With some diabetic patients, the hormone insulin may be absent, but it is necessary for their survival. As I recall, a man named Pauescu developed the concept of insulin replacement and discovered a method of using the insulin secreted by pigs as a replacement method for humans, which was effective at the time. Legend has it that this concept originated from a dream this man had one night shortly before his idea came to life several decades ago. However, at present, this hormone which is naturally produced by the pancreas has normally advanced in terms of treatment of the diabetic patient through synthetic engineering, as it is necessary for the survival of some diabetic patients.

Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler was recently diagnosed with diabetes, a disease that affects more than 20 million people. To the best of his recollection, part of his treatment regimen included what is called an insulin pump. They are about the size of a cell phone, and the users of such pumps are called, in the diabetic community, ‘pumps’. Developed primarily for type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetic patients, the pumps can be used by some type 2 diabetic patients if they have some dependence on insulin replacement, which has steadily increased over the years. The importance of the device is to improve control of the disease, which can have life-threatening consequences if the diabetes disease is not adequately controlled. By the way, he takes it off for games, practices, etc.

The three elements The pumps: a new paradigm in diabetes management of an insulin pump include the pump itself and its components, such as the insulin tubing for insulin delivery and a catheter that delivers basal and bolus doses, which They depend on preset calculations. The amount of insulin is fast acting to ensure maximum pharmacokinetics to create intensive insulin therapy for the control of diabetes required. These amounts of insulin are ultimately determined by the patient’s physician, who is typically an endocrinologist, including bolus doses determined by the patient’s glucose level calculated with their carbohydrate intake, also known as the mealtime dose. . Also, the amount of insulin delivered by these methods is quite small due to the fast-acting nature of the medication.

Manufacturers of such pumps tend to associate with relevant diabetes disease associations, as well as local chapters of organizations such as the ADA and any endocrine societies that may exist, as well as communicate with diabetes educators frequently in different country places. Unfortunately, there are few Endocrinologists in the United States, as it is not one of the most lucrative specialties for a doctor, so diabetes treatment depends on many others who are not doctors, but patient care specialists regarding this sickness.

Competing companies are few, as there are about 5 insulin pumps on the market, and Medtronic has the lion’s share of 30 percent as I understand it. In addition, some pumps prevent the possibility of metabolic action therapy due to the precision of their dosing, in addition, there is at least one pump that has a long-acting lithium battery that has an average life of approximately 6 weeks, however , the pump user must replace the battery. with them at all times. The personalized ratio of insulin and carbohydrates provided by insulin pumps greatly reduces the incidence of complications such as hypoglycemia. Also, in addition to storing and recording glucose and carbohydrate values ​​with backup mechanisms, some insulin pumps have a low basal rate, which I understand is also an advantage. Regardless, and in my opinion, the final advantages of insulin pumps exist with everything that is available to patients today.

Insulin pump cartridges contain a large number of units of insulin, which is an added benefit. Other benefits include the fact that the pumps are convenient and reliable, especially if damage to the pump is avoided. Most importantly, the personalized service provided to patients by caregivers of existing diabetes teams in healthcare settings, from hospitals to dedicated diabetes healthcare centers, ensures proper management of their disease, to the great benefit of those with diabetes.

The market for insulin pumps is anticipated to grow at more than 10 percent a year, as only 20 percent of patients with type 1 diabetes have used these pumps out of more than one million type 1 diabetics in the United States. Joined. The market is speculated to be over $1 billion and is expected to increase due to the speculated growth of the insulin pump market. This therapy is believed by many to be superior compared to previous treatment options available for diabetic patients, as well as being less cumbersome for these patients. Due to this, there is a decrease in mortality along with a higher quality of life for diabetics as they are assured of better control of their disease in this rather convenient way. This has been proven by better A1C blood tests and glycemic control of diabetic patients.

Consistent dosing maintains the metabolic requirements of the patient and decreases the long-term consequences associated with diabetics. Insulin pumps have also been shown to result in fewer hospitalizations, ER visits, and hypoglycemic episodes due to the excellent control insulin pumps provide while providing the intensive therapy needed for your disease state. I believe that the rapid-acting insulin used in these pumps is created through genetic engineering. Additionally, patients are encouraged to check their blood sugar more than three times a day while using the insulin pump. Therefore, this system is user-friendly and is clearly a very convenient form of treatment for them. The A1C test, by the way, is a blood test that reflects the diabetic patient’s average blood sugar over a period of a few months.

Those who may be interested in insulin pumps will include those already described, along with hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health care agencies, pediatricians, and possibly dialysis clinics, to name a few. Those being considered for insulin pumps will most likely be diabetic patients who are unable to achieve compliance with their current treatment regimen, along with other benefits of insulin pumps mentioned so far.

The diabetes team for a diabetic patient may include an endocrinologist, diabetes educator, dietitian, and insulin pump representative. Follow-ups with this equipment may include reviewing the progress of the patient’s insulin pump and how the patient is tolerating the treatment. Classes can often be scheduled through an insulin pump training facility or center a few times a month. Ultimately, after training others, it is important for the patient to acknowledge that they understand how the device works, as well as the consequences that can occur if the instructions ultimately determined by the patient’s physician are not followed. And luckily, doctors and others who treat diabetes now have a new tool or device to ensure compliance and longevity for these patients.

Innovation is a wonderful thing, like what has been described. Control of such a large and devastating disease is of great importance, so there seems to be a much desired need for pumpers now and probably in the future. Especially for those patients who do not follow the prescribed treatment regimen. And this will have to be done until the relevant transplants to reverse diabetes are more frequent and less complicated.

“Death destroys a man. The idea of ​​death saves him.” —EM Foster

Author’s Note: What has been noted is based on information and belief.