Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes is administered through injections of insulin into the fat layer under the skin. The insulin then moves into the blood stream and is used to lower blood sugar levels.
There are currently three different ways to administer the insulin through a syringe, pen or insulin pump.
Syringe - The use of syringes is most commonly used in people who are newly diagnosed and it is required to inject insulin multiple times a day (injections typically occur before a meal). The necessary supplies associated with syringe injections are syringes, insulin vial and, if necessary, alcohol wipes for cleaning.
Pen – Similar to syringes, the pen, is a daily injection but the need to carry around multiple supplies is reduced. A pen combines the syringe and the insulin vial, allowing a person to use a prefilled syringe that will contain around 300 units of insulin. Once in use, the pens can last up to 28 days and must be discarded after that time frame.
Insulin Pump - The insulin pump is a small-computerized device that delivers insulin through a port that is attached to a small tube. The tube is inserted into the fat tissue and will remain there for 3-4 days, on the fourth day the port must be removed and a new one is inserted on the body. The change from daily injections to once every 3-4 days is a huge pull for people to invest in an insulin pump.
In addition to fewer injections, people believe (myself included) the ability to monitor and maintain blood sugar levels are easier, resulting in an improved A1c number. While there is a lot of good associated with the insulin pump, there is a bigger learning curve in using this device.
To make a decision between the use of a syringe, pen or insulin pump a person should be consult with their doctor and determine which route is best, based on their daily lifestyle.
This is strictly my opinion, but after using syringes during the first two years of my diagnosis and an insulin pump for the last five years, I LOVE my pump. It was life changing for my loved ones and me. The ability to limit the number of injections I was forced to give myself, allowed me to take better care of myself and keep my blood sugar in check.
Again, this is my opinion and there are several different companies that manufacture insulin pumps, but I’ve been using my Medtronic MiniMed Paradigm Insulin Pump for five years and I am extremely happy with the product. Click here to learn more about Medtronic.
