Insulin infusion set – the basics

Certain kinds of diabetes necessitate proper therapy by means of insulin infusion; which in turn calls for the requirement of an insulin infusion set. It serves to infuse insulin subcutaneously beneath the skin. It is a mechanism establishing connection between the insulin pump and the user. Apart from having a canal which serves to inject insulin subcutaneously, it consists of a cartridge connected to a pump, a disconnector and a mount which is adhesive.

Subcutaneous infusion using an insulin infusion set consists in inserting the needle into the fatty layer beneath the skin along with the plastic canal. When the needle is withdrawn the canal remains intact beneath the adipose layer. In place of a plastic canal a steel needle may also be used. Insulin infusion set varies from one another in respect of their insertion technique. While some users prefer pressing for pushing in rather than doing so by hand; most users make use of their hands. Instead of the hands various spring loaded mechanisms can be used for the purpose of injecting.

Insulin infusion sets vary from one another in respect of the length, entry angle of the canal, angle of the pump tube and that of the canal. The set which can be easily disconnected and reconnected from the insulin source should be replaced regularly to ensure the effective absorption of insulin. Physicians should guide their patients regarding the body parts where the pump should be targeted because the different sites of the body vary in their sensitivity to the absorption of insulin. It ensures flexibility in respect of its use as any part of the body may be targeted. The various areas of the body targeted include abdomen, buttocks, lower back and arms.

Insulin infusion set plays a significant role where the user’s dependence on insulin is regular. A diabetic in need of regular insulin therapy can help himself without having to depend on his physician or anybody else. He may disconnect the set from the insulin pump" as per his necessity. The fact that the set can be disconnected and reconnected to the pump makes them advantageous as the user may remove it while having a shower or a swim. It helps to overcome the fear of needle because of the presence of the plastic canal. The user simply attaches the set to the device, exposes the adhesive pad and places the device against the skin so that mere pressing of a button or a spring loaded mechanism leads to insulin infusion.

Read more about diabetes treatment.