An insulin pump is a small computerized device that delivers insulin through a thin tube that goes under the skin. It is a wearable device that some people with diabetes use to get insulin, instead of getting it from an injection. The device releases insulin almost the way your body naturally would: a steady flow throughout the day and night, called basal insulin, and an extra dose at mealtime, called a bolus, to handle rising blood sugar from the food you eat. You program the pump for both basal and bolus doses. If you eat more than normal, you can program a larger bolus to cover the carbs in your food. Insulin pumps can help people with diabetes conveniently manage their blood sugar. They offer a flexible option for diabetes management and can deliver a steady supply of insulin, even for children and others who might have trouble sticking to a schedule for insulin injections. Insulin pumps can also be a good option for young people with Type 1 diabetes. The pumps can release small doses of insulin continuously (basal), or a bolus dose close to mealtime to control the rise in blood glucose (blood sugar) after a meal. Insulin pumps use short-acting and rapid-acting insulin, but not long-acting, since the pump is programmed to deliver a small amount continuously to keep your blood sugar levels even. Some advantages of using an insulin pump include:

• Fewer needle sticks
• More accurate than shots, helping you better manage blood sugar levels
• Fewer blood sugar lows, which is important if you often have hypoglycemia
• Added safety if connected to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to help prevent hypoglycemia or treat hyperglycemia

It is important to note that insulin pumps are not a cure for diabetes and the goal is to better manage blood glucose levels while avoiding wide fluctuations and to prevent severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) .