Infusion sets and tips to help get the best from your pump.
Site rotation is fundamental to successful long term Insulin pump therapy. As Insulin Pumps are infusing all the insulin requirements for 3 or more days into one location it is important to change the site regularly and rest the area that a site has just been for at least 12 days. An insulin pump insertion site also has a small area of hypoallergenic adhesive tape that keeps the cannular in place for 3 or more days. Following site removal it is best to thoroughly clean the area and you may like to add some bio-oil product that aids healing.
The best time to complete a site change is first thing in the morning after a shower or bath. The hot water assists to clean the skin and it also opens the skin pores - which makes the cannular insertion much easier.
Even after showering it is important to prepare the area you intend inserting your new site by removing any dry skin, body oils and soap or shower gel residue. Use Skin-Tac wipes, Friar Balsam or Betadine - these products have excellent antiseptic properties and also can aid in healing the skin after the removal of pump sites.
Tips for Pump infusion sets
- Insert new sites after a hot shower or bath
- Try to insert all sites in the morning
- Always complete the insertion before a main meal (e.g. breakfast)
- Use 4 different areas on the body and rotate each site
- Clean the area with alcohol wipe (e.g. Skin-Tac)
- Always use room temperature insulin to load the pump
- Do not use area with muscle or close to muscle
- Do not put sets in abdomen
- Change the site more frequently if it is inflamed or uncomfortable