Insulin Pumps: Review of Technological Advancement in Diabetes Management

Insulin pump therapy, also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy is an evolving form of insulin delivery which has been shown to be highly effective in maintaining euglycemia and providing patients with flexibility in their lives. It functions by providing the patient with a continuous subcutaneous infusion of a rapid acting insulin and allows the patient to administer boluses throughout the day for food and correction of high glucose levels. CSII is approved in patients with type 1 diabetes and selected patients with type 2 diabetes; however, it is important to select the right patients for pump therapy. Insulin pump technology continues to rapidly evolve, and many options are now on the market, including those that are used in conjunction with continuous glucose monitoring. This review article focuses on the pros and cons of CSII therapy as well as the technical and clinical considerations in starting a patient on this therapy.