| Considerations for a successful pump start |
Get prepared. Play the PUMP PURSUIT game before you start to get the basic terminology of pumping and a good background of what you need to know. There will be a learning curve. Don’t get discouraged that you don’t “know it all” at the beginning. Your Pump Trainer is there to help you through the start-up and fine-tuning. It does become easier quickly as you gain familiarity with your pump. You have to test your blood sugars values frequently. This will help you fine-tune your pump settings and ensure you know if any problems have occurred with your insulin or your pump. Only rapid-acting U-100 insulin is used in the pump. Thus, you must take care that your insulin infusion is not interrupted for any an extended length of time. There are safety features on the pump to help, but testing frequently is also important. Disinfect your infusion site. To prevent infections, be sure you use good cleaning technique and change your site every 2-3 days based on your doctor’s recommendation. Logistics and body placement. Place your pump where you are less likely to bump it and where you can access the bolus buttons if you want to use them.
Source: “Putting your Patients on the Pump,” Karen Bolderman, RD, LD, CDE, 2002
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