Insulin pump maintenance tips and best practices

Insulin pump care

Properly caring for your insulin pump is important to help it manage your diabetes effectively. My name is Naomi, I’m a Medtronic employee living with type 1 diabetes, and have been using diabetes technology for more than 20 years.
 
I’ve compiled this list of insulin pump maintenance tips and best practices that I’ve learned along the way and that many people with diabetes ask about. Of course, you can also find pump care resources in your pump’s user guide as well.

Insulin pumps are made to be durable enough to be part of your everyday life, but like anything, it’s good to take care of it. Sometimes we should go back to the basics of what works and what doesn’t. In my many years of living my best life while managing T1D, I know a pump goes along for the ride in many different scenarios, so here are a few things to keep in mind when using your pump daily.

Pro tip: Use a case to help keep your pump in tip top shape. You can even choose from different colors so the pump can match your style.

How to handle your pump

Make sure your hands are clean

Avoid exposure to sunscreens, lotions, insect repellents, and household cleaning agents. So, if you’re spending the day cleaning with chemicals or just put lotion on, wash and dry your hands before handling your pump.
 

Be careful when pushing the buttons 

When pushing the buttons on your pump, use the side or pad of your finger. Try to avoid sharp objects like keys or the tips of long or acrylic fingernails.
 

Open your battery compartment carefully

For your tubed insulin pump, use a thick coin, such as nickel or quarter, to open and close your battery cap. Tighten until the slot is horizontal to prevent it from overtightening.

Pro tip: One thing that might help is to keep a coin nearby where you store your extra batteries or frequently change your site. If you normally change your pump battery in the kitchen while changing your site, place a few quarters in the silverware drawer so you always have one nearby.
 

How to wear your pump

Wear device with buttons faced away

If you wear your tubed insulin pump where it touches your skin, make sure your device buttons are faced away from your body to reduce moisture exposure. Here are a few ways you can wear your pump:

• Clip it to your waistband or belt
• Place the pump (with or without the clip) into the pocket of your pants
• Keep it in your shirt pocket
• Use the leg or thigh pouch to wear it around your thigh, calf, or ankle

Pro tip for the ladies: If you wear your pump in a bra, keep the buttons faced away from the skin (towards the material). And if it’s a really hot or cold day, put it in a bra pouch to keep it covered.
 

How to clean and store your pump

Clean with a mild detergent

There isn’t a set frequency of how often cleaning a pump is recommended, but it’s a good practice to keep your pump in good shape. When it’s time to clean your pump, wash your hands and use a cloth mixed with mild detergent, such as dish soap, and water to wipe your pump clean. You can also use a 70% alcohol wipe. Want to wipe down the ‘nooks and crannies’? For smaller parts of your pump, like the battery cap, remove residue from the compartment opening with a dry piece of cotton or cloth.

Whatever you do, don’t place your pump under running water or submerge it into any liquid.* Lastly, avoid cleaning it with household agents (like all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, hand sanitizer, or nail polish remover.)

Store in a cool, dry place

If you disconnect from your device, keep your pump, BG meter, and other diabetes supplies unexposed to direct heat and away from water. If your supplies must be outdoors, store them in a bag, or under a few light-colored towels, in a dry shady area. Since different items have various storage requirements, keeping them dry and close to room temperature will ensure that the pump and insulin will perform as expected when you reconnect.
 

Dry pump if wet and use “Self Test”

If you notice moisture on your pump, dry it off with a clean, dry cloth. You can verify your pump is working properly by following the instructions for the “Self Test” found in your user guide. If your hands are wet, dry them off before handling your pump.
 

How to exercise with an insulin pump

Use a case or belt clip when exercising

Working up a sweat feels good and helps cool down your body, but it can expose your pump to moisture without you even realizing it. Keep your pump dry while exercising and on hot days by wearing it in a case made from water-resistant materials, such as a sports or nylon case, and/or on your belt clip. If you decide to disconnect your pump while working out, make sure you put it in a safe place.
 

Disconnect during water activities

Your pump may be water-resistant, but not waterproof, so be sure to check your specific user guide.* If it’s water-resistant, disconnect from your pump when participating in water activities, showering, or using the sauna or steam room.
 
When spending the day at a beach, pool, or waterpark, consider staying connected to your pump until entering the water or “splash zone,” and take breaks from the water when you need to reconnect. (If you’re using a sensor, your pump might give you a “Lost sensor” signal if data hasn’t been received for more than 30 minutes, so bringing your pump back into range with your transmitter can be helpful.)

Saunas and steam rooms may not come to mind when you think of moisture, but they are high in heat and humidity, both of which are bad for your pump and the insulin inside it. Disconnect from your pump before entering either of these. 

How to navigate devices and equipment that may cause interference

Minimize scanning technology exposure
 

Did you know that airport body scanners, X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs can all interfere with your pump?
 
While going through airport security, remove both your pump and sensor if you’re going through the body scanner, but do not send the devices through the X-ray machine. As an alternative, you can go through an airport metal detector with your pump and CGM, or you can ask for a pat-down screening process.

At your doctor’s office, disconnect from your pump prior to any X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs.

By following these maintenance tips and best practices, you can ensure that your insulin pump remains in optimal condition, providing you with reliable and effective diabetes management. 

[Originally published 2015-08-15. Updated 2024-12-11]

* At the time of manufacture and when the reservoir and tubing are properly inserted, your pump is waterproof. It is protected against the effects of being underwater to a depth of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) for up to 24 hours. This is classified as IPX8 rating. See user guide for more details. The sensor and transmitter are water-resistant at 8 feet (2.4 meters) for up to 30 minutes. CGM readings may not be transmitted from the CGM to the pump while in water. The pump is not intended for submersion in water and is expected to be removed prior to swimming or bathing.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
- Medtronic Diabetes insulin infusion pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and associated components are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with the risks associated with the use of these systems. 

- Successful operation of the insulin infusion pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems requires adequate vision and hearing to recognize alerts and alarms.

Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps
- Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform a minimum of four blood glucose tests per day. 

- Insulin pumps use rapid-acting insulin. If your insulin delivery is interrupted for any reason, you must be prepared to replace the missed insulin immediately. Please visit http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information for complete safety information.