Workbook

PRE-PUMP TOPICS
It is important to have a good understanding of pump therapy before you start pumping!
This section includes a brief overview of important topics to help your pump training go
more smoothly.
Topics covered in this section include:
• What Pumpers Should Know
• Pump Therapy Overview
• Basal Rate Details
• Bolus Dose Details
• Counting Carbohydrates
WHAT PUMPERS SHOULD KNOW
It is very important that you are comfortable with the mechanics of your pump and that you
have a basic understanding of diabetes management before you start pumping. Even if you
have had diabetes for many years, you will need to learn a lot of new information before you
begin pump therapy, including:
— Theory of basal/bolus insulin therapy
— Insulin action: onset, peak and duration
— Carbohydrate counting
— Self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG): how often, when
— What causes high BG
— What causes low BG
— Treating high BG
— Treating low BG
— Ketones: what they are and when to check for them
— Managing BG for sick days
— Managing BG for changes in activity
— Detailed record keeping
— Inserting an infusion set
— Programming/using your insulin pump
Whoa! Quite a list! Don’t let the list overwhelm you. Starting pump therapy is a process.
We’re here to provide you with the information you need to be a successful pumper. Even if
you know a great deal about diabetes management, you will still need to learn how to apply
your knowledge specifically to pump therapy. For example, although you have been treating
high BG while on injections, you will need to adjust this plan once you begin pumping.
This is where your sessions (often a pump start will consist of several sessions) with your
Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Animas ® Territory Manager and/or pump trainer are helpful.
Use your time with your trainer, along with this workbook, to prepare yourself for successful
pump therapy. There is also a reference section in the back of this workbook for additional
learning resources.
4 My Insulin Pump Workbook Animas UK & Ireland