9 best practice tips for insulin pump care
Properly caring for your insulin pump is important to help protect its longevity. We’ve compiled this list of “Best Practices” for you based on common questions from customers like you. Our devices are made to be durable enough to be part of your everyday life, but like anything, sometimes it’s important to go back to the basics of what works and what doesn’t so that it can last as long as possible. I know, a pump becomes a part of you (I’ve been pumping for almost 13 years!), but these are important good behaviors to keep in mind when using your pump daily.
1. Make Sure Your Hands Are Clean!
Avoid exposure to sunscreens, lotions, insect repellents, and household and organic cleaning agents. So if you’re spending the day cleaning or just put lotion on, be sure to wash and dry your hands before handling your pump after using these types of products.
2. Open and Close Your Battery Cap with a Coin
Use a thick coin, such as nickel or quarter, to open and/or close your battery cap. Tighten until the slot is horizontal to prevent it from over-tightening.
Pro tip: I admit, I’ve used a butter knife to open mine (this is a no-no!). One thing that might help is to keep a coin nearby where you store your extra batteries. I recognized I normally change my pump battery in the kitchen while I’m changing my site, which is why it was always more handy to grab a knife from the drawer. Now I have a few quarters stored near my battery and haven’t had any issues.
3. Clean Your Pump with a Mild Detergent
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. Do not place your pump under running water or submerge it into any liquid, and avoid cleaning it with household agents such as all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, hand sanitizer, or nail polish remover. 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.
Here are a few additional cleaning tips:
- Use an alcohol wipe to disinfect your pump
- Use a dry, clean cotton tip to remove any battery residue from the battery cap
- Use a dry, clean cloth to remove battery residue from the battery compartment opening
4. Wear Your Buttons Away From Your Body
If you wear your pump in a place where it touches your skin, make sure your pump buttons face 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: The one time I’ve noticed that my pump is close to my skin is when I wear it in my bra. I make sure that the buttons are faced away from my skin (towards the material) and if it’s a really hot day, I put it in a bra pouch to keep it covered.
5. Exercise with Your Pump in a Case or on Your Belt
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 our sports or nylon case, and/or on your belt clip. If you decide to disconnect your pump while working out, make sure it’s put in a safe place.
6. 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, be sure to 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.
If you’re going to the doctor’s office for an X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs, be sure to disconnect from your pump prior to the body scan.
7. Disconnect for Water Activities and Saunas/Steam Rooms
Your pump is water-resistant, but not water-proof, so be sure to disconnect from your pump when participating in water activities, showering, or using the sauna or steam room.
If you’re going to be at the beach, pool, or waterpark all day, consider staying connected to your pump until entering the water or “splash zone,” and take breaks from the water when you need to reconnect. Talk with your family and friends to eliminate the chance of being pushed into the water while wearing the pump.
Saunas and steam rooms may not come to mind when you think of moisture, but they are high in heat and humidity, both which are bad for your pump and the insulin inside it. Disconnect from your pump before entering either of these.
While you’re disconnected, test your blood glucose (BG) often, and be prepared with fast-acting insulin and glucose. Be sure to talk with your healthcare team to establish a plan if you’re going to regularly disconnect for longer than one hour.
8. Store in a Dry Cool Place
If you disconnect from your pump, keep your pump, BG meter, and other diabetes supplies in a safe place, unexposed to direct heat and away from water. If your supplies must be outdoors, hide them in a bag, or under a few light colored towels, in a dry shady area. Since different items have different storage requirements, keeping them dry and close to room temperature will ensure that the pump and insulin will perform as expected when you reconnect.
9. Dry Your Pump 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 selecting Self-test from the pump’s Utilities Menu. If your hands are wet, be sure to dry them off before handling your pump.
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.
