• Stories
  • Useful Links

Q.  Check your blood glucose levels at least 4-6 times per day.

It is important to check your blood glucose levels at least 4 – 6 times per day when on insulin pump therapy so that you can adjust your insulin doses accordingly. 

 

Q.  Check basal rates every 4-6 weeks.

Basal rates should be checked every 4-6 weeks and certainly every school holiday, to ensure the programmed basal rates are meeting the body’s requirements for background supply of insulin.  Learn more about checking your Basal Rate.

 

 

Q.  Change your infusion at least every 2-3 days.

To avoid discomfort and possible infections at the site of the infusion set and to ensure insulin delivery is not effected, infusion sets should be changed every 2 – 3 days.  It is important that you change sites each time you change your infusion set.  Consult your diabetes team if you are experiencing any problems with infusion sites.

 

Q.  Always test blood glucose levels 2 hours after changing your infusion set to confirm your insulin is working correctly.

It is important to test your blood glucose levels 2 hours after changing your infusion set to confirm your insulin is working correctly.  Avoid changing your infusion set at bed time.

 

 

Q.  You may need to bolus insulin up to 20mins before you eat to avoid a post-meal spike of blood glucose levels.

If you are experiencing a post-meal spike in blood glucose, try taking a bolus of insulin up to 20 mins before you eat to allow the insulin to counteract the most-meal spike.  This is particularly useful if your blood glucose level is above target range (remember to take enough insulin to correct your high blood glucose level and for the amount of carbohydrate you want to eat).

 

Q.  Remember to disconnect your insulin pump during take-off and landing when travelling by plane.

It is advisable to disconnect your pump during take-off and landing to avoid any accidental surges of insulin due to changes in cabin pressure.

Need More Help?

The CHOICE diabetes education programme is available in NI and the border counties of Republic of Ireland, ask your Diabetes Team

Choice Programme