Diabetes Management and Insulin Pumps

Since the introduction of insulin pumps several decades ago, Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) therapy has become the preferred method of treatment for everyone with Type 1 Diabetes. For patients using CSII, it replaces multiple daily injections (MDI) of insulin. Insulin pumps are also used for some people with Type 2 Diabetes who, as a result of the progression of their diabetes, require MDI of insulin a day, similar to a person who has Type 1 Diabetes. Many of the patients admitted to long term care facilities, assisted living facilities, post acute care facilities and rehabilitation units are mentally alert but need of physical care during an extended recovery or rehabilitation time. The dilemma in the post acute care settings, when a patient is admitted who has been on CSII, is whether to continue the use of the insulin pump or revert back to MDI of insulin. In this course, we will explore when it is appropriate to leave the patient on CSII, when to consider reverting to multiple injections and how to manage an insulin pump in the post acute care setting when it is determined to be the preferred method of treatment. Videos, pictures and links to pertinent web sites are included to enhance the learning experience.