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Your comment about not sending the pump through the scanner at Airport TSA is interesting because I was not allowed to wear mine in Europe in February. Little awareness of pumps and they, frankly, don't care about us or if we have a letter from MD. Just a rude directive to remove in order to go thru security (if one wishes to continue to travel). Suspicious of everyone. I share this for benefit of others who might travel. This was in Amaterdam.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience going through security while traveling, Anni. You may find this article helpful for going through TSA with diabetes devices: http://www.loop-blog.com/get-tsa-5-diabetes-devices/. Hope this helps for your next trip!
I find nickels work better than quarters do when removing the battery cap.
I am a swimmer, and for years have used the rosin-type pads for both infusion and CGM sites, leaving a small central area untreated with rosin so as not to affect canula or sensor. The adhesion strips that come with the Enlite sensors seem to be more robust than the 3M ones. However, since many times I swim day after day, I not only use the rosin, but the Enlite adhesion strip, as well as using the 3M "One-Hand" dressing as well, which keeps the sensor attached 95% of the time while swimming laps and going off the diving board. I have been a pumper since 2001, and for the majority of years, using Medtronic pumps.
Glad you’ve found what works best for you, Daniel. Please let us know if you ever have any questions on sensor or infusion site adhesion.
In regards to changing the battery in the pump, I always keep a battery and a coin in with my glucose meter so I am very unlikely to be without what I need to change the battery as I am not likely to be leaving my meter behind. I also make sure that when changing the battery I use the one I have with the meter so it is never too old etc.
Another thing to be careful of is to make sure that when putting the battery cap/cover back on you tighten it properly and not have it crooked, otherwise dust/dirt/moisture make get in and you might also find it very difficult to get it fully tight or just as bad tricky to remove next time. You might even need to be sure the rubber O ring on the cap isn't out of place.
Thanks for sharing your tips with us, James!
I can't thank Medronic enough for the CGMS system. I'm a type 1 diabetic for almost 50 years. I've been on a pump for 20 of those years....Was having some major issues with "crashing" This system has literally saved my life.....Of course it has it "quirks" but I would reccomond it to anyone. I used to miss days of work for those "bad lows" I haven't had one since I started on this system. The recovery is minamal. I also drag race and the heat is a real bother to my blood sugar.....this system helps me keep it in a normal range with the heat.....awesome....I'm thankful for the pump......I'm so healthy.....and very happy.....Thank You medtronic....for always being on call....your company is the best...!!!
It makes me so happy to hear you’re doing well on insulin pump/CGM therapy, Rhonda! Keep up the good work, we’re rooting you on!
I was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes at age 12. That was 43 years ago. Started using a pump about 10 years ago, always with Medtronic. My A1C has improved dramatically since I started pumping. For about the last year, whenever I change my set, my blood sugar spikes. The spikes vary depending on the location, but still get spikes. I've tried changing canula lengths as well as different infusion sets. I eventually got a CGM to better monitor the spikes. I practice very good rotation of my sites and change every 2 days. Do I need a break from the pump for a while?
Jorge, I’m happy to hear you’re A1C has improved dramatically over the years, but am sorry to hear you’ve been experiencing blood sugar spikes the past year. I will have a member of my team reach out to you to try and help. In the meantime, you may find this article helpful: http://www.loop-blog.com/4-tips-for-infusion-set-and-sensor-site-rotati…
With regard to the issue of spiking blood sugars, experienced by Jorge M., I always leave my canula inserted for a few hours when inserting a new one every three days. This worked for me.
Ann C.
Wow! I never thought of that. I'll try this.
thanks Ann!
You do not mention removing pump for a mamogram. They always tell me I can keep it on but I remove it anyway. What is the correct answer.?
Great question, Kathie. Since a mammogram is an x-ray, we recommend removing your insulin pump before entering the room with this kind of equipment.
I don't like using a quarter to change my battery. Money is a dirty. Before you had it, do you know exactly where your money has been?
I prefer using the rounded edge of a spoon (not a knife). The spoons we have are a similar thickness and radius to a quarter. And I know all of our spoons have been through the dishwasher before they touch my pump.
