prefer the abdomen, but anywhere that has padding will do. Normal skin contains bacteria, so it's best to use a sterile prep on the new site prior to inserting the infusion set to reduce the chance for an infection. Bacteria move on the skin, so a wide swath is smart. Scrub the infusion site on the skin with an antiseptic solution. Cleanse a site two inches in diameter on the skin.

There are a number of things to consider when selecting an infusion set such as:

Diabetes care has improved with many of the technological advances in the field. From improvements in insulin pumps and infusion sets to the implementation of continuous glucose monitors, technology is helping deal with diabetes easier than ever before. More technology companies are getting involved in diabetes everyday. In this section, you will find information on: