Key Takeaways
- An infusion set is a thin tube that connects the user’s body to an insulin pump.
- An insulin pump is a wearable digital device that delivers insulin.
- The infusion set’s connector attaches to the pump’s insulin reservoir or cartridge.
- The infusion set’s cannula or needle attaches to the user’s skin.
- The tubing carries the insulin from the pump to the user’s body.
- How infusion sets and insulin pumps work may vary depending on the brand and model.
Insulin pumps have become very popular as a way to streamline and simplify insulin delivery. While some people who have diabetes prefer insulin syringes or a diabetic pen, others enjoy the freedom and convenience that an insulin pump and infusion set provide.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an insulin pump?
An insulin pump is a wearable digital device that can be programmed to deliver a steady supply of insulin, as well as bolus doses for balancing levels around meals. The devices are typically discreet and portable, making them a great option for active people.
What is an infusion set?
An infusion set is a medical device that facilitates the movement of insulin from the pump to the user’s body through a thin tube.
How do infusion sets work?
An insulin pump infusion set typically consists of a connector that attaches to the pump’s reservoir or cartridge, a cannula or needle that connects to the user’s skin, and a tube that carries the insulin from the pump to the user’s body.
How does an insulin pump deliver insulin?
- Pumps have insulin cartridges or reservoirs to draw from.
- The pump provides a consistent, continuous, pre-programmed dose of insulin throughout the day, mimicking how a healthy pancreas releases insulin.
- When it’s time for a meal or a high blood sugar correction, the user can make the pump deliver a larger burst of fast-acting insulin called a bolus dose.
Are all insulin pumps and infusion sets the same?
Although the core concept is similar across insulin pumps and infusion sets, they’re not all the same.
For example, some pumps deliver insulin through tubes, and others use a patch applied directly to the skin. Some pumps can integrate with CGM supplies, creating a hybrid closed-loop system that can automate insulin doses based on real-time blood sugar levels.
How Infusion Sets Work
Now that you understand the fundamentals, let’s dive deeper into how infusion sets work. Please note that this is a general overview. Some pumps and infusion sets may have different components and unique functions.
1. The Cannula or Patch Connects to the Skin
Most infusion sets connect to the skin with a cannula, which can be made from a soft, flexible tube or a steel needle located on one end of the set’s tubing.
It’s important to note that some tubeless insulin pumps have tiny infusion sets integrated in the device itself. Instead of a long tube, these pumps attach directly to the skin, creating a seamless connection point without a traditional, tube-based infusion set.
2. The Connector Attaches to the Pump’s Reservoir or Cartridge
The infusion set’s connector is located on the other end of the infusion set’s tubing (the end without the cannula). The connector attaches to the pump’s insulin cartridge or reservoir.
3. The Tubing Carries Insulin From Pump to Body
The tubing between the connector and cannula facilitates the flow of insulin from the pump’s reservoir or cartridge into the wearer’s body.
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