Dan, that’s a very interesting viewpoint! Thanks for sharing your tips with us.
I use the cover of my test strip vile to change my battery. The contour next strip vial cap fits it perfectly and it's plastic so there won't be any wear from using a coin
An infusion set will only last 1 - 2 days in my abdomen. Have only been using pump for 7 years and have been using my thighs as infusion sites because of this. There aren't any lumps under the skin and no stretch marks. I did lose about 45 pounds around the time I started using the pump. Any suggestions that would make it possible for me to use my abdomen as a infusion site?
Pamela, I recommend talking with your healthcare team to determine the best location for your infusion set site. If you’re inserting your infusion set into your abdomen, it should be at least two inches away from your belly button, and avoid a site where your body naturally bends a lot, areas where clothing might cause irritation (your beltline), or where you have scarred or hardened tissue.
What is the best way to wear my pump while sleeping in bed?
Hi Mike, the best way to sleep with a pump is up to you, and whatever is most comfortable. To get some ideas of how to sleep with a pump, you may find this article on ways to sleep with an insulin pump helpful: http://www.loop-blog.com/12-ways-sleep-insulin-pump/
On a rare trip to Canada I received a Canadian dollar coin in change. I decided to make this my official "pump battery cover tool", and keep it in the zippered compartment of my meter case where I also keep spare batteries for the pump. Since I never go to Canada, there is never a temptation to spend the coin, meaning it will always be there.
Comments are very interesting....Tell me more about a case for my pump, the advantages of using it, etc...and were do we get them? Been on the pump for about 7 yrs, its the way to go, only wish supply orders could be made easier, more than likely it is Medicare....Thanks for keeping us informed.
Dick, I’m glad you found the comments and article helpful. Similar to a phone case, a pump case can help provide a cushion against bumps during your daily activities or if you accidently drop it. You can find a variety of pump case options to purchase here: https://medtronicdiabetes.secure.force.com/store/accessories/cases--cli…. We do offer an auto reorder program where you decide which products you want and how often you receive them. You can learn more about it here: http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/customer-support/ordering-and-billing/….
Authorities' Familiarity w/ Pump Varies GREATLY
Background -Since I am among "friends" here, I'll be completely transparent and share that I am a 68 yr old MODY-3 Diabetic who was diagnosed at age 58. MODY is genetic and my father was diagnosed at 54 and his sister about the same. We all required insulin within 6 months of DX. Main reason I had to go on the pump was my sensitivity to insulin. Sulphonylureas didn't work for me - nor Prandin & Onglyza and I could not eat more than 6 carbs per meal without "help. That was 5 yrs ago and I definitely need insulin now.
My comment is a pet peeve. Because so many Juvenile Diabetics successfully utilize pump therapy, many educators are familiar with the devices. My firends who are lower and middle school teachers, obviously RN's guidance counselors etc don't bat an eye at the sight of a pump, or a meter etc.
However, a year ago, I was buckling up on a regional commuter jet from White Plains to Detroit and had my Minimed dangling outside my sweater and my meter out as well as I prepped to stick myself prior to take of. The Flight Attendant -- who had just asked us to put away our personal electronic equpipent was traipsing down the aisle doing her seat belt check (mine was dutifully cinched) and she go to me . . . .saw electronic devices - including one that had a tube --wire? - tube? - wire? running up and to the top of the fee of my black sweater and down my décolletage (by no means racy) and she stopped . . . dead . . .in . . . her . . tracks. "What's THAT!" she said with a bit of alarm in her voice."
I smiled at her and said quizzically: "It's my insulin pump."
"What's that? What does it do?"
Okay, time to play the game. "It's a medical device and basically it keeps me alive - because I am a Type 1 diabetic and I don't make any insulin - so without it would not be able to metabolize any carboydrates and actually - my body wouldn't even function. So most diabetics like me have to take multiple shots per day - but that did not work for me and Im really lucky that this company came up with a pump like this that keeps me alive. Lots of kids who have Type 1 have them - I bet you have had the on yor flight but they were so discreeet you did not even know they were there.
