Insulin Pumps – Access, Advice and Education

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Accessing Insulin Pumps with London Diabetes

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current insulin pump, access this innovative technology for the first time or simply find out if a pump could work with your current care plan - we’re here to help.

Speak to us today if you would like to:

● Learn more about what is available, what they achieve, and how to make the switch from injections
● Navigate the complex world of insulin pumps and the different models, sensors and
closed loop options
● Receive ongoing training and education around insulin pump use
● Have an expert team work closely with your current care provider

Insulin Pumps Pros and Cons

Most insulin pumps are used together with continuous glucose monitoring and, if they are connected with software, have the unique advantage of minimising the risk of night time hypoglycaemias and offering superior advice on how to bolus with meals.  An insulin pump offers more flexibility around meals, fewer hypos and more stable blood glucose levels. Patients using pumps minimise their risk of long-term complications and enjoy greater control of their diabetes. But choosing the right insulin pump for your needs can be tricky.  

Not all patients find wearing technology all the time acceptable and some feel uncomfortable not being in control - yet our experience is that machine calculations on insulin doses are often superior to human calculations.  Our team of specialist diabetes experts will help you navigate the complexity of pump therapy. From choosing the right pump for you and procuring it to providing ongoing training and education on your pump usage, we’re here to help you find your perfect insulin pump solution.

Is an Insulin Pump Right for You?

An insulin pump is a battery-operated device that delivers small amounts of insulin into the bloodstream through a tiny tube called a cannula 24 hours a day. An insulin pump is programmed to keep your glucose levels as normal as possible though it requires help at meal times. . With proper use, you should have more stable blood glucose levels, fewer hypos and hypers and a lower time in range between 4-10 mmol/l . Ultimately, a pump can help reduce the long and short-term complications of diabetes and help you live well with your condition.

An insulin pump allows you to tailor your insulin supply to your meals, exercise and lifestyle. Many people living with diabetes struggle to stick to a strict schedule to control their blood sugar levels. A pump gives you the freedom to be spontaneous. If you want to eat a snack on the go or change up your exercise routine, you can do so without any need for an extra injection. You just programme your device to deliver the correct insulin level for your needs. 

Pumps can be used by adults and children. They are especially beneficial if you need to give multiple insulin injections every day and still can’t control your blood glucose levels. Even with an insulin pump, it’s important that you understand how to count the carbs in your diet so that you can adjust your insulin for your diet and activity.

Benefits of insulin pumps for better diabetes control

  • Simplified diabetes care regime
  • Fewer hypos and hypers
  • More flexibility around meals and exercise
  • Fewer or no injections
  • Fewer short and long-term complications
  • Better overall long-term health

 

From peace of mind about your care to increased flexibility, the right insulin pump can revolutionise your life. 

Not sure where to start? Speak to our friendly team today to learn more about insulin pumps.

Your Partners in Insulin Pump Therapy

The process of choosing and getting approved for an insulin pump is not a simple one for many people with diabetes. NHS restrictions mean that many people in the UK are unable to get a pump or may be offered a device that doesn’t best meet their needs but is the one offered by a particular NHS Trust. Furthermore, those insulin pumps that are available to eligible patients are often not the latest or most advanced devices.

Here at The London Diabetes Centre, we offer the latest cutting-edge insulin pumps from Medtronic, Omnipod, Tandem, Ypsomed, Accuchek, Dana and Medtrum. After an expert assessment, we’ll help you find the pump that best suits your needs, lifestyle and budget. We  provide individually tailored training so that you have the knowledge and confidence to make the most of your pump and control your diabetes.

When you choose to partner with The London Diabetes Centre for your insulin pump, you’ll enjoy:

  • Access to the latest cutting-edge pumps on the market
  • Joined-up care that’s tailored to your needs and lifestyle
  • Comprehensive education on insulin pump use
  • Guidance and support every step of the way 

Our Guide to getting an Insulin Pump

The London Diabetes Centre is here to help you navigate the complexity of insulin pump therapy. We’ll make sure you have the knowledge and confidence to make the best decision for you. It’s our goal to ensure you make the most of your pump and control your diabetes. Our experienced dieticians and diabetes specialist nurses will guide and support you every step of the way.

Evaluation

Whether you’re unsure if a pump is right for you or you already have a model in mind, the first step is an expert assessment with a member of our team. This detailed consultation will allow your specialist team to understand if an insulin pump is a good fit for your diabetes and your lifestyle. At this time, you’ll discuss your diabetes care history, your current care regimen, as well as your current and prospective support from the NHS. An insulin pump does not mean that you can take a hands-off approach to the daily care of your diabetes. To use your insulin pump safely and effectively, you’ll need to know how to count your carbs, calculate your insulin needs, give bolus doses through the pump and adjust your insulin around food and exercise. 

