| A Typical infusion set is made up of the pump | | | | Depth In order to accommodate different amounts |
| connector, a length of tubing and the needle or | | | | of fatty tissue, different insertion depths are |
| cannula. Different sets suit different people and it is | | | | available. Typically 2 or 3 needle depths are available |
| important to experiment when you first get your | | | | and your Doctor can advise you.Tubing length A |
| pump, to find out what works for you. If you are | | | | length of tubing connects the needle / cannula to the |
| having problems with unexplained high sugars when | | | | connector at the pump. Allow yourself plenty. |
| using your insulin pump and you are confident your | | | | INFUSION SITE SELECTION |
| control should be better, the chances are that it is | | | | As with manual injections with an insulin pen, where |
| due to problems with the infusion set. Tiny blockages | | | | you set up your infusion set is important. The best |
| can build up in the needle or cannula that the pump | | | | areas are at the front and sides of the stomach, |
| can't detect. Changing the infusion set regularly | | | | acceptable sites are on the outside of the thighs and |
| (typically every 24 to 72 hours dependent on the | | | | tops and bottoms of your upper arms. |
| 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 |
| KEY INFUSION SET CHOICES | | | | area, first use the 12 o'clock position, then 3, 6 and 9. |
| If you are still considering which pump to buy, you | | | | More sophisticated methods are available, but use |
| should carefully consider the cost of the infusion set, | | | | whatever you can remember easiest. Its a good idea |
| as over time, this cost will overtake the initial cost of | | | | to write a memo, so you remember where in your |
| the pump. | | | | rotation you are, on the infusion set itself.SITE USE |
| Here are some of the key points to think about: | | | | Follow these simple steps to ensure trouble free site |
| Connection Most pumps use a universal "Luer Lock", | | | | preparation and infusion set insertion: |
| which means a greater choice is available. Some | | | | Always start with clean hands, preferably use an |
| (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 the |
| companies are producing adaptors, but check the | | | | area thoroughly and allow to dry naturallyKeep the |
| costs.Needle or Cannula Needles are good for people | | | | needle / cannula sterile - do not allow it to touch |
| with little body fat or who are allergic to cannulas. | | | | anything non sterileInfusion set insertion is often |
| Needles need changing daily or every other day. A | | | | better if you are standing rather than sittingMake the |
| Cannula is a soft fine tube that is pushed down a | | | | skin taut and follow any specific manufacturers |
| steel inserter needle which is then withdrawn. | | | | instructions for the final insertionCheck your blood |
| Cannulas are more popular, as they are more | | | | glucose 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 | | | | When the time comes to remove the set, soften |
| simplest and most repeatable insertion. This type is | | | | the dressing with water or baby oil and keep the skin |
| good for those less keen on needles and like a fast | | | | taut as you remove the set. Keep an eye on the old |
| insertion. Angled sets are available with 30 to 45 deg | | | | site and make sure it heals. NEVER reinsert a used |
| angles. These offer a greater variety of insertion | | | | infusion set! NEVER try to immediately reinsert a new |
| depths and favor slower insertion.Needle / Cannula | | | | infusion set in the same site. |