OHHH that really amazing I'm SO glad you told me about that. . . .
A convert......
So number 2 and I will make it fast wa during Act 1 of broadway musical. Long story short, I am very, very sensitive to rising BG. I can feel it and I can get sick quickly if I don't treat. I had go to a lovel reception prior to the show (was a guest) and my friend and I were now enjoiying the show when doggone, I knew I hac to check my BG and correct. I tried to do it really discreetly. We were in the last row of a section with a wide walk space behind us. At intermission - everyone whipped out their cell phones to check emails and an usher came up behind the gentleman next to me and started chastising him for having used his phone during the performance. He denied it vehemently - said he had not been on his phone. She looked at the rest of us and we said none of US were either . She was NOT, NOT, NOT happy and admonished up. I got up to go to the Ladies and it hit me what she'd seen - ME USING MY METER and I spoke to her about it. She had absolutely NO EMPATHY for my need to use the meter. For my being a pump user etc. I was, frankly, so disturbed by this the next day I did two things. I called the local American Diabetes Association and they were appalled. They said they would do some pump education. In addtiion, I called and spoke to the head of the Ushers. I did not want to single out this particular one, but felt that there needed to be more education. It was not like I could have excused myself to go to the lobby or the Ladies. That would have been far more disruptive that using the meter as quietly as possible.
And finally - There is really an Issue I think in Europe with their TSA and I expect that I will ask the agent to had walk the device around the exray and I will get a letter from my physician saying that the scanners can harm this very expensive device.
Sorry to be so long winded.
Anni
Ooops - Ive just gone back to my maiden name and I forgot and used my former married surname in the last post - it will take a little time to get use to it again.
Anni, I appreciate you taking the time you share your stories with us. I’m sorry you had a less than ideal experience at the theatre, but am glad you stepped up and took a leadership role in helping educate others about insulin pump therapy and diabetes. Keep on advocating!
I cannoy shower without washing the pump connection off. I have used all the preps, extra tape, no good results. I try to minimize contact with direct shower spray, still no luck. I use waist insertion sites.
any suggestions?
Jack, I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your infusion set adhesion. I’ll have someone from my team reach out to help. In the meantime, you may find this resource on infusion set taping tips helpful: https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/sites/default/files/library/download-….
I have never had any problems with TSA, they take there wand and scan me I show them I have a Insulin Pump on they walk me around to the other side of X-ray. And I go on my way. The only time I had a problem was trying to get in to a court house in Al NM, they would not let me in I call the person in charged and he said you have to go through the X-ray I even showed them the card telling them I could not told them to pat me down and they could do the wand they told me "NO" told me to go out side and till my husband come's out.
What is the average lifespan of a pump ? I have had mine for 3 years now. With copays and deductables going up almost daily. It has gotten me wondering when this pump wears out will I be able to afford another??
That’s a great question, Debbie. Medtronic insulin pumps come with a four year warranty. You can read more about it here: http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/customer-support/tool-download-library…. When you’re ready for a new pump, please let me know and I’ll connect you with someone from my team who can discuss your insurance options with you.
My pump is not working well. I use to keep in a mobile case for safety. The case has a magnetic strip inside. Does it magnetizes the pump ?
Joy, exposure to a magnetic clasp may interfere with the motor inside your insulin pump, so why advise avoiding pump cases with a magnetic clasp. I will have a member of my team connect with you to help you out.
Hi Naomi,
Thanks for all your great info. Do you know about Type 1 diabetic having a PET scan and being asked to turn off the pump for three hours? Thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Marilyn. If you are going to have a PET scan or any other type of exposure to radiation, take off your pump, as the magnetic fields and radiation in the immediate vicinity of these devices could damage your insulin pump. If you’re going to disconnect from your pump longer than one hour, I recommend talking with your healthcare provider to establish a back-up plan.
