| A Typical infusion set is made up of the pump | | | | available. Typically 2 or 3 needle depths are |
| connector, a length of tubing and the needle | | | | available and your Doctor can advise |
| or cannula. Different sets suit different | | | | you.Tubing length A length of tubing connects |
| people and it is important to experiment when | | | | the needle / cannula to the connector at the |
| you first get your pump, to find out what | | | | pump. Allow yourself plenty. |
| works for you. If you are having problems | | | | |
| with unexplained high sugars when using your | | | | INFUSION SITE SELECTION |
| insulin pump and you are confident your | | | | |
| control should be better, the chances are | | | | As with manual injections with an insulin |
| that it is due to problems with the infusion | | | | pen, where you set up your infusion set is |
| set. Tiny blockages can build up in the | | | | important. The best areas are at the front |
| needle or cannula that the pump can't detect. | | | | and sides of the stomach, acceptable sites |
| Changing the infusion set regularly | | | | are on the outside of the thighs and tops and |
| (typically every 24 to 72 hours dependent on | | | | bottoms of your upper arms. |
| the type) is vital for good performance. | | | | |
| | | | You should also rotate your site position, |
| | | | some use a clock face method - imagine a |
| | | | small clock face in an area, first use the 12 |
| KEY INFUSION SET CHOICES | | | | o'clock position, then 3, 6 and 9. More |
| | | | sophisticated methods are available, but use |
| If you are still considering which pump to | | | | whatever you can remember easiest. Its a good |
| buy, you should carefully consider the cost | | | | idea to write a memo, so you remember where |
| of the infusion set, as over time, this cost | | | | in your rotation you are, on the infusion set |
| will overtake the initial cost of the pump. | | | | itself.SITE USE |
| | | | |
| Here are some of the key points to think | | | | Follow these simple steps to ensure trouble |
| about: | | | | free site preparation and infusion set |
| | | | insertion: |
| Connection Most pumps use a universal "Luer | | | | |
| Lock", which means a greater choice is | | | | Always start with clean hands, preferably |
| available. Some (notably the Minimed Paradigm | | | | use an anti-bacterial soapMake sure no body |
| range) use a proprietary lock, which | | | | hair will interfere with the set, shave as |
| restricts the choice. Some companies are | | | | necessaryClean the area thoroughly and allow |
| producing adaptors, but check the | | | | to dry naturallyKeep the needle / cannula |
| costs.Needle or Cannula Needles are good for | | | | sterile - do not allow it to touch anything |
| people with little body fat or who are | | | | non sterileInfusion set insertion is often |
| allergic to cannulas. Needles need changing | | | | better if you are standing rather than |
| daily or every other day. A Cannula is a soft | | | | sittingMake the skin taut and follow any |
| fine tube that is pushed down a steel | | | | specific manufacturers instructions for the |
| inserter needle which is then withdrawn. | | | | final insertionCheck your blood glucose |
| Cannulas are more popular, as they are more | | | | levels about two hours after a new infusion |
| comfortable for most people. A cannula based | | | | set is inserted |
| infusion set will last up to three | | | | |
| days.Insertion angle Straight forward 90 | | | | |
| degree needle offers the simplest and most | | | | |
| repeatable insertion. This type is good for | | | | When the time comes to remove the set, |
| those less keen on needles and like a fast | | | | soften the dressing with water or baby oil |
| insertion. Angled sets are available with 30 | | | | and keep the skin taut as you remove the set. |
| to 45 deg angles. These offer a greater | | | | Keep an eye on the old site and make sure it |
| variety of insertion depths and favor slower | | | | heals. NEVER reinsert a used infusion set! |
| insertion.Needle / Cannula Depth In order to | | | | NEVER try to immediately reinsert a new |
| accommodate different amounts of fatty | | | | infusion set in the same site. |
| tissue, different insertion depths are | | | | |