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