PET scan results can be altered by insulin. Insulin actually changes the metabolism of tissues and PET scans can pick that up and confuse the results of the test.
How much does an insulin pump cost? Is there any insulin pump on the market that can connect with a smartphone?
Sneha, insulin pumps and supplies are typically covered by insurance, and we contract with more than 600 health plans nationwide, which is very comprehensive. In addition, we also offer payment plans and financial assistance to those who meet certain requirements. Let me know if you’d like me to connect you with someone from my team who can go over your coverage with you.
We recently announced MiniMed Connect, a mobile app that will enable people with diabetes to see their sensor glucose and pump information on their phones and to share this information with care partners and healthcare professionals from the CareLink website. You can learn more about it here: http://www.loop-blog.com/introducing-convenient-mobile-access-pump-cgm-….
I use the lip of my Bayer test strip vial to change my pump battery. I t actually looks like it's designed for it
Any concerns with carrying a tablet computer with magnets along the keyboard connection area close to an insulin pump? I will be carrying this tablet like a clipboard and making notes on it for hours at a time, usually between my chest and waist area where my pump is.
Hi Carol, for information and simple guidelines on wearing your device in the presence of certain everyday equipment check out our equipment interference chart on our website here - http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/customer-support/equipment-interference
Hello! The inside of the compartment of the pump where I place the insulin cartridges smells terribly. Although this smell is only a problem when I change the cartridge (it does not smell on the outside). How do I clean it? I'm not sure if I can use a cloth with some fluid or something on that place, as it's "inside" of the pump...
Hi Daniela, I’m sorry to hear this. You may use a damp cloth and mild detergent mixed with water to clean the outside of your pump. However, we recommend keeping the reservoir compartment and battery compartment dry and away from moisture.
I use my contour next test strip vial cap to change my pump battery. Since it is plastic , it won't damage the battery cap as possibly a coin could. It almost looks like the vial is designed for it
Just was at the dentist and thd hygienist askd me to remve my pump for xrays. First time ever in 12 years of pumping.
I love my Medtronic MiniMed Pump with CGM (and my Endocrinologist)!
TYPE 1 for 46 years, pumper for 15 years, CGM for 1.5 yrs. I
I've gone backpacking, winter backpacking (with crampons, ice axe, snow-shoes), running (up to half-marathons), and road cycling (up to 100K/62 miles). All with minor adjustments to how I wear and secure my pump.
This year was another fun first: white water rafting. My CGM sensor was double taped for the whole trip, and "protected" inside my wet suit, whenever I was in the River. Knowing how my body reacts to sustained exercise, I decided to continue to monitor+dose right up until we put the rafts into the water, then remove the pump during the rafting parts. I ate a snack bar (carbs, protein + fats), disconnected and moved the pump (& my glucose tester) into a personal "dry bag" (previously/personally tested as "water-proof"). With lots of glucose on-hand, we went through the rapids. Each trip was 2-4 hours, and it worked fine. Occasionally I felt low and took glucose. Occasionally there was a calm and I would unpack my tester & check sugar levels. I never needed to give insulin on the river, but I could have during the calms. At the end of each run, after pulling out the rafts, I would spend a few minutes to get re-connected, restart my basal, check glucose levels and give supplementary insulin to get things balanced again. It was really a great experience. Ready to do it again !
I am a radiology tech and I can not think of any property of radiation that would have any effect on an insulin pump or insulin. Could you please tell me how and what the specifics of your data are that make an x ray contraindicated.
Hi Vicki, the contraindication is due to the general effect ionizing radiation has on semiconductors. The exposure may result in transient effects such as glitches and soft errors but some semiconductor materials, over time, will show changes to the electrical parameters.
Could Minimed please design a shield or pouch or something so that I could go through an airport full body scanners without damaging my pump? It takes SO much longer to have to wait for an intrusive patdown and argue wuth them about why my pump and transmitter can't go through the scanner and everybody else's can. I feel like I'm arguing with my children about not letting then do something that "everybody else" is doing!
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