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