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Contents
  • Common Causes of Pump Failure
  • Steps to Prevent Pump Failures
  • What to Do When a Pump Fails

How to Prevent Insulin Pump Failures: Tips and Tricks

How to Prevent Insulin Pump Failures: Tips and Tricks

Stay Ahead

Insulin pumps are vital for managing diabetes, but what happens when they fail? Discover how to prevent and handle pump issues.
Contents
  • Common Causes of Pump Failure
  • Steps to Prevent Pump Failures
  • What to Do When a Pump Fails

Common Causes of Pump Failure

Pump failures can result from various issues like mechanical malfunctions or blockages in the infusion set. Sometimes, air bubbles in the tubing or expired insulin can cause problems. Ensuring proper setup and maintenance of the pump is crucial to avoid these issues.

Steps to Prevent Pump Failures

Regularly changing the infusion set every two to three days can prevent blockages. Checking for air bubbles and using fresh insulin are essential steps. Users should also be familiar with their pump’s settings and alarms to quickly identify and rectify any issues.
An insulin pump is a medical device used for administering insulin for the management of diabetes. It helps in maintaining optimal blood glucose levels by delivering precise doses of insulin.

What to Do When a Pump Fails

If a pump fails, switching to insulin injections temporarily can prevent dangerous blood sugar spikes. Keeping backup insulin and syringes on hand is advisable. It's important to monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult healthcare providers if necessary.

FAQs

What causes insulin pump failure?

Mechanical issues or blockages often cause pump failures.

How can pump failures be prevented?

Regular maintenance and monitoring can prevent failures.

What should you do if a pump fails?

Switch to injections and monitor blood sugar levels closely.

Is it common for insulin pumps to fail?

Failures are rare but can happen due to various reasons.

Key Takeaways

Being proactive and prepared can prevent insulin pump failures and manage them effectively if they occur.
Experience a pump issue? Connect with Doctronic for expert advice on managing insulin pump failures.
Additional References
  1. Mecklenburg RS, Benson EA, Benson JW Jr, et al. JAMA 1984; 252:3265.
  2. Larkin HD. JAMA 2022; 328:1679.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.