Selection

Choosing the right insulin pump is an important choice for your health and your budget. With 15 approved devices on the UK market, it can be difficult to decide which is the right one for you. The London Diabetes Centre offers access to a range of the most cutting-edge insulin pumps on the market today, including devices from Medtronic, Omnipod, Tandem, Ypsomed, Accu-chek, Dana and Medtrum. We’ll take the time to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each pump that we offer. Then your team will provide a personalised recommendation based on the pump that best suits your diabetes, lifestyle and budget. It’s also important that you discuss your choice with your NHS team prior to purchasing the insulin pump to ensure they are able to provide you with the appropriate ongoing care and support for your device.   Conversely, if your pump can be provided by your NHS provider but they are unable to immediatly provide you with the training in its use, we can supply you with the training to start on your NHS provided pump and sensor.

Training

We understand that everyone has different skills, understanding and dexterity. We will individually tailor your training to your level of understanding. Our expert consultant diabetologists, dietitians, and diabetes specialist nurses will work closely with you to provide nutritional advice, teach you how to count the carbs in your diet and train you to use the pump safely. Starting to use a pump can be a steep learning curve, but with training and support, you will quickly become adept at attaching, programming and using the pump. 

Ongoing Care

If you have questions or concerns about your new insulin pump, just get in touch with your diabetes team and they’ll be happy to answer questions or schedule an extra appointment. We work in partnership with your NHS provider to complement and support your current level of diabetes care.

 

Get started with your expert assessment today. 

Finding the Right Pump for You

Selecting the right pump can feel overwhelming. There are many factors that you should take into consideration when choosing the right device. From key functionality and cost to device size and appearance, there are many choices to consider. We’re here to help you evaluate all the options and make the best decision for you. 

Key considerations when choosing a pump

What type of pump is the best fit for you?

Insulin pump technology is evolving. There are many new advanced pump solutions on the market in addition to the more commonly found tethered and patch pumps. 

 

We offer a wide range of various pump types:

  • Tethered pumps are connected to your body via a narrow tube and cannula. You carry the pump in a pocket or bag. 
  • Patch pumps attach directly onto your skin and deliver insulin to your body through a fine cannula.
  • Insulin pumps with integrated CGMs communicate with your continuous glucose monitor.
  • Closed-loop systems, also known as an artificial pancreas, require an app to automatically adjust the dose on your insulin pump according to the readings from an implanted glucose monitor.

 

What features are most important to me?

Insulin pumps vary widely in their size, colour, screen size, battery life and functionality. You will need to consider factors such as how discreet you want the pump to be, whether you need a waterproof model and how large the insulin reservoir needs to be. Insulin pumps are controlled in different ways depending on the device. Some use a manual controller while others can be programmed with an app from your smartphone. If you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you’ll likely want to choose a model that integrates with it. We’ll talk about all these factors during the selection stage of the process. 

 

Will your NHS team support your pump use?

Prior to purchasing your preferred insulin pump, you should check with your NHS team to ensure they have the resources available to support your chosen device. It’s important to have a plan of care in place before buying your pump. The London Diabetes Centre works alongside the NHS to provide you with complementary care and support.

 

What is your pump budget?

Can you get a pump on the NHS or will you use insurance to help cover costs? If paying privately, what is your budget? Due to strict eligibility requirements, not everyone is able to receive a pump on the NHS. Those models that are offered on the NHS might not be the latest or most suited to your needs. Private pumps cost £2,000 – £3,000 and should last 4‒8 years. It’s vital to remember that the initial expense is not the only cost to consider. Pumps need other consumable items that can add up to £1500 per year, including infusion sets, replacement pods, cartridges for patch pumps, cannulas and adhesive or tape.  You also need to factor in the cost of training, which can vary depending on your existing knowledge of pumps and diabetes management or whether you are a beginner.  The good news is that the extra costs don’t include your prescription insulin, which you are still entitled to receive free on the NHS. 

Looking to speak with a member of our team?

Carol Willis

Carol Willis - Diabetes Clinic Facilitator

If you couldn’t find what you were looking for today, feel free to give us a call at 0800 048 3330 and ask Carol and her team. Alternatively, just fill in this form and someone will get in touch with you promptly. By using this form, you are consenting to the storage and handling of the data contained in the